cbrl10qmarch2008.htm


 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q
                (Mark One)

 x Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the Quarterly Period Ended February 1, 2008

or

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 number 000-25225

CBRL GROUP, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as
Specified in Its Charter)
 

 
Tennessee 62-1749513   
(State or Other Jurisdiction   (IRS Employer
of Incorporation or Organization)  Identification No.)
                                                                                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                                                   
305 Hartmann Drive, P. O. Box 787
Lebanon, Tennessee 37088-0787
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(Zip Code)

615-444-5533
(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                                   

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer or a non-accelerated filer.  See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
     
 
Large accelerated filer x Accelerated filer    o Non-accelerated filer   o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

     Yes           No­­­­   X                                           

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

­­­22,138,616 Shares of Common Stock
Outstanding as of February 29, 2008



1

CBRL GROUP, INC.

FORM 10-Q

For the Quarter Ended February 1, 2008

INDEX
 
PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Page
   
Item 1
 
· Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
   
(a)   Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of February 1, 2008
 
and August 3, 2007
3
   
(b)   Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income for the Quarters and Six
 
Months Ended February 1, 2008 and January 26, 2007
4
   
(c)   Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the Six Months
 
Ended February 1, 2008 and January 26, 2007
5
   
(d)   Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
6
   
Item 2
 
· Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
15
   
Item 3
 
· Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
29
   
Item 4
 
· Controls and Procedures
29
   
PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION
 
   
Item 1A
 
· Risk Factors
30
   
Item 2
 
· Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
30
   
Item 4
 
· Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
30
   
Item 6
 
· Exhibits
30
   
SIGNATURES
31

 
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PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
CBRL GROUP, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(In thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)
                                                                                                                                                    
    February 1,     August 3,  
    2008      2007*  
ASSETS
           
Current assets:
           
  Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 11,433     $ 14,248  
  Property held for sale
    2,577       4,676  
  Accounts receivable
    11,028       11,759  
  Income taxes receivable
    11,967       --  
  Inventories
    127,194       144,416  
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    12,512       12,629  
  Deferred income taxes
    26,691       12,553  
     Total current assets
    203,402       200,281  
                 
Property and equipment
    1,536,938       1,500,229  
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization of capital leases
    502,933       481,247  
Property and equipment – net
    1,034,005       1,018,982  
                 
Other assets
    45,939       45,767  
                 
Total assets
  $ 1,283,346     $ 1,265,030  
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Current liabilities:
               
  Accounts payable
  $ 65,959     $ 93,060  
  Taxes withheld and accrued
    22,951       32,201  
  Income taxes payable
    --       18,066  
  Deferred revenues
    35,485       21,162  
  Accrued interest expense
    13,988       164  
  Other accrued expenses
    93,968       101,828  
  Current maturities of long-term debt and other long-term obligations
    8,698       8,188  
      Total current liabilities
    241,049       274,669  
                 
Long-term debt
    787,810       756,306  
Interest rate swap liability
    60,581       13,680  
Other long-term obligations
    85,195       53,819  
Deferred income taxes
    52,637       62,433  
                 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)
               
                 
Shareholders’ equity:
               
  Preferred stock – 100,000,000 shares of $.01 par
               
    value authorized; no shares issued
    --       --  
  Common stock – 400,000,000 shares of $.01 par value authorized;
               
    22,133,878 shares issued and outstanding at February 1, 2008,
               
    and 23,674,175 shares issued and outstanding at August 3, 2007
    222       237  
  Additional paid-in capital
    --       --  
  Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)
    (40,165 )     (8,988 )
  Retained earnings
    96,017       112,874  
    Total shareholders’ equity
    56,074       104,123  
                 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 1,283,346     $ 1,265,030  
 
See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
* This condensed consolidated balance sheet has been derived from the audited consolidated balance sheet as of August 3, 2007, as filed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 3, 2007.
 
3


CBRL GROUP, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
 (In thousands, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)



     
Quarter Ended 
     
Six Months Ended 
 
     
February 1, 
      January 26,        February 1,        January 26,   
      2008        2007        2008        2007   
                                 
Total revenue
  $ 634,453     $ 612,134     $ 1,215,618     $ 1,170,397  
                                 
Cost of goods sold
    223,735       210,352       403,963       383,208  
Gross profit
    410,718       401,782       811,655       787,189  
                                 
Labor and other related expenses
    229,133       219,594       454,801       431,768  
Impairment and store closing charges
    68       --       877       --  
Other store operating expenses
    106,473        105,932       211,693        203,654  
Store operating income
    75,044       76,256       144,284       151,767  
                                 
General and administrative expenses
    29,623       34,022       62,841       71,282  
Operating income
    45,421       42,234       81,443       80,485  
                                 
Interest expense
    14,454       14,609       29,363       29,786  
Interest income
    128       3,857       185       4,455  
Income before income taxes
    31,095       31,482       52,265       55,154  
                                 
Provision for income taxes
    10,861       10,981       18,048       19,491  
Income from continuing operations
    20,234       20,501       34,217       35,663  
(Loss) income from discontinued operations,
      net of tax
     (17 )      82,011       (111 )      86,276  
                                 
Net income
  $ 20,217     $ 102,512     $ 34,106     $ 121,939  
                                 
Basic net income per share:
                               
      Income from continuing operations
  $ 0.87     $ 0.66     $ 1.46     $ 1.14  
      (Loss) income from discontinued operations
  $ --     $ 2.66     $ --     $ 2.76  
      Net income per share
  $ 0.87     $ 3.32     $ 1.46     $ 3.90  
                                 
Diluted net income per share:
                               
      Income from continuing operations
  $ 0.85     $ 0.60     $ 1.42     $ 1.05  
      (Loss) income from discontinued operations
  $ --     $ 2.28     $ --     $ 2.38  
      Net income per share
  $ 0.85     $ 2.88     $ 1.42     $ 3.43  
 
Weighted average shares:
                               
      Basic
    23,133,206       30,839,209       23,419,403       31,226,657  
      Diluted
    23,758,343       36,016,304       24,101,665       36,204,862  
                                 
See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
4

 
CBRL GROUP, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited and in thousands)
                                                                                                 
                                                                      
    Six Months Ended  
    February 1,     January 26,  
    2008      2007  
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
 Net income
  $ 34,106     $ 121,939  
 Loss (income) from discontinued operations, net of tax
    111       (86,276 )
 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided
               
  by operating activities of continuing operations:
               
     Depreciation and amortization
    27,983       28,017  
     (Gain) loss on disposition of property and equipment
    (446 )     1,304  
     Impairment
    532       --  
     Accretion on zero-coupon contingently convertible senior notes
    --       2,934  
     Share-based compensation
    4,980       7,285  
     Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation
    (49 )     (1,947 )
 Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
     Accounts receivable
    731       (164 )
     Income taxes receivable
    (11,967 )     --  
     Inventories
    17,222       13,381  
     Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    117       (5,330 )
     Accounts payable
    (27,101 )     (14,593 )
     Taxes withheld and accrued
    (9,250 )     (6,106 )
     Income taxes payable
    2,304       32,273  
     Deferred revenues
    14,323       15,187  
     Accrued interest expense
    13,824       (1,585 )
     Other current liabilities
    (8,690 )     686  
     Other long-term assets and liabilities
     4,860        2,236  
 Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations
    63,590       109,241  
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
 Purchase of property and equipment
    (45,123 )     (47,000 )
 Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
    4,786       1,636  
 Proceeds from insurance recoveries of property and equipment
    114       91  
 Net cash used in investing activities of continuing operations
     (40,223 )     (45,273 )
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
 Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
    415,300       --  
 Principal payments under long-term debt and other long-term obligations
    (383,286 )     (78,863 )
 Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    1,965       20,171  
 Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation
    49       1,947  
 Purchases and retirement of common stock
    (52,380 )     (250,142 )
 Dividends on common stock
     (7,660 )     (8,464 )
 Net cash used in financing activities of continuing operations
     (26,012 )      (315,351 )
                 
Cash flows from discontinued operations:
               
Net cash used in operating activities of discontinued operations
    (170 )     (32,716 )
Net cash provided by investing activities of discontinued operations
    --       454,670  
Net cash (used in) provided by discontinued operations
     (170 )     421,954  
                 
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
    (2,815 )     170,571  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    14,248       87,830  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 11,433     $ 258,401  
                 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
               
 Cash paid during the six months for:
               
    Interest, net of amounts capitalized
  $ 14,468     $ 26,873  
    Income taxes
  $ 25,812     $ 27,956  
 
Supplemental schedule of non-cash financing activity:
           
    Change in fair value of interest rate swap
  $ (46,901 )   $ (4,259 )
    Change in deferred tax asset for interest rate swap
  $ 15,724     $ 1,588  

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
5

CBRL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except percentages, share and per share data)
(Unaudited)

1.  Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

The condensed consolidated balance sheets as of February 1, 2008 and August 3, 2007 and the related condensed consolidated statements of income and cash flows for the quarters and/or six-month periods ended February 1, 2008 and January 26, 2007, have been prepared by CBRL Group, Inc. (the “Company”) in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) without audit.  The Company is principally engaged in the operation and development of the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® (“Cracker Barrel”) restaurant and retail concept and, until December 6, 2006, the Logan’s Roadhouse® (“Logan’s”) restaurant concept.  The Company sold Logan’s on December 6, 2006 (see Note 18).  As a result, Logan’s is classified as discontinued operations in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.  The Company has changed its prior year presentation of the cash proceeds from the sale of Logan’s from cash provided by investing activities of continuing operations to cash provided by investing activities of discontinued operations to better reflect the nature of these proceeds in the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal and recurring items) necessary for a fair presentation of such condensed consolidated financial statements have been made.  The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year.

These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 3, 2007 (the “2007 Form 10-K”).

References in these Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements to a year are to the Company’s fiscal year unless otherwise noted.
 
Unless otherwise noted, amounts and disclosures throughout the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements relate to the Company's continuing operations.


2.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The significant accounting policies of the Company are included in the 2007 Form 10-K.  During the six-month period ended February 1, 2008, there have been no significant changes to those accounting policies except for income taxes.  Effective August 4, 2007, the Company adopted the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — ­an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”).  See Note 3 regarding the adoption of FIN 48.

3. Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncement

Income Taxes

In June 2006, the FASB issued FIN 48, which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in financial statements in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.”  FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.  FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods,
 
6

disclosure and transition.  Effective August 4, 2007, the first day of fiscal 2008, the Company adopted the provisions of FIN 48.

As a result of the adoption of FIN 48 on August 4, 2007, the Company recognized a liability for uncertain tax positions of $23,866 and related federal tax benefits of $7,895, which resulted in a net liability for uncertain tax positions of $15,971.  As required by FIN 48, the liability for uncertain tax positions has been included in other long-term obligations and the related federal tax benefits have reduced long-term deferred income taxes.  In the prior year, the liability for uncertain tax positions (net of the related federal tax benefits) was included in income taxes payable.  The impact of the adoption of FIN 48 resulted in a net increase of $2,898 to the Company's August 4, 2007 retained earnings for the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle.

The Company recognizes, net of tax, interest and estimated penalties related to uncertain tax positions in its provision for income taxes.  As of the date of adoption on August 4, 2007, the Company’s liability for uncertain tax positions included $2,010 net of tax for potential interest and penalties.  The amount of uncertain tax positions that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate is $15,971.

As of February 1, 2008, the Company’s liability for uncertain tax positions was $27,876 ($18,772, net of related federal tax benefits of $9,104), which included $2,797 net of tax for potential interest and penalties.  The total amount of uncertain tax positions that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate is $18,772.

In many cases, the Company’s uncertain tax positions are related to tax years that remain subject to examination by the relevant taxing authorities.  Based on the outcome of these examinations or as a result of the expiration of the statutes of limitations for specific taxing jurisdictions, the related uncertain tax positions taken regarding previously filed tax returns could decrease from those recorded as liabilities for uncertain tax positions in the Company’s financial statements upon adoption at August 4, 2007 by approximately $2,500 within the next twelve months.

As of the date of adoption on August 4, 2007, the Company was subject to income tax examinations for its U.S. federal income taxes after 2004 and for state and local income taxes generally after 2003.

4.  Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

 
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS No. 157”), which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.  The provisions of SFAS No. 157 for financial assets and liabilities, as well as any other assets and liabilities that are carried at fair value on a recurring basis in financial statements, are effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007.  The provisions for certain nonfinancial assets and liabilities are effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the separate provisions of SFAS No. 157 and cannot yet determine the impact of its adoption in the first quarters of 2009 and 2010.
 
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities – Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115” (“SFAS No. 159”), which permits entities to choose to measure eligible financial instruments and other items at fair value.  The provisions of SFAS No. 159 are effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting SFAS No. 159 and cannot yet determine the impact of its adoption in the first quarter of 2009.

The Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) reached a consensus on EITF 06-11, “Accounting for Income Tax Benefits of Dividends on Share-Based Payment Awards” (“EITF 06-11”) in June 2007. The EITF consensus indicates that the tax benefit received on dividends associated with share-based awards that are charged to retained earnings should be recorded in additional paid-in capital and included in the pool of excess tax benefits available to absorb potential future tax deficiencies on share-based payment awards.  The consensus is effective for the tax benefits of
 
7

dividends declared in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2007.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting EITF 06-11 and cannot yet determine the impact of its adoption in the first quarter of 2009.

5.  Shared-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for share-based compensation in accordance with SFAS No. 123 (Revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment”, which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation cost at fair value for all share-based payments.  For the quarter and six-month period ended February 1, 2008, share-based compensation from continuing operations was $1,261 and $2,426, respectively, for stock options and $1,405 and $2,554, respectively, for nonvested stock.  For the quarter and six-month period ended January 26, 2007, share-based compensation was $1,599 and $3,482, respectively, for stock options and $3,041 and $3,803, respectively, for nonvested stock.  Included in these totals was share-based compensation from continuing operations for the quarter and six-month period ended January 26, 2007 of $1,596 and $3,416, respectively, for stock options and $3,041 and $4,283, respectively, for nonvested stock.  Share-based compensation from continuing operations is recorded in general and administrative expenses for continuing operations.

6.  Seasonality

Historically, the net income of the Company has been lower in the first three quarters and highest in the fourth quarter, which includes much of the summer vacation and travel season. Management attributes these variations to the decrease in interstate tourist traffic and propensity to dine out less during the regular school year and winter months and the increase in interstate tourist traffic and propensity to dine out more during the summer months. The Company's retail sales historically have been highest in the Company's second quarter, which includes the Christmas holiday shopping season.  The Company also expects to open additional new locations throughout the year.  Therefore, the results of operations for the quarter or six-month period ended February 1, 2008 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the entire 2008 year.

7.  Inventories

Inventories were comprised of the following at:

       February 1,        August 3,   
      2008         2007   
                 
Retail
  $ 90,000     $ 109,891  
Restaurant
    18,851       16,593  
Supplies
    18,343       17,932  
  Total
  $ 127,194     $ 144,416  

8.  Net Income Per Share and Weighted Average Shares

Basic consolidated net income per share is computed by dividing consolidated net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the reporting period. Diluted consolidated net income per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities, options or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock and is based upon the weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding during the year.  Common equivalent shares related to stock options and nonvested stock and stock awards issued by the Company are calculated using the treasury stock method.  Additionally, for 2007, diluted consolidated net income per share was calculated excluding the after-tax interest and financing expenses associated with the Company’s zero-coupon contingently convertible senior notes (“Senior Notes”), since these Senior Notes were treated as if-converted into common stock (see Note 6 to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2007 Form 10-K).  The Senior Notes were redeemed in the fourth quarter of 2007 (see Note 8 to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2007 Form 10-K).  
 
8

Following the redemption of the Senior Notes, outstanding employee and director stock options and nonvested stock and stock awards issued by the Company represent the only dilutive effects on diluted consolidated net income per share.

The following table reconciles the components of the diluted earnings per share computations:                                    
    Quarter Ended     Six Months Ended   
    February 1,     January 26,      February 1,      January 26,  
    2008     2007      2008     2007  
Income from continuing operations per share
   numerator:
                       
     Income from continuing operations
  $ 20,234     $ 20,501     $ 34,217     $ 35,663  
     Add:  Interest and loan acquisition costs
           associated with Senior Notes, net of
           related tax effects
       --          1,376          --          2,316  
     Income from continuing operations available
          to common shareholders
  $ 20,234     $ 21,877     $ 34,217     $ 37,979  
                                 
(Loss) income from discontinued operations per share
   numerator
  $ (17 )   $ 82,011     $ (111 )   $ 86,276  
 
Income from continuing operations, (loss) income from
  discontinued operations, and net income per share
  denominator:
                       
     Weighted average shares
    23,133,206       30,839,209       23,419,403       31,226,657  
     Add potential dilution:
                               
           Senior Notes
    --       4,582,788       --       4,582,788  
           Stock options and nonvested stock and stock
             awards
     625,137        594,307        682,262        395,417  
     Diluted weighted average shares
    23,758,343       36,016,304       24,101,665       36,204,862  

 9.  Segment Reporting

Cracker Barrel units represent a single, integrated operation with two related and substantially integrated product lines. The operating expenses of the restaurant and retail product line of a Cracker Barrel unit are shared and are indistinguishable in many respects.  The chief operating decision-maker reviews operating results for both restaurant and retail operations on a combined basis.  Accordingly, the Company manages its business on the basis of one reportable operating segment.   The results of operations of Logan’s are reported as discontinued operations (see Note 18) and have been excluded from segment reporting.

All of the Company’s operations are located within the United States.  The following data are presented in accordance with SFAS No. 131, “Disclosures About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information,” for all periods presented.

    Quarter Ended     Six Months Ended  
    February 1,       January 26,     February 1,     January 26,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
Revenue from continuing operations:
                       
  Restaurant
  $ 465,105     $ 447,782     $ 927,858     $ 890,109  
  Retail
    169,348       164,352       287,760       280,288  
  Total revenue from continuing operations
  $ 634,453     $ 612,134     $ 1,215,618     $ 1,170,397  
 
9

10.  Impairment of Long-lived Assets

In accordance with SFAS No. 144 “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” the Company evaluates long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles to be held and used in the business for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable.  Whether impairment exists is determined by comparing undiscounted future operating cash flows that are expected to result from an asset to the carrying values of an asset on a store-by-store basis.  In addition, the recoverability test considers the likelihood of possible outcomes that existed at the balance sheet date, including the assessment of the likelihood of the future sale of the asset.  If impairment exists, the amount of impairment is measured as the sum of the estimated discounted future operating cash flows of the asset and the expected proceeds upon sale of the asset less its carrying value.  Assets held for sale, if any, are reported at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.

During the six months ended February 1, 2008, the Company closed one leased Cracker Barrel store and one owned Cracker Barrel store, which resulted in impairment charges of $532 and store closing charges of $345.  These impairments were recorded based upon the lower of unit carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.  The decision to close the leased store was due to the age of the store, the lease on the property expiring in September 2007 and another Cracker Barrel store being located within five miles of this location.  The decision to close the owned location was due to the age of the store, expected future capital expenditure needs and changes in traffic patterns around the store over the years.  The Company expects the sale of this property to be completed within one year.  The store closing charges, which included employee termination benefits and other costs, represent the total amount expected to be incurred.  At February 1, 2008, there was no liability recorded for store closing charges in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet.  Store closing charges are included in the impairment and store closing charges line on the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of income.  The Company recorded no impairment losses or store closing charges in the six months ended January 26, 2007.

11.  Gain on Property Disposition

On November 28, 2007, the Company sold the one remaining Logan’s property that the Company had retained and leased back to Logan’s (see Note 3 to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2007 Form 10-K for additional information).  This property was classified as property held for sale and had a net book value of approximately $1,960.  The Company received proceeds of approximately $3,770, which resulted in a pre-tax gain of approximately $1,810 being recorded in the second quarter of 2008.  The gain is recorded in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of income.

12. Commitments and Contingencies

The Company and its subsidiaries are parties to various legal and regulatory proceedings and claims incidental to and arising out of the ordinary course of its business.  In the opinion of management, however, based upon information currently available, the ultimate liability with respect to these other proceedings and claims will not materially affect the Company’s consolidated results of operations or financial position.  Litigation involves an element of uncertainty, however, and future developments could cause these actions or claims to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial statements as a whole.

The Company is contingently liable pursuant to standby letters of credit as credit guarantees related to insurers.  As of February 1, 2008, the Company had $29,062 of standby letters of credit related to securing reserved claims under workers' compensation and general liability insurance.  All standby letters of credit are renewable annually and reduce the Company’s availability under its $250,000 revolving credit facility.

The Company is secondarily liable for lease payments under the terms of an operating lease that has been assigned to a third party.  The lease has a remaining life of approximately 5.7 years with annual lease payments of approximately $361.  The Company’s performance is required only if the assignee fails to perform its obligations as lessee.  The Company is also liable under a second operating lease that has been sublet to a third party.  The lease has
 
10

a remaining life of approximately 9.8 years and annual lease payments net of sublease rentals of approximately $50.  At this time, the Company has no reason to believe that either the assignee or subtenant, respectively, of the foregoing leases will not perform and, therefore, no provision has been made in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet for amounts to be paid in case of non-performance by the assignee or subtenant, as applicable.

As of December 2006, the Company reaffirmed its guarantee of the lease payments for two Logan’s restaurants.  The operating leases have remaining lives of 3.9 and 12.2 years with annual payments of approximately $94 and $98, respectively.  The Company’s performance is required only if Logan’s fails to perform its obligations as lessee.  At this time, the Company has no reason to believe Logan’s will not perform, and therefore, no provision has been made in the condensed consolidated financial statements for amounts to be paid as a result of non-performance by Logan’s.

The Company enters into certain indemnification requirements in favor of third parties in the ordinary course of business.  The Company believes that the probability of incurring an actual liability under such indemnification agreements is sufficiently remote so that no liability has been recorded.  In connection with the divestiture of Logan’s and Logan’s sale-leaseback transaction (see Note 3 to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2007 Form 10-K), the Company entered into various agreements to indemnify third parties against certain tax obligations, for any breaches of representations and warranties in the applicable transaction documents and for certain costs and expenses that may arise out of specified real estate matters, including potential relocation and legal costs.  With the exception of certain tax indemnifications, the Company believes that the probability of being required to make any indemnification payments to Logan’s is remote.  Therefore, no provision has been recorded for any potential non-tax indemnification payments in the condensed consolidated balance sheet.  At February 1, 2008, the Company has recorded a liability of $779 in the condensed consolidated balance sheet for these potential tax indemnifications.

13. Shareholders’ Equity

During the six-month period ended February 1, 2008, the Company received proceeds of $1,965 from the exercise of stock options to purchase 84,703 shares of its common stock.  During the six-month period ended February 1, 2008, the Company repurchased 1,625,000 shares of its common stock in the open market at an aggregate cost of $52,380 (see Note 15).

During the six-month period ended February 1, 2008, the Company paid dividends of $0.14 and $0.18 per common share on August 6, 2007 and on November 5, 2007, respectively.  During the quarter ended February 1, 2008, the Company declared a dividend of $0.18 per common share that was paid on February 5, 2008 in the aggregate amount of $4,097.  That dividend is recorded in other accrued expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet.  Additionally, the Company declared a dividend of $0.18 per common share on February 28, 2008 to be paid on May 5, 2008 to shareholders of record on April 18, 2008.
 
During the six-month period ended February 1, 2008, the unrealized loss, or change in value, net of tax, on the Company’s interest rate swap increased by $31,177 to $40,165 and is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss (see Notes 14 and 17).
 
During the six-month period ended February 1, 2008, total share-based compensation was $4,980 and the excess tax benefit from share-based compensation was $49.  During the six-month period ended January 26, 2007, total share-based compensation was $7,285 and the excess tax benefit from share-based compensation was $1,947.
 
During the six-month period ended February 1, 2008, the Company recorded an increase of $2,898 to retained earnings as the result of adopting FIN 48 (see Note 3).

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14.  Comprehensive (Loss) Income

      Quarter Ended        Six Months Ended   
      February 1,        January 26,        February 1,        January 26,   
       2008        2007        2008        2007   
                                 
Net income
  $ 20,217     $ 102,512     $ 34,106     $ 121,939  
  Other comprehensive (loss) income:
                               
    Change in fair value of interest rate
      swap, net of tax
    (20,685 )      4,384       (31,177 )     (2,671 )
  Total comprehensive (loss) income
  $ (468 )   $ 106,896     $ 2,929     $ 119,268  

For the quarters ended February 1, 2008 and January 26, 2007, the change in fair value of the interest rate swap is net of a tax benefit of $10,735 and a tax provision of $2,097, respectively.  For the six-month periods ended February 1, 2008 and January 26, 2007, the change in fair value of the interest rate swap is net of a tax benefit of $15,724 and $1,588, respectively.

15.  Share Repurchases

On September 20, 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the repurchase of up to 1,000,000 shares of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock. On January 22, 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the repurchase of up to 625,000 additional shares of its common stock.  During the second quarter ended February 1, 2008, the Company repurchased 1,625,000 shares of its common stock in the open market at an aggregate cost of $52,380.  Related transaction costs and fees that were recorded as a reduction to shareholders' equity resulted in the shares being repurchased at an average cost of $32.23 per share.  At February 1, 2008, the Company did not have any share repurchase authorizations outstanding.  The Company’s principal criteria for share repurchases are that they be accretive to expected net income per share and are within the limits imposed by the Company’s debt covenants under its $1,250,000 credit facility (the “2006 Credit Facility”).

During the second quarter ended January 26, 2007, the Company repurchased 5,434,774 shares of its common stock pursuant to a modified “Dutch Auction” tender offer (“the Tender Offer”) for a total purchase price of approximately $250,000 before fees.  Related transaction costs and fees that were recorded as a reduction to shareholders’ equity resulted in the shares being repurchased in the Tender Offer at an average cost of $46.03 per share.

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16.  Debt

Long-term debt consisted of the following at:
 
    February 1,     August 3,  
    2008     2007  
             
Term Loan B
           
     payable $1,792 per quarter with the
     remainder due on April 27, 2013
  $ 637,040     $ 640,624  
                 
Delayed-Draw Term Loan Facility
     payable $383 per quarter with the remainder
     due on April 27, 2013
      151,868         99,750  
 
Revolving Credit Facility
     payable on or before April 27, 2011
       7,600          24,100  
      796,508       764,474  
 
 Current maturities
     (8,698 )      (8,168 )
 
 Long-term debt
  $ 787,810     $ 756,306  

Effective April 27, 2006, the Company entered into its 2006 Credit Facility that consisted of up to $1,000,000 in term loans with a scheduled maturity date of April 27, 2013 and a $250,000 revolving credit facility expiring April 27, 2011. The 2006 Credit Facility contains customary financial covenants, which include maintenance of a maximum consolidated total leverage ratio as specified in the agreement and maintenance of minimum interest coverage ratios.  As of February 1, 2008, the Company is in compliance with all debt covenants.

If there is no default then existing and there is at least $100,000 then available under the revolving credit facility, the Company may both: (1) pay cash dividends on its common stock if the aggregate amount of dividends paid in any fiscal year is less than 15% of Consolidated EBITDA from continuing operations (as defined in the credit agreement) during the immediately preceding fiscal year; and (2) in any event, increase its regular quarterly cash dividend in any quarter by an amount not to exceed the greater of $.01 or 10% of the amount of the dividend paid in the prior fiscal quarter.

17.  Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

The Company accounts for its interest rate swap in accordance with SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.”  The estimated fair value of this interest rate swap liability was $60,581 and $13,680 at February 1, 2008 and August 3, 2007, respectively, representing an increase of $46,901 during the first six months of 2008. The offset to the interest rate swap liability is in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of the deferred tax asset.  Cash flows related to the interest rate swap are included in operating activities.

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18.  Disposition of Logan’s

On December 6, 2006, the Company sold Logan’s (see Note 3 to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2007 Form 10-K for additional information).

The Company has reported in discontinued operations certain expenses related to the divestiture of Logan’s in the six-month period ended February 1, 2008, and the results of operations of Logan’s through December 5, 2006 as well as certain expenses of the Company related to the divestiture of Logan’s for the six-month period ended January 26, 2007, which consist of the following:


     
Quarter Ended 
     
Six Months Ended 
 
     
February 1, 
     
January 26, 
     
February 1, 
     
January 26, 
 
     
2008 
     
2007 
     
2008 
     
2007 
 
                                 
  Revenues
  $ --     $ 43,891     $ --     $ 154,529  
                                 
  (Loss) income before income tax
    benefit (provision for income taxes)
    from discontinued operations
  $ (25 )   $  347     $ (170 )   $  8,552  
  Income tax benefit (provision for
     income taxes)
     8        1,376        59       (2,564 )
  Net (loss) income from discontinued
    operations
    (17 )     1,723       (111 )      5,988  
  Gain on sale, net of taxes of  $10,491
    --       80,288       --       80,288  
  (Loss) income from discontinued
     operations
  $ (17 )   $ 82,011     $ (111 )   $ 86,276  


In the third quarter of 2007, the Company agreed to and recorded a purchase price adjustment required by the Logan’s sale agreement, resulting in a reduction of the proceeds from and the gain on the sale by $1,276.
 
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 Item 2.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

CBRL Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company,” “our” or “we”) are principally engaged in the operation and development in the United States of the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® (“Cracker Barrel”) restaurant and retail concept.  Until December 6, 2006, we also owned the Logan’s Roadhouse® (“Logan’s”) restaurant concept, but we divested Logan’s at that time.  As a result, Logan’s is presented as discontinued operations in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for all periods presented. Unless otherwise noted, management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations (“MD&A”) relates only to results from continuing operations.  All dollar amounts reported or discussed in Part I, Item 2 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are shown in thousands, except per share amounts and certain statistical information (e.g., number of stores).  References to years in the MD&A are to our fiscal year unless otherwise noted.

The following discussion and analysis provides information which management believes is relevant to an assessment and understanding of our consolidated results of operations and financial condition.  The discussion should be read in conjunction with the (i) condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto in this Form 10-Q and (ii) the financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 3, 2007 (the “2007 Form 10-K”).  Except for specific historical information, many of the matters discussed in this Form 10-Q may express or imply projections of revenues or expenditures, plans and objectives for future operations, growth or initiatives, expected future economic performance, or the expected outcome or impact of pending or threatened litigation.  These and similar statements regarding events or results which we expect will or may occur in the future, are forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results and performance to differ materially from those expressed or implied by those statements.  All forward-looking information is provided pursuant to the safe harbor established under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and should be evaluated in the context of these risks, uncertainties and other factors.  Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “trends,” “assumptions,” “target,” “guidance,” “outlook,” “opportunity,” “future,” “plans,” “goals,” “objectives,” “expectations,”   “near-term,” “long-term,” “projection,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “potential,” “regular” or “continue”  (or the negative or other derivatives of each of these terms) or similar terminology.

We believe the assumptions underlying these forward-looking statements are reasonable; however, any of the assumptions could be inaccurate, and therefore, actual results may differ materially from those projected in or implied by the forward-looking statements.  Factors and risks that may result in actual results differing from this forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, those contained in Part I, Item 1A of the 2007 Form 10-K, which is incorporated herein by this reference, as well as other factors discussed throughout this document, including, without limitation, the factors described under “Critical Accounting Estimates” on pages 24-28 of this Form 10-Q or, from time to time, in our filings with the SEC, press releases and other communications.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements made in this document, since the statements speak only as of the document’s date.  We have no obligation, and do not intend, to publicly update or revise any of these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this document or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.  Readers are advised, however, to consult any further disclosures we may make on related subjects in our documents filed with or furnished to the SEC or in our other public disclosures.

15

Results of Operations

Overview

Total revenue increased 3.6% in the second quarter of 2008 as compared to the second quarter of 2007.  Operating income margin was 7.2% of total revenue in the second quarter of 2008 compared to 6.9% in the second quarter of 2007.  This increase reflected the gain on the sale of the one remaining Logan's property we had retained and leased back to Logan’s and lower general insurance, incentive compensation accruals, advertising and store hourly labor costs partially offset by higher food costs, higher retail cost of goods sold, higher workers’ compensation expenses and the non-recurrence of litigation settlement proceeds received in the prior year second quarter.  Despite the increase in operating income margin, income from continuing operations for the second quarter of 2008 decreased 1.3% as compared to the second quarter of 2007 primarily due to lower interest income.  During the second quarter of 2008, we repurchased 1,625,000 shares of our common stock at an aggregate cost of $52,380.  Diluted income from continuing operations per share increased 41.7% for the quarter as compared to prior year due to the reduction in shares outstanding associated with our strategic initiatives and related stock repurchase programs, which we began in 2006.

Total revenue increased 3.9% during the six-month period ended February 1, 2008 as compared to the six-month period ended January 26, 2007.  Operating income margin was 6.7% of total revenue for the six-month period ended February 1, 2008 as compared to 6.9% for the six-month period ended January 26, 2007.  This decrease reflected the non-recurrence of litigation settlement proceeds received in the prior year, higher food costs, management wages, workers' compensation expense and group health costs partially offset by lower incentive compensation accruals, lower general insurance and the gain on the sale of the one remaining Logan's property we had retained and leased back to Logan’s.  Income from continuing operations for the six-month period ended February 1, 2008 as compared to the six-month period ended January 26, 2007 decreased 4.1% primarily due to the decrease in operating income margin and lower interest income.   Diluted income from continuing operations per share increased 35.2% for the six-month period as compared to prior year due to the reduction in shares outstanding associated with our strategic initiatives and related stock repurchase programs, which we began in 2006.

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The following table highlights operating results by percentage relationships to total revenue for the quarter and six-month period ended February 1, 2008 as compared to the same periods in the prior year:
                                                                                                                                                                                                             

     
Quarter Ended 
     
Six Months Ended 
 
     
February 1, 
     
January 26, 
      February 1,       
January 26, 
 
     
2008 
     
2007  
      2008       
 2007 
 
                                 
Total revenue
    100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
                                 
Cost of goods sold
    35.3       34.4       33.2       32.7  
Gross profit
    64.7       65.6       66.8       67.3  
                                 
Labor and other related expenses
    36.1       35.8       37.4       36.9  
Impairment and store closing charges
    --       --       0.1       --  
Other store operating expenses
    16.8       17.3       17.4        17.4  
Store operating income
    11.8       12.5       11.9       13.0  
                                 
General and administrative expenses
    4.6       5.6       5.2       6.1  
Operating income
    7.2       6.9       6.7       6.9  
                                 
Interest expense
    2.3       2.4       2.4       2.6  
Interest income
    --       0.6       --       0.4  
Income before income taxes
    4.9       5.1       4.3       4.7  
                                 
Provision for income taxes
    1.7       1.8       1.5       1.7  
                                 
Income from continuing operations
    3.2       3.3       2.8       3.0  
                                 
(Loss) income from discontinued
  operations, net of taxes
     --        13.4        --        7.4  
Net income
    3.2 %     16.7 %     2.8 %     10.4 %


The following table highlights the components of total revenue by percentage relationships to total revenue for the quarter and six-month period ended February 1, 2008 as compared to the same periods in the prior year:
                                                                                                                                                                                   
    Quarter Ended     Six Months Ended  
    February 1,     January 26,      February 1,      January 26,  
    2008      2007     2008     2007  
Total revenue:
                       
   Cracker Barrel restaurant
    73.3 %     73.2 %     76.3 %     76.1 %
   Cracker Barrel retail
    26.7       26.8       23.7       23.9  
       Total revenue
    100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %


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The following table sets forth the number of units in operation at the beginning and end of the quarters and six-month periods ended February 1, 2008 and January 26, 2007, respectively:
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
    Quarter Ended     Six Months Ended  
    February 1,     January 26,     February 1,     January 26,  
    2008     2007     2008      2007  
Cracker Barrel:
                       
   Open at beginning of period
    566       548       562       543  
   Opened during period
    4       4       10       9  
   Closed during period
    --       --       (2 )     --  
   Open at end of period
    570       552       570       552  
                                 

During the six months ended February 1, 2008, we also replaced an existing unit with a new unit in a nearby community.  Replacements are not counted as either units opened or closed.

Average unit volumes include sales of all stores.  The following table highlights average unit volumes for the quarter and six-month period ended February 1, 2008 as compared to the same periods in the prior year:
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
    Quarter Ended     Six Months Ended  
    February 1,     January 26,     February 1,     January 26,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
Cracker Barrel
                       
   Net revenue:
                       
     Restaurant
  $ 817.2     $ 813.0     $ 1,638.8     $ 1,625.7  
     Retail
    297.5       298.4       508.2       511.9  
       Total net revenue
  $ 1,114.7     $ 1,111.4     $ 2,147.0     $ 2,137.6  
                                 

Total Revenue

Total revenue for the second quarter of 2008 increased 3.6% compared to the prior year second quarter.  For the second quarter ended February 1, 2008, Cracker Barrel comparable store restaurant sales increased 1.1% and comparable store retail sales increased 1.4% resulting in a combined comparable store sales (total net revenue) increase of 1.2%.  The comparable store restaurant sales increase consisted of a 3.4% average check increase for the quarter (including a 3.5% average menu price increase) and a 2.3% guest traffic decrease.  We believe that the comparable store retail sales increase was due to a more appealing retail merchandise selection than in the prior year partially offset by guest traffic decreases and pressures on consumer discretionary income.  Sales from newly opened Cracker Barrel stores accounted for the balance of the total revenue increase in the second quarter.

Total revenue for the six-month period ended February 1, 2008 increased 3.9% compared to the six-month period ended January 26, 2007.  For the six-month period ended February 1, 2008, Cracker Barrel comparable store restaurant sales increased 1.4% and comparable store retail sales decreased 0.1% resulting in a combined comparable store sales (total net revenue) increase of 1.1%.  The comparable store restaurant sales increase consisted of a 3.2% average check increase for the six months (including a 3.5% average menu price increase) and a 1.8% guest traffic decrease.  We believe that the comparable store retail sales decrease was due to the decline in guest traffic and reduced Porch Sale activity this year as compared to last year.  Owing to the discretionary nature of retail purchases, we believe we continue to experience the effects of pressures on consumer discretionary income.  We believe that these decreases partially were offset by a more appealing retail merchandise selection than in the prior year.  Sales from newly opened Cracker Barrel stores accounted for the balance of the total revenue increase in the six-month period ended February 1, 2008.
 
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Cost of Goods Sold

Cost of goods sold as a percentage of total revenue for the second quarter of 2008 increased to 35.3% from 34.4% in the second quarter of the prior year.  This increase was due to higher restaurant product costs, primarily reflecting commodity inflation, versus prior year and higher retail freight costs, which were primarily related to fuel cost increases, partially offset by higher menu pricing and higher initial mark-ons of retail merchandise versus the prior year.  The increase in commodity inflation from a year ago was primarily due to increases in dairy, eggs, produce, oil and grain products.

Cost of goods sold as a percentage of total revenue increased to 33.2% for the six-month period ended February 1, 2008 as compared to 32.7% in the six-month period ended January 26, 2007.  This increase was due to higher restaurant product costs, primarily reflecting commodity inflation, versus prior year partially offset by higher menu pricing, lower markdowns of retail merchandise and higher initial mark-ons of retail merchandise versus prior year.  The increase in commodity inflation from a year ago was primarily due to increases in dairy, eggs, produce, oil and grain products.

Labor and Other Related Expenses

Labor and other related expenses include all direct and indirect labor and related costs incurred in store operations.  Labor and other related expenses as a percentage of total revenue increased to 36.1% in the second quarter this year from 35.8% in the prior year.  This increase was due to higher workers' compensation expense partially offset by higher revenues primarily driven by menu pricing, lower store hourly labor costs and lower bonus accruals.  As a result of a limited scope actuarial review completed during the second quarter of 2008, we recorded a reduction in our workers’ compensation expense.  We also conducted a similar limited scope actuarial review in the second quarter of 2007, which resulted in a higher reduction in our workers’ compensation expense as compared to this year.  The decrease in store hourly labor costs was primarily due to better productivity and lower overtime wages.  The decrease in bonus accruals reflected lower performance against financial objectives in the second quarter of 2008 versus the same period a year ago.

Labor and other related expenses as a percentage of total revenue increased to 37.4% in the six-month period ended February 1, 2008 as compared to 36.9% in the six-month period ended January 26, 2007.  This increase was due to higher group health costs, workers’ compensation expense and management wages partially offset by higher revenues primarily driven by menu pricing and lower bonus accruals.  The increase in group health costs was due to higher medical and pharmacy claims and lower employee contributions. The increase in workers compensation expense was due to a smaller reduction in our workers’ compensation expense as compared to the prior year resulting from limited scope actuarial reviews of our workers' compensation program during the second quarters of 2008 and 2007.  The decrease in restaurant and retail management bonus accruals reflected lower performance against financial objectives in the first six months of 2008 versus the same period a year ago.

Impairment and Store Closing Charges

During the first six months of 2008, we closed one leased Cracker Barrel store and one owned Cracker Barrel store, which resulted in impairment charges of $532 and store closing charges of $345.  The decision to close the leased store was due to the age of the store, the lease on the property expiring in September 2007, and another Cracker Barrel store being located within five miles of this location.  The decision to close the owned location was due to the age of the store, expected future capital expenditure requirements and changes in traffic patterns around the store over the years.  We expect the sale of this property to be completed within one year.  The store closing charges represent the total amount expected to be incurred and no liability has been recorded for store closing charges at February 1, 2008.  See Note 10 to the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for more details surrounding the impairment and store closing charges.  We did not incur any impairment losses or store closing charges in the six months ended January 26, 2007.

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Other Store Operating Expenses

Other store operating expenses include all unit-level operating costs, the major components of which are utilities, operating supplies, repairs and maintenance, depreciation, advertising, credit card fees, rent, property taxes, general insurance, and non-labor-related pre-opening expenses.  Other store operating expenses decreased as a percentage of total revenue to 16.8% in the second quarter of 2008 from 17.3% in the second quarter of the prior year.  This decrease was due to higher revenues driven by higher menu pricing, lower advertising and general insurance expenses partially offset by the non-recurrence of the Visa/MasterCard litigation settlement proceeds received in the second quarter of the prior year.  The decrease in advertising expense was due to a shift from radio advertising in a larger number of markets in the prior year to television and radio advertising in a smaller number of markets in 2008.  As a result of limited scope actuarial reviews completed during the second quarters of 2008 and 2007, we recorded a reduction in our general insurance expense as compared to an increase in the prior year.

Other store operating expenses as a percentage of total revenue remained flat compared to the six-month period ended January 26, 2007 at 17.4%.  Higher menu pricing and lower general insurance expense as a result of revised actuarial estimates were offset by the non-recurrence of the Visa/MasterCard litigation settlement proceeds received in the prior year.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses as a percentage of total revenue decreased to 4.6% in the second quarter of 2008 compared to 5.6% in the second quarter of the prior year. The decrease was due to lower incentive compensation accruals, including share-based compensation, the gain on the sale of the one remaining Logan’s property we had retained and leased back to Logan’s and higher revenues driven by menu pricing.  The decrease in incentive compensation accruals reflected lower performance against financial objectives in the second quarter of 2008 versus the same period a year ago and the non-recurrence of bonuses related to strategic initiatives as well as the additional share-based compensation recorded in the second quarter of 2007 for participants eligible for retirement prior to the vesting date of the award.

General and administrative expenses as a percentage of total revenue decreased to 5.2% in the six-month period ended February 1, 2008 as compared to 6.1% in the six-month period ended January 26, 2007.  The decrease was due to lower incentive compensation accruals, including share-based compensation, the gain on the sale of the one remaining Logan’s property we had retained and leased back to Logan’s and higher revenues driven by menu pricing.  The decrease in incentive compensation accruals reflected lower performance against financial objectives in the first six months of 2008 versus the same period a year ago and the non-recurrence of discretionary bonuses for certain executives, bonuses related to strategic initiatives and the additional share-based compensation recorded in the second quarter of 2007 for participants eligible for retirement prior to the vesting date of the award.

Interest Expense

Interest expense as a percentage of total revenue decreased to 2.3% in the second quarter of 2008 as compared to 2.4% in the second quarter of last year.  The decrease is primarily due to higher revenues driven by higher menu pricing.  The absolute dollar decrease primarily is due to lower non-use fees incurred under our credit facility partially offset by higher average debt outstanding during the second quarter of 2008 as compared to the second quarter of the prior year.  The decrease in the non-use fees is due to our borrowing $100,000 available under the delayed-draw term loan facility during the fourth quarter of 2007 and the remaining $100,000 during the first quarter of 2008.  During the second quarter of 2007, we incurred non-use fees on the entire $200,000 available under the delayed-draw term loan facility.

Interest expense as a percentage of total revenue decreased to 2.4% in the six-month period ended February 1, 2008 as compared to 2.6% in the six-month period ended January 26, 2007.  The decrease is primarily due to higher revenues driven by higher menu pricing.  The absolute dollar decrease primarily is due to lower non-use fees incurred
 
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under our credit facility partially offset by higher average debt outstanding during the first six months of 2008 as compared to the first six months of the prior year.  The decrease in the non-use fees is due to our borrowing $100,000 available under the delayed-draw term loan facility during the fourth quarter of 2007 and the remaining $100,000 during the first quarter of 2008.  During the first six months of 2007, we incurred non-use fees on the entire $200,000 available under the delayed-draw term loan facility.

Interest Income

Interest income as a percentage of total revenue decreased to zero in the second quarter of 2008 as compared to 0.6% in the second quarter of last year.  The decrease is due to a lower level of cash-on-hand at the beginning of the second quarter of 2008 versus the prior year and due to the average funds available for investment being higher in the prior year as result of the proceeds received from the divestiture of Logan’s.

Interest income as a percentage of total revenue decreased to zero in the first six months of 2008 as compared to 0.4% in the first six months of the prior year.  The decrease is due to a lower level of cash-on-hand at the beginning of 2008 versus the prior year and due to the average funds available for investment being higher in the prior year as result of the proceeds received from the divestiture of Logan’s.

Provision for Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes as a percent of pre-tax income was 34.9% in the second quarter and 34.5% in the first six months of 2008 as compared to 34.9% in the second quarter a year ago, 35.3% in the first six months of 2007, and 34.8% for the full year of 2007.  The decrease in the effective tax rate in the first six months of 2007 to the first six months of 2008 reflected non-recurrence of certain non-deductible compensation expense and lower effective state income tax rates partially offset by lower employer tax credits as a percent of pre-tax income.  The decrease in the effective tax rate from the full year of 2007 to the first six months of 2008 reflected non-recurrence of certain non-deductible compensation expense and lower effective state income tax rates partially offset by lower employer tax credits as a percent of pre-tax income.  Our adoption and implementation of FIN 48 in the first quarter of 2008 did not have a material effect on our tax rate for the quarter and six months ended February 1, 2008.  See Note 3 to the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information with respect to the adoption of FIN 48.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our operating activities from continuing operations provided net cash of $63,590 for the six-month period ended February 1, 2008, which represented a decrease from the $109,241 provided during the same period a year ago. This decrease primarily reflected the timing of income taxes paid in 2007 related to Logan’s sale-leaseback and the proceeds from the sale of Logan’s. This decrease also reflected the timing of payments this year compared with last year for accounts payable and lower incentive compensation accruals based upon lower performance against financial objectives.  These decreases were partially offset by the timing of payments this year compared with the timing of payments last year for interest.

We had negative working capital of $37,647 at February 1, 2008 versus negative working capital of $74,388 at August 3, 2007.  Like many other restaurant companies, we are able to, and may more often than not, operate with negative working capital.  Restaurant inventories purchased through our principal food distributor are on terms of net zero days, while restaurant inventories purchased locally generally are financed from normal trade credit. Retail inventories purchased domestically generally are financed from normal trade credit, while imported retail inventories generally are purchased through wire transfers. These various trade terms are aided by rapid turnover of the restaurant inventory.  Employees generally are paid on weekly, bi-weekly or semi-monthly schedules in arrears of hours worked, and payment of certain expenses such as certain taxes and some benefits are deferred for longer periods of time.  The change in working capital compared with August 3, 2007 reflected timing of payments for income taxes, interest and accounts payable, lower incentive compensation accruals based upon lower performance
 
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against financial objectives, lower retail inventories based upon timing of retail inventory purchases, and increases in sales of our gift cards.  The decrease in income taxes payable also was due to the reclassification of our liability for uncertain tax positions from income taxes payable to other long-term obligations upon adoption of FIN 48 (see Note 3 to the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements).

Capital expenditures were $45,123 for the six-month period ended February 1, 2008 as compared to $47,000 during the same period a year ago.  Construction of new locations accounted for most of the expenditures.  Capitalized interest was $184 and $412 for the quarter and six-month period ended February 1, 2008, respectively, as compared to $226 and $438 for the quarter and six-month period ended January 26, 2007.  These differences were due primarily to decreases in the average number of new locations under construction versus the same periods a year ago.  We estimate that our capital expenditures (purchase of property and equipment) for 2008 will be up to $90,000, most of which will be related to the acquisition of sites and construction of 17 new Cracker Barrel stores and openings that will occur during 2008, as well as construction costs for locations to be opened in 2009.

On September 20, 2007, our Board of Directors approved the repurchase of up to 1,000,000 shares of our common stock.  On January 22, 2008, our Board of Directors approved the repurchase of up to 625,000 additional shares of our common stock.  During the second quarter ended February 1, 2008, we repurchased 1,625,000 shares of our common stock in the open market at an aggregate cost of approximately $52,380.  As of February 1, 2008, we had no share repurchase authorizations outstanding.  Our principal criteria for share repurchases are that they be accretive to expected net income per share and are within the limits imposed by the debt covenants under our $1,250,000 credit facility (the “2006 Credit Facility”).

During the six-month period ended February 1, 2008, we received proceeds of $1,965 from the exercise of stock options to purchase 84,703 shares of our common stock.  During the six-month period ended February 1, 2008, we paid dividends of $0.14 and $0.18 per common share on August 6, 2007 and on November 5, 2007, respectively.  During the quarter ended February 1, 2008, we also declared a dividend of $0.18 per common share that was paid on February 5, 2008 in the aggregate amount of $4,097.  Additionally, we declared a dividend of $0.18 per common share on February 28, 2008 to be paid on May 5, 2008 to shareholders of record on April 18, 2008.

If there is no default then existing and there is at least $100,000 then available under our revolving credit facility, we may both: (1) pay cash dividends on our common stock if the aggregate amount of such dividends paid during any fiscal year is less than 15% of Consolidated EBITDA from continuing operations (as defined in the credit agreement) during the immediately preceding fiscal year; and (2) in any event, increase our regular quarterly cash dividend in any quarter by an amount not to exceed the greater of $.01 or 10% of the amount of the dividend paid in the prior fiscal quarter.

Our internally generated cash and cash generated by option exercises, along with cash on hand at August 3, 2007, and our borrowing capability under the 2006 Credit Facility, were sufficient to finance all of our growth, dividend payments, share repurchases and working capital needs in the first six months of 2008.

We believe that cash at February 1, 2008, along with cash generated from our operating activities, stock option exercises and available borrowings under the 2006 Credit Facility, will be sufficient to finance our continued operations, our continued expansion plans, our principal payments on our debt and our dividend payments for at least the next twelve months and thereafter for the foreseeable future.  At February 1, 2008, we had $213,338 available under the revolving credit portion of the 2006 Credit Facility.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Other than various operating leases, we have no other material off-balance sheet arrangements.  Refer to our 2007 Form 10-K for additional information regarding our operating leases.

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Material Commitments

We adopted FIN 48 effective August 4, 2007, the first day of fiscal 2008.  As of the date of adoption on August 4, 2007, our gross liability for uncertain tax positions (including penalties and interest) was approximately $23,866 ($15,971, net of related federal tax benefits).  In the six months ended February 1, 2008, the aggregate liability for uncertain tax positions (including penalties and interest) increased to $27,876 ($18,772, net of related federal tax benefits).  At February 1, 2008, the entire liability for uncertain tax positions (including penalties and interest) is classified as a long-term liability.  At this time, we are unable to make a reasonably reliable estimate of the timing of payments in individual years because of uncertainties in the timing of the effective settlement of tax positions.

There have been no other material changes in our material commitments other than in the ordinary course of business since the end of 2007.  Refer to our 2007 Form 10-K for additional information regarding our material commitments.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncement

Income Taxes

In June 2006, the FASB issued FIN 48, which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in financial statements in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.”  FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.  FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition.  Effective August 4, 2007, the first day of fiscal 2008, we adopted the provisions of FIN 48.

As a result of the adoption of FIN 48 on August 4, 2007, we recognized a liability for uncertain tax positions of $23,866 and related federal tax benefits of $7,895, which resulted in a net liability for uncertain tax positions of $15,971.  As required by FIN 48, the liability for uncertain tax positions has been included in other long-term obligations and the related federal tax benefits have reduced long-term deferred income taxes.  In the prior year, the liability for uncertain tax positions (net of the related federal tax benefits) was included in income taxes payable.  The impact of the adoption of FIN 48 resulted in a net increase of $2,898 to our August 4, 2007 retained earnings for the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle.

We recognize, net of tax, interest and estimated penalties related to uncertain tax positions in our provision for income taxes.  As of the date of adoption on August 4, 2007, our liability for uncertain tax positions included $2,010 net of tax for potential interest and penalties.  The amount of uncertain tax positions that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate is $15,971.

As of February 1, 2008, our liability for uncertain tax positions was $27,876 ($18,772, net of related federal tax benefits of $9,104), which included $2,797 net of tax for potential interest and penalties.  The total amount of uncertain tax positions that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate is $18,772.

In many cases, our uncertain tax positions are related to tax years that remain subject to examination by the relevant taxing authorities.  Based on the outcome of these examinations or as a result of the expiration of the statutes of limitations for specific taxing jurisdictions, the related uncertain tax positions taken regarding previously filed tax returns could decrease from those recorded as liabilities for uncertain tax positions in our financial statements upon adoption at August 4, 2007 by approximately $2,500 within the next twelve months.

As of the date of adoption on August 4, 2007, we were subject to income tax examinations for our U.S. federal income taxes after 2004 and for state and local income taxes generally after 2003.

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Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
 
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS No. 157”), which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.  The provisions of SFAS No. 157 for financial assets and liabilities, as well as any other assets and liabilities that are carried at fair value on a recurring basis in financial statements, are effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007.  The provisions for certain nonfinancial assets and liabilities are effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008.  We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting the separate provisions of SFAS No. 157 and cannot yet determine the impact of its adoption in the first quarters of 2009 and 2010.
 
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities – Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115” (“SFAS No. 159”), which permits entities to choose to measure eligible financial instruments and other items at fair value.  The provisions of SFAS No. 159 are effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007.  We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting SFAS No. 159 and cannot yet determine the impact of its adoption in the first quarter of 2009.

The Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) reached a consensus on EITF 06-11, “Accounting for Income Tax Benefits of Dividends on Share-Based Payment Awards” (“EITF 06-11”) in June 2007. The EITF consensus indicates that the tax benefit received on dividends associated with share-based awards that are charged to retained earnings should be recorded in additional paid-in capital and included in the pool of excess tax benefits available to absorb potential future tax deficiencies on share-based payment awards. The consensus is effective for the tax benefits of dividends declared in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2007.  We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting EITF 06-11 and cannot yet determine the impact of its adoption in the first quarter of 2009.

Critical Accounting Estimates

We prepare our consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions about future events, and apply judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, expenses and related disclosures.  We base our estimates and judgments on historical experience, outside advice from parties believed to be experts in such matters, and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources.  However, because future events and their effects cannot be determined with certainty, actual results could differ from those assumptions and estimates, and such differences could be material.

Our significant accounting policies are discussed in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in the 2007 Form 10-K.  Critical accounting estimates are those that management believes are both most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and operating results, and require management's most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain.  Judgments and uncertainties affecting the application of those policies may result in materially different amounts being reported under different conditions or using different assumptions.  We consider the following accounting estimates to be most critical in understanding the judgments that are involved in preparing our consolidated financial statements.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Provision for Asset Dispositions

In accordance with SFAS No. 144 “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” we assess the impairment of long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.  Recoverability of assets is measured by comparing the carrying value to the undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset.  In addition to the recoverability test, we consider the likelihood of
 
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possible outcomes existing at the balance sheet date, including the assessment of the likelihood of the future sale of the asset.  If the asset will be classified as held and used, then the asset is written down to its estimated fair value.  If the asset will be classified as held for sale, then the asset is written down to its estimated fair value, net of estimated costs of disposal.  Judgments and estimates that we make related to the expected useful lives of long-lived assets are affected by factors such as changes in economic conditions and changes in operating performance. As we assess the ongoing expected cash flows and carrying amounts of our long-lived assets, these factors could cause us to realize a material impairment charge.  From time to time we have decided to exit from or dispose of certain operating units.  Typically, such decisions are made based on operating performance or strategic considerations and must be made before the actual costs or proceeds of disposition are known, and management must make estimates of these outcomes.  Such outcomes could include the sale of a property or leasehold, mitigating costs through a tenant or subtenant, or negotiating a buyout of a remaining lease term.  In these instances management evaluates possible outcomes, frequently using outside real estate and legal advice, and records in the financial statements provisions for the effect of such outcomes.  The accuracy of such provisions can vary materially from original estimates, and we regularly monitor the adequacy of the provisions until final disposition occurs.  We have not made any material changes in our methodology for assessing impairments during the first six months of 2008 and we do not believe that there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the estimates or assumptions used by us to assess impairment on long-lived assets.

As discussed above, during the six months ended February 1, 2008, we closed two Cracker Barrel stores, which resulted in impairment charges of $532 and store closing charges of $345.  We recorded no impairment losses  or store closing charges for the six-months period ended January 26, 2007.

Insurance Reserves

We self-insure a significant portion of our expected workers’ compensation, general liability and health insurance claims. We have purchased insurance for individual claims that exceed $500 and $1,000 for certain coverages since 2004.  Since 2004, we have elected not to purchase such insurance for our primary group health program, but our offered benefits are limited to not more than $1,000 lifetime for any employee (including dependents) in the program.  We record a liability for workers’ compensation and general liability for all unresolved claims and for an estimate of incurred but not reported claims at the anticipated cost to us based upon an actuarially determined reserve as of the end of our third quarter and adjusting it by the actuarially determined losses and actual claims payments for the subsequent quarters until the next annual actuarial study of our reserve requirements.  Those reserves and these losses are determined actuarially from a range of possible outcomes within which no given estimate is more likely than any other estimate.  In accordance with SFAS No. 5, “Accounting for Contingencies,” we record the actuarially determined losses at the low end of that range and discount them to present value using a risk-free interest rate based on the actuarially projected timing of payments.  We also monitor actual claims development, including incurrence or settlement of individual large claims during the interim period between actuarial studies as another means of estimating the adequacy of its reserves.  From time to time, we perform limited scope interim updates of our actuarial studies to verify and/or modify our reserves.  During the second quarter of 2008, we performed such an update, which resulted in a pre-tax reduction to workers’ compensation of $1,613 and a pre-tax reduction to general liability of $978.  During the prior second quarter ended January 26, 2007, a limited scope actuarial review resulted in a pre-tax reduction in the expected losses for workers’ compensation and a net pre-tax reduction of $2,987 was recorded, comprised of a pre-tax reduction for workers’ compensation of $5,532 and an expense for general liability of $2,545.  We record a liability for our group health program for all unpaid claims based upon a loss development analysis derived from actual group health claims payment experience provided by our third-party administrator.

We have not made any material changes in the accounting methodology used to establish our insurance reserves during the first six months of 2008 and do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the estimates or assumptions used to calculate the insurance reserves.  Our accounting policies regarding insurance reserves include certain actuarial assumptions and management judgments regarding economic conditions, the frequency and severity of claims and claim development history and settlement practices.
 
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Unanticipated changes in these factors may produce materially different amounts of expense and liabilities that would be reported under these insurance programs.

Inventory Shrinkage

Cost of goods sold includes the cost of retail merchandise sold at the Cracker Barrel stores utilizing the retail inventory accounting method.  It includes an estimate of shortages that are adjusted upon physical inventory counts in subsequent periods.  During the third quarter of 2007, Cracker Barrel changed the timing of its physical inventory counts for its stores; physical inventory counts are conducted throughout the third and fourth quarters of the fiscal year based upon a cyclical inventory schedule.  Prior to this change, physical inventory counts for all Cracker Barrel stores and the retail distribution center were conducted as of the end of the fiscal year and shrink was recorded based on the year-end physical inventory counts.  In addition, mid-year physical inventory counts were conducted at the retail distribution center and in a sample of Cracker Barrel stores.  Estimated shrinkage was recorded based on the physical inventory counts taken.  Consistent with prior year, Cracker Barrel performed a mid-year physical inventory count in its retail distribution center during the second quarter of 2008.

During 2007, Cracker Barrel also changed its method for calculating inventory shrinkage for the time period between physical inventory counts by using a three-year average of the results from the current year physical inventory and the previous two physical inventories on a store-by-store basis. Actual shrinkage recorded may produce materially different amounts of shrinkage than we have estimated for the quarters ended on November 2, 2007 and February 1, 2008.

Tax Provision

We must make estimates of certain items that comprise our income tax provision.  These estimates include effective state and local income tax rates, employer tax credits for items such as FICA taxes paid on tip income, Work Opportunity and Welfare to Work, as well as estimates related to certain depreciation and capitalization policies.  Also, effective August 4, 2007, we adopted FIN 48. FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.  FIN 48 requires that a position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return be recognized (or derecognized) in the financial statements when it is more likely than not (i.e., a likelihood of more than fifty percent) that the position would be sustained upon examination by tax authorities.  A recognized tax position is then measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement.  FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition.

Our estimates are made based on current tax laws, the best available information at the time of the provision and historical experience.  We file our income tax returns many months after our year-end.  These returns are subject to audit by various federal and state governments years after the returns are filed and could be subject to differing interpretations of the tax laws.  We then must assess the likelihood of successful legal proceedings or reach a settlement with the relevant taxing authority, either of which could result in material adjustments to our consolidated financial statements and our consolidated financial position (see Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in the 2007 Form 10-K).

Unredeemed Gift Cards and Certificates

Unredeemed gift cards and certificates represent a liability related to unearned income and are recorded at their expected redemption value.  No revenue is recognized in connection with the point-of-sale transaction when gift cards or gift certificates are sold.  For those states that exempt gift cards and certificates from their escheat laws, we make estimates of the ultimate unredeemed (“breakage”) gift cards and certificates in the period of the original sale and amortize this breakage over the redemption period that other gift cards and certificates historically have been redeemed by reducing the liability and recording revenue accordingly.  For those states that do not exempt gift cards
 
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and certificates from their escheat laws, we record breakage in the period that gift cards and certificates are remitted to the state and reduce our liability accordingly.  Any amounts remitted to states under escheat laws reduce our deferred revenue liability and have no effect on revenue or expense while any amounts that we are permitted to retain by state escheat laws for administrative costs are recorded as revenue.  Changes in redemption behavior or management's judgments regarding redemption trends in the future may produce materially different amounts of deferred revenue to be reported.  If gift cards and certificates that have been removed from the liability are later redeemed, we recognize revenue and reduce the liability as we would with any redemption.  Additionally, the initial reduction to the liability would be reversed to offset the redemption.

We have not made any material changes in the methodology used to record the deferred revenue liability for unredeemed gift cards and certificates during the first six months of 2008 and do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be material changes in the future estimates or assumptions used to record this liability.  However, if actual results are not consistent with our estimates or assumptions, we may be exposed to losses or gains that could be material.

Share-Based Compensation

In accordance with SFAS No. 123 (Revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS No. 123R”), share-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized as expense over the requisite service period.  Our policy is to recognize compensation cost for awards with only service conditions and a graded vesting schedule on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award.  Additionally, our policy is to issue new shares of common stock to satisfy stock option exercises or grants of nonvested shares.
 
The fair value of each option award granted subsequent to the adoption of SFAS No. 123R on July 29, 2005 has been estimated on the date of grant using a binomial lattice-based option valuation model.  This model incorporates the following ranges of assumptions:

·  
The expected volatility is a blend of implied volatility based on market-traded options on our stock and historical volatility of our stock over the contractual life of the options.
·  
We use historical data to estimate option exercise and employee termination behavior within the valuation model; separate groups of employees that have similar historical exercise behavior are considered separately for valuation purposes.  The expected life of options granted is derived from the output of the option valuation model and represents the period of time the options are expected to be outstanding.
·  
The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for periods within the contractual life of the option.
·  
The expected dividend yield is based on our current dividend yield as the best estimate of projected dividend yield for periods within the contractual life of the option.

The expected volatility, option exercise and termination assumptions involve management’s best estimates at that time, all of which impact the fair value of the option calculated by the binomial lattice-based option valuation model and, ultimately, the expense that will be recognized over the life of the option.  We update the historical and implied components of the expected volatility assumption quarterly.  We update option exercise and termination assumptions quarterly.  The expected life is a by-product of the lattice model and is updated when new grants are made.

SFAS No. 123R also requires that compensation expense be recognized for only the portion of options that are expected to vest.  Therefore, an estimated forfeiture rate derived from historical employee termination behavior, grouped by job classification, is applied against share-based compensation expense.  The forfeiture rate is applied on a straight-line basis over the service (vesting) period for each separately vesting portion of the award as if the award was, in-substance, multiple awards.  We update the estimated forfeiture rate to actual on each of the vesting dates and
 
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adjust compensation expense accordingly, so that the amount of compensation cost recognized at any date is at least equal to the portion of the grant-date value of the award that is vested at that date.

We do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the future estimates or assumptions used to determine share-based compensation expense.  However, if actual results are not consistent with our estimates or assumptions, we may be exposed to changes in share-based compensation expense that could be material.

Legal Proceedings

We are parties to various legal and regulatory proceedings and claims incidental to our business.  In the opinion of management, however, based upon information currently available, the ultimate liability with respect to these actions will not materially affect our consolidated results of operations or financial position.  We review outstanding claims and proceedings internally and with external counsel as necessary to assess probability of loss and for the ability to estimate loss.  These assessments are re-evaluated each quarter or as new information becomes available to determine whether a reserve should be established or if any existing reserve should be adjusted.  The actual cost of resolving a claim or proceeding ultimately may be substantially different than the amount of the recorded reserve.  In addition, because it is not permissible under GAAP to establish a litigation reserve until the loss is both probable and estimable, in some cases there may be insufficient time to establish a reserve prior to the actual incurrence of the loss (upon verdict and judgment at trial, for example, or in the case of a quickly negotiated settlement).

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Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Part II, Item 7A of the 2007 Form 10-K is incorporated in this item of this Quarterly Report by this reference.  There have been no material changes in our quantitative and qualitative market risks since August 3, 2007.

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures

Our management, with the participation of our principal executive and financial officers, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Interim Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(f) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)).  Based upon this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Interim Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of February 1, 2008, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective for the purposes set forth in the definition thereof in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e).

There have been no changes (including corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses) during the quarter ended February 1, 2008 in our internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f)) that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.



29

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 
Item 1A. Risk Factors
   
 
There have been no material changes in the risk factors previously disclosed in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of the Company’s 2007 Form 10-K for the year ended August 3, 2007.
   
Item 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity and Use of Proceeds
   
 
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities
   
 
There were no equity securities sold by the Company during the period covered by this Form 10-Q that were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
   
 
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
   
 
The following table sets forth information with respect to purchases of shares of the Company’s common stock made during the quarter ended February 1, 2008 by or on behalf of the Company or any “affiliated purchaser,” as defined by Rule 10b-18(a)(3) of the Exchange Act:
                      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Period
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average
Price Paid Per
Share (1)
 
 
Total Number
 of Shares
Purchased as
Part of
Publicly
Announced
Plans or
Programs
 
 
Maximum
Number of
Shares that
May Yet Be
Purchased
Under the
Plans or
 Programs (2)
 
11/3/07 – 11/30/07
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
1,000,000
 
12/1/07 – 12/28/07
   
1,000,000
   
$            34.09
   
1,000,000
   
           --
 
12/29/07 – 2/1/08
   
625,000
   
$            29.26
   
625,000
   
                       --
 
Total for the quarter
   
1,625,000
   
$            32.23
   
1,625,000
   
                       --
 
 
(1)  
Average price paid per share is calculated on a settlement basis and includes commissions and fees.
(2)  
On September 20, 2007, the Company announced a share repurchase program for up to 1,000,000 shares of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock with no expiration date.  On January 22, 2008, the Company announced a share repurchase program for up to 625,000 additional shares of its common stock with no expiration date.  The Company completed these share repurchase programs during the second quarter of 2008.
 
 
Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
   
 
Part II, Item 4 of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarterly Period ended November 2, 2007 (filed with the SEC on December 12, 2007) is incorporated herein by this reference.
 
Item 6.  Exhibits
   
  See Exhibit Index immediately following the signature page hereto.
 
 
             


30

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.


 
CBRL GROUP, INC.
 
       
       
       
Date: 3/12/08 
By:
/s/ N.B. Forrest Shoaf  
    N.B. Forrest Shoaf  
   
Senior Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel and Interim Chief Financial Officer
                                      
       

     
       
Date: 3/12/08 
By:
/s/ Patrick A. Scruggs   
    Patrick A. Scruggs  
   
Vice President, Accounting and Tax
and Chief Accounting Officer
 
       



31

 
 
 
EXHIBIT INDEX
   
       
Exhibit No. Description    
       
31 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications  
       
32 Section 1350 Certifications  
 
 
 
 
 
32