SEC Filing | The Chefs' Warehouse, Inc.

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

☒

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 28, 2014

☐

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: 001-35249

THE CHEFS’ WAREHOUSE, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	20-3031526
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

100 East Ridge Road Ridgefield, Connecticut	06877
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (203) 894-1345

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 ☒ No ☐

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer	☐	Accelerated filer	☒

Non-accelerated filer	☐ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)	Smaller reporting company	☐

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

Number of shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share, outstanding at May 1, 2014: 25,042,769

THE CHEFS’ WAREHOUSE, INC.

FORM 10-Q

Table of Contents

		Page
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.	Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	4

	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 28, 2014 and December 27, 2013	4

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income for the 13 weeks ended March 28, 2014 and March 29, 2013	5

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the 13 weeks ended March 28, 2014 and March 29, 2013	6

	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	7

Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	15

Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk	23

Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	24

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	25

Item 1A.	Risk Factors	25

Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	25

Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	25

Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	25

Item 5.	Other Information	25

Item 6.	Exhibits	26

	Signature	27

CAUTION CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements in this report regarding the business of The Chefs’ Warehouse, Inc. (the “Company”) that are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that involve risks and uncertainties and are based on current expectations and management estimates; actual results may differ materially. Words such as “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates” and variations of these words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond our control, are difficult to predict and/or could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties which could impact these statements include, but are not limited to, the Company’s sensitivity to general economic conditions, including the current economic environment, changes in disposable income levels and consumer discretionary spending on food-away-from-home purchases; the Company’s vulnerability to economic and other developments in the geographic markets in which it operates; the risks of supply chain interruptions due to lack of long-term contracts, severe weather or more prolonged climate change, work stoppages or otherwise; the risk of loss of customers due to the fact the Company does not customarily have long-term contracts with its customers; changes in the availability or cost of the Company’s specialty food products; the ability to effectively price the Company’s specialty food products and reduce the Company’s expenses; the relatively low margins of the foodservice distribution industry and the Company’s sensitivity to inflationary and deflationary pressures; the Company’s ability to successfully identify, obtain financing for and complete acquisitions of other foodservice distributors and to integrate and realize expected synergies from those acquisitions; the Company’s ability to deploy the remaining net proceeds from its September 2013 common stock offering within the time frame currently contemplated; the Company’s ability to open, and begin servicing customers from, a new Chicago distribution center and the expenses associated therewith; increased fuel costs and expectations regarding the use of fuel surcharges; fluctuations in the wholesale prices of beef, poultry and seafood, including increases in these prices as a result of increases in the cost of feeding and caring for livestock; the loss of key members of the Company’s management team and the Company’s ability to replace such personnel; the strain on the Company’s infrastructure and resources caused by its growth; the Company’s ability to recover its losses related to the accounting issue at its Michael’s Finer Meats subsidiary from the former owners of that business; the results of the Company’s continuing investigation into the accounting issue involving its Michael’s Finer Meats subsidiary; and other risks and uncertainties included under the heading “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 12, 2014 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

THE CHEFS’ WAREHOUSE, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands, except share data)

	March 28, 2014			December 27, 2013
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	26, 128		$	20,014
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $3,640 in 2014 and $3,642 in 2013		74,208			76,413
Inventories, net		64,399			64,710
Deferred taxes, net		3,282			2,708
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		5, 561			16,250
Total current assets		173, 578			180,095
Restricted cash		2,071			5,578
Equipment and leasehold improvements, net		33,876			27,589
Software costs, net		2,115			2,265
Goodwill		78,814			78,026
Intangible assets, net		55,886			57,450
Other assets		3,754			3,755
Total assets	$	3 50,094		$	354,758
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	30, 947		$	33,925
Accrued liabilities		17, 583			15,803
Accrued compensation		5,070			5,996
Current portion of long-term debt		7,091			6,867
Total current liabilities		60,691			62,591
Long-term debt, net of current portion		139,990			140,847
Deferred taxes, net		8,261			8,338
Other liabilities and deferred credits		8,284			10,917
Total liabilities		21 7,226			222,693
Commitments and contingencies:
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred Stock—$0.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding March 28, 2014 and December 27, 2013		—			—
Common Stock—$0.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 25,038,562 and 25,032,216 shares issued and outstanding March 28, 2014 and December 27, 2013, respectively		250			250
Additional paid in capital		97,095			96,973
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment		(521	)		(215	)
Retained earnings		36,0 44			35,057
Stockholders’ equity		13 2,868			132,065
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	3 50,094		$	354,758

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

THE CHEFS’ WAREHOUSE, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

	13 Week Period Ended
	March 28, 2014		March 29, 2013
Net sales	$	187,183	$	139,419
Cost of sales		14 1,115		104,265
Gross profit		46, 068		35,154
Operating expenses		42,3 17		29,257
Operating income		3,751		5,897
Interest expense		2,059		1,367
Income before income taxes		1,692		4,530
Provision for income tax expense		703		1,883
Net income	$	989	$	2,647
Other comprehensive loss:
Foreign currency translation adjustments		306		—
Comprehensive income	$	683	$	2,647
Net income per share:
Basic	$	0.0 4	$	0.13
Diluted	$	0.0 4	$	0.13
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic		24,618,054		20,747,734
Diluted		24,839,563		20,993,918

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

THE CHEFS’ WAREHOUSE, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands)

	13 Week Period Ended
	March 28, 2014			March 29, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	989		$	2,647
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation		797			668
Amortization		1,468			1,076
Provision for allowance for doubtful accounts		130			192
Deferred credits		37			119
Deferred taxes		(929	)		1,515
Amortization of deferred financing fees		216			143
Stock compensation		355			289
Change in fair value of earnouts		195			—
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable		2,246			5,439
Inventories		52			2,740
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		10, 682			677
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		( 2,900	)		(2,018	)
Other liabilities		(2,720	)		30
Other assets		(155	)		(59	)
Net cash provided by operating activities		10, 463			13,458
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures		(5,817	)		(1,380	)
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash received		—			(21,885	)
Net cash used in investing activities		(5,817	)		(23,265	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payment of debt		(1,758	)		(2,043	)
Payment of deferred financing fees		(17	)		(45	)
Surrender of shares to pay withholding taxes		(233	)		(63	)
Change in restricted cash		3,507			2,575
Borrowings under revolving credit line		—			24,400
Payments under revolving credit line		—			(13,900	)
Net cash provided by financing activities		1,499			10,924
Effect of foreign currency on cash and cash equivalents		(31	)		—
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents		6, 114			1,117
Cash and cash equivalents-beginning of period		20,014			118
Cash and cash equivalents-end of period	$	26, 128		$	1,235
Supplemental cash flow disclosures:
Cash paid for income taxes	$	115		$	601
Cash paid for interest	$	1,981		$	1,126
Noncash investing activity:
Software financing	$	1,117		$	—

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

THE CHEFS’ WAREHOUSE, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS AND PER SHARE DATA)

(Information as of March 28, 2014 and for the 13 weeks ended March 28, 2014 and

March 29 , 2013 is unaudited)

Note 1—Operations and Basis of Presentation

Description of Business and Basis of Presentation

The financial statements include the consolidated accounts of The Chefs’ Warehouse, Inc. (the “Company”) and its direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries. The Company’s quarterly periods end on the thirteenth Friday of each quarter. Every six to seven years the Company will add a fourteenth week to its fourth quarter to more closely align its year end to the calendar year. The Company operates in one segment, food product distribution. The Company’s customer base consists primarily of menu-driven independent restaurants, fine dining establishments, country clubs, hotels, caterers, patisseries, culinary schools and specialty food stores.

Consolidation

The condensed consolidated financial statements include all the accounts of The Chefs’ Warehouse, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Unaudited Interim Financial Statements

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the related interim information contained within the notes to such condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and the applicable rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for interim information and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and disclosures required by GAAP for complete financial statements. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2013 filed as part of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the SEC on March 12, 2014.

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements appearing in this Form 10-Q have been prepared on the same basis as the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the SEC on March 12, 2014, and in the opinion of management include all normal recurring adjustments that are necessary for the fair statement of the Company’s interim period results. The year-end condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from the audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP. Due to seasonal fluctuations and other factors, the results of operations for the 13 weeks ended March 28, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from management’s estimates.

Note 2—Earnings Per Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income per share:

	13 Weeks Ended
	March 28, 2014		March 29, 2013
Net income	$	989	$	2,647
Net income per share:
Basic	$	0.0 4	$	0.13
Diluted	$	0.0 4	$	0.13
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic		24,618,054		20,747,734
Diluted		24,839,563		20,993,918

Reconciliation of net income per common share:

	13 Weeks Ended
	March 28, 2014		March 29, 2013
Numerator:
Net income	$	989	$	2,647
Denominator:
Weighted average basic common shares outstanding		24,618,054		20,747,734
Dilutive effect of unvested common shares		221,509		246,184
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding		24,839,563		20,993,918

Note 3—Fair Value Measurements; Fair Value of Financial Instruments

We account for certain assets and liabilities at fair value. We categorize each of our fair value measurements in one of the following three levels based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety:

Level 1—Inputs to the valuation methodology are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets.

Level 2—Observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities include the following:

quoted prices for similar assets in active markets;

quoted prices for identical or similar assets in inactive markets;

inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset; and

inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.

If the asset has a specified (contractual) term, the Level 2 input must be observable for substantially the full term of the asset.

Level 3—Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable (i.e., supported by little or no market activity) and significant to the fair value measure.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value

As of March 28, 2014 the Company’s only assets or liabilities measured at fair value were the contingent earn-out liabilities for the Queensgate and Allen Brothers acquisitions. These liabilities were estimated using Level 3 inputs and had fair values of $968 and $6,509 at March 28, 2014, respectively for Queensgate and Allen Brothers. These liabilities are reflected in accrued liabilities and other liabilities on the balance sheet. The fair value of contingent consideration was determined based on a probability-based approach which includes projected results, percentage probability of occurrence and discount rate to present value the payments. A significant change in projected results, discount rate, or probabilities of occurrence could result in a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement. As of December 27, 2013, the contingent earnout liabilities for the Queensgate and Allen Brothers acquisitions were $960 and $6,322 , respectively for Queensgate and Allen Brothers, and reflected in other liabilities on the balance sheet. The increase in the earn-out liabilities of $8 for Queensgate and $187 for Allen Brothers were reflected in operating expenses during the 13 weeks ended March 28, 2014.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying amounts reported in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets for accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value due to the immediate to short-term maturity of these financial instruments. The fair values of the revolving credit facilities and term loans approximated their book values as of March 28, 2014 and December 27, 2013, as these instruments had variable interest rates that reflected current market rates. The carrying amount of the Company’s senior secured notes at March 28, 2014 and December 27, 2013 approximates fair value as the interest rate obtained by the Company approximates the prevailing interest rates for similar instruments.

Note 4—Acquisitions

The Company accounts for acquisitions in accordance with ASC 805 “Business Combinations”. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet at their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date. Results of operations are included in the Company’s financial statements from the date of acquisition. For the acquisitions noted below, the Company used the income approach to determine the fair value of the customer relationships, the relief from royalty method to determine the fair value of trademarks and the comparison of economic income using the with/without approach to determine the fair value of non-compete agreements. The Company used Level 3 inputs to determine the fair value of all these intangible assets.

On December 11, 2013, the Company acquired substantially all the assets of Allen Brothers (and its subsidiaries) based in Chicago, Illinois. Founded in 1893, Allen Brothers is a leading processor and distributor of premium quality meats to the nation’s finest restaurants, hotels, casinos and country clubs. In addition, Allen Brothers supplies many of those same high quality products to consumers through a direct mail and e-commerce platform. The total purchase price for the business is expected to be approximately $33,439 (subject to customary working capital adjustments), of which $23,939 was paid at closing with cash proceeds from the Company’s September 2013 common stock offering. The remaining $9,500 represents liabilities assumed by the Company and earnout consideration to be paid upon the achievement of certain performance milestones over the next four years. The contingent earnout liability may increase the purchase price by up to $7,000 based upon the achievement of certain EBITDA and revenue milestones over a four-year period following the closing. At December 11, 2013, the Company estimated the fair value of this contingent consideration to be $6,322 based upon the most likely expected payout. This contingent liability will be adjusted to fair value on a quarterly basis and is estimated to be $6,509 at March 28, 2014. The Company expensed $300 of professional fees in operating expenses related to the acquisition during the year ended December 27, 2013. The Company is in the process of performing a valuation of the tangible and intangible assets of Allen Brothers as of the acquisition date. These assets will be valued at fair value using Level 3 inputs. Other intangible assets are expected to be amortized over 20 years. Goodwill for the Allen Brothers acquisition will be amortized over 15 years for tax purposes.

On May 1, 2013, the Company acquired 100% of the equity interests of Qzina Specialty Foods North America Inc. (“Qzina”), a British Columbia, Canada corporation based in Pompano Beach, Florida. Founded in 1982, Qzina is a leading supplier of gourmet chocolate, dessert and pastry products dedicated to the pastry professional. At the time of its acquisition, Qzina supplied some of the finest restaurants, bakeries, patisseries, chocolatiers, hotels and cruise lines throughout the U.S. and Canada. The total purchase price for Qzina was approximately $31,796 at closing, net of $578 of cash (subject to customary post-closing working capital adjustments) and was funded with borrowings under the revolving credit facility portion of the Company’s senior secured credit facilities. The Company expensed $149 of legal fees in operating expenses related to the acquisition in the year ended December 27, 2013. The Company has completed a formal valuation of the tangible and intangible assets of Qzina, as of the acquisition date. These assets were valued at fair value using Level 3 inputs. Other intangible assets consist of trademarks, which will be amortized over 20 years, customer relationships, which will be amortized over 20 years, and covenants not to compete, which will be amortized over 2-5 years. Goodwill for the Qzina acquisition will not be deductible for tax purposes.

On December 31, 2012, the Company purchased substantially all the assets of Queensgate Foodservice (“Queensgate”), a foodservice distributor based in Cincinnati, Ohio. The purchase price for Queensgate was approximately $21,934, which the Company financed with borrowings under the revolving credit facility portion of the Company’s then-existing senior secured credit facilities. Additionally, the purchase price may have been increased by up to $2,400 based upon the achievement of certain EBITDA milestones over a two-year period following the closing. At December 31, 2012, the Company estimated the fair value of this contingent consideration to be $2,118 based upon the most likely expected payout. This contingent liability will be adjusted to fair value on a quarterly basis and is estimated to be $968 at March 28, 2014. Queensgate did not meet the targeted EBITDA thresholds requiring payment for fiscal 2013 results, and the liability for this portion of the earnout was taken into income during 2013. The Company expensed $69 of legal fees in operating expenses related to the acquisition in the year ended December 27, 2013. The Company has completed a formal valuation of the tangible and intangible assets of Queensgate. These assets were valued at fair value using Level 3 inputs. Other intangible assets consist of customer relationships, which will be amortized over 7 years, and covenants not to compete, which will be amortized over 5 years. Goodwill for the Queensgate acquisition will be amortized for tax purposes over 15 years.

The table below details the assets and liabilities acquired as part of the acquisitions of Allen Brothers, which was effective as of December 9, 2013, Qzina, which was effective as of May 1, 2013 and Queensgate, which was effective as of December 31, 2012, and the allocation of the purchase price paid in connection with these acquisitions.

	Allen Brothers			Qzina			Queensgate
Current assets	$	15,797		$	22,498		$	4,140
Customer relationships		—			6,070			1,520
Trademarks		—			4,411			—
Goodwill		11,826			5,845			15,243
Other intangibles		9,275			—			—
Non-compete agreement		—			2,480			2,920
Fixed assets		4,842			906			1,909
Other assets		33			—			—
Deferred tax liability		—			(4,302	)		(863	)
Capital leases		—			(137	)		—
Earn-out liability		(6,32 2	)		—			(2,118	)
Pension exit liability		(2,500	)		—			—
Unfavorable leases		—			(6	)		—
Current liabilities		( 9,012	)		(5,391	)		(817	)
Cash purchase price	$	23,939		$	32,374		$	21,934

The table below presents pro forma consolidated income statement information as if Qzina and Allen Brothers had been included in the Company’s consolidated results for fiscal 2013. The pro forma results were prepared from financial information obtained from the sellers of the business, as well as information obtained during the due diligence process associated with the acquisitions. The pro forma information has been prepared using the purchase method of accounting, giving effect to the acquisitions as if the acquisitions had been completed on December 29, 2012. The pro forma information is not necessarily indicative of the Company’s results of operations had the acquisitions been completed on the above date, nor is it necessarily indicative of the Company’s future results. The pro forma information does not reflect any cost savings from operating efficiencies or synergies that could result from the acquisitions and also does not reflect additional revenue opportunities following the acquisitions. The pro forma information reflects amortization and depreciation of the acquisitions at their respective fair values based on available information and to give effect to the financing for the acquisitions and related transactions.

	13 Weeks Ended March 29, 2013
Net sales	$	173,614
Income before provision for income taxes		4,505

Note 5—Inventory

Inventory consists of finished product and is recorded on a first-in, first-out basis. Inventory is reflected net of reserves for shrinkage and obsolescence totaling $810 and $683 at March 28, 2014 and December 27, 2013, respectively.

Note 6—Restricted Cash

On April 26, 2012, Dairyland HP LLC (“DHP”) entered into a financing arrangement under the New Markets Tax Credit (“NMTC”) program under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), pursuant to which Commercial Lending II LLC (“CLII”), a community development entity and a subsidiary of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., provided to DHP an $11,000 construction loan (the “NMTC Loan”) to help fund DHP’s expansion and build-out of the Company’s new Bronx, NY distribution facility. The proceeds from this loan are reflected as restricted cash on the balance sheet. For more information on the NMTC Loan see Note 9.

Note 7—Equipment and Leasehold Improvements

As of the dates indicated, plant, equipment and leasehold improvements consisted of the following:

		As of
	Useful Lives	March 28, 2014			December 27, 2013
Land	Indefinite	$	1,464		$	1,464
Buildings	20 years		3,672			3,672
Machinery and equipment	5-10 years		7,106			7,111
Computers, data processing and other equipment	3-7 years		6,030			6,006
Leasehold improvements	7-15 years		8,990			9,091
Furniture and fixtures	7 years		826			622
Vehicles	5 years		1,002			1,001
Other	7 years		95			95
Construction-in-process			21,167			14,414
			50,352			43,476
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization			(16,476	)		(15,887	)
Equipment and leasehold improvements, net		$	33,876		$	27,589

Construction-in-process at March 28, 2014 and December 27, 2013 related primarily to the build out of the Company’s new distribution facilities in Bronx, NY and Las Vegas, NV, and the implementation of its JD Edwards ERP system. The Company expects to spend approximately $24,000 to complete these projects over the remainder of fiscal 2014.

At March 28, 2014 and December 27, 2013, the Company had $820 of equipment and vehicles financed by capital leases. The Company recorded depreciation of $52 and $40 on these assets during the 13 weeks ended March 28, 2014 and March 29, 2013, respectively.

Depreciation expense on equipment and leasehold improvements was $659 and $562 for the 13 weeks ended March 28, 2014 and March 27, 2013, respectively.

Gross capitalized software costs were $3,839 at March 28, 2014 and $3,837 at December 27, 2013. Capitalized software is recorded net of accumulated amortization of $1,724 and $1,572 at March 28, 2014 and December 27, 2013, respectively. Depreciation expense on software was $86 and $59 for the 13 weeks ended March 28, 2014 and March 29, 2013, respectively.

During the 13 weeks ended March 28, 2014 and March 29, 2013, the Company incurred interest expense of $2,059 and $1,367 respectively. The Company capitalized interest expense of $121 and $11, respectively, during the same periods. Capitalized interest related to the build outs of the new distribution facilities in Bronx, NY and Las Vegas, NV.

Note 8—Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill are presented as follows:

Carrying amount as of December 28, 2012	$	45,359
Goodwill increases		32,719
Foreign currency translation		(52	)
Carrying amount as of December 27, 2013		78,026
Goodwill increases		826
Foreign currency translation		(38	)
Carrying amount as of March 28, 2014	$	78,814

Other intangible assets consist of customer relationships, which are amortized over a period ranging from 6 to 13 years, trademarks, which are amortized over a period ranging from 1 to 20 years, and non-compete agreements, which are amortized over a period of 2 to 6 years. Other intangible assets were comprised of the following at March 28, 2014 and December 27, 2013:

	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Amount
March 28, 2014
Customer relationships	$	29,305	$	(4,776	)	$	24,529
Non-compete agreements		7,131		(1,765	)		5,366
Other amortizable intangibles		9,274		(284	)		8,990
Trademarks		18,706		(1,705	)		17,001
Total	$	64,416	$	(8,530	)	$	55,886
December 27, 2013
Customer relationships	$	29,439	$	(4,199	)	$	25,240
Non-compete agreements		7,131		(1,412	)		5,719
Other amortizable intangibles		9,274		(54	)		9,220
Trademarks		18,804		(1,533	)		17,271
Total	$	64,648	$	(7,198	)	$	57,450

Amortization expense for other intangibles was $1,468 and $1,076 for the 13 weeks ended March 28, 2014 and March 29, 2013, respectively.

Estimated amortization expense for other intangibles for the 12 months ended December 26, 2014 and each of the next four fiscal years and thereafter is as follows:

2014	$	5,879
2015		5,850
2016		5,830
2017		5,794
2018		4,655
Thereafter		29,346
Total	$	57,354

Note 9—Debt Obligations

Debt obligations as of March 28, 2014 and December 27, 2013 consisted of the following:

	March 28, 2014			December 27, 2013
Senior secured notes	$	100,000		$	100,000
Term loan		31,500			33,000
New Markets Tax Credit loan		11,000			11,000
Capital leases and financed software		4,581			3,714
Total debt obligations		147,081			147,714
Less: current installments		(7,091	)		(6,867	)
Total debt obligations excluding current installments	$	139,990		$	140,847

On April 25, 2012, Dairyland, The Chefs’ Warehouse Mid-Atlantic, LLC, Bel Canto Foods, LLC, The Chefs’ Warehouse West Coast, LLC, The Chefs’ Warehouse of Florida, LLC (each, a “Borrower” and collectively, the “Borrowers”), the Company and Chefs’ Warehouse Parent, LLC (together with the Company, the “Guarantors”) entered into a senior secured credit facility (the “Credit Agreement”) with the lenders from time to time party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (“Chase”), as Administrative Agent, and the other parties thereto. The Credit Agreement replaced the credit agreement that the Borrowers and the Guarantors entered into in connection with the Company’s initial public offering. On August 29, 2012, Michael’s Finer Meats Holdings, LLC and Michael’s Finer Meats, LLC each was added as a Guarantor under the Credit Agreement. On January 24, 2013, The Chefs’ Warehouse Midwest, LLC was added as a Guarantor under the Credit Agreement.

The Credit Agreement provided for a senior secured term loan facility (the “Term Loan Facility”) in the aggregate amount of up to $40,000 (the loans thereunder, the “Term Loans”) and a senior secured revolving loan facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility” and, together with the Term Loan Facility, the “Credit Facilities”) of up to an aggregate amount of $100,000 (the loans thereunder, the “Revolving Credit Loans”). The Credit Agreement also provided that the Borrowers could, at their option, increase the aggregate amount of borrowings under either the Revolving Credit Facility or the Term Loan Facility in an aggregate amount up to $40,000 (but in not less than $10,000 increments) (the “Accordion”) without the consent of any lenders not participating in such increase, subject to certain customary conditions and lenders committing to provide the increase in funding. The final maturity of the Term Loans and Revolving Credit Facility was April 25, 2017. Subject to adjustment for prepayments, the Company was required to make quarterly principal payments on the Term Loans on June 30, September 30, December 31 and March 31, with the first four quarterly payments equal to $1,000 per quarter and the last sixteen quarterly payments equal to $1,500 per quarter, with the remaining balance due upon maturity.

The Credit Facilities were secured by substantially all the assets of the Borrowers and the Guarantors with the exception of equity interests in and assets of DHP. Borrowings under the Credit Facilities bore interest at the Company’s option of either (i) the alternate base rate (representing the greatest of (1) Chase’s prime rate, (2) the federal funds effective rate for overnight borrowings plus 1/2 of 1% and (3) the Adjusted LIBO Rate for one month plus 2.50%) plus in each case the applicable margin of 0.50% for Revolving Credit Loans or Term Loans or (ii), in the case of Eurodollar Borrowings (as defined in the Credit Agreement), the Adjusted LIBO Rate plus the applicable margin of 3.0% for Revolving Credit Loans or Term Loans. The Credit Agreement also included financial covenants that required the Company to meet targeted leverage and fixed charge ratios.

On September 28, 2012, the Borrowers exercised the Accordion under the Credit Agreement in full to increase the aggregate commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility by $40,000. As a result of the Borrowers’ exercise of the Accordion, borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Loans increased from $100,000 to $140,000. All other terms of the Credit Agreement were unchanged.

On April 26, 2012, DHP entered into a financing arrangement under the NMTC program under the Code, pursuant to which CLII provided to DHP the NMTC Loan to help fund DHP’s expansion and build-out of its new Bronx, NY facility, which construction is required under the lease agreement related to such facility. The NMTC Loan is evidenced by a Mortgage Note, dated as of April 26, 2012 (the “Mortgage Note”), between DHP, as maker, and CLII, as payee. Under the Mortgage Note DHP is obligated to pay CLII (i) monthly interest payments on the principal balance then outstanding and (ii) the entire unpaid principal balance then due and owing on April 26, 2017. Interest accrues under the Mortgage Note at 1.00% per annum for as long as DHP is not in default thereunder, which interest shall be calculated on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed over a year of 360 days.

On April 17, 2013, the Borrowers, the Guarantors and the lenders a party thereto entered into an Amendment and Restatement Agreement to amend and restate the Credit Agreement (the “Amended and Restated Credit Agreement”). On May 31, 2013, Qzina Specialty Foods North America (USA), Inc., QZ Acquisition (USA), Inc., The Chefs’ Warehouse Pastry Division, Inc., Qzina Specialty Foods (Ambassador), Inc., Qzina Specialty Foods, Inc. (WA), and Qzina Specialty Foods, Inc. (FL) were added as Guarantors under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. On October 18, 2013, CW LV Real Estate LLC was added as a Guarantor under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. On January 10, 2014, Allen Brothers 1893, LLC and The Great Steakhouse Steaks, LLC were added as Guarantors under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement.

The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement amends and restates the Term Loan Facility and the Revolving Credit Facility. The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement provides for $36,000 in principal amount of Term Loans under the Term Loan Facility and up to an aggregate amount of $140,000 of Revolving Credit Loans under the Revolving Credit Facility. The sublimits for letters of credit and swingline loans under the Credit Facilities were unchanged. Unutilized commitments under the revolving credit facility portion of the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement are subject to a per annum fee of from 0.35% to 0.45%, based on the Company’s leverage ratio. A fronting fee of 0.25% per annum is payable on the face amount of each letter of credit issued under the Credit Facilities.

The final maturity of the Credit Facilities remains April 25, 2017. Subject to adjustment for prepayments, the Company is required to make quarterly principal payments on the Term Loans on June 30, September 30, December 31 and March 31 of each year, with each quarterly payment equal to $1,500, with the remaining balance due upon maturity.

After giving effect to the amendment and restatement thereof, borrowings under the Credit Facilities continue to be secured by all the assets of the Borrowers and Guarantors, with the exception of the equity interests in and assets of DHP, and borrowings thereunder will bear interest at the Company’s option of either (i) the alternate base rate (representing the greatest of (1) Chase’s prime rate, (2) the federal funds effective rate for overnight borrowings plus 1/2 of 1.00% and (3) the adjusted LIBO rate for one month plus 2.50%) plus in each case an applicable margin of from 1.75% to 2.25%, based on the Company’s leverage ratio, or (ii) in the case of Eurodollar Borrowings (as defined in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement), the adjusted LIBO rate plus an applicable margin of from 2.75% to 3.25%, based on the Company’s leverage ratio. The LIBO rate is the rate for eurodollar deposits for a period equal to one, three or six months (as selected by the applicable Borrower) appearing on Reuters Screen LIBOR01 Page (or any successor or substitute page on such screen), at approximately 11:00 a.m. London time, two business days prior to the commencement of the applicable interest period. The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement also includes financial covenants that require the Company to meet targeted leverage and fixed charge ratios.

On April 17, 2013, the Company issued $100,000 in guaranteed senior secured notes (the “Notes”) to Prudential Capital Group, an institutional investment division of Prudential Financial, Inc., through a private placement transaction. The Notes bear an annual interest rate of 5.9% and mature in 2023. The Notes must be repaid in two equal installments of $50,000. The first payment is due on April 17, 2018. The second payment is due at maturity on April 17, 2023. The proceeds from the private placement of the Notes were used to repay borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility. The Notes have financial covenants that are substantially similar to the financial covenants for the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement.

As of March 28, 2014, the Borrowers and Guarantors were in compliance with all debt covenants under the Credit Agreement, the Notes and the related note purchase agreement, DHP was in compliance with all debt covenants under the NMTC Loan and the Company had reserved $3,820 of the Revolving Credit Facility for the issuance of letters of credit. As of March 28, 2014, funds totaling $136,180 were available for borrowing under the Revolving Credit Facility.

Note 10—Stockholders’ Equity

During the first quarter of 2014, the Company granted 26,460 restricted stock awards (“RSAs”) to its employees at a weighted average grant date fair value of $23.61 each. Of these awards, 8,634 were performance-based grants. The Company recognized no expense on the performance-based grants during the first quarter as it is not on track to achieve the performance targets. The remaining awards were time-based grants which will vest over two to four years. During the first quarter of 2014 , the Company recognized expense totaling $22 on these time-based RSAs.

During the 13 weeks ended March 28, 2014, the Company recognized $333 of expense for RSAs issued in prior years.

At March 28, 2014, the Company had 416,095 of unvested RSAs outstanding. At March 28, 2014, the total unrecognized compensation cost for these unvested RSAs was $6,686, and the weighted-average remaining useful life was approximately 17 months. Of this total, $3,321 related to RSAs with time-based vesting provisions and $3,365 related to RSAs with performance-based vesting provisions. At March 28, 2014, the weighted-average remaining useful lives were approximately 20 months for time-based vesting RSAs and 15 months for the performance-based vesting RSAs. No compensation expense related to the Company’s RSAs has been capitalized.

As of March 28, 2014, there were 1,084,683 shares available for grant under the Company’s 2011 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan.

Note 11—Related Parties

The Company leases two warehouse facilities from related parties. These facilities are 100% owned by entities controlled by certain of the Company’s current and former directors and officers and current stockholders and are deemed to be affiliates. Expenses related to these facilities totaled $384 during the 13 weeks ended March 28, 2014. One of the facilities is a distribution facility leased by Dairyland from The Chefs’ Warehouse Leasing Co., LLC. The Chefs’ Warehouse Leasing Co., LLC leases the distribution center from the New York City Industrial Development Agency. In connection with this sublease arrangement, Dairyland and two of the Company’s other subsidiaries are required to act as conditional guarantors of The Chefs’ Warehouse Leasing Co., LLC’s mortgage obligation on the distribution center. The mortgage payoff date is December 2029 and the potential obligation under this guarantee totaled $9,795 at March 28, 2014. On July 1, 2005 the Company entered into a consent and release agreement with the mortgagee in which the entity guarantors were conditionally released from their respective obligations. The Company and the entity guarantors continue to be in compliance with the specified conditions. The Chefs’ Warehouse Leasing Co., LLC has the ability to opt out of its lease agreement with the New York City Industrial Development Agency by giving 60 days’ notice. This action would cause the concurrent reduction in the term of the sublease with Dairyland to December 2014.

One of our non-employee directors, Stephen Hanson, was the President and a 50% owner of a New York City-based multi-concept restaurant operator holding company until December 2013. Certain subsidiaries of this holding company are customers of the Company and its subsidiaries that purchased approximately $888 and $824, respectively during the 13 weeks ended March 28, 2014 and March 29, 2013.

Each of Christopher Pappas and John Pappas owns 8.33% of a New York City-based restaurant customer of the Company and its subsidiaries that purchased approximately $45 and $48, respectively, of products from the Company during the 13 weeks ended March 28, 2014 and March 29, 2013, respectively. Messrs. C. Pappas and J. Pappas have no other interest in the restaurant other than these equity interests and are not involved in the day-to-day operation or management of this restaurant.

ITEM 2.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) is provided as a supplement to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements and footnotes to help provide an understanding of our financial condition, changes in our financial condition and results of operations. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with information included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 12, 2014. Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “Company”, “Chefs’ Warehouse”, “we”, “us” and “our” refer to The Chefs’ Warehouse, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All dollar amounts are in thousands.

OVERVIEW

We are a premier distributor of specialty foods in eight of the leading culinary markets in the United States. We offer more than 30,000 SKUs, ranging from high-quality specialty foods and ingredients to basic ingredients and staples and center-of-the-plate proteins. We serve more than 20,000 customer locations, primarily located in our 14 geographic markets across the United States and Canada, and the majority of our customers are independent restaurants and fine dining establishments. As a result of our acquisition of Allen Brothers, we also sell certain of our center-of-the-plate products directly to consumers.

We believe several key differentiating factors of our business model have enabled us to execute our strategy consistently and profitably across our expanding customer base. These factors consist of a portfolio of distinctive and hard-to-find specialty food products, an extensive selection of center-of-the-plate proteins, a highly trained and motivated sales force, strong sourcing capabilities, a fully integrated warehouse management system, a highly sophisticated distribution and logistics platform and a focused, seasoned management team.

In recent years, our sales to existing and new customers have increased through the continued growth in demand for specialty food products in general; increased market share driven by our large percentage of sophisticated and experienced sales professionals, our high-quality customer service and our extensive breadth and depth of product offerings, including, as a result of our acquisitions of Michael’s in August 2012 and Allen Brothers in December 2013, meat, seafood and other center-of-the-plate products, and, as a result of our acquisition of Qzina in May 2013, gourmet chocolate, pastries and dessert; the acquisition of other specialty food distributors; the expansion of our existing distribution centers; the construction of a new distribution center; and the import and sale of our proprietary brands. Through these efforts, we believe that we have been able to expand our customer base, enhance and diversify our product selections, broaden our geographic penetration and increase our market share.

RECENT ACQUISITIONS

On December 11, 2013, the Company acquired substantially all the assets of Allen Brothers, Inc. (and its subsidiaries) based in Chicago, Illiniois. Founded in 1893, Allen Brothers is a leading processor and distributor of premium quality meats to nearly 400 of the nation’s finest restaurants, hotels, casinos and country clubs. In addition, Allen Brothers supplies many of those same high quality products to over 100,000 consumers through a direct mail and e-commerce platform. The total purchase price for the business is expected to be approximately $33,400 (subject to customary working capital adjustments), of which approximately $23,939 was paid at closing with cash proceeds from the Company’s recently completed common stock offering. The remaining $9,500 represents liabilities assumed by the Company and earnout consideration to be paid upon the achievement of certain performance milestones over the next four years.

On December 31, 2012, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of Queensgate Foodservice (“Queensgate”), a foodservice distributor based in Cincinnati, Ohio. Queensgate strengthens the Company’s foothold in the Ohio Valley and provides a platform on which to leverage the Michael’s acquisition completed in August 2012. The purchase price for Queensgate was approximately $21,934 and was funded with borrowings under the revolving credit facility portion of the Credit Agreement that we entered into in April 2012. The purchase price may be increased by up to $2,400 based upon the achievement of certain performance milestones in fiscal 2013 and 2014. Queensgate did not meet the targeted EBITDA thresholds requiring payment for fiscal 2013 results, and the liability for this portion of the earnout was taken into income during 2013.

Our Growth Strategies and Outlook

We continue to invest in our people, facilities and technology to achieve the following objectives and maintain our premier position within the specialty foodservice distribution market:

●

sales and service territory expansion;

●

operational excellence and high customer service levels;

●

expanded purchasing programs and improved buying power;

●

product innovation and new product category introduction;

●

operational efficiencies through system enhancements; and

●

operating expense reduction through the centralization of general and administrative functions.

Our continued profitable growth has allowed us to improve upon our organization’s infrastructure, open new distribution facilities and pursue selective acquisitions. Over the last several years, we have increased our distribution capacity to approximately 674,000 square feet in twenty distribution facilities and in the second half of fiscal 2013 and the first quarter of fiscal 2014 we have invested significantly in infrastructure and management.

Key Factors Affecting Our Performance

Due to our focus on menu-driven independent restaurants, fine dining establishments, country clubs, hotels, caterers, culinary schools, bakeries, patisseries, chocolatiers, cruise lines, casinos and specialty food stores, our results of operations are materially impacted by the success of the “food-away-from-home” industry in the United States, which is materially impacted by general economic conditions, weather, discretionary spending levels and consumer confidence. When economic conditions deteriorate or periods of severe weather persist, our customers’ businesses are negatively impacted as fewer people eat away-from-home and those that do spend less money. As economic conditions begin to improve, our customers’ businesses historically have likewise improved, which contributes to improvements in our business.

Food price costs also significantly impact our results of operations. Food price inflation, like that which we experienced in the first quarter of 2014 and portions of 2013 , may increase the dollar value of our sales because many of our products are sold at our cost plus a percentage markup. When the rate of inflation declines or we experience deflation, as we experienced during portions of 2012, the dollar value of our sales may fall despite our unit sales remaining constant or growing. For those of our products that we price on a fixed fee-per-case basis, our gross profit margins may be negatively affected in an inflationary environment, even though our gross revenues may be positively impacted. While we cannot predict whether inflation will continue at current levels, prolonged periods of inflation leading to cost increases above levels that we are able to pass along to our customers, either overall or in certain product categories, may have a negative impact on us and our customers, as elevated food costs can reduce consumer spending in the food-away-from-home market and may negatively impact our sales, gross margins and earnings.

Given our wide selection of product categories, as well as the continuous introduction of new products, we can experience shifts in product sales mix that have an impact on net sales and gross profit margins. This mix shift is most significantly impacted by the introduction of new categories of products in markets that we have more recently entered, the shift in product mix resulting from acquisitions, as well as the continued growth in item penetration on higher velocity items such as dairy products.

The foodservice distribution industry is fragmented and consolidating. Over the past five years, we have supplemented our internal growth through selective strategic acquisitions. We believe that the consolidation trends in the foodservice distribution industry will continue to present acquisition opportunities for us, which may allow us to grow our business at a faster pace than we would otherwise be able to grow the business organically.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following table presents, for the periods indicated, certain income and expense items expressed as a percentage of net sales:

	13 Weeks Ended
	March 28, 2014			March 29, 2013
Net sales		100.0	%		100.0	%
Cost of sales		7 5.4	%		74.8	%
Gross profit		2 4.6	%		25.2	%
Operating expenses		22. 6	%		21.0	%
Operating income		2. 0	%		4.2	%
Other expense:
Interest expense		1.1	%		1.0	%
Total other expense		1.1	%		1.0	%
Income before income tax expense		0.9	%		3.2	%
Provision for income taxes		0. 4	%		1.3	%
Net income		0. 5	%		1.9	%

Management evaluates the results of operations and cash flows using a variety of key performance indicators, including revenues compared to prior periods and internal forecasts, costs of our products and results of our “cost-control” initiatives, and use of operating cash. These indicators are discussed throughout the “Results of Operations” and “Liquidity and Capital Resources” sections of this MD&A.

13 Weeks Ended March 28, 2014 Compared to 13 Weeks Ended March 29, 2013

Net Sales

Our net sales for the 13 weeks ended March 28, 2014 increased approximately 34.3%, or $47,764, to $187,183 from $139,419 for the 13 weeks ended March 29, 2013. The increase in net sales was primarily the result of the acquisitions of Qzina and Allen Brothers, as well as organic sales growth. These acquisitions contributed approximately $36,355, or 26.1%, to net sales growth for the quarter. Organic growth contributed the remaining approximately $11,409, or 8.2%, of total net sales growth. We estimate that severe weather in the Northeast and mid- Atlantic during the 13 weeks ended March 28, 2014 negatively impacted net sales by approximately $2,000 . Inflation increased meaningfully for the 13 weeks ended March 28, 2014, particularly in the dairy and cheese categories, and was approximately 5.3% compared to 3.1% for the 13 weeks ended March 29, 2013.

Gross Profit

Gross profit increased approximately 3 1.0 %, or $1 0,914 , to $46, 068 for the 13 weeks ended March 28, 2014, from $35,154 for the 13 weeks ended March 29, 2013. Gross profit margin decreased approximately 60 basis points to 2 4.6 % from 25.2% for the first quarter of 2014, due in large part to the shift in product mix related to the acquisition of Allen Brothers, offset in part by the contribution from Qzina.

Operating Expenses

Total operating expenses increased by approximately 44. 6 %, or $13, 060 , to $42,3 17 for the 13 weeks ended March 28, 2014 from $29,257 for the 13 weeks ended March 29, 2013. As a percentage of net sales, operating expenses were 22. 6 % in the first quarter of 2014 compared to 21.0% in the first quarter of 2013. The increase in our operating expense ratio is primarily attributable to higher net shipping costs and catalog promotion costs related to the Company’s recently acquired Allen Brothers subsidiary, higher delivery labor costs, increased investments in management infrastructure and software, and investigation costs related to the previously disclosed accounting issue at the Company’s Michael’s Finer Meats subsidiary.

Operating Income

Operating income decreased by approximately 36.4 %, or $1,360, to $ 3,751 for the 13 weeks ended March 28, 2014 from $5,897 for the 13 weeks ended March 29, 2013. As a percentage of net sales, operating income decreased to 2. 0 % for the 13 weeks ended March 28, 2014 from 4.2% for the 13 weeks ended March 29, 2013. The decrease in operating income as a percentage of net sales was driven by lower gross profit margin and higher operating expenses as discussed above.

Interest Expense

Total interest expense increased $692 to $2,059 for the 13 weeks ended March 28, 2014 from $1,367 for the 13 weeks ended March 29, 2013. This increase can be attributed to increased interest expense due to higher levels of debt related to the financing of our acquisitions as well as the higher interest rate on our $100,000 of senior secured notes.

Provision for Income Taxes

For the 13 weeks ended March 28, 2014, we recorded an effective income tax rate of 41.5%. For the 13 weeks ended March 29, 2013, our effective income tax rate was 41.6%.

Net Income

Reflecting the factors described above, net income decreased $1, 658 to $ 989 for the 13 weeks ended March 28, 2014, compared to net income of $2,647 for the 13 weeks ended March 29, 2013.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

We finance our day-to-day operations and growth primarily with cash flows from operations, borrowings under our senior secured credit facilities, operating leases, trade payables and bank indebtedness. In the second quarter of fiscal 2013, we also issued $100,000 of senior secured notes, the proceeds of which we used to repay borrowings under the revolving credit facility portion of our senior secured credit facilities. In the third quarter of fiscal 2013 we completed a secondary offering of 3,800,000 shares of our common stock which resulted in net proceeds to us of approximately $75,037 after deducting underwriters’ fees and commissions and transaction expenses. We used a portion of the proceeds from the offering to repay all of our then-outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility portion of our senior secured credit facilities, and we subsequently used $23,939 of these proceeds to finance our acquisition of Allen Brothers. The remaining portion of the net proceeds is currently being held as cash and cash equivalents for use in general corporate purposes, including as possible consideration for future acquisitions. We believe that our cash on hand and available credit through our existing revolving credit facility as discussed below is sufficient for our operations and planned capital expenditures over the next twelve months. Depending on our acquisition pipeline and related opportunities, we may need to obtain additional debt or equity financing, which may include longer-term, fixed-rate debt, in order to complete those acquisitions.

On April 25, 2012, Dairyland USA Corporation, The Chefs’ Warehouse Mid-Atlantic, LLC, Bel Canto Foods, LLC, The Chefs’ Warehouse West Coast, LLC, The Chefs’ Warehouse of Florida, LLC (each a “Borrower” and collectively, the “Borrowers”), the Company and Chefs’ Warehouse Parent, LLC (together with the Company, the “Guarantors”) entered into a senior secured credit facility (the “Credit Agreement”) with the lenders from time to time party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (“Chase”), as administrative agent, and the other parties thereto. On August 29, 2012, Michael’s Finer Meats Holdings, LLC and Michael’s were each added as a Guarantor under the Credit Agreement. On January 24, 2013, The Chefs’ Warehouse Midwest, LLC was added as a Guarantor under the Credit Agreement.

On April 26, 2012, Dairyland HP LLC (“DHP”), an indirectly wholly-owned subsidiary of ours, entered into a financing arrangement under the New Markets Tax Credit (“NMTC”) program under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, pursuant to which Commercial Lending II LLC (“CLII”), a community development entity and a subsidiary of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., provided to DHP an $11,000 construction loan (the “NMTC Loan”) to help fund DHP’s expansion and build-out of our Bronx, New York facility and the rail shed located at that facility, which construction is required under the facility lease agreement. Borrowings under the NMTC Loan are secured by a first priority secured lien on DHP’s leasehold interest in our Bronx, New York facility, including all improvements made on the premises, as well as, among other things, a lien on all fixtures incorporated into the project improvements.

Under the NMTC Loan, DHP is obligated to pay CLII (i) monthly interest payments on the principal balance then outstanding and (ii) the entire unpaid principal balance then due and owing on April 26, 2017. So long as DHP is not in default, interest accrues on borrowings at 1.00% per annum. We may prepay the NMTC Loan, in whole or in part, in $100 increments, after March 15, 2014.

For more information regarding the NMTC Loan, see Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements appearing elsewhere in this report.

On April 17, 2013, the Borrowers, the Guarantors and the lenders a party thereto entered into an Amendment and Restatement Agreement to amend and restate the Credit Agreement (the “Amended and Restated Credit Agreement”). The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement provides for a senior secured term loan facility (the “Term Loan Facility”) in the aggregate amount of up to $36,000 (the loans thereunder, the “Term Loans”) and a senior secured revolving loan facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility” and, together with the Term Loan Facility, the “Credit Facilities”) of up to an aggregate amount of $140,000 (the loans thereunder, the “Revolving Credit Loans”), of which up to $5,000 is available for letters of credit and up to $3,000 is available for short-term borrowings on a swingline basis. Unutilized commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility portion of the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement are subject to a per annum fee of from 0.35% to 0.45% based on the Leverage Ratio (as defined below). A fronting fee of 0.25% per annum is payable on the face amount of each letter of credit issued under the Credit Facilities. On May 31, 2013, Qzina Specialty Foods North America (USA), Inc., QZ Acquisition (USA), Inc., The Chefs’ Warehouse Pastry Division, Inc., Qzina Specialty Foods (Ambassador), Inc., Qzina Specialty Foods, Inc. (WA), and Qzina Specialty Foods, Inc. (FL) were added as Guarantors under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. On October 18, 2013, CW LV Real Estate LLC was added as a Guarantor under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. On January 10, 2014, Allen Brothers 1893, LLC and The Great Steakhouse Steaks, LLC were added as Guarantors under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement.

The final maturity of the Term Loans is April 25, 2017. Subject to adjustment for prepayments, we are required to make quarterly principal payments on the Term Loans on June 30, September 30, December 31 and March 31, with each quarterly payment equal to $1,500, with the remaining balance due upon maturity.

Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility portion of the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement have been used, and are expected to be used, for capital expenditures, permitted acquisitions, working capital and general corporate purposes of the Borrowers. The commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility expire on April 25, 2017 and any Revolving Credit Loans then outstanding will be payable in full at that time. As of March 28, 2014, we had $136,180 of availability under the Revolving Credit Facility portion of the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement.

Borrowings under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement bear interest at our option of either (i) the alternate base rate (representing the greatest of (1) Chase’s prime rate, (2) the federal funds effective rate for overnight borrowings plus 1/2 of 1.00% and (3) the adjusted LIBO rate for one month plus 2.50%) plus in each case an applicable margin of from 1.75% to 2.25%, based on the Leverage Ratio (as defined below), or (ii) in the case of Eurodollar Borrowings (as defined in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement), the adjusted LIBO rate plus an applicable margin of from 2.75% to 3.25%, based on the Leverage Ratio. The LIBO rate is the rate for eurodollar deposits for a period equal to one, three or six months (as selected by the applicable Borrower) appearing on Reuters Screen LIBOR01 Page (or any successor or substitute page on such screen), at approximately 11:00 a.m. London time, two business days prior to the commencement of the applicable interest period.

The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement includes financial covenants that require (i) the ratio of our consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement) minus the unfinanced portion of capital expenditures to our consolidated Fixed Charges (as defined in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement) on a trailing twelve month basis as of the end of each of our fiscal quarters to not be less than (A) 1.15 to 1.00 for the period from the effective date of the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement through June 30, 2014 and (B) 1.25 to 1.00 for the quarterly period ending September 30, 2014 and thereafter and (ii) the ratio of our consolidated Total Indebtedness (as defined in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement) to our consolidated EBITDA (the “Leverage Ratio”) for the then-trailing twelve months to not be greater than (A) 4.00 to 1.00 for any fiscal quarter ending in the period from the effective date of the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement through December 31, 2013, (B) 3.75 to 1.00 for any fiscal quarter ending in the period from March 31, 2014 through December 31, 2014 and (C) 3.50 to 1.00 for any fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2015 and thereafter.

On April 17, 2013, the Borrowers issued $100,000 principal amount of 5.90% Guaranteed Senior Secured Notes due 2023 (the “Notes”). The Notes are guaranteed by the Guarantors including Michael’s, Michael’s Finer Meats Holdings, LLC and The Chefs’ Warehouse Midwest, LLC (collectively, the “Notes Guarantors”). The Notes, which rank pari passu with the Borrowers’ and Notes Guarantors’ obligations under the Credit Facilities, were issued to The Prudential Insurance Company of America and certain of its affiliates (collectively, the “Prudential Entities”) pursuant to a note purchase and guarantee agreement dated as of April 17, 2013 (the “Note Purchase and Guarantee Agreement”) among the Borrowers, the Notes Guarantors and the Prudential Entities. The net proceeds from the issuance of the Notes were used to repay then-outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility. On May 31, 2013, Qzina Specialty Foods North America (USA), Inc., QZ Acquisition (USA), Inc., The Chefs’ Warehouse Pastry Division, Inc., Qzina Specialty Foods (Ambassador), Inc., Qzina Specialty Foods, Inc. (WA), and Qzina Specialty Foods, Inc. (FL) were added as Guarantors under the Notes. On October 18, 2013, CW LV Real Estate LLC was added as a Guarantor under t he Notes. On January 10, 2014, Allen Brothers 1893, LLC and The Great Steakhouse Steaks, LLC were added as Guarantors under the Notes.

The Notes must be repaid in two equal installments, the first $50,000 of which is due April 17, 2018 and the second $50,000 of which is due at maturity on April 17, 2023. Moreover, the Borrowers may prepay the Notes in amounts not less than $1,000 at 100% of the principal amount of the Notes repaid plus the applicable Make-Whole Amount (as defined in the Note Purchase and Guarantee Agreement).

The Note Purchase and Guarantee Agreement contains financial covenants related to leverage and fixed charges that are the same as the corresponding provisions in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement.

We believe our capital expenditures, excluding cash paid for acquisitions, for fiscal 2014 will be approximately $32,260, of which $5,578 will be funded with the restricted cash from the NMTC Loan and $2,145 will be funded through a software financing arrangement. The significant increase in projected capital expenditures in fiscal 2014 is being driven by the renovation and expansion of our new Bronx, New York distribution facility, the renovation and expansion of our new Las Vegas, NV distribution facility, implementation of our JD Edwards ERP system which we believe will be completed in fiscal 2014 and our building out of our new Chicago , IL distribution facility. Recurring capital expenditures will be financed with cash generated from operations and borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility. Our planned capital projects will provide both new and expanded facilities and improvements to our technology that we believe will produce increased efficiency and the capacity to continue to support the growth of our customer base. Future investments and acquisitions will be financed through either internally generated cash flow, borrowings under our senior secured credit facilities in place at the time of the potential acquisition or issuance of equity or debt securities, including, but not limited to, longer-term, fixed-rate debt securities and shares of our common stock.

Net cash provided by operations was $ 10,463 for 13 weeks ended March 28, 2014, a decrease of $ 2,995 from the $13,458 provided by operations for thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2013. The primary reasons for the decrease in net cash provided by operations were decreased net income of $1 ,658 , a decrease in cash provided from non-cash charges of $1,733 and an increase in cash used by other assets of $96 offset by an increase in cash provided by working capital of $492 . The decrease in cash provided by non-cash charges was primarily due to decreases in deferred taxes of $2,444 offset by increases in amortization charges of $392 and changes in the fair value of earn-out obligations of $195.

Net cash used in investing activities was $5,817 for 13 weeks ended March 28, 2014, a decrease of $17,448 from the net cash used in investing activities of $23,265 for the 13 weeks ended March 29, 2013. The decrease in net cash used was due to the fact that we had no acquisitions in the first quarter of fiscal 2014 offset by increased capital expenditures of $4,437.

Net cash provided by financing activities was $1,499 for the 13 weeks ended March 28, 2014, a decrease of $9,425 from the $10,924 provided by financing activities for the 13 weeks ended March 29, 2013. This decrease was primarily due to activity on our revolving credit facility in 2013, which was used to fund the Queensgate acquisition.

Seasonality

Excluding our direct-to-consumer business, we generally do not experience any material seasonality. However, our sales and operating results may vary from quarter to quarter due to factors such as changes in our operating expenses, management’s ability to execute our operating and growth strategies, personnel changes, demand for our products, supply shortages, weather patterns and general economic conditions.

Our direct-to-consumer business is subject to seasonal fluctuations, with direct-to-consumer center-of-the-plate protein sales typically higher during the holiday season in our fourth quarter; accordingly, a disproportionate amount of operating cash flows from this portion of our business is generated by our direct-to-consumer business in the fourth quarter of our fiscal year. Despite a significant portion of these sales occurring in the fourth quarter, there are operating expenses, principally advertising and promotional expenses, throughout the year.

Inflation

Our profitability is dependent on, among other things, our ability to anticipate and react to changes in the costs of key operating resources, including food and other raw materials, labor, energy and other supplies and services. Substantial increases in costs and expenses could impact our operating results to the extent that such increases cannot be passed along to our customers. The impact of inflation on food, labor, energy and occupancy costs can significantly affect the profitability of our operations.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of March 28, 2014, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined in Item 303(a)(4)(ii) of Regulation S-K.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of our condensed consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. The SEC has defined critical accounting policies as those that are both most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results and require our most difficult, complex or subjective judgments or estimates. Based on this definition, we believe our critical accounting policies include the following: (i) determining our allowance for doubtful accounts, (ii) inventory valuation, with regard to determining our reserve for excess and obsolete inventory, (iii) valuing goodwill and intangible assets, (iv) vendor rebates and other promotional incentives, (v) self-insurance reserves and (vi) income taxes. For all financial statement periods presented, there have been no material modifications to the application of these critical accounting policies.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

We analyze customer creditworthiness, accounts receivable balances, payment history, payment terms and historical bad debt levels when evaluating the adequacy of our allowance for doubtful accounts. In instances where a reserve has been recorded for a particular customer, future sales to the customer are either conducted using cash-on-delivery terms or the account is closely monitored so that agreed-upon payments are received prior to orders being released. A failure to pay results in held or cancelled orders. Our accounts receivable balance was $74,208 and $76,413, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts of $3,640 and $3,642, as of March 28, 2014 and December 27, 2013, respectively.

Inventory Valuation

We maintain reserves for slow-moving and obsolete inventories. These reserves are primarily based upon inventory age plus specifically identified inventory items and overall economic conditions. A sudden and unexpected change in consumer preferences or change in overall economic conditions could result in a significant change in the reserve balance and could require a corresponding charge to earnings. We actively manage our inventory levels to minimize the risk of loss and have consistently achieved a relatively high level of inventory turnover.

Valuation of Goodwill and Intangible Assets

We are required to test goodwill for impairment at least annually and between annual tests if events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. We have elected to perform our annual tests for indications of goodwill impairment during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year. We test for goodwill impairment at the consolidated level, as we aggregate our reporting units into a single reporting unit, based on the market capitalization approach. The goodwill impairment analysis is a two-step test. The first step, used to identify potential impairment, involves comparing our estimated fair value to our carrying value, including goodwill. If our estimated fair value exceeds our carrying value, goodwill is considered not to be impaired. If the carrying value exceeds estimated fair value, there is an indication of potential impairment and the second step is performed to measure the amount of impairment. If required, the second step involves calculating an implied fair value of our goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in a manner similar to the amount of goodwill calculated in a business combination, by measuring the excess of the estimated fair value, as determined in the first step, over the aggregate estimated fair values of the individual assets, liabilities and identifiable intangibles as if we were being acquired in a business combination. If the implied fair value of our goodwill exceeds the carrying value of our goodwill, there is no impairment. If the carrying value of our goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of our goodwill, an impairment charge is recorded for the excess.

When analyzing whether to aggregate the above geographical components into one reporting unit, the Company considers whether each geographical component has similar economic characteristics. The Company has evaluated the economic characteristics of its different geographic markets, including its recently acquired businesses, along with the similarity of the operations and margins, nature of the products, type of customer and methods of distribution of products and the regulatory environment in which the Company operates and concluded that the geographical components continue to be one reporting unit.

In 2013, our annual assessment indicated that we were not at risk of failing step one of the goodwill impairment test and no impairment of goodwill existed, as our fair value exceeded our carrying value. We have noted no indicators of impairment in the 13 weeks ended March 28, 2014. Total goodwill as of March 28, 2014 and December 27, 2013 was $78,814 and $78,026, respectively.

Intangible assets with finite lives are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Cash flows expected to be generated by the related assets are estimated over the assets’ useful lives based on updated projections. If the evaluation indicates that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable, the potential impairment is measured based on a projected discounted cash flow model. There have been no events or changes in circumstances during 2014 or 2013 indicating that the carrying value of our finite-lived intangible assets are not recoverable. Total finite-lived intangible assets as of March 28, 2014 and December 27, 2013 were $55,886 and $57,450, respectively.

The assessment of the recoverability of goodwill and intangible assets will be impacted if estimated future cash flows are not achieved.

Vendor Rebates and Other Promotional Incentives

We participate in various rebate and promotional incentives with our suppliers, including volume and growth rebates, annual incentives and promotional programs. In accounting for vendor rebates, we follow the guidance in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 605-50 (Emerging Issues Task Force, or EITF, No. 02-16, Accounting by a Customer (Including a Reseller) for Certain Consideration Received from a Vendor and EITF No. 03-10, Application of Issue No. 02-16 by Resellers to Sales Incentives Offered to Consumers by Manufacturers).

We generally record consideration received under these incentives as a reduction of cost of goods sold; however, in certain circumstances, we record marketing-related consideration as a reduction of marketing costs incurred. We may receive consideration in the form of cash and/or invoice deductions.

We record consideration that we receive for volume and growth rebates and annual incentives as a reduction of cost of goods sold. We systematically and rationally allocate the consideration for those incentives to each of the underlying transactions that results in progress by us toward earning the incentives. If the incentives are not probable and reasonably estimable, we record the incentives as the underlying objectives or milestones are achieved. We record annual incentives when we earn them, generally over the agreement period. We record consideration received to promote and sell the suppliers’ products as a reduction of our costs, as the consideration is typically a reimbursement of costs incurred by us. If we received consideration from the suppliers in excess of our costs, we record any excess as a reduction of cost of goods sold.

Self-Insurance Reserves

Effective October 1, 2011, we began maintaining a partially self-insured group medical program. The program contains individual as well as aggregate stop loss thresholds. The amounts in excess of the self-insured levels are fully insured by third party insurers. Liabilities associated with this program are estimated in part by considering historical claims experience and medical cost trends. Projections of future loss expenses are inherently uncertain because of the random nature of insurance claims occurrences and could be significantly affected if future occurrences and claims differ from these assumptions and historical trends.

Effective August 1, 2012, we are self-insured for workers’ compensation and automobile liability claims to deductibles or self-insured retentions of $350 for workers’ compensation claims per occurrence and $250 for automobile liability claims per occurrence. The amounts in excess of our deductibles are fully insured by third party insurers. Liabilities associated with this program are estimated in part by considering historical claims experience and trends. Projections of future loss expenses are inherently uncertain because of the random nature of insurance claims occurrences and could be significantly affected if future occurrences and claims differ from these assumptions and historical trends.

Income Taxes

The determination of our provision for income taxes requires significant judgment, the use of estimates and the interpretation and application of complex tax laws. Our provision for income taxes primarily reflects a combination of income earned and taxed in the various U.S. federal and state jurisdictions as well as Canadian federal and provincial jurisdictions. Jurisdictional tax law changes, increases or decreases in permanent differences between book and tax items, accruals or adjustments of accruals for unrecognized tax benefits, and our change in the mix of earnings from these taxing jurisdictions all affect the overall effective tax rate.

Management has discussed the development and selection of these critical accounting policies with our Audit Committee, and the Audit Committee has reviewed the above disclosure. Our condensed consolidated financial statements contain other items that require estimation, but are not as critical as those discussed above. These other items include our calculations for bonus accruals, depreciation and amortization. Changes in estimates and assumptions used in these and other items could have an effect on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

ITEM 3 — QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Interest Rate Risk

On April 25, 2012, the Borrowers and the Guarantors entered into the Credit Agreement with the lenders from time to time party thereto, Chase, as Administrative Agent, and the other parties thereto. On April 17, 2013, the Borrowers and Guarantors entered into the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. Each of the Credit Agreement and Amended and Restated Credit Agreement is described in more detail above under the caption “Liquidity and Capital Resources” in the MD&A. Our primary market risks are related to fluctuations in interest rates related to borrowings under our current credit facilities.

As of March 28, 2014, we had an aggregate $35,688 of indebtedness outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility, Term Loan Facility and software financing agreement that bore interest at variable rates. A 100 basis point increase in market interest rates would decrease our after tax earnings by approximately $209 per annum, holding other variables constant.

ITEM 4.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management, with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as of the end of the period covered by this Form 10-Q. The evaluation included certain internal control areas in which we have made and are continuing to make changes to improve and enhance controls. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. In addition, the design of disclosure controls and procedures must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints and that management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the benefits of possible controls and procedures relative to their costs.

Based on that evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the end of the period covered by this Form 10-Q to provide reasonable assurance that information we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the most recent fiscal period that may have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are involved in legal proceedings, claims and litigation arising out of the ordinary conduct of our business. Although we cannot assure the outcome, management presently believes that the result of such legal proceedings, either individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements, and no material amounts have been accrued in our consolidated financial statements with respect to these matters.

ITEM 1A.

RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes with respect to the risk factors disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 12, 2014.

item 2.

unregistered sales of equity securities and use of proceeds

	Total Number of Shares Repurchased⁽¹⁾		Average Price Paid Per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs		Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
December 28, 2013 to January 24, 2014		6,897	$	28.00		—		—
January 25, 2014 to February 21, 2014		—	$	—		—		—
February 22, 2014 to March 28, 2014		1,594	$	23.22		—		—
Total		8,491	$	27.10		—		—

(1)

During the thirteen weeks ended March 28, 2014, we withheld 8,491 shares to satisfy tax withholding requirements upon the vesting of restricted shares of our common stock awarded to our officers and key employees.

ITEM 3.

DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4.

MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

None.

ITEM 5.

OTHER INFORMATION

None.

ITEM 6.

EXHIBITS

Exhibit No.		Description

31.1		Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

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

32.1		Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.2		Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

101.INS		XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH		XBRL Schema Document

101.CAL		XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document

101.LAB		XBRL Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE		XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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 on May 7, 2014.

		THE CHEFS’ WAREHOUSE, INC. (Registrant)

May 12 , 2014		/s/ John D. Austin
Date		John D. Austin
		Chief Financial Officer
		(Principal Financial Officer and Principal
		Accounting Officer)

The Chef’s Warehouse, Inc. 10-Q

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION

I, Christopher Pappas, certify that:

I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of The Chefs’ Warehouse, Inc.;

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

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

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

(a)

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

(b)

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

(c)

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

(d)

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

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

(a)

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

(b)

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

Date: May 12 , 2014	/s/ Christopher Pappas
	Christopher Pappas
	Chief Executive Officer
	(Principal Executive Officer)

The Chef’s Warehouse, Inc. 10-Q

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION

I, John D. Austin, certify that:

I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of The Chefs’ Warehouse, Inc.;

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

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

(a)

(b)

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

Date: May 12 , 2014	/s/ John D. Austin
	John D. Austin
	Chief Financial Officer
	(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

The Chef’s Warehouse, Inc. 10-Q

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the quarterly report of The Chefs’ Warehouse, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 28, 2014, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Christopher Pappas, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1)

The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2)

The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date: May 12 , 2014	/s/ Christopher Pappas
	Christopher Pappas
	Chief Executive Officer
	(Principal Executive Officer)

A signed original of this written statement has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the SEC or its staff upon request.

The Chef’s Warehouse, Inc. 10-Q

Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the quarterly report of The Chefs’ Warehouse, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 28, 2014, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, John D. Austin, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1)

The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2)

The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date: May 12 , 2014	/s/ John D. Austin
	John D. Austin
	Chief Financial Officer
	(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

A signed original of this written statement has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the SEC or its staff upon request.