Spicy Pickle Fran. = Nächster "McDonald's" ?!? - 500 Beiträge pro Seite

[OTCBBTrader]

Sind schon andere in diesem Wert eingestiegen ?

Rasante Entwicklung und viel Informationen im Netz und per US-Newsletter.

[invest2002]

na die kursentwicklung ist nicht berauschend...

invest2002

[Salem-]

Weil es vermutlich Scheisse schmeckt.

Die Amis fressen vielleicht alles, aber um Spicy Pickle Fran. machen se nen riesigen Bogen. Dünnschissalarm!

[Public_Relations]

nach soup restaurant der nächste kracher?

[OTCBBTrader]

In Anbetracht der niveaulosen Beiträge erübrigt sich wohl eine Diskussion zu diesem Papier.

[OTCBBTrader]

Wenn es nicht soviel niveaulose Idioten bei WO gäbe, welche sich zudem gerne Investoren, Spekulanten oder Anleger nennen möchten, dann hätte ihnen eine sinnvolle Diskussion - anstatt dämlicher Kommentare - hier bereits innnerhalb 8-10 Tage 30-40% Gewinn beschert - und das mit einer guten Story an der OTC in dem schwierigen US-Markt

Mich wundert nicht, daß soviele kleine WO-Aktionäre erfolglos sind wenn sich deren Engagement für Aktien in kindlichen Statements im WO erschöpft.
Weitere Kommentare erübrigen sich.

[OTCBBTrader]

Antwort auf Beitrag Nr.: 33.821.854 von Salem- am 06.04.08 22:38:24

Zu diesem dümmlichen Kommentar die Information, daß Spicy Pickles mittlerweile ca. 110 Restaurants (eigene und franchise)in verschiedenen Bundestaaten in den USA eröffnet hat. Ich gehe davon aus, daß innerhalb der nächsten Jahre Spicy Pickle aufgrund ihres exzellenten Konzepts und aufgrund des, mit Sicherheit wachsenden Interessesvon von Franchise-Nehmer welche sich mit diesem guten Konzept und Angebot an italian food selbstständig machen wollen, die Zahl der Restaurants immens steigend wird.
Ich habe die Speisekarte des Komplettangebots von Spicy Pickles studiert: Entspricht europäischem Standard. Paninis, Ciabattas, etc. mit low fat, gesundem Belag. Exakt der Trend in Amerika.

So, daß war's von meiner Seite zu diesem Thread. No interest, no comments.

[Tomislarve]

iCH BIN HEUTE EINGESTIEGEN! Mal sehen was draus wird? Hört sich alles ganz gut an! Fastfood in den USA mit etwas mehr Nährwerten! Da soll wohl was bei rumkommen!
Die Berichte sind auf alle Fälle überzeugend, von null auf hundert in einem Jahr! Jetzt sind es 40Filialen und bis zum Ende des Jahres sollen es 110 sein!

Viel glück allen die hier ihr Glück probieren! Vielleicht dehen wir die Spkl auch bald in Europa, dann hat sich der Einstieg auf alle fälle gerechnet!

[mrstinkstiefel]

Ließt sich alles sehr interessant werde mich mal einlesen...

[OTCBBTrader]

Antwort auf Beitrag Nr.: 34.309.408 von Tomislarve am 16.06.08 14:17:25

Ich denke Spicy Pickles wird erst mal einige Jahre brauchen bis sie ganz Nordamerika erobert haben. Ich gehe von 300 Restaurant in allen Bundesstaaten mindestens aus. Danach oder nach einiger Zeit parallel Kanada und Südamerika.
Europa dürfte für Spicy Pickles ein schwieriger Markt sein. Es gibt bereits zunehmend erstklassige Paninotheken. Zudem, vergleicht man Lounge-Caffeeshops mit Starbucks, sieht man das das US-Unternhemen Starbucks zunehmend Federn lassen muß weil in Europa die Kaffeekultur weit besser ist als in den USA. so sehe ich dies auch bezüglich Spica Pickles. Starbucks hat seinen miesen Kaffee nie demn europäischen Bedürfnissen angepasst sondern ist amerikanisch geblieben. Dies hat Marktanteile gekostet. Wenn Spica Pickles seine amerikanische 'way of eat' nicht dem europäischen Bedürfnissen anpasst, ann gäbe es Probleme.
Allerdings.....MacDonald hat mit der Eroberung des US-Marketes Milliarden gemacht bevor das Unternehmen den Rest der Welt eroberte. Somit würde mir diese inneramerikanische Expansion bei Spicy Pickles für eine fettes LAngfrist-Investment absolut reichen

[OTCBBTrader]

Habe heute entgegen meines generell Vorhabens z.Zt. nichts zu akkumulieren, doch weitere 10.000 Stück von SPKL an der Nasdaq geordert. Die Story von Spicy Pickles ist meiner Ansicht einfach so gut und schon gereift, daß ich bei diesen Kursen zwischen $0.50 und 0.70 einfach zugreifen muß.
Wie gesagt, meine Meinung ist keine Kaufempfehlung!

[OTCBBTrader]

Quelle: otcjournal.com

Spicy Pickle (OTC BB: SPKL) Notches #42

SPKL announced store #42 is now open for business. It is located in Michigan- Portage, Michigan to be precise. Michigan represents the 14th state for Spicy Pickle.

The Michigan franchisee has committed to opening 10 stores in the Kalamazoo- Grand Rapids- Ann Arbor area, and is a highly experienced restaurateur in the fast casual space. Nine to go, and real estate is being looked into now.

Like pretty much every non energy microcap stock, SPKL has been beaten up badly in the traditional summer sell down. This year has been particularly tough on these small stocks, as headline shock is keeping bargain hunters at bay, and a few sellers are pushing stocks down to unreasonably low levels.

Take banks for instance. Of late, the market has been pricing the entire banking sector is closing its doors. However, when Wells Fargo reported June quarterly earnings last week, the market bid the stock up about 30% in two trading days. I guess the world is not quite coming to an end.

So- here's the harsh reality as it regards SPKL. In this environment, the company is not going to expand as rapidly later 2008 as it did in the second half of 2007- They are looking for locations in about 5 cities right now- Houston, LA, Michigan, San Antonio, Chicago. The commercial real estate market has not loosened up the way its going to. It's coming- commercial real estate is going to soften and it will work to the company's advantage.

Another factor is new franchisee signings. There haven't been any lately, which is typical of the summer time. It's going to be slower than it has been as the US slugs its way through an unquestioned recession.

So- here's a couple of issues you need to recognize if you are going to continue to be a shareholder as I am. First- growth will slow without some sort of change at the company as it relates to the US recession. Secondly- this slowing growth has already been priced into the market.

How does the company deal with a slowing environment? One way would be to go International. They could set their sites on heading into growth markets where there is no recession. I'm not saying anything is done in that arena- I'm just suggesting it is a possibility they could look at and should look at.

Secondly, acquisition could become a part of their growth strategy. There are plenty of small regional chains around without their infrastructure that have great venues and models. Growth could accelerate in that direction throughout the course of 2008.

In any case, the company continues opening new stores, and still has another 88 to open. And, for those absurd rumors I have been reading which generally are associated with a market bottom- yes, all 42 stores are doing fine. No stores has closed. All franchise agreements are intact. No franchisees have withdrawn.

It remains impossible to call a technical bottom in the stock. When all levels of support give way, you just have to wait for new ones to form. Right now, it appears the market likes about the $.55 level as a great level to accumulate the stock.

Today, before the news came out, the stock was already firming and was back in the low $.60's. I can't call it a great short term buy yet, but I do believe it is an excellent level to accumulate for much higher levels between now and the end of the year.

Here is the complete text of today's release for your review:

Press Release Source: Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc.

Spicy Pickle(TM) Announces Grand Opening of 42nd Spicy Pickle(TM) Restaurant

Thursday July 17, 2:00 pm ET

Location Marks 14th State and First in Michigan

DENVER, CO--(MARKET WIRE)--Jul 17, 2008 -- Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc. (OTC BB:SPKL.OB - News) fast-casual restaurants announced today the grand opening of its 42nd restaurant at 3774 W. Centre Avenue in Portage, Michigan. The new restaurant marks the 14th state for Spicy Pickle(TM) and the first location in Michigan. Spicy Pickle(TM), one of the hottest ideas in fast casual food today, offers customers a wide variety of culinary-inspired subs and panini sandwiches, fresh and unique salad combinations, and Neapolitan-style thin crust Pizzetti pizzas -- all combined with warm and welcoming service and a comfortable local atmosphere. This location also offers a full range of catering services.

The phone number is [phone] and the fax is [phone]. The email is [e-mail]. Hours are Monday - Thursday 11:00 am - 9:00 pm, Friday and Saturday 11:00 am - 10 pm, and Sunday 11:00 am - 8:00 pm.

Marc Geman, CEO of Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc., commented: "We are very pleased to open our first restaurant in Michigan which marks the 14th state to have a Spicy Pickle(TM) restaurant. We have pre-sold an additional nine stores in Michigan and efforts are underway to secure premier locations with high-volume traffic to open these additional stores as soon as possible. We are optimistic that our concept will be overwhelmingly accepted in this region and anticipate continued expansion throughout Michigan.

"Additionally, the franchisee in Michigan is a well organized previous owner of other restaurant concepts and has the entire infrastructure in place to operate and market the territory which includes Grand Rapids, Lansing, East Lansing, Ann Arbor and Kalamazoo. These areas meet our demographics which include large daytime populations and administrative and professional concentrations particularly around the major universities located there."

About Spicy Pickle(TM):

Founded in 1999, Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc. (OTC BB:SPKL.OB - News) serves high quality meats and fine artisan breads, baked fresh daily, along with a wide choice of eight different cheeses, twenty-two different toppings, and fourteen proprietary spreads to create healthy and delicious panini and sub sandwiches with flavors from around the world. As a leading "fast-casual" concept, Spicy Pickle(TM) offers menu items that are far beyond traditional fast food -- but without the price point of casual dining. The hallmark of a Spicy Pickle(TM) restaurant is quality, service and an enjoyable atmosphere. The company is headquartered in Denver, Colorado, with restaurants open or under construction across 16 states and many more in development nationwide. To find out more about Spicy Pickle (OTC BB:SPKL.OB - News), visit our website at www.spicypickle.com/.

[OTCBBTrader]

Interessenten sollten diese wichtige News Release einmal gut durchlesen......genau hier steht was Spicy Pickle langfristig groß machen wird.




News Releases

Open Wide, Brooklyn Heights: Spicy Pickle(TM) Is Coming

Purveyor of Culinary-Inspired Paninis, Salads and Subs Offers
"150,000 Combinations, Made One At A Time" in Restaurants with Casual,
Neighborhood Feel

BROOKLYN HEIGHTS, N.Y., Aug 12, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) --

Spicy Pickle(TM) fast casual restaurants (OTCBB: SPKL) announced today that it will be opening in the New York market at 143 Montague St., Brooklyn Heights, beginning in August. Spicy Pickle is quickly gaining a nationwide reputation for its exotic paninis, salads, subs and Neapolitan-style, thin crust pizzetti pizzas, all featuring natural fresh ingredients served on handcrafted artisan breads.

Spicy Pickle restaurants are at the forefront of today's fast casual dining trend, combining unique and innovative breakfast, lunch and dinner items with prices that are below that of typical casual restaurants. Enter a Spicy Pickle restaurant and you'll feel immediately at home. Warm colors, a modern decor, and a contemporary "deli shop" atmosphere only add to the appeal of the chain's main event - its excitingly different, chef-inspired menu.

"Spicy Pickle is all about uncompromising quality and service, plus healthy, gourmet ingredients," said Spicy Pickle co-founder and head "foodie" Kevin Morrison. "We start with fine artisan focaccia and ciabatta breads baked fresh daily, then add meats like our roast beef, capocolla, mortadella, or Sausalito turkey, just to name a few. And of course, each entree is served with our signature spicy pickle, aged in a homemade brine of chilies and our secret blend of spices to give it just the right kick."

Guests can also choose from an array of culinary sandwich creations developed by Spicy Pickle chefs, or they can elect to build their own masterpiece from twelve different meats, eight cheeses, twenty-two toppings and fourteen exclusive spreads prepared fresh daily. As it states on Spicy Pickle t-shirts, "Go for it. Our kitchen is your culinary playground."

Another signature item on the Spicy Pickle menu is its pizzetti (pizz-ET-ee)--individual 11-inch Neapolitan thin-crust pizzas. Available in eight varieties, pizzetti are topped with enticing and unusual ingredients like Sopressata sausage, capocolla, kalamata olives, artichoke hearts and chipotle pesto as well as traditional favorites like pepperoni, mozzarella and green peppers. At just under eight dollars each, a Spicy Pickle pizzetti is a meal--and an adventure--in itself.

Salads round out the restaurant's entree selection. Try the spinach salad--a mouth-watering mix of spinach, fresh apples, walnuts and crumbled bleu cheese served with apple cider vinaigrette--or the Spicy Pickle tuna, featuring romaine lettuce and tuna mixed with chipotle mayo, spicy pickle relish, tomatoes and kalamata olives, dressed in a lemon-olive oil vinaigrette.

Four other creative salads, as well as soups, sides, drinks and the world's best spicy pickle, complete the lunch and dinner lineup. For breakfast, the Brooklyn Heights Spicy Pickle serves grilled egg sandwiches on rosemary focaccia with your choice of meats and toppings, along with gourmet coffee, juices, muffins and pastries. Service begins each morning at 7:00AM weekdays (8:00AM weekends).

"A Spicy Pickle is unlike any sandwich shop you've been to before," noted Jonathan Young, who along with his partner Robert Sheahan Jr., are the owners/operators responsible for the company's first New York location. "You'll find lunch and dinner offerings you could never make at home, at prices that are a real value. Spicy Pickle is a terrific way to treat yourself to a great-tasting meal at a price that will keep you coming back. We're excited to be entering the historic Brooklyn Heights neighborhood."

The Spicy Pickle restaurant chain is currently comprised of 43 restaurants in 15 states, from California to Texas and Virginia. The chain, which opened in 1999, is the product of a partnership between Morrison and Tony Walker; both were chefs at the renowned Barolo Grill in Denver.

"The Spicy Pickle concept began when were talking about the appeal of a sandwich shop that stayed true to great food, but with a friendly neighborhood feel," Walker recalled. "Since we're both food guys, quality is number one to us. The day we opened our first location in Denver, people began lining up to try our wide variety of menu choices and they've been coming ever since."

In addition to their in-store selections, Spicy Pickle restaurants offer a complete catering menu. The company's New York opening at 143 Montague St., Brooklyn Heights is scheduled for late August.

For more information about Spicy Pickle, log on to www.spicypickle.com.

About Spicy Pickle:

Founded in 1999, Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc. (OTCBB: SPKL) serves high quality meats and fine artisan breads, baked fresh daily, along with a wide choice of eight different cheeses, twenty-two different toppings, and fourteen proprietary spreads to create healthy and delicious panini and sub sandwiches with flavors from around the world. As a leading "fast-casual" concept, Spicy Pickle offers menu items that are far beyond traditional fast food--but without the price point of casual dining. The hallmark of a Spicy Pickle restaurant is quality, service and an enjoyable atmosphere. The company is headquartered in Denver, Colorado, with franchised locations now open across fifteen states and many more in development nationwide. To find out more about Spicy Pickle (OTCBB: SPKL), visit our website at www.spicypickle.com.

SOURCE: Spicy Pickle

S&S Public Relations Rob Weiss 847-415-9300 [e-mail]
Copyright Business Wire 2008

[info_sucher]

The Spicy Pickle June quarterly results were out today, and they were spot on what I was expecting. A huge percentage increase in the top line, and huge expenses in the quarter as they built three new stores and bought back four stores from a franchisee. My expectations are for continued top line improvement over the coming quarters, but much lower expenses as they won't be building or buying more company stores for the forseeable future.


Here's a few highlights:

Revenues- The Good News- the Top Line was $1.225 million- up 280% over the same quarter in 2007, and up 143% from Q1 of '08. Pretty impressive growth all the way around.
Profits- SPKL lost $1.6 million in the quarter- to me, this doesn't seem unreasonable in a quarter where you had to build out 3 new stores and buy 4 from existing franchisees. Some of that investment now appears on the balance sheet in the form of property and equipment, which increased from $700k to $2 million.
Balance Sheet- Cash reserves dropped from $5.4 million to $2.1 million. For a company this size- that's a big drop. However, most of that money is not gone. It is now found in the form of 7 company owned stores that are generating revenues and cash flow everyday. They invested the money they raised in December at $.85 per share.
Interesting Note: In my view, of particular interest is an item most investors could not figure out on their own. Back in December SPKL issued 705 shares of convertible preferred in return for a $6 million financing. The preferred units convert into common stock at a fixed price of $.85.
Originally, there were 705 shares issued. As of the June 30, there were still 650 of those preferred units remaining unconverted, a number of which are in my Defined Benefit Plan. This means 80% of the convertible holders still like their chances for making money with a cost basis of $.85.

On a go forward basis, I would expect the top line to keep growing, but the cash burn rate to drop considerably. I believe they will continue to burn cash for a couple more quarters, and then turn cash flow positive in 2009. They could run a little low on capital before turning profitable, but this isn't a biotech company. Cash comes in everyday, and its growing.

There is very little reaction to today's news in the market. The stock continues to trade in the low $.60 range on very anemic volume- typical for the end of August. Any aspect of today's financial filing that could be construed as negative is probably already priced into the stock.

I would expect SPKL to pick up nicely and and start to behave quite a bit better as we head into the Fall.

Home Page : www.otcjournal.com
Email Questions or Comments To: [e-mail]

[OTCBBTrader]

Entscheidend der Satz aus dem OTC-Journal:
"They could run a little low on capital before turning profitable, but this isn't a biotech company. Cash comes in everyday, and its growing. "
So bleibt zu hoffen ,daß dilution hier keine oder nur ein geringes Thema sein wird.

Der Chart SPKLs sieht im Rahmen des grauenhaften Aktienmarktes zufriedenstellend aus. Es finden sich immer wieder Käufer und so scheint sich einen verlässlichen Boden zu bilden.

Ich mag dieses Unternehmen aufgrund seines Wachstums und aufgrund der Story die dahinter steckt. Ich denke man wird noch einiges gutes von Spicy Pickles in den kommenden Jahren hören. Ich bleib dabei - marktunabhängig - und kaufe antizyklisch. In jedem Fall wird Spicy Pickles nicht zu den Losern in den nächsten Jahren gehören.

[OTCBBTrader]

Antwort auf Beitrag Nr.: 34.523.328 von OTCBBTrader am 16.07.08 19:42:32

Ein generell fürchterlicher Markt. Mit Bezug auf meine Akkumulieren von SPKL bin ich jedoch zufrieden mit dieser Entscheidung. Der Chart zeigt eine stabile Bodenbildung und zuverlässige Seitwärtsbewegung. Zwar keine großen Käufe aber nunmehr auch keine Verkäufe mehr. Könnte mir denken, daß Richtung Dezember der Kurs steigt wegen zunehmernder Konsumbereitschaft der Amis. Sollte auch den Umsätzen SPKLs helfen.

Wie auch immer. Schnäppchen gibt es ja nun mittlerweile im Aktienmarkt ohne Ende, aber als Wachstumstory - wie ich SPKL sehe - scheint mir die Story hier 'spicy' genug um dran zu bleiben.

Das war - 'Die Stimme in der Stille' ;-)

[OTCBBTrader]

Wer interesse hat sollte sich unbedingt das Video bei http://www.otcjournal.com/
zu SPKL ansehen. Es ist wirklich gut und informativ. Leider bricht es nach 75 % Laufzeit ab. Ich habe dem Journal diesen Mangel mitgeteilt und hoffe auf Korrektur weil ich gerne den Rest auch sehen möchte. Aber dennoch, auch als Video-Fragment bereits sehr hilfreich um zu entscheiden ob man sich in SPKL positionieren möchte.

[OTCBBTrader]

Bei solchen News wie heute bei SPKL fällt mir so ein Spruch ein wie: "Der Markst ist tot....es lebe der Markt". Unglaublich, eine Menge Firmen wachsen und wachsen und der Makrt hat nur eines ....Angst, Ängster, am Ängsten LOL..........und ich bin mit SPKL trotz tollem Wachstum schon wieder mal 29% in den miesen.

NEWS heute:


Spicy Pickle(TM) Announces New Lease in San Diego
DENVER, CO, Sep 16, 2008 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX News Network) --
Spicy Pickle(TM) (OTCBB: SPKL) fast-casual restaurants announced today the signing of a lease for a Spicy Pickle restaurant at 317 10th Avenue, San Diego, CA. The new restaurant marks the 3rd lease for the Spicy Pickle(TM) franchisee in San Diego County and the second location in the downtown area. Spicy Pickle, one of the hottest ideas in fast casual food today, offers customers a wide variety of culinary-inspired subs and panini sandwiches, fresh and unique salad combinations, and Neapolitan-style thin crust Pizzetti pizzas -- all combined with warm and welcoming service and a comfortable local atmosphere. This location also offers a full range of catering services.

The location is very near Petco Park home to the San Diego Padres and in a busy and developing area of downtown San Diego. The space is ready for delivery and architectural plans are already underway. Opening should be toward the end of the year or early next year, depending on permit approvals.

Marc Geman, CEO of Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc., commented: "Our multi-unit developer in San Diego is doing very well with their first location at 303 W. Beach St. near Little Italy. The community there is downtown business, visitors, and condos bringing a steady business to the restaurant. This new location is in a similar demographic and we expect it to perform as well as Beach St. This location is actually the third lease for this franchisee, but the one signed for the northwest corner of South Melrose Drive and Sycamore in Vista in the northern part of San Diego County will be new space and not delivered until later in 2009. So while this is the third lease it will be the second operating restaurant for the franchisee."

"We are finally seeing some favorable movement in the commercial real estate market which has not had the same steep downturn as the residential market. We continue to believe that we need to be patient and make sure the economics of the lease provide for a profitable opportunity for the franchisee. We are hopeful that the economic slowdown will now allow us to set up an aggressive 2009 development calendar."

[OTCBBTrader]

Heutiger Kommentar des OTC-Journals über die aktuelle Entwicklung von SPKL


Home Page : www.otcjournal.com
Email Questions or Comments To: [e-mail]

September 18, 2008

What A Week- So Far


I have a ton of commentary on this past week and the times we are living through, but I just don't have time to go into all of it today. I could write 10,000 words on the whole short selling issue, and probably will next week.


The market was absolutely pounded earlier in the week, but rebounded 400 points on the DOW today on the news Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson was going to Capital Hilll to propose an RTC like government agency to help resolve the subprime mortgage crises. The RTC (Resolution Trust Company) was the agency that took the assets of the defunked savings and loans back in the 80's, and resold them on behalf of American Tax payers once the market had stabilized.

The RTC was a little different. When the Savings and Loans all closed their doors, the government already owned all their assets. Today's banks still have the 3.5 million risky mortgages, they are just carrying on their books at zero or nearly zero valuations.

A bid from a government agency for these mortgages would accomplish two things- 1. It would allow the banks to establish a bid price for the securities on the books, and 2. It would provide an exit strategy if required. In my view, it can't happen soon enough. The market loved it.

It's been a terrible year for investors- pretty much all asset classes have been decimated, and I'm right in there along with most of you who are reading today's edition. My net worth has taken a huge hit this year.

I have been involved with the stock market for about 22 years. During that time I have seen the demise of the savings and loan industry, the crash of '87, 911, Enronitis, and 4 bear markets. You know what everyone of them had in common? They all were outstanding wealth creation opportunities for those with the courage to recognize the world was not coming to an end. Here's something to think about- in 2002 the PE ratio for the S&P 500 was about 22- today it is about 12. The guy who said you buy farmland during a drought year- Warren Buffet- is licking his chops as he pours over a list of stocks he wants to buy right now. Tune out the noise, keep a cool head, and recognize the next 5 years could represent a monumental opportunity to create wealth.



Pickle Pause Nears An End

Many of you have been asking for an update on Spicy Pickle, and here it is.


I won't insult your intelligence by stating market conditions and the US recession aren't having a negative effect on the company. It is, and of course it is being priced into the stock quite rapidly.

Here's how- the company's growth is likely to slow in the 2nd half of 2008. There are still about 90 new Spicy Pickle's committed to by franchisees. The 42 existing stores are experiencing minor slow downs relative to the economy, but on the whole they are doing just fine.
Recently, a lease was signed for a 4th Spicy Pickle location in the San Diego area, which is one of the few recent lease signings.

One of the issues the company still faces is the state of "denial" in commercial real estate. Prices have not cracked, and landlords are finally starting to come around to deal with the reality of the recession. New locations are actively being sought in Houston, San Antonio, Los Angeles, Illinois, and Las Vegas. The company is very close to new leases in a number of these locations.

At the same time, it is no secret SPKL is actively pursuing an expansion campaign outside the confines of the US borders in places where there is no recession. There are a number of ways this could be achieved, but I can't make any suggestions about what the future might hold. However, if SPKL is successful at achieving a strategic move, rapid expansion could come back into the equation.

While you look at this chart of SPKL during 2008- which is just as painful as most stock charts- I'll share some thoughts. First- regarding the financial condition of the company. Revenues are going up, and losses should be coming down. Revenues should be up 300% again in Q3 '08 over Q3 '07.However, the company is still not profitable.

SPKL is far from insolvent. Money rolls in everyday, and the revenues are recurring. The company is taking steps to lower overhead as it doesn't need the expansion infrastructure it anticipated before the recession.

With a break or two in the right direction, the company could near break even by year's end. I won't claim that no equity capital will ever be required again, but it will probably be looked at by year's end.

Whenever I have my doubts about what to do, I simply go to a location and have a sandwich. I love the food.

I have some partners who have sold a few shares of this stock over the last several months as disclosed on the site, but I have not sold one single share of my personal holdings. I believe that if I can hold out for 18 months to 2 years, I will make a killing in SPKL long term.

I can't say the stock won't go lower. Certainly, people are panic selling to raise cash at any cost. Perhaps a catalytic event will get the stock rolling. If it drops much more, I'll be a buyer if I have the cash.
_____________________________________________________________
Home Page : www.otcjournal.com
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[OTCBBTrader]

Erstklassige Werbung:
Werbung durch Einsatz für einen guten Zweck. Bei dem kindernärrischem Amerika dürfte Spicy Pickle damit in der US-Öffentlichkeit starke Beachtung finden.

News von heute:


Two Spicy Pickle Restaurants in Nevada to Help End Childhood Hunger by Joining Share Our Strength's Great American Dine Out(TM)RENO, Nev., Sept 22, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ --
Jackie Steelman, the owner of Spicy Pickle fast-casual sandwich restaurants in Reno and Sparks, is doing her part to ensure that no child in America grows up hungry by participating in Share Our Strength's Great American Dine Out(TM) presented by American Express. The new annual event is designed to combat childhood hunger by rallying the restaurant community to raise money for the cause during a weeklong campaign from September 21-28.

Steelman's two eateries at 5210 Longley Lane in Reno (775-852-4440) and 222 Los Altos Parkway in Sparks (775-626-4111) are contributing 5% of the week's sales to the program. Nine other Spicy Pickle restaurants in Colorado and Illinois are also participating.

"One in every six children in America suffers from uncertain access to the healthy, nutritious foods they need to avoid the lifelong and devastating consequences of hunger," said Billy Shore, founder of Share Our Strength. "We are in striking distance of ending childhood hunger by institutionalizing what we know has worked, and by joining forces together we can make this vision a reality."

"This campaign is a good opportunity to give back to the community on an individual level as well as collaborate with other restaurants all over the country for a common cause," Steelman said. "The more people dine out during the week, the more money we can raise to keep our children fed and healthy."

Thousands of restaurants are participating in the Great American Dine Out, and the event is endorsed by many of the country's top chefs including Chefs Thomas Keller, Mary Sue Milliken and Tom Collichio and industry executives Danny Meyer, Phil Friedman, Sally Smith and Wally Doolin. Food Network Star and host of the hit TV series Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Guy Fieri, has stepped up to serve as the national spokesperson.

The Great American Dine Out is presented by American Express. Founding national sponsors are SYSCO Corporation, San Pellegrino, Acqua Panna, and Ecolab. Founding national partners are Food Network, etools, National Restaurant Association, Nation's Restaurant News and OpenTable. Founding promotional partners are Fishbowl Marketing, The People Report and the Elliot Group.

For more information about Share Our Strength's Great American Dine Out, please visit http://www.greatamericandineout.org or contact Jessie Sherrer at [e-mail] or 202.478.6505.

[OTCBBTrader]

Antwort auf Beitrag Nr.: 35.225.864 von OTCBBTrader am 23.09.08 00:28:09

Übrigens meines Erachtens defintiv Einstiegskurse z.Zt.. Soweit ersichtlich bildet sich derezit ein Boden, Verkäufe lassen auf diesem Niveau rapide nach. Habe selber Order für 0.43 US-Cent plaziert und bekam zu diesem Preis an der OTC bisher lediglich 3000 Aktien

[OTCBBTrader]

Good Eats for a Good Cause at Spicy Pickle(TM) Sept. 28 - Oct. 4 as Two Restaurants Celebrate 1st Anniversary in Colorado Springs

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Sept 25, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ --

Both Spicy Pickle(TM) (OTC Bulletin Board: SPKL) restaurants in Colorado Springs are celebrating their first anniversaries in business beginning Sunday by earmarking 15% of net sales from September 28 - October 4 for donation to local schools. The Spicy Pickle eateries at 1466 W. Garden of the Gods Rd. and 9275 N. Union Blvd. will be contributing funds to Cornado High School's athletic department and Mountain Ridge Middle School's general fund, respectively, to thank area residents for their patronage.

Both restaurants feature hot-pressed panini sandwiches, signature subs and gourmet salads -- all original recipes with handcrafted artisan breads and unusual ingredients like different mayonnaises with basil, chipotle, horseradish and sun-dried tomato flavors -- plus a build-your-own sandwich menu with hundreds of possible combinations. There is also a kid's menu for ages 8 and under, and a companion catering menu for events ranging from office meetings to tailgate parties.

"We came into Colorado Springs a year ago with two locations and a menu that is as different from a mainstream sandwich shop as the Springs is from Kansas, and we're now tightly knit into the fabric of the community," said John Volmert, owner of both local Spicy Pickle restaurants. "Springs residents have given to us over the past year, and our anniversary is an ideal time to give back."

The Spicy Pickle at 1466 W. Garden of the Gods Rd. (719-388-9474) is open Monday - Friday 10:30 am to 4 pm, 11 am to 4 pm on Saturday, and closed Sunday. The Spicy Pickle at 9275 N. Union Blvd. (719-282-1442) is open 10:30 am to 7 pm Monday-Friday and 11 am to 6 pm Saturday and Sunday. Dine-in and catering menus for both restaurants can be found at http://www.spicypickle.com

About Spicy Pickle

Founded in 1999, Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc. (OTCBB: SPKL) serves panini and sub sandwiches made from high quality meats and baked-from-scratch-daily artisan breads, along with a choice of eight cheeses, 22 toppings, and 14 proprietary spreads featuring flavors from around the world. The company is headquartered in Denver, Colorado, with restaurants open or under construction in 16 states and many more in development nationwide. To find out more about Spicy Pickle, visit the company website at http://www.spicypickle.com/

SOURCE Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc.

http://www.spicypickle.com
Copyright (C) 2008 PR Newswire. All rights reserved

[OTCBBTrader]

Man soll ja keine Aktie lieben......ich bekenne mich zu meiner liebe zu Spicy Pickl Franchise ;-)

Die neuste Aquisition ist ein absolut brillanter Schachzug und zweigt, daß SPKL beabsichtigt auch andere Länder zu erobern. Mit Kanada anzufangen ist sicher sinnvoll................

Schade daß SPKL in Deutschland kein Interesse findet, Anleger lassen sich einen echten, aggressiven Wachstumskandidaten entstehen.....gefressen wird immer ;-)

_______________________________________________________________
QUELLE: OTC-journal von heute



The Spicy Surprise: Pickle Pulls Rabbit From Hat


Good riddance to September- one of the worst months of my life professionally. What a mess. I am heartened in the knowledge that the last 4 bear markets have all died in October. I also know when a Bear ends, 30% of the losses are made up in the first 90 days.

In the midst of the worst doom and gloom and fear climate in anyone's memory, Spicy Pickle pulled a true rabbit out of its proverbial hat today and brought in a motherlode achievement.


Today, SPKL announced it has acquired Vancouver based restaurant chain Bread Garden. With the acquisition, SPKL acquires 11 operating franchises, a new concept, and a number of additional spaces currently in development.

SPKL invested no cash to acquire the franchise chain- the transaction was done 100% for equity (in the form of about 5 million shares- about 11% dilution), and will be immediately accretive to earnings as Bread Garden franchising is a cash flow positive operation.

The original Bread Gardens have been around in the Vancouver area for 35 years. It's a European style theme with a high majority of the menu items displayed in glass counters. They are very strong breakfast destinations, which is a weakness of the SPKL theme.


SPKL is one of my two "sacred cow" stocks that I have been willing to hang onto through the Bear Market and this nasty recession. Today's news demonstrates why I have faith in this company.

The entire fast casual industry in the US is frozen. I have covered the challenges SPKL is having with domestic expansion in the second half of '08. Commercial real estate is holding up relatively well, so spaces are not coming available at the right price. On the other side, franchisees cannot obtain reasonable financing terms, so they are handcuffed.

SPKL continues to be commited to expansion. Rather than stay domestic and remain at a stand still in the second half of the year, the company has gone out and pulled off a coup which gives them strong expansion in one masterful stroke.

They are now in a market where there is no recession, and they have a platform to expand both concepts independently, or a hybrid of the two. In fact, Western Canada is currently booming as its a resource based economy. It's fertile ground for growth.

As of today, SPKL now has 53 stores operating in 15 states and 2 countries. Look for more expansion news around the corner even in an impossible market.


The Bread Garden acquisition opens the doors for a myriad of expansion possibilities in other arenas as we wait for the economy to come back and business to return to some levels of normalcy.

There's an intangible in owning this stock. Management is not to be underestimated. At a moment in time when the US Economy is completely frozen as citizens wait for an inept Congress to take action, Spicy Pickle is coming up with creative ways to keep its expansion plans moving along and opening up doors for other opportunities. That's why I'm hanging in there with this stock.

In case you are wondering, I can't say this acquisition will put SPKL over the top and into a cash flow positive posture. It's certainly a strong step. The company could need to raise a little more capital at some point in the future.

SPKL might start a rebound on this news. The stock has consolidated at the current levels for a couple of weeks now, and shouldn't have much upside resistance. I would guess everyone who was going to be scared into selling has done so.

There will be some of what I call the "whew" factor- some people will see a rebound in the stock, say "whew" and get out on a bounce. That's ok, and could provide some supply as it moves up. It won't happen overnight, but it probably will over time.

It's moves like this against impossible odds that create shareholder loyalty. Here is the complete text of today's news for your review:


Press Release Source: Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc.
Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc. Acquires Bread Garden Urban Cafes

Wednesday October 1, 6:35 pm ET

DENVER, CO--(MARKET WIRE)--Oct 1, 2008 -- Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc. (OTC BB:SPKL.OB - News) fast casual restaurants announced today the acquisition of Bread Garden Franchising, Inc., the franchisor of the Bread Garden Urban Cafes, a chain of franchised fast casual restaurants located in the greater Vancouver, Canada area. Currently there are 11 operating restaurants.

Spicy Pickle purchased substantially all of the assets of Bread Garden Franchising, Inc. including all of its rights to operate as the franchisor of the Bread Garden Urban Cafes. As consideration for the acquisition Spicy Pickle issued 5,177,500 shares of its common stock and warrants to purchase up to 3,038,750 shares of its common stock. Bread Garden Franchising, Inc. is a profitable company and the transaction is expected to bring additional working revenue from day one. Spicy Pickle will take over the existing small Bread Garden franchising office located in downtown Vancouver.

Immediately after the acquisition, there will be 53 restaurants in 15 states and 2 countries, including both Spicy Pickle® restaurants and Bread Garden Urban Cafes. At the present time there are no plans to convert the Bread Garden Urban Cafes to Spicy Pickle® restaurants.

Bread Garden Urban Cafes have been operating for approximately 30 years. Originally started by local residents in the food industry, the cafes were eventually sold to a large multi-unit corporation and in 2004 to a family that resides in the Vancouver area. The cafes serve coffee, pastries and breakfast items as well as lunch and dinner along with a wide variety of desserts. The cafes offer Wi-Fi service and are a popular destination throughout the day and evening. As is typical of European style restaurants, the food is displayed in refrigerated glass cases giving customers a visual experience before they choose their menu items.

Marc Geman, CEO of Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc., commented: "We are thrilled to add this terrific chain to our growing portfolio of fast casual restaurants. After extensive due diligence we saw tremendous opportunities. First, we will expand our geographical footprint into the booming Western Canada region which is not suffering from the same credit issues we are witnessing in the States. Secondly, we now have the opportunity to take a very successful coffee, breakfast, pastry and dessert program from the Bread Garden Urban Cafes and import it to the Spicy Pickle® model. Additionally, we can supplement their strong breakfast menu with our expansive and fresh lunch menu. Bread Garden Urban Cafes are very popular and have a reputation as an all day coffee house gathering place which adds incremental business throughout the day."

Mr. Geman further stated: "The Bread Garden Urban Cafes are extremely well located, many of them having leased space at a time when great locations were still available in Vancouver at reasonable rates. We will continue to use the Bread Garden name as they have developed a loyal following and enjoy great brand recognition in the region. Bread Garden's branded products are found on the British Columbia ferries and in gas stations around the city, and while these outlets are not part of this transaction, they add tremendously to the brand identification throughout British Columbia."

Zahir Dhanani, a principal of Bread Garden Franchising, Inc., said: "Over the course of the past year, we have been searching for successful restaurant operators with similar concepts and were fortunate enough to meet the management team at Spicy Pickle. As a smaller chain, we wanted to partner with someone who can assist us in growing our business at a greater rate. Given the operational efficiencies and business synergies they offer, we can quickly expand our menu offerings and benefit from the exposure of being part of a public company. We are very excited to join the Spicy Pickle® organization."

About Spicy Pickle:

Founded in 1999, Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc. (OTC BB:SPKL.OB - News) serves high quality meats and fine artisan breads, baked fresh daily, along with a wide choice of eight different cheeses, twenty-two different toppings, and fourteen proprietary spreads to create healthy and delicious panini and sub sandwiches with flavors from around the world. As a leading "fast-casual" concept, Spicy Pickle offers menu items that are far beyond traditional fast food but without the price point of casual dining. The hallmark of a Spicy Pickle® restaurant is quality, service and an enjoyable atmosphere. The company is headquartered in Denver, Colorado, with restaurants open or under construction across 15 states and several more in development nationwide. Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc., also operates as franchisor for Bread Garden Urban Cafes, a concept with 11 restaurants in the metropolitan Vancouver, Canada area. Bread Garden Urban Cafes serve coffee, pastries and breakfast items as well as lunch and dinner along with a wide variety of desserts. To find out more about Spicy Pickle (OTC BB:SPKL.OB - News), visit our website at www.spicypickle.com/.

Forward-Looking Statements:

Certain statements in this press release, including statements regarding the number of restaurants we intend to open, are forward-looking statements. We use words such as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "should," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "predict," "project," "target," and similar terms and phrases, including references to assumptions, to identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to us as of the date any such statements are made and we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following: factors that could affect our ability to achieve and manage our planned expansion, such as the availability of a sufficient number of suitable new restaurant sites and the availability of qualified franchisees and employees; risks relating to our expansion into new markets; the risk of food-borne illnesses and other health concerns about our food products; changes in the availability and costs of food; changes in consumer preferences, general economic conditions or consumer discretionary spending; the impact of federal, state or local government regulations relating to our franchisees and employees, and the sale of food or alcoholic beverages; the impact of litigation; our ability to protect our name and logo and other proprietary information; the potential effects of inclement weather; the effect of competition in the restaurant industry; and other risk factors described from time to time in our SEC reports.

Contact:
Company Contact:
Marc Geman
Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc.
[phone]
Email Contact
http://www.spicypickle.com

Investor Relations Contact:
Pamela A. Solly
Cirrus Financial Communications, LLC
[phone]
Email Contact
http://www.CirrusFC.com

Source: Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc.

[OTCBBTrader]

Keine Kaufempfehlung sondern nur meine persönliche Meinung:


Was für Einstiegskurse für mutige Langfrist-Investoren !!! Mit welcher Leichtigkeit sich in einem solchen Markt die Aktien von ängstlichen Anlegern, die dann auch noch überreagieren, einsammeln lassen. Man braucht nur ein absurd niedriges bid eingeben - und schon findet sich ein Ängstlicher der sie bedient LOL

[OTCBBTrader]

......und wächst und wächst und wächst..............._





Spicy Pickle's Bread Garden Urban Cafes Is Awarded Vancouver Airport Location

DENVER, CO, Oct 14, 2008 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX News Network) --

Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc. (OTCBB: SPKL) fast casual restaurants announced today that its Bread Garden Urban Cafes, a chain of 11 franchised fast casual restaurants located in the greater Vancouver, Canada area, has signed a lease for a location at the Vancouver Airport.

The location is in Terminal C which is currently under construction and scheduled for completion in early 2009. The construction is part of a major redevelopment of the airport prior to the Winter Olympics which will be held in Vancouver, Canada in the winter of 2010. The stand alone location will be post security and in a food court area located in the center of the newly constructed concourse with high visibility. It is approximately 500 sq. ft. and shaped like a quarter circle. The space will be used entirely as a kitchen and front counter. Seating will be in the common area directly in front of and behind the unit. The new Terminal C services domestic traffic and Canadian international connections. It will be serviced primarily by Canada Air, the largest Canadian carrier. Build out will occur during the spring of 2009 to coincide with a slated opening of the new concourse in June or July of 2009. Lease payments will commence on September 1, 2009. This lease has a term of five years with a two-year option.

Marc Geman, CEO of Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc., commented: "We have been working on sites in the Vancouver area even as we were negotiating the purchase of the Bread Garden chain. This was an opportunity that came up several months ago and we sent our project management team to Vancouver for the initial meetings with the airport. Due to the hard work on the part of the Bread Garden team that is now part of our team, we submitted a proposal that has resulted in this location being granted to Bread Garden Urban Cafes."

Mr. Geman further stated: "The Vancouver airport is an extremely high visibility location. The Airport had a 17.5 million passenger count in 2007 and has a projected 2008 count over 18 million. By the time of the Olympics in 2010 roll around they project over 20 million passengers. Of that more than 10 million passengers are in the domestic area where the Bread Garden Urban Cafe will be located. This is the type of alternative venue that can bring brand identification quickly to other major metropolitan areas in Canada and overseas."

Zip Dhanani, the former owner of Bread Garden Urban Cafes and consultant to Spicy Pickle, said, "The Vancouver Airport marks a new threshold for Bread Garden and promises to be a very busy location. We are also very pleased that one of the current franchisees who already owns two other high profile locations has been selected as the franchisee for this new location."

[OTCBBTrader]

Diese brillante Location wird SPKL ein unglaublichen Unsatzschub geben........vor allem wird Spicy Pickle damit zumindest schon m,alo im Flughafen Vancouver tatsächlich echte Konkurrenz von MacDonald (Habe dort 2001 schon mal einen fürchterlichen Burger 'genossen'...in Zukunft dann lieber Panini von SPKL. LOL)


"The Vancouver airport is an extremely high visibility location. The Airport had a 17.5 million passenger count in 2007 and has a projected 2008 count over 18 million. By the time of the Olympics in 2010 roll around they project over 20 million passengers. Of that more than 10 million passengers are in the domestic area where the Bread Garden Urban Cafe will be located. This is the type of alternative venue that can bring brand identification quickly to other major metropolitan areas in Canada and overseas."

[OTCBBTrader]

Heutiger Kommentar vom OTC-Journal zur neusten SPKL-Pressemitteilung:

To OTC Journal Members:

Pickle Flies Into Vancouver Airport

Spicy Pickle was out with news today about mid morning which should help investors get an understanding for why the Western Canada acquisition of Bread Garden Urban Cafes puts a little life back into the business expansion outlook when all other restaurant chains are frozen.

Today, SPKL announced it has signed a lease for its first airport location. Bread Garden will have a franchise operation in the Vancouver airport. The Vancouver airport is going through a major renovation as it is gearing up for the 2010 Winter Olympics.

According to the release, 18 million travelers will pass through the Vancouver airport in 2008, and the number is expected to expand to 20 million by 2010.

The new Bread Garden will be about 500 sq ft, and located in a food court for public seating. Like other Bread Gardens, the faire will be displayed in a glass counter- European style.

These airport locations are highly sought after as they do both enormous revenues and get the brand in front of millions of customers.

This news is important on several fronts. First, it should help shareholders get a clear understanding of why the Bread Garden acquisition is so important to Spicy Pickle. First and foremost, it provides expansion capability in an environment where the US market has clearly on the sidelines with the pending Presidential election and the banking system in the government's "intensive care" ward. The patient is slowly coming off death watch, but far from ready to check out of the hospital.

SPKL is not out of the woods financially. Cash levels are going to run low early next year unless some steps are taken to raise a little more equity. Approximately $11 million has been raised for the company to date, and another $1 million to $1.5 million should put them over the top to cash flow positive.

However, the company has done a great job figuring out a way to expand in the back half of 2008 with every other restaurant chain on the sidelines. The Bread Garden acquisition added 11 new stores to the franchise network without the company shelling out one dime in cash.

I expect to read about further expansion in Western Canada where there is no banking crises and nothing worse than a bit of a slow down. Once we get past the banking crises in the US, and the environment returns to some semblance of normalcy, I expect further expansion stateside.

Currently, the entire system is running at about $25 to $30 million in annual revenues. The path to cash flow positive is in sight. A little faith is in order here.

New capital is not suggested for investors with less than a six month time horizon. It's the investing nuclear winter, and we're in a deep freeze. However, when the spring does come, this one will should start to behave a lot better. The stock is up a little today on light volume.

[OTCBBTrader]

Als objektiver Investor stelle ich hier hintereinander zwei Meinungen zu SPKL rein:

1. www.marketwatch.com..............Negativer Artikel zu SPKL von G. Jaffee

2. www.otcjournal.com...............Antwort darauf vom Publisher des OTC Journal



Als subjektiver Investor halte ich den Artikel Nr. 1 bis auf einige korrekte Angaben zur Ökonomie für sensationslüsternen Börsenjournalismus - in welchem sich der Author sogar teilweise widerspricht.

In den folgen 2 Posts die Artikel.

[OTCBBTrader]

CHUCK JAFFE
Stupid Investment of the Week

Commentary: Spicy Pickle shares aren't much to chew on

By Chuck Jaffe, MarketWatch

Last update: 8:23 p.m. EDT Oct. 16, 2008Comments: 10BOSTON (MarketWatch) --
Stock investors are looking for reasons to buy amid the turmoil. Among the logic behind picking new names after dismal year-to-date performance:
It's fallen this far, it can't lose that much more.
It's in a business that's not going anywhere.
Even in a bad market, there's still going to be the next big thing.
I like it.
And those reasons are precisely why Steve W. came back from a recent business trip thinking he might buy stock in Spicy Pickle Franchising, the Denver-based company behind the Spicy Pickle restaurants currently open in more than a dozen states and attempting to spread nationwide.

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Somewhere between a bowl of corn-and-green-chile bisque and sandwich served on Panini bread, Steve saw something about the company looking for investors and started thinking Spicy Pickle might be just the taste his portfolio was looking for.
As Steve explained it to me by email, he was thinking it would be the classic Peter Lynch buy-what-you-know play, a company with a terrific product in the early stages of development.
Alas, as I told Steve, once you strip away the satisfaction of lunch, Spicy Pickle (SPKL:spicy pickle franchising com
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3:53pm 10/17/2008

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SPKL 0.30, -0.03, -9.1%) is likely to leave a sour taste in your mouth, as it's the Stupid Investment of the Week.
Stupid Investment of the Week highlights the concerns and conditions that make a security less-than-ideal for the average investor, in the hope that by spotlighting danger in one situation investors will find it easier to avoid trouble elsewhere. While obviously not a purchase recommendation, the column is not meant to be an automatic sell signal, as there may be times when dumping a worrisome investment serves to compound the problem.
Off the menu
In the case of Spicy Pickle, it's more a question of whether investors who have ridden the stock down -- more than 75% year-to-date -- want to hang around. For newcomers to the stock like Steve, a closer look is almost certain to lead to indigestion.
Spicy Pickle restaurants are part of the "fast casual" space, the point where customers want more than simple "fast food," but want to avoid the higher price point of "casual dining."
I'm no restaurant critic -- though it's clear from looking at me that I don't skip many meals -- but having eaten at Spicy Pickle on past trips to Colorado, I can attest to the fact that they make a really good sandwich -- over 150,000 combinations if you want to build your own -- at a reasonable price. The firm boasts of no fillers, no preservatives, and no extenders in its food, and claims the "world's best" spicy pickle.
That said, the concept is not too dissimilar from Panera Bread (PNRAanera bread co cl a
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PNRA 41.23, +1.99, +5.1%) . The stock, however, is about as far away from Panera -- which at roughly $40 per share has both a market capitalization and annual sales in the neighborhood of $1.2 billion -- as can be.
For starters, Spicy Pickle is an OTC Bulletin Board stock that traded recently for about 33 cents per share -- with a total market cap of around $16 million -- that is trying to build its business at a time that is undeniably horrible for the economy, terrible for franchisors and increasingly hard for restaurants.
Those conditions blow away all of Steve's thin reasons for thinking it is a good idea, especially because any penny stock in a tough business may be as much a candidate to go all the way to zero as it is to strike it big.
Restaurant industry trends have shown that the troubled economy has people eating out less, and putting out fewer bucks when they do. While that may be pushing some diners from casual restaurants to fast-casual spots like Spicy Pickle, it may also be sending some fast-casual customers to the value meals at traditional fast-food joints. About the only conceivable plus is that the economy slows competitors and makes desirable restaurant locations available.
The problem is that Spicy Pickle would have to be better-capitalized than its competition to cash in that way. It isn't.
Recipe for disappointment
Spicy Pickle President Marc Geman acknowledged in a telephone interview the hard times making it tough on all restaurants, but said the company is trying out a value-oriented menu that might help out cash-strapped customers who might prefer the fast-food ticket price.
Perhaps a bigger economic challenge is the one facing franchisees.
"Franchisees rely on small business loans and credit to make it work," Geman said, "and it's clearly terrible conditions for credit right now. ... If you are a growth company, it makes it pretty hard to grow."
That's one reason why Spicy Pickle recently did a stock-swap purchase of Bread Garden Urban Cafes, adding 11 restaurants centered in the Vancouver area. That helps fuel growth, although there are no current plans to convert Bread Gardens to Spicy Pickles.
"It's worse for the lower-tier, less-established players," said John Owens, restaurant analyst for Morningstar Inc., which does not track Spicy Pickle shares but does categorize the stock as "distressed."
"It's very difficult for franchises to get credit to build or remodel new restaurants, and smaller chains might find it even more difficult to compete against bigger chains like a Panera and Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG:chipotle mexican grill inc cl a
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CMG 44.25, -0.44, -1.0%) ," Owens said. "Those chains have more advertising muscle, greater scale and power over their suppliers, and they have a lot of advantages right now, including the strongest balance sheets and cash-flow in that part of the industry."
Spicy Pickle Franchising has negative free cash flow, frighteningly low revenues and not much means of support. The stock peaked at more than $2 per share, but that was back in the fall of 2007, after a promotional effort where Spicy Pickle engaged the OTC Journal in a promotional effort.
Geman noted that he has been long-time friends with Larry Isen, the guy behind the OTC Journal, who invested in the company on his own, long before ever being approached about taking on the promotional effort. Still, OTC Journal's disclosures, available on its own Web site, shows that Isen directly or indirectly controls more than 1.67 million shares, or 3.3% of the outstanding float, as of Oct. 10. The firm has sold more than $1.87 million worth of Spicy Pickle shares.
In microcap penny stocks -- which are priced too low to have short-sellers -- many analysts consider having a known promoter as a big holder to be a negative, because it increases the possibility that any wave of good news will meet the resistance of the promoter's big stake being sold.
Put it all together, and you have a stock that's likely to leave investors with indigestion.
"This is definitely a high-risk situation," said Charles Rotblut, senior market analyst for Zacks.com. "The restaurant may be great but the timing isn't, particularly since their growth is dependent on franchises getting financing. ... I'd be scared of going into this company right now."
Chuck Jaffe is a senior MarketWatch columnist. His work appears in dozens of U.S. newspapers.

[OTCBBTrader]

The Pickle Gets Panned

By OTCJournal Editor

October 18, 2008 @ 10:42 am

I had a rather entertaining day on Friday when I checked the early quotes and scanned the stocks I follow for news. Much to my surprise, a columnist from MarketWatch decided to write a rather nasty editorial piece on Spicy Pickle Franchising (OTC BB: SPKL) entitled “Stupid Investment of the Week”.

I strongly recommend everyone who owns this stock or has any interest read his column. Surprisingly, except for the headline and the way he characterizes the company, I pretty much agreed with what he had to say. I can’t quite figure out why he would pick on Spicy Pickle vs the other four thousand $.30 stocks that are losing money out there in the speculative world. There are a lot of stocks with a lot less substance to pick on.
In fact, I don’t think anybody really cares what this guy had to say about the company in today’s environment when Freddie and Fannie have been ceased by the government, Lehman Brothers and Bear Stearns no longer exist, and AIG is on life support from the Federal Government. I mean, really- who cares.

Factually, he had some good points, most of which I have already pointed out in past writings. Spicy Pickle is still losing money and at some point they will need additional capital. It will probably require $1 million to $1.5 million sometime in the next six months to get to the point of positive cash flow. One year ago today I thought they’d be profitable by now. One year ago today I did not factor in a nasty recession and a complete
implosion of the entire credit world. My mistake.

Needless to say, everyone who wants to be sensational tweaks the presentation to fit their theme. Author Chuck Jaffe does not bother to mention Spicy Pickle had 12 stores open about 2 1/2 years ago, has over 50 stores today, and has a top line growing at about 300% per quarter- the revenue number is small, but the underlying stores are delivering somewhere in the range of $25 to $30 million in annual revenues.

He also points out I still own 1.7 million shares in my disclosure, and that I might just decide to go ahead and sell them all. First of all, it’s really about 1.4 million shares. I have made some money on the stock, but I also wrote the check and took the risk. I paid for every single share I’ve ever sold just like any other investor. He doesn’t bother mentioning that I took most of my profits between $1.50 and $2, which cooresponds with the
exact time I published a BLOG suggesting everyone else take their profits on the stock as well.

So, let’s be clear. Things have changed in the last six months. It is a tough environment for Spicy Pickle. They are not as stable as much larger, much better financed chains. They did pull off a great coup closing the Bread Garden acquisition in Western Canada in a stock only transaction, which added 11 locations to their network. They are reducing costs to match the environment.

I plan to hold the position I own through the recession, and will only sell the shares if I have to because I need the money. I am not recommending buying the shares today for anyone with anything but the highest risk tolerance. I would prefer to see have a better vision of the “path to profitability” before suggesting anyone get aggressive. If you like the company and have a little faith in the management, there’s nothing wrong
with holding on to what you have. I believe the company will find its way to profitability, and will grow and prosper once the recession ends. It could be a painful trip to getting there- I don’t know. Also, I don’t control all the shares in the disclosure on the site, so some associates might sell some to raise cash.

I am a big believer in hearing both sides of the story, so I recommend you read Mr. Jaffe’s article. It’s also available in audio form, complete with movie sound bites that are rather entertaining. His audio version comes out somewhere between Howard Stern and Cramer. It’s a lame attempt at a sort of irreverant sensationalized humor.

And, another point I want to clarity: I am not recommending anything but cash for anyone with less than a six month time horizon on investing. I heard one analyst today say it’s time to buy broken stocks, not broken companies. Let me be very clear about what I am
recommending for bottom fishing courageous investors aside from the standard ideas widely covered (in order of importance):

FXI (Closed End China Fund on NYSE): This security trades on the NYSE and represents a portfolio of China Blue Chip companies. The stock is down over 60% this year, yet the behemoths with the portfolio are doing fine. The companies within the portfolio have an average PE of 10, and continue to grow anywhere from 10% to 40% annually. GDP growth in China is expected to slow from about 12% to 7%, but I believe slowing growth is priced in. At its current price, there is about a 4% dividend. Eventually, the global investment community will remember China, and realize slower growth is not the same thing as a recession. 1.3 billion people are still there.
China Energy Recovery (OTC BB: CGYV): Through the first 6 months of 2008, $9.8 million in revenues and $564k in profits. 172% growth rate over 2007. $6.7 million in cash. Has technology that gets rid of pollution and recycles energy in coal burning plants in the Far East. Stock has been decimated by forced liquidations from disolving institutions. I anticipate no need to raise capital, ongoing profitabilty, and growth well into 2009.
PhotoChannel Networks (OTC BB: PNWIF): Cash was a little low last filing for the June quarter, but no debt. The company should reap the benefits of massive customer roll out for Costco in the first half of 2008. They provide online photoprocessing services for customers of major retail chains like Costco, Sam’s Club, CVS, Walmart Canada, and many more. Upload your photos online, order, pick up in store in one hour. Could do surprisingly well in the coming Holiday Season as consumers will spend a lot less than normal, and framed photos make great, inexpensive gifts. Also decimated by forced liquidations of funds. PNWIF is cash flow positive and should remain that way from here forward.
The other stocks I provide following for: EFSF, NIHK, PLTG- all very risk and stocks I believe you might as well hold if you still have them. I’ll continue to keep everyone informed as a service, but I am not suggesting piling into any of those names without more positive information.

I hope that clears up any misconceptions fostered by Jaffe’s article. To read the article simply Click Here. To hear the audio version, which is highly entertaining, Click Here. Please take the time to do this. If you are a shareholder and disturbed by the content, simply sell the stock and get out. Be done with it. For the most part, no one seemed to care.

In fact I’m pretty sure no one really cares about these ideas right now. Most people are distracted with much bigger problems, and only a few stalwarts will filter out the noise, take a clinical look, and take the risk.

I understand. I am overwhelmed with problems as well. Eventually, investors will come around, greed will creep back in from fear ruling the roost, and interest will resurface. Those stocks you see listed above probably won’t be as cheap, but there’s multi year moves left in all three of them when the irrational selling ends.

[OTCBBTrader]

Ein weiterer Kommentar zu der Expansion Spicy Pickles nach Kanada
vom SmallCapNetwork ( www.smallcapnetworks.com )



A Recession is a Matter of Geography

What do you do when your local economy grinds to a halt, disrupting your aggressive growth plans? A lot of small cap companies have been like deer caught in headlights this year. A few of them, however, made a smart choice - they moved their attention to geographies where the economy didn't stink. What was sewn internationally is now being reaped.

If you thought Spicy Pickle's (OTCBB: SPKL) growth plans had been put on ice, you weren't alone. At the end of 2007 we were expecting a new store to open about every week. When the recession kicked in though, most of those openings were put on hold. It wasn't surprising or unusual given the environment - that's just the cyclical nature of the beast.

What most didn't see at the time, however, was something Spicy Pickle had kept in the background - plans for international expansion.

Rather than try and fight an uphill battle, Spicy Pickle was savvy enough to divert time and attention to a geography where money was flowing much better... Canada. It took a while to get the deal done, but the company has officially added Vancouver's Bread Garden Urban Cafe chain to the Spicy Pickle family. There's no recession there - Vancouver is thriving.

There are eleven Bread Gardens up and running, which obviously removes the headache of hunting for new store sites and then trying to sign a lease with a stubborn landlord. In fact, the deal was so 'turn-key' that Bread Garden's revenues and profits will show up on Spicy Pickle's books from day one of the union.

The acquisition doesn't involve any cash - it's an all stock deal, so the balance sheet won't take a hit. That'll be good, since it lets the company remain flexible in this rocky U.S. economy. Spicy Pickle's cash position and cash flow will actually improve now that they have 19 company-owned restaurants (11 Bread Gardens and 8 Spicy Pickles) contributing to the top line. Those royalties from franchisees are nice, but the high-dollar cash flow lies in ownership of restaurants.

As for the stock, the 5.1 million shares issued (and 3.0 million warrants) is actually a fairly small price for shareholders to pay. There are 48 million shares issued and outstanding already, so the maximum dilution here is less than 20% long-term, and only about 10% in the short run. The upside? I'm estimating cash flow has roughly doubled. Plus, with the Bread Garden chain already being profitable, there's an immediate benefit to the company's bottom line.

Speaking of the stock, the last time I talked about it my basic message was to steer clear until the chart started to look healthier (advice that applied to most stocks at the time). Since then though, SPKL appears to have stabilized, finding support around 40 cents.

I still believe this stock is going to generally trade in the same direction as the overall market. However, I also think it has considerably more upside potential than the average stock right now. We also looked at the market's potential bottom in Tuesday's edition, and now we've seen some evidence that Spicy Pickle - at the corporate level - isn't as stifled as we may have thought.

If you're really a value seeker and long-term investor, I think SPKL is pretty attractive at 42 cents. A lot of the proverbial planets may have lined up over the last few days.

[OTCBBTrader]

\".......If you\'re really a value seeker and long-term investor, I think SPKL is pretty attractive at 42 cents........\"

Der Markt übertreibt nun auch bei SPKL...wir sind bei 26 US-Cent. Falls wir in den USA .20 sehen, werde ich nochmals akkumuliere.

Wie aus meinem \'Thread mittlerweile eindeutig, bin ich von SPKL langfristigem Erfolg überzeugt. Der Weg wird mittlefristig recht holprig sei....aber das war er von MacDonald zu Anfang auch ;-)
Langfristig (Zeitraum 3-5 Jahre) hoffe ich auf Kurse irgendwo zwischen $ 2.00 und $5.00, oder anders ausgedrückt, auf ca. 400%-1500% innerhalb dieser 3-5 Jahre. Bei Break-even liegt heute bei ca. $.40. Somit Verlust derzeit ca. 35%. Auf Stoplos verzichte ich bei SPKL. Mag nicht richtig sein, aber SPKL ikst nicht meine einzige Spekulation und ich debnke SPKL kann sich schnell erholen. Vielleicht hilft ja schon eine Art Weihnachtsgeschäft....Paninis schmecken auch zu Thanks Giving ;-)

[OTCBBTrader]

Trotz Finanzkrise......SPKL expandiert weiter!

Spicy Pickle Announces Two New Lease Signings and One Closure Expansion Program Starting to Get Back on Track

DENVER, CO, Nov 12, 2008 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX News Network) --
Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc. (OTCBB: SPKL) fast casual restaurants announced its expansion program is beginning to get back on track.

Marc Geman, CEO of Spicy Pickle, stated, "The recent financial crisis has put the brakes on retail development. Now, for the first time in months, expansion activity is regaining some traction, and we are starting to see the early signs of a return to expansion in the system."

One new lease in Houston, Texas has been signed for our Spicy Pickle chain and another new lease for our Bread Garden Urban Cafe chain in Western Canada.

The new Spicy Pickle in Houston will be located at an existing end cap space at the South East corner of I-10 (Katy Freeway) and Kirkwood Road, in the Nottingham Shopping Center. It is positioned on the eastern side of Houston's "energy corridor"; already one of Houston's largest employment centers. The space is expected to be delivered within 60 days, and architectural planning is already underway.

The new location for the Bread Garden Cafe extends the reach of the chain to the magnificent setting in Vancouver on the campus of the University of British Columbia. This new restaurant will be located in a newly constructed housing project a block from the student union and in the middle of university housing. It has its own heated outdoor seating area which is weather protected.

Marc Geman, CEO of Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc., commented: "The Houston location marks the end of a long process for our franchisee. From here, we can get started on the design, build out, training and grand opening. The premises will be available to the franchisee at the start of 2009. Our Houston franchisee is already looking at additional sites."

Mr. Geman further stated: "As we said before we have been working on sites in the Vancouver area even as we were negotiating the purchase of the Bread Garden Urban Cafe chain. This new site, along with the new Vancouver Airport site, represents the fruits of our labor and the hard work on the part of the team in Vancouver.

"It's a tough environment for expansion domestically, but there is a bright spot. Commercial real estate prices are finally starting to come down, and we are now in a position to negotiate some very favorable terms in prime locations for those franchisees that are ready to expand. We are on the verge of a number of additional new lease signings. We are still looking for locations in several US cities. Our Canadian subsidiary, Bread Garden Urban Cafes, is also looking for a number of additional locations. Western Canada is not experiencing the heightened financial turmoil we have in the US, and we anticipate continued expansion there as well."

The Spicy Pickle location in Sioux Falls, South Dakota was closed without notice to the franchisor in October and the premises, in full operational condition, was abandoned. The franchisee apparently has left the area. We are looking for another operator and have been in contact with the landlord who has secured the premises.

Mr. Geman commented, "In these economic times I expect we are going to see some fallout from franchisees that are not sufficiently capitalized to work through an economic downturn. We are confident the whole the system will continue to grow and most likely will be stronger by the time the economy starts to recover. Overall system-wide sales are what become important to achieving profitability and we are cumulatively adding to those sales.

"At the corporate level, we have been taking some cost savings steps to bring our overhead down to a level commensurate with the new environment and our ongoing cash flow. We plan to increase revenues while reducing costs at the corporate level to protect our shareholders as we move through this painful recession."

[OTCBBTrader]

News Releases

Spicy Pickle Announces New Lease Signing for Spicy Pickle and a Drive Thru for Bread Garden Urban Cafes

DENVER, CO, Nov 25, 2008 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX News Network) --

Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc. (OTCBB: SPKL) fast casual restaurants announced another new location and first drive thru.

Marc Geman, CEO of Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc., stated, "Even though financing is still a struggle for some, several of our franchisees are positioned to take advantage of a slowing commercial real estate market and sign leases for new locations, which is certainly advantageous for them and positive for us."

We have the first lease in San Antonio, Texas for our Spicy Pickle franchisee that has a 7 restaurant development agreement, and we are relocating a franchised Bread Garden Urban Cafe to a new location which has our first drive thru.

The new Spicy Pickle restaurant is the first in San Antonio and will be located in an existing end cap within the University Square shopping center located at the southwest corner of DeZevala Road and Interstate 10. This mature center offers great visibility at one of the city's busiest intersections and retail corridors. It is also centrally located near some of San Antonio's largest employers and an area where office growth will continue in the years to come. Architectural planning is already underway.

Marc Geman commented: "The San Antonio location brings to a conclusion the site selection and lease negotiation for this franchisee's first location in a seven unit development. From here, we can get started on the design, build out, training and grand opening. The premises will be available to the franchisee at the start of 2009. This process has been as slow as our past site selection and lease negotiations but things appear to be loosening up and we are seeing that good locations at reasonable prices will become more plentiful going into 2009."

The location for the Bread Garden Urban Cafe is in Cloverdale, in the southeast part of the Vancouver metropolitan area. The location was originally built as a drive thru for Bread Garden by the owner of the Chevron station nearby but he sold to another brand and for awhile it became a local donut shop and then a chicken concept before becoming available to us again. Since it was originally designed as a drive thru most of the features needed to test a drive thru location are in place.

Mr. Geman further stated: "We are anxious to try a drive thru location for Bread Garden Urban Cafes as it has all the features that would make this type of service compelling to customers. It serves coffee and pastries as well as sandwiches. We look at drive thru as a move toward the speed of service QSR in terms of ease and convenience of service but with a decidedly upscale menu offering and quality. If this work well for us it opens up a lot of future opportunity for both Bread Garden Urban Cafes and possibly Spicy Pickle restaurants as we learn from operations at this location.

"It's a tough environment for expansion, but there is a bright spot. Commercial real estate prices are coming down, and we are now in a position to negotiate some very favorable terms in prime locations for those franchisees that are ready to expand. We are on the verge of a number of additional new lease signings. We are still looking for locations in several U.S. cities. Our Canadian subsidiary, Bread Garden Urban Cafes, is also looking for a number of additional locations. Western Canada is not experiencing the heightened financial turmoil we have in the U.S., and we anticipate continued expansion there as well.

"We are also continuing to take cost savings steps to bring our overhead down to a level commensurate with the new environment and our ongoing cash flow. Even in these tough times we think we will operate with decreasing overhead and increasing revenue which is certainly going in the right direction."

[OTCBBTrader]

Allen Lesern dieses Threads wünsche ich alles gute für 2009.
Manche sollten sich vielleicht überlegen ob sie die derzeitigen Kurse bei SPKL nicht nutzen. Selbst eine Kurserholung von 30-50% kann ein netter Gewinn sein. Und SOPKL wird sich erholen.....darauf verwettet ich meine A.....sch ;-)

Nochmals, gute Investments allen in 2009

[OTCBBTrader]

Man kann nicht behaupten, SPKL würde sich nicht behaupten LOL
Der US-Chart bildet eine interessanten Boden aus.

Die Nachrichten-Front ist zwar ruhig, aber ich denke Nachrichten, welcher art auch immer, beeinflussen derzeit den Kurs wenig. Hat auch sein Gutes, so kann man sich für bessere Zeit positionieren ohne Angst vor zu hoher Volatilität haben zu müssen.

Nichtdestotrotz wird auch hier ein hartes 2009 bevorstehen. Ich hoffe jedoch auf eine Rebiound Richtung $.30-.40

[OTCBBTrader]

News Releases

Spicy Pickle 2009 Corporate Update

DENVER, CO, Feb 11, 2009 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX News Network) --

Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc. (OTCBB: SPKL), fast casual restaurants serving all natural premium meat and poultry and other fresh products, provides this update on current business activity in both its Spicy Pickle and Bread Garden Urban Cafe chains.

Development has slowed considerably for the Spicy Pickle chain in the United States, but some expansion possibilities continue to exist. Bank financing for new franchise opportunities is simply not available in the current climate, and expansion will continue to be limited until capital becomes more readily available.

The following is a summary of existing expansion possibilities for the remainder of 2009 and possibly into 2010:


-- Our Houston franchisee has signed a lease for their first site and is actively pursuing additional locations. The first site will open in the spring of this year.
-- Our Las Vegas franchisee is finalizing lease negotiations for a second location.
-- After a long negotiation our San Antonio franchisee terminated their first lease when the landlord refused to accept the previously agreed to terms, and is actively looking again for a first location.
-- Our Los Angeles franchisee continues to seek a first location for this market.
-- The Naperville, Illinois franchisee has signed a lease and has
architectural drawings underway for the location which will open in the late spring.
-- The Chicago location in Lincoln Park, which was a Company-owned
restaurant, was sold to a new franchisee, and they are now operating that
location with improved sales due to the local ownership.
-- The restaurant that closed in Sioux Falls, South Dakota is still in an operational state, and an interested party is negotiating with the bank and landlord to reopen the location if their offer is accepted.
-- A new franchisee in the Denver area is in training and plans to
relocate an existing restaurant that will offer a breakfast grab & go menu due to its location near the light rail, which is Denver's commuter rail system.


2009 Contraction Development and Possibilities Include the Following:


-- The franchisee in Indianapolis has ceased operations and will not continue with any further development.
-- The franchisee in San Diego has slowed development and will not move forward with any additional new restaurant locations for the time being. Currently, there are two stores operating in the San Diego area.
-- The New York franchisee is working on an agreement to terminate their tenancy and close the restaurant due to its proximity to the Wall Street financial district, and is looking to possibly transfer to another location on Long Island.
-- One store in Colorado Springs has closed as a result of layoffs in its immediate vicinity.

The Bread Garden Urban Cafe chain in Vancouver is not experiencing the same credit barriers to expansion, and is therefore positioned for more rapid expansion. The following is a list of Bread Garden activity in the Vancouver area:

-- A new Bread Garden Urban Cafe will open at the University of British Columbia no later than mid March.
-- A new space will be ready for occupancy in the Vancouver airport this spring, and is expected to open July 1, 2009 in time for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.
-- The concession for the Kamloops Airport in British Columbia has been obtained, and the existing restaurant will be converted starting May 1, 2009 into a Bread Garden Urban Cafe.
-- The Bread Garden Urban Cafe in North Vancouver has closed and was replaced by the drive through location in nearby Cloverdale previously announced.
-- Bread Garden has signed a lease for the new Canadian Broadcasting Company Building located in downtown Vancouver which will be ready for delivery this spring.
-- We have also signed a lease at Davie and Hornby streets. Construction will be getting under way upon delivery to us on May 1, 2009.

The Bread Garden Urban Cafe chain continues to grow. Existing restaurants are upgrading and refreshing their menu items.

Corporate Overview

Commercial real estate prices have come down substantially, which bodes well for the long term profitability of future franchisees. Those with the financial strength to move forward are now in a position to negotiate very favorable terms in prime locations. The lack of financing for current and potential franchisees continues to be a roadblock to more rapid expansion and new franchise sales.

If the new stimulus package is enacted by Congress and financing becomes more readily available at the local level we could return to the previous growth levels we enjoyed over the past few years. In the meantime we continue to negotiate the best food costs we can while still maintaining our standard of delivering healthy and natural products without preservatives, MSG, additives, extenders or artificial colors or flavor. We are working on menu design that will provide choices to consumers of combinations and products that provide the same quality food but at prices that reflect the value that most consumers in the US are looking for today.

At the corporate level we continue to crunch numbers to reduce overhead. This included layoffs in the last part of 2008, restricted travel budgets, and other cost savings measures that reduce overhead but still leave the core infrastructure in place.

Our same store sales for 2008 compared to 2007 were basically flat, down only .02%. However 4th quarter sales were down 8.8%, reflecting the terrible fourth quarter for retail in general. Our sales statistics calculate sales net of sales taxes, comps and discounts and are not the only measure of performance and may not be comparable to other sales figures used by other companies. Additionally 20 restaurants opened during 2007 alone and therefore are not included in the yearly same store sales statistics. In our system we are much more focused on individual restaurants and cost control and marketing efforts at the local level that will establish the franchisee in his territory for the long run. Although times are obviously difficult for almost everyone we believe that times like these are also an opportunity to work hard and establish a foothold for better times ahead.

Marc Geman, CEO of Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc., stated, "These economic times are bringing a lot of changes. Like most restaurants and other retail operations we are, for the first time in history, managing through a period of declining sales. Retail businesses in general will continue to struggle until consumer confidence returns. In our system many of our franchisees are working harder and more creatively to enhance sales and catering opportunities. We are working on efficiencies in the distribution system, store design, operations and other areas to bring costs down.

"We have reduced the start-up costs for the restaurants going into construction and have reduced labor costs by reorganizing the kitchen line. The new designs have been tested in one of our corporate restaurants in Denver and we will continue to build in efficiencies that will enhance margins to help offset lowered revenue expectations while maintaining excellent customer service."

Currently, there are 50 Spicy Pickle and Bread Garden Urban Cafe restaurants operating in British Columbia and 13 different states.

Our investors and shareholders are always welcome to call or write in for additional information.

About Spicy Pickle(TM):

Founded in 1999, Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc. (OTCBB: SPKL) serves high quality meats and fine artisan breads, baked fresh daily, along with a wide choice of eight different cheeses, twenty-two different toppings, and fourteen proprietary spreads to create healthy and delicious panini and sub sandwiches with flavors from around the world. As a leading "fast-casual" concept, Spicy Pickle offers menu items that are far beyond traditional fast food but without the price point of casual dining. The hallmark of a Spicy Pickle(R) restaurant is quality, service and an enjoyable atmosphere. The company is headquartered in Denver, Colorado, with restaurants open or under construction across 13 states and more in development nationwide. Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc. also operates as franchisor for Bread Garden Urban Cafes, a concept with restaurants in the metropolitan Vancouver, Canada area. Bread Garden Urban Cafes serve coffee, pastries and breakfast items as well as lunch and dinner along with a wide variety of desserts. To find out more about Spicy Pickle (OTCBB: SPKL), visit our website at www.spicypickle.com/.

[OTCBBTrader]

Zu dem obigen Corparate Update der promte Kommentar des OTC-Journals, welche bis sptember SPKL gecovert hatte. Ich schließe mich wie bereits schon einemal in einem früheren Post von mir geäußert der meinung des Authors an.

Quelle: OTC-Journal

"Spicy Pickle (OTC BB: SPKL): The Reports of Its Death Have Been Greatly Exaggerated

Blown out, buried, and forgotten. These are the small stocks you can make money on, as a little bit of enthsiasm, coupled with a little bit of buying, and restore some of these issues to more reasonable levels.

Spicy Pickle was out with a shareholder update this morning, and the news coming out of the company is rather neutral. Here's what I mean by neutral- the recession is clearly having an impact on their current operations and expansion plans, but they have battoned down the hatches and are weathering the storm as the positives and negatives are about equal.

Clearly, the company is not going to expand in 2009 nearly as rapidly as it did in 2007 and 2008. Potential franchisees simply cannot get financing domestically.

In the case of SPKL, it would appear the bad stuff going on about equals the good stuff going on. Some US stores have closed. Others are opening. Franchisees are still seeking new spaces. Revenues at the store level have rebounded from the October to December shock.

On the Canadian side with Bread Garden Urban Cafes- all is well. Expansion continues with no corresponding contraction. The Canadian financial system is not frozen up like ours. There will be a new Bread Garden in the Vancouver airport in time for the 2010 Winter Olympic games. There will be a new Bread Garden in the new Canadian Broadcasting Building in downtown Vancouver. The chain continues to expand and function very well.

Here's what I consider the best news- the company has pared down it's overhead considerably to sync a little better with cash flow. Consider the history. Into the first half of '08, SPKL was in rapid expansion mode, and needed a fairly robust infrastructure to handle the growth. Then, the bottom fell out, and the world came to an end. Expansion ground to a halt- franchisees simply have no access to capital in the US.

The company has spent the last six months paring down the infrastructure in concert with lessening demand for expansion. In short, they are learning to live on the royalty income stream from the existing stores, there will be moderate expansion in 2009, and it should pick up from here.

SPKL is positioning itself to come out of the other end of this recession and get back on the expansion train. What about the stock? Well- Blow up and blown out pretty well describes it.

Clearly, pretty all the shareholders who wanted to sell have done so. As the stocks price starts to improve, I'm sure a few more folks will choose to get out.

However, this stock is probably poised for a nice rebound as investors start to understand the company has responded to this new primeval environment, and is still going to enjoy some expansion this year. Check out the blue uptrend line that has been forming on this weekly chart. The stock is making a kind of "stealth" move.

EFSF is our template- out of nowhere, the stock trades for $.03 to $.10- a lay down triple for those with the courage to buy when the outlook was most bleak. Has EFSF made tremendous fundamental progress? Hardly. The stock was simply ready to rebound on any sign of good news.

Consider SPKL is now trading just North of 10% of its all time high. About 85% of its value from the Fall of '07 has been shed. It's been quiet- kind of drifting up on light volume without the pressure of year end tax selling. It's in a stealth uptrend.

I don't want to miss another EFSF. I believe SPKL is a great speculative buy right now, looking for a repeat of the EFSF experience. Perhaps it's not ready to triple in value, but a rebound in the the low to mid $.30's might be in the cards. "

[OTCBBTrader]

Noch ein Kommentar des SmallCapNetwork (www.smallcapnetwork.com)


Spicy Pickle (SPKL) is Still Tasty

If you didn't see it already, you may want to take a look at the latest update from our favorite eatery, Spicy Pickle Franchising Inc. (OTC:SPKL). The company's been laying low as the recession's kinks have been worked out. 'Laying low', however, is nowhere near the same thing as laying down or giving up. Indeed, this company continues to have a refreshing number of things working in its favor.

The candid look - both pro and con - from the company is at the bottom of this newsletter. We'll add our two cents before we get to that though.

Rising Up To Meet The Challenges

You've gotta' love a company that tells it like it is. Too many CEO's are standing at the company's front door saying everything is hunky-dory, while the CFO is selling the company's furniture out of the back door. Investors don't know what to think.

Spicy Pickle, however, is putting it all on the table... the challenges, the victories, the setbacks, and most importantly, what they're doing about all of that. I think that's crucial for investors right now - to know exactly what they own. It's a matter of trust.

In any case, if I had to grade the SPKL update, I'd give the company a B (which is not a bad grade, all things considered). I'd be willing to give 'em a higher score, but the shrinking economy has somewhat stifled their expansion. I can't score them any lower though, because they've basically done all the right things to preserve shareholder value in this terrible environment.

Here's a list of the major actions/changes implemented by the company over the course of the last few months.

1) Financing for small businesses is tougher to get, which means new restaurants are not being added as briskly. So, rather than devote resources to fight an uphill expansion battle, Spicy Pickle has focused on widening the margins created by existing units.

Specifically, travel costs (which tend to be high when real estate is being shopped) have been greatly reduced, and food costs have been negotiated to better prices. In short, overhead has been reduced. The top line may not be getting bigger, but the bottom line can when expenses are lower.

2) Not all restaurateurs or franchisees necessarily need to borrow, and some can still obtain a loan. So, for those who don't have a financing issue but rather a total cost issue, the start-up costs have been reduced.

How so? Construction costs have been lowered for new builds, and the kitchen line has been restructured to be more cost-efficient. Other in-store changes are being worked out that will reduce the franchisee's total cost. So, selective expansion can continue. (And, lease terms for real estate are outstanding right now.)

3) Attracting customers to the stores is not as easy as it was in 2007, and even early 2008. So, local franchisees are becoming savvy and efficient marketers. Many stores have started to cultivate more catering business.

The point is, Spicy Pickle took action. While some other companies were frozen like a deer caught in headlights, Spicy Pickle responded to the challenges.

I saved the best for last though...

More Than Just a Few Bright Spots

It's kind of hard to imagine any corporation could have something exciting to talk about now, but Spicy Pickle does.

Above all else, it's worth mentioning Canada isn't experiencing the same recession the United States is. As such, Spicy Pickle's Canadian-counterpart Bread Garden Urban Cafes are doing just fine. In fact, their expansion is still on track. There are five new Bread Garden's currently in the works, most of which should be operating by the middle of this year.

Despite some Spicy Pickle store closings here in the United States (two, by my count), I count five new units on the way, and three more that are now under new - and likely more profitable - management.

In other words, the company is doing pretty well despite multiple reasons not to. A lot of investors may have assumed the worst based on the stock's trend, but Spicy Pickle is fine.

Speaking of the stock...

So is it time to buy? I guess that's the million dollar question, isn't it? The corporation is certainly doing its part, but the stock was beaten up late last year. It fell about 60% between September and December, in fact. I think that may have been overdoing it though. The company adjusted to the recession; it wasn't crushed by it.

Personally, I don't think the current price of 23 cents reflects the future opportunity here. Aside from not wasting current resources and getting a poor ROI on dollars spent in the wrong environment, the company is actually becoming lean and mean. Ultimately, when the economy recovers, Spicy Pickle will be well positioned to run fast and far.

I don't know if that will help in the short run, but for long-term investors I think there's a great deal of upside from this undervalued small cap.

[OTCBBTrader]

" #36 von OTCBBTrader Benutzerinfo 26.01.09 16:24:02 Beitrag Nr.: 36.450.444
......Nichtdestotrotz wird auch hier ein hartes 2009 bevorstehen. Ich hoffe jedoch auf eine Rebound Richtung $.30-.40. "

Freue mich, daß der OTCJournal den gleichen Kurs als möglichen Rebound nennt welchen ich Ende Januar im Kopf hatte. $.23 ist eine beachtliche Untertreibung. Werde noch ein paar Stücke akkumulieren zwischen .20 und .24. Selbst wenn es immer noch Verkäufer gebe, unter .18 wird SPKL sicher nicht gehen. für ein langfristiges Rebound auf .30-.40 während dies immerhin ca. zwischen 50% und 100% Gewinn. Und daß wäre in diesem Markt ja schon mal was.

[OTCBBTrader]

Hallo, liebe Leserfreunde meines Threads!
Wäre nett wenn einer der hiesigen Leser - vielleicht sogar SPKL-Aktionäre? - mal seine Meinung zu diesem Titel äußert. Muß nicht sein, wäre aber nett.
Schönes Wochenende!

[OTCBBTrader]

Faule Bande ;-)

[OTCBBTrader]

Antwort auf Beitrag Nr.: 36.579.473 von OTCBBTrader am 14.02.09 12:13:02

Das OTC-Journall hat bis September 2008 SPKL gecovert und besitzt selber eine große Zahl Aktien ohne, laut eigenen Angaben, eine einzige davon bisher verkauft zu haben.

Ich verfolge ein wenig die Fragen/Antworten, welche der Editor des OTC-Journals weiterhin veröffentlicht. Hier die beiden Fragen/Antworten der letzen beiden Tage. Scheint mir interessant:



Comments

1.

What happen to the Brooklyn store? how many more are closing

Editor: No, it has not closed yet, but they are looking at moving out to Long Island. The rent they are paying is too high relative to the death of Wall Street, and they need to make an adjustment. As far as I know at this time, there are no more imminent closings. In fact, about 6 new Bread Gardens are going to open. I always thought the stock might trade at its current levels, which is a heart breaker. However, I believe there will be better times ahead. All the bad news is out.

Comment by Anonymous — 3/3/2009 @ 12:45 pm



2.

I still accumulate at .15 and .17 ! Any chance I do no jump off my roof this year ? Thought .20 would be the bottom. But SPKL seems to go .12 - .13 slowly. Any thought? Thanks.
(Hope me ‘love’ for this stock does not kill me one day ;-) )

Editor: I always thought $.15 would be about the bottom. Here’s what I can tell you. All the bad news on the company has been disclosed. I believe there is a lot of upside from these levels with the patience of a few months. The stock is priced as if the company is going out of business, and I don’t believe that is going to be the case. Relatively speaking, there’s a lot going on. Hang in there.

Comment by Michael Williams — 3/3/2009 @ 8:52 am

[OTCBBTrader]

".....Relatively speaking, there’s a lot going on. Hang in there."

Denke ich auch. Schade dass z.Zt. vielversprechende, in D wohl auch etwas unbekannte microcaps, die letzten Investmentsideen sind in die zur Zeit investiert wird. Verständlich. Aber die letzten Firmen die untergehen sind die Futter anbieten und etwas ganz neues in den USA...nämlich Top-FastFood. Also ich bleibe dabei, Spicy Pickles ist und bleibt einer meiner microcap-Favoriten. Ein Marketcap von $ 50 Millionen in 2011 würde mir reichen....wäre ein Kurs von US$ 1.00 ;-)

[OTCBBTrader]

HAMMERNEWS:

1. SPKL eröffnet erstes Restaurant in Australien!!!!!!!!!!
2. SPKL eröffnet weitere sieben Restaurants in Kanada:
UNI Vancouver
Airport Kamloops
CBC building Vancouver
und weitere in Vancouver

( Als alter CA-Fan meine Erläuterung: Airport Kamloops ist nicht zu unterschätzen als ein sehr wichtiger Airport British Columbias. Bringt eine Menge zusätzlichen Umsatz)

Enthusiasmierende News heute in Anbetracht der ökonomischen Krise in den USA. SPKL geht unbeirrt seiner weiteren Expansion nach......mit australien hätte ich allerdings noch lange nicht gerechnet!





Spicy Pickle's Bread Garden Urban Cafes Set for Ambitious Expansion

DENVER, CO, Mar 17, 2009 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX News Network) --

Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc. (OTCBB: SPKL), fast casual restaurants serving all natural premium meat and poultry and other fresh products, provides this update on current business activity at its Bread Garden Urban Cafe chain.

Marc Geman, CEO of Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc. which is the franchisor of the Bread Garden Urban Cafe chain, said, "While we provided information earlier this year in a broad release on the status of the company a recent article in a Vancouver, BC business publication focuses on our expansion efforts and the strong connection that the Bread Garden brand name carries in the Greater Vancouver market. Western Canada, as we predicted when we bought the chain, is weathering the economic storm better than most areas and is providing us with expansion opportunities.

"I just returned from Vancouver and there is a lot of excitement about our expansion. We met with the Vancouver airport authorities and began the process of scheduling access to our location on the C concourse for an opening later this summer. We also toured the University of British Columbia Bread Garden Urban Cafe that is soft opening this week. Along with the Kamloops airport site which will open early this summer and the new locations in downtown Vancouver at Hornby and Davie and the new CBC building we will add five restaurants to the chain. Our associate, Zahir Dhanani, will be traveling to Australia to open the first Bread Garden Urban Cafe in Brisbane at the end of March.

"We have several other locations we are working on along with a large effort to improve the menu offerings and make the operations as efficient as possible to ensure consistency throughout the chain. This acquisition is turning out to be very timely and presents a great ongoing opportunity for the company."

The recent article that was featured in a write up in "Business in Vancouver," a regional business publication, can be viewed in its entirety by going to the following link http://www.spicypickle.com/news/breadgarden.html

[OTCBBTrader]

Ausserdem heute:
Starker Artikel unter http://www.biv.com
'Business in Vancouver'

auch per PDF unter

http://www.spicypickle.com/news/BreadGarden.pdf" target="_blank" rel="nofollow ugc noopener">http://www.spicypickle.com/news/BreadGarden.pdf

[OTCBBTrader]

Und zu guter Letzt dazu auch wieder der heutige Kommentar des OTVC-Journals:


Spicy Pickle's (OTC BB: SPKL) Bread Garden Headed to Australia

I know a lot of you will think I'm nuts, and I probably am. However, I'm drawing on the experience of 23 years participating and trading in small stocks, and I think there's a fortune to be made right now for those who can set their sights beyond next week and see a month to a year down the road.

There are thousands of low priced stocks trading as if they were going out of business. Valuations are the lowest in years, and certainly the macro environment is making it very tough on small companies. Some will fail, but if you can pick the ones who survive this mess and go on to prosper, you can make a fortune from these level. For the astute investor, pessimism is your friend.

The greatest penny stock I've ever seen was $.375 in 1987 (for you vets, you'll remember stocks quoted at 3/8s). By 1990 the stock traded as low as one penny- yes- a mere one penny. No one would touch it and everyone knew the company was going out of business.

Needless to say, at the top of the 1990's Bull Market in March of 2000, after 1 reverse split and 2 forward splits, this stock was trading at $125 on the NASDAQ- that's right- $125 dollars. On a split adjusted basis, the stock really traded down to about $.03 before making $125 10 years later.

As far as Spicy Pickle is concerned, we have probably reached the point of maximum pesimissim. The stock is trading as if the company is going out of business. For those who believe this way, here's the flaw in your thinking- even in a recession, people have to eat. They are going to eat, and they are going to be a bit more judicious about the way they spend money on their restaurant visits.

It's not just Spicy Pickle- there are other oversold fast casual restaurant stories with very compelling valuations right now, and I'm looking at others as well.

There is limited growth potential for new Spicy Pickle stores in the US while this nasty recession continues, but people are still eating in their stores as the faire represents a great value proposition.

Now, let's jump over the Western Canada where Spicy Pickle's wholly owned subsidiary- Bread Garden Urban Cafes, is going great guns. Today, Spicy Pickle disclosed a recent article published in the Business in Vancouver Journal points out there will be 6 new stores open by July.

Therefore, by this summer, there will be somewhere in the neighborhood of 56 Spicy Pickles and Bread Garden Urban Cafes operating in the US and Canada, and the Bread Garden chain is on an expansion binge.

Those who wish to read the article in last week's publication need only Click Here to be taken directly to the article that describes this ambitious expansion in detail.

In today's disclosure Spicy Pickle also revealed Bread Garden Urban Cafe was headed to Australia to open a store in Brisbane and test the concept Down Under.

So, the company that is proportedly "going out of business", is actually expanding to the Australian continent. Strange behavior for a company about to shut it's doors according to the current market pricing.

Those who really believe the company is distressed to the point of closing its doors will be disappointed when Q1 earnings come out. The company has ratcheted its corporate overhead down considerably to respond to the current environment, and I believe losses will be extremely minimal. As lean and mean as they are now, incremental increases in business will push them closer to profitablity.

Right now, the market is valuing each open unit at about $150,000. It's absurd. It won't stay this cheap.

Six new Bread Gardens in Western Canada over the next several months, over 50 units operating today, and expansion to Australia. It's oversold, and no one cares right now. It's the perfect opportunity to make money.

Those few investors with the courage to act will be the ones to make the most money. Maybe the upside is only to about $.50 from here this year- a lot more in future years. Still, from today's levels, that would be a 300% return on today's money.

Faith is often defined as belief in the absence of data. You don't really need to have faith with no data- there's plenty of data to support higher prices.

If you have a few dollars set aside for an irresistable speculation, SPKL below $.20 is the one you should "feast on" today.

[OTCBBTrader]

Na sowas.......in Frankfurt gibt es doch Käufer !? Erstaunlich

[OTCBBTrader]

WOW !!!.......und solch' eine Expansion während einer Wirtschaftkrise!

NEWS:

Spicy Pickle and Bread Garden Urban Cafes Continue Growth With 5 New Restaurants


DENVER, CO, Apr 23, 2009 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX News Network) --

Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc. (OTCBB: SPKL), fast casual restaurants serving all natural premium meat and poultry and other fresh products, provides this update on current business activity at its Spicy Pickle and Bread Garden Urban Cafe chain.

On April 19, Spicy Pickle opened its first Houston, Texas location at 11611 Katy Freeway, Suite B. The restaurant hours are Monday to Saturday from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm and Sunday from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm. The telephone number is [phone] and the fax for catering is 281 679-9301. The family that owns the franchise and development rights for the greater Houston area is excited to open the first restaurant out of 10 in their development agreement. A second location is already under lease negotiation.

Spicy Pickle is also pleased to announce two new franchise agreements for locations in Temecula, California and Owensboro, Kentucky. Site selection for those locations will begin shortly. The Naperville, Illinois and Las Vegas, Nevada locations of existing franchisees are also well under way and should be open between the spring and summer of 2009.

In Vancouver we have signed letters of intent on three new locations for our Bread Garden Urban Cafe concept, two of which are set to open this year. The first is with a new franchisee that will open at the busy intersection of Granville and Georgia streets in downtown Vancouver. The location was formerly a retail jewelry store and is at a very high traffic location and recently received landlord approval for the conversion. The second Bread Garden Urban Cafe will be located in the heart of Whistler Village, the preeminent ski area north of Vancouver, and will be opened by an existing franchisee. The location will be taken over in early May and will be fully operational in time for the 2010 Winter Olympics coming to Vancouver and Whistler. The new cafe is centrally located with a large patio seating area and sits next to the large gazebo that provides live music year around. The third location is in Burnaby, a busy part of greater Metropolitan Vancouver. The area is also where the existing Metrotown Bread Garden Cafe is located which is the second highest gross volume restaurant in the chain.

Marc Geman, CEO of Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc., which is the franchisor of the Bread Garden Urban Cafe chain, said, "The expansion of our Bread Garden Urban Cafes throughout greater Vancouver including the airport, and now Whistler Village as well as additional downtown and surrounding area cafes, means that almost everyone coming to the Winter Olympics will be near a Bread Garden Urban Cafe. We will recognize our share of the consumer spending that this event typically brings to the host city. Our team is working hard on finishing building the necessary infrastructure of operations, marketing and culinary to bring Bread Garden Urban Cafes up to their full potential by the end of the year, which will result in significant positive cash flow for the entire organization. Spicy Pickle is known for its premium and flavorful food and we are bringing that through new menu items to the Bread Garden Urban Cafes as well."

Mr. Geman continued, "It has been awhile since we started up with new franchisees in new markets so we are particularly pleased to be working on these new Spicy Pickle Restaurants. The two restaurants in Houston, Texas, the restaurant in Naperville, Illinois and Las Vegas, Nevada demonstrate that we are resuming the expansion of the Spicy Pickle chain. These new Spicy Pickle restaurants in the United States and the explosive growth of the Bread Garden Urban Cafes in British Columbia, Canada, along with other planed openings which have already been announced, will push us very close to cash flow positive by the end of the year and really set us up for better economic times around the corner."

About Spicy Pickle(TM):

Founded in 1999, Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc. (OTCBB: SPKL) serves high quality meats and fine artisan breads, baked fresh daily, along with a wide choice of eight different cheeses, twenty-two different toppings, and fourteen proprietary spreads to create healthy and delicious panini and sub sandwiches with flavors from around the world. As a leading "fast-casual" concept, Spicy Pickle offers menu items that are far beyond traditional fast food but without the price point of casual dining. The hallmark of a Spicy Pickle restaurant is quality, service and an enjoyable atmosphere. The company is headquartered in Denver, Colorado, with restaurants open across 12 states and more in development nationwide. Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc. also operates as franchisor for Bread Garden Urban Cafes, a concept with restaurants in the metropolitan Vancouver, Canada area. Bread Garden Urban Cafes serve coffee, pastries and breakfast items as well as lunch and dinner along with a wide variety of desserts. To find out more about Spicy Pickle (OTCBB: SPKL), visit our website at www.spicypickle.com/.

[OTCBBTrader]

Heutiger Kommentar des OTC-Journals zu der tollen News:

To OTC Journal Members:

Mark Twain, The Pickle, and Restaurant Stocks

Mark Twain, one of our great American treasures and a humorist for all ages, once stated, after reading his own obituary in a faulty newspaper report, "The Reports of My Death Have Been Greatly Exaggerated".

The US based fast casual restaurant space is a lot like Twain- the reports of its death from the doom and gloom naysayers who believe this economy is killing them are greatly exaggerated as well. In fact, if anyone is getting killed, it's the short sellers who are getting their brains beat out right now in this sector.

Here's some charts to look at. Let's start with PF Changs- earnings were out yesterday, and do you think, based on the way the stock is trading, that it's possible that once again- the analysts had it wrong? They had the company's profit picture ratcheted so low it had nowhere to go but up when these geniuses were proven wrong by the numbers.

How about Brinkers- look at the easy double in this stock the last month. This company owns Chilis, Macaroni Grill, and On the Border. $8 to $20 since early February.

There's one more. Check out Dardens. Red Lobster, Olive Garden, and LongHorn Steakhouse. They blew away the analysts number for calendar Q1. The stock gapped from $30 to $33, and never looked back. The stock was a little under $25 two months ago and closed over $40 yesterday.

So, is it possible companies in the fast casual restaurant space aren't doing quite as badly as the media and the analysts would have you believe? Based on the way these stocks are trading, one would certainly think so.

Now, moving on to small restaurant stocks. There's no question- smaller restaurant chains without unlimited capital have a tougher time in a recession. My two restaurant ideas: SpicyPickle (OTC BB: SPKL) and Ufood Grill (OTC BB: UFFC) have both taken a beating. Earlier this year a couple of Spicy Pickles closed or changed hands. Ufood Grill was cash starved until the recent injection of $5 million.

Spicy Pickle has now jumped cleanly back on to the expansion bandwagon. The company is gaining momentum again, but it hasn't been reflected in the stock price....yet. Investors are going to wake up to this soon, and the stock is going to start charging up the charts.

Here's the list that was disclosed today:

* A new Spicy Pickle has opened in Houston, Texas (the first of 10 with a second lease in negotiation)
* New franchise agreements have been signed for Temecula, California, and Owensboro, Kentucky
* New locations for the Las Vegas, NV and Naperville, Il franchisees are under construction right now and will be open in the next several months.
* Bread Garden Urban Cafe has a new franchise location going in at Granville and Georgia in downtown Vancouver.
* Another Bread Garden Cafe will be going onto a Mall location at Whistler Village at the Whistler ski area- home of the 2010 Winter Olympics. The store will be open in time for the Olympic Games. This will complement the new store at the Vancouver Airport.
* A third new Bread Garden Urban Cafe will be opening in Burnaby, Vancouver.

Add it up folks. That's three new stores in Western Canada, 2 new franchisees stateside, two new locations under construction, and one new opening. Does this sound like a highly distressed company? These are all new disclosures as of today. Like Mark Twain- the reports of SPKL's death have been greatly exaggerated.

We're back on the expansion bandwagon, and as capital frees up, I expect expansion to accelerate. Future store owners are going to want to lock in leases while rental properties are still cheap, and that will bode well for their future profitability.

The chart doesn't tell us a lot other than the stock has been bumping along the bottom for about three months now.

One of these days there will be a volume surge and the stock will start trading up. The positive news flow should increase, and the share price won't look back at this $.15 to $.20 level.

I believe this stock will return to $.50 before too long- when, I can't say. Neither could anyone say when they were looking at Brinkers, Dardens, or PF Changs three months ago. The big boys are rocketing. The more growth dependent, smaller ones will be close behind.

For the very first time since the company went public, CEO Marc Geman loosely predicts the company will be cash flow positive by year's end. In light of the current recession, a welcome possibility for shareholders.

[OTCBBTrader]

Um auch mal was zum chart in Verbidung zu den fundamentals zu sagen:

Der Boden ist m.E. definitve gefunden bei $.17. Der gestrige Anstieg um 21% auf .21 läßt davon ausgehen daß, im Rahmen des positiven Newsflows, Ängste zusehens überwunden werden daß diese Restaurant-Kette in der Kriese nicht bestehen könnte. Ich könnte mir absehbar .25 - .30 vorstellen. Auch schließe ich mich der Meinung des OTC-Journals an, daß Shortseller ich langsam eindecken müßen um nicht baden zu gehen - was zu weiteren Abnstiegen führen wird. Die Verkäufer halten sich sehr in Grenzen: Mein Versuch zwischen .15 und .17 zu akkumulieren ist meistens gescheiterte wenn Mangel an Verkäufer!

Ich weiß trotz der etlichen Leser meines Threats hier nicht, ob tatsächlich noch jemadn hier sich an SPKL rangewagt hat. Obwohl es viele gefallene Papiere im Markt gibt, halte ich SPKL für eine Klasse Story und fühle mich in meinem Engagement bestätigt: SPKL ist derzeit mein einzige Microcap welcher in jeder Hinsicht bewiesen hat ein Klasse Microcap Investment zu sein.

[OTCBBTrader]

Wieder einge Klasse News sowie eine guter Financial Report mit steigenden Gewinnen und stark fallenen Verlusten welche ach aus Investitionen entstanden sind.
Meine bisherigen Beiträge zeigen eindeutig wie stark SPKL wächst und welches Potential dese Aktie ha - selbst in diesen Krisenzeiten und besonders jedoch danach.

Da ich nun seit dem 6.4.2008 - also seit sage und schreibe 12 Monate - ohne jegliche Reaktion von anderen fleissig versuche Beiträge für Diskussionen zu liefern, ist mit dem Ausbleiben von Reaktionen für mich der Fakt erfülllt daß kein interesse an dieser Aktie besteht.
Damit stelle ich hiermit mein Engagement in diesem Thread en und konzentriere mich lieber auf Recherchen welche mir Geld bringen anstatt leere Threads.
Ich wünsche den Leser meiner Beiträge viel Glück mit ihren Investments.

[OTCBBTrader]

Doch noch mal, weil es so lächerlich aber auch typisch ist für solche Zeiten:
Das Unternehmen wächst - der Kurs fällt.
Als Antizykliker für mich keine Frage wie ich mich entscheide.
_______________________________________________________________

Spicy Pickle Updates Current Operations

DENVER, CO, Jul 16, 2009 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX News Network) --

Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc. (OTCBB: SPKL), fast casual restaurant operator serving all natural premium meat and poultry and other fresh products and franchisor under its Spicy Pickle and Bread Garden Urban Cafe brands, today updated its outlook for 2009.

Spicy Pickle CEO Marc Geman noted that "Like most restaurant chains and retail in general, the last quarter of 2008 and the first half of this year were difficult times due to the downturn in consumer spending. Our reaction to the reduced spending and increasing unemployment was to reduce our overhead to prepare for a slower anticipated growth rate. We refocused on unit economics based on changing customer habits. In the beginning of the fourth quarter 2008, we completed the purchase of our Bread Garden Urban Cafe chain in British Columbia believing that its growth rate would in the short to medium term outpace US opportunities. That has been the case."

As to company operations and those of its franchisees, Mr. Geman noted that in late May 2009 a franchisee in Houston, Texas opened their first restaurant; and another franchisee has completed construction and will open a restaurant in Naperville, Illinois late July 2009. The Houston restaurant is part of a ten unit development and the franchisee expects to open a second restaurant by the end of this year. The Naperville restaurant is part of a five unit development package. Additional restaurants are anticipated to open in 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada that is a second in a four unit franchisee development package; in Temecula, California for a new franchisee who is also looking to open another unit; in Chicago as a second restaurant in a five unit development package; and in San Diego where the franchisee has now moved forward with a second location and is looking at a third site. The company has also been negotiating for a location in the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado, home of the Colorado Avalanche NHL hockey team and the Denver Nuggets NBA basketball team. A Spicy Pickle franchisee closed two units in Michigan, he added.

Mr. Geman continued, "The Bread Garden Urban Cafes continued to open new restaurants and new locations are under negotiation. At this date, there are 13 Bread Garden Urban Cafes operating in British Columbia. Two are airport locations, one in Kamloops, BC and the other in the newly opened C Terminal serving Air Canada at the Vancouver Airport which opened in early July 2009. Build-outs for three additional locations are underway in downtown Vancouver and another at Whistler Mountain. Several additional locations are under negotiation."

Mr. Geman noted, "The continued expansion of our Bread Garden Urban Cafes throughout greater Vancouver and up to Whistler Mountain, out to Kamloops and other British Columbia locations under negotiation, have exceeded our growth expectations and should result in significant additional revenue for The Company as we approach the end of this year. Our reduced overhead along with the anticipated Spicy Pickle and Bread Garden Urban Cafe restaurant openings in the remainder of 2009 puts us in a much better position to continue to weather the economic storm. In addition, we expect to be prepared with new menu and restaurant features to address a more cautious and discriminating consumer which we believe will be the customer of the future. We expect to have at least 42 Spicy Pickle restaurants and 17 Bread Garden Urban Cafes opened by year end."

[OTCBBTrader]

....und natürlich der OTC-Jounral-Kommentar mit zusätzlichen Klasse News (rot hervorgehoben):


To OTC Journal Members:

Spicy Pickle (OTC BB: SPKL) Mid Year Update: Growth in a No-Growth World

A lot of you have been asking for an update on Spicy Pickle, so here you go. The company accommodated with a mid year update.

Spicy Pickle provided investors with a mid year update yesterday after the close, and it's far from all bad news. In fact, I would characterize the company as doing "OK", or perhaps a little better than "OK". Why- because while most fast casual restaurant chains are closing locations this year, SPKL will in fact grow.

It's not going to grow at anywhere near the torrid pace the company achieved in 2007- it's breakthrough year. If there had been just one more year of '07 growth before the recession hit, the company would be cranking out positive cash flow now. It's not, and it's Q2 numbers are going to be a micro version of many other US companies.

Here's a quick overview of what's happening. The past May, the first of restaurant of a 10 unit development package opened in Houston. A new restaurant is opening in Naperville, IL in the next two weeks. Before year's end, there will be new stores opening in Las Vegas (2nd of 4), Temecula, Ca, and San Diego, where the franchisee is looking for a 3rd site to complement the one currently opened and the new location. The Chicago franchisee is seeking a 2nd location of 5 as well.

SPKL also disclosed it was in negotiations for a location in Denver's Pepsi center- home of the Colorado Avalanche (NHL) and Denver Nuggets (NBA), and many concerts and other entertainment events.

On the very positive side, the Canadian based Bread Garden Urban Cafes is on a torrid expansion pace- matching the 2007 performance on Spicy Pickle in 2007.

Bread Garden Urban Cafes recently opened in Terminal C of the Vancouver airport and the Kamloops Airport. This positions the Bread Garden concept for significant exposure during the upcoming Winter Olympic games. And, speaking of the Winter Olympics- Bread Garden is also opening at Whistler Mountain where the Alpine events will be held, along with another location in downtown Vancouver.

In all, there are currently 13 Bread Gardens opened and operating- there are 4 currently under construction, and numerous leases in negotiation. As of today, by year's end there will be 42 Spicy Pickles and 17 Bread Gardens based on what's open and under construction. Total- 59 operating restaurants as a near certainty.

There's one more wild card. There is a Bread Garden Urban Cafe open and operating in Australia. The company does not mention the restaurant in it's filings as it is an "experimental" version. The operator is not paying a royalty to the parent company. However, the operator has opened at this location as an experiment with an eye towards becoming the "Master Franchisor" for all of Australia if the Australian consumer embraces the concept.

Now, on to Q2 numbers. Here's what you're likely to see. Top line growth year over year, but not much quarter over quarter. Significantly lowered costs due to cost cutting measures at the corporate level.

Slowly but surely the top line will start to improve later this year and into next. The Bread Garden chain in Western Canada is accelerating rapidly and will continue to do so. Stateside, Spicy Pickle will enjoy some growth, but if it begins to accelerate, the company is now in a position to turn cash flow positive in pretty short order.

As I said- their story is a micro version of many US based company's mired in the nastiest recession since the Great Depression. This past week Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) beat earnings estimates handily by delivering a better number than expected- it wasn't top line growth- it was cost cutting that delivered the improved bottom line.

Cost cutting at the corporate level along with moderate growth has SPKL closing in on the promised land of operating cash flow positive. It's near at hand, but not quite there yet.

I assume cash reserves will be thin when we see the next 10Q, but the company is bootstrapping it's way through this year, and better times are certainly ahead.

The current market cap is only about $8.5 million. That's about $144k per restaurant. With a little more expansion, this stock could easily trade at a $25 million market value- especially if and when the company turns cash flow positive.

This offers about a triple from the current levels. However, it's only for investors with the stomach to be longer term and a willingness to accumulate. The stock trades rather anemically from it's late 2007 hay day, and patience will be required. I suspect volume, liquidity, and upside movement will come back later this year. As you can see from the chart, the stock is blown up and blown out, so it won't take a lot of pressure to get it going to the upside.

[OTCBBTrader]

USA und Kanada sind noch nicht mal abgegrast und SPKL macht schon die resten Schritte nach Australien. Wenn das keine Expansion ist.

Naja Freunde, interessiert Euch eh' nicht.

[OTCBBTrader]

Spicy Pickle Voted Best Sandwich in Denver

DENVER, Oct 15, 2009 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ --

Spicy Pickle(TM), the popular fast casual restaurant with 13 locations in the Greater Denver area, announced it won the Best Sandwich Award from ABC television Channel 7 in Denver's annual A-List Awards. More than 100,000 Spicy Pickle fans cast their votes to earn the popular brand this year's coveted first place position for Best Sandwich.

"We are thrilled to win this great award again," said Marc Geman, chief executive officer of the local restaurant brand, Spicy Pickle. "We want to thank Denver and all our fans that voted in 2008 and this year and invite those that haven't tried Spicy Pickle to come taste why we are unquestionably the BEST!"

Spicy Pickle, which was recently awarded one of the hottest fast casual restaurant brands in the country by Fast Casual Magazine, offers a wide variety of delicious and flavorful sandwiches and subs along with hot pressed panini created by our founders, fresh and unique salad combinations--all combined with warm and welcoming service and a comfortable local atmosphere.

"Spicy Pickle is all about uncompromising quality plus healthy, premium ingredients," said Spicy Pickle co-founder and head "foodie" Kevin Morrison. "We start with fine artisan focaccia and ciabatta breads baked fresh from scratch daily, then add top quality meats like our roast beef, Sausalito turkey or fine Italian meats, just to name a few. And of course, each entree is served with our signature spicy pickle, aged in a homemade brine of chilies and our secret blend of spices to give it just the right kick."

Guests can choose from an array of culinary sandwich creations developed by Spicy Pickle chefs, or they can build their own masterpiece from nine different meats, along with eight cheeses, twenty-two toppings and fourteen spreads, many of which are prepared fresh daily from proprietary recipes.

Original fresh salads round out the restaurant's menu. The spinach salad--a mouth-watering mix of spinach, fresh apples, walnuts and crumbled bleu cheese served with apple cider vinaigrette--or the Spicy Pickle tuna, featuring romaine lettuce and white meat tuna mixed with proprietary chipotle mayo and spicy pickle relish, tomatoes and kalamata olives, dressed in a lemon-olive oil vinaigrette. Four other creative salads, as well as soups and the world's best spicy pickle, complete the lineup.

[OTCBBTrader]

Neuestes Interview mit dem CEO:

http://www.spicypickle.com/email_campaigns/investors/SpicyPi…

[OTCBBTrader]

Die amerikanischen Anleger verkauifen zum Jahresende aus steuerlichen Gründen wie immer wie irre zu jedem Preis.
Ich weiß nicht ob jemand das Interview vom CEO gelesen hat und auch darüber klar ist, daß dieser Mann wirklich ist.

Ich kann die Kurse fast nicht glauben: eine Foodunternehmen hat ca. 90 Restaurants und wird mit 5.000.000 bewertet. Crazy!

Na, ich hoffe es geht noch weiter runter, eine irre Chance.

Wer's nicht glaubt ....wie die meisten hier LOL......viel Glück!

[OTCBBTrader]

habe einige interessante infos gefunden. demnaechst mehr. gutes neues jahr fuer alle.

[OTCBBTrader]

News Releases

Spicy Pickle Opens 3rd San Diego Restaurant, Sells First Montana Franchise

Construction Underway for Restaurants in Houston, Austin and Las Vegas

DENVER, CO, Jan 11, 2010 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX News Network) --

Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc. (OTCBB: SPKL), operator of the fast casual restaurant chains Spicy Pickle in the U. S. and Bread Garden Urban Cafe in Canada today announced the opening of a second franchisee restaurant in downtown San Diego directly across the street from Petco Park, home to the San Diego Padres major league baseball team. The franchisee that owns this newest restaurant has a multi-restaurant development package. There is a third Spicy Pickle restaurant in San Diego County in Poway, California that is owned by a different franchisee. These three restaurants that are opened along with the Spicy Pickle under construction in Temecula, California will give Spicy Pickle a four restaurant footprint in Southern California.

Spicy Pickle also announced a new franchise agreement for Billings, Montana, its first in that state. Site selection for this restaurant will begin shortly.

Construction is also underway for a third Austin, Texas franchise restaurant, a second Las Vegas, Nevada restaurant and a second Houston, Texas restaurant. All are expected to open in the first half of 2010.

Marc Geman, president of Spicy Pickle, noted, "It is gratifying, especially under current economic conditions, to start up with a new franchisee in a new market so we are particularly pleased to be working on a new Spicy Pickle restaurant in Billings. It is also very satisfying to have franchisees that are getting financing to be able to move ahead with building programs. In addition, we have activity in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada where we anticipate being able to announce something shortly. Our existing Bread Garden Urban Cafes in Canada are gearing up for the winter Olympics in February in Vancouver and on Whistler Mountain."

The new San Diego location is at 317 10th Ave., San Diego, California 92101. Restaurant hours are Monday thru Thursday 11am-8pm, Friday and Saturday 11am-3pm and Sunday 11am to 5pm. Telephone is 619-501-1445 and the fax for catering orders is 619-501-1446. This is the second downtown San Diego restaurant for this franchisee. The first is on 303 W. Beach Street.

[OTCBBTrader]

Keine Leser.....LOL....na, Ihr werdet Euch noch wundern LOL

[MoneyDee]

Antwort auf Beitrag Nr.: 38.712.678 von OTCBBTrader am 11.01.10 21:38:08

so da bin ich ja einer der 3 leser heute!
wie siehts deiner einschätzung mit dem pickel aus?
geht da was? wie ist die mk von dem laden?

danke

[OTCBBTrader]

Antwort auf Beitrag Nr.: 38.745.044 von MoneyDee am 15.01.10 14:19:43

Mk: $8 Millionen bei 81 Mill. O/S

Ich mag SPÜKL: Gute Story, Spitzen Management, bekannter CEO (siehe Interview), ständige Expansion trotz US Krise, Franchise von Restaurants ist in, italian food in USA wird populärer wie auch low fat, SPKL hat top expandiert in CA, mittlerweile klasse SPKL-Restaurant im Vancouver-Flughafen (Winterspiele) mit guten Umsätzen vermutlich, SPKL streckt Fühler nach Australien aus, ... etc.et.c


Wer Geduld hat steigt ein - wer Angst hat bleibt draussen - wer zocken will lässt es besser bleiben.
So, meine Meinung.

[OTCBBTrader]

SPKL news:

Tuesday, January 26 2010 11:30 AM, EST

Spicy Pickle Opens Two New Bread Garden Urban Cafes in Vancouver, Canada

Market Wire "US Press Releases "

DENVER, CO -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 01/26/10 -- Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc. (OTCBB: SPKL), operator of the fast casual restaurant chains Spicy Pickle in the U. S. and Bread Garden Urban Café in Canada , today announced the opening of two new Bread Garden Urban Cafes in downtown Vancouver . The two new restaurants along with the new location opened at 4314 Main Street at Whistler Mountain in the late summer bring the total to 15 franchised Bread Garden Urban Cafes operating in British Columbia .

The two new restaurants and the Whistler Mountain location all have extremely high visibility to the Winter Olympics which will begin in Vancouver on February 12, 2010 . The two new downtown locations are at 742 Granville, on the new pedestrian mall, and in the new Canadian Broadcasting Building at 700 Hamilton Street , both in the heart of Vancouver .

"The downtown locations are in a very densely populated and highly trafficked area of Vancouver ," said Marc Geman , CEO of Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc. "And while we expect the Olympics to be a boost to sales, we are here for the long term and believe these new restaurants will perform very well after the Olympics given the population density and demographic that fits our customer. As to the CBC building, according to a story in the Vancouver Sun in early December 'the Bread Garden restaurant is renting space underneath the newsroom, which according to Mr. Geman provides a ready-made customer base of journalists and administrative workers.' Additionally, we are in the final stages of opening more Bread Gardens early this year end will make announcements about that shortly."

Mr. Geman said, "The Bread Garden purchase has proven to be a valuable asset of the company. Its value is increasing every day. We have a solid infrastructure developing in Vancouver and seasoned franchising personnel in Denver . We believe that we can continue to expand the Bread Garden Urban Café chain along with the Spicy Pickle chain in the United States even in this tougher economic environment. We are proving it with these openings and more to come."

About Spicy Pickle™ and Bread Garden:

Founded in 1999, Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc. (OTCBB: SPKL) serves high quality meats and fine artisan breads, baked fresh daily, along with a wide choice of eight different cheeses, twenty-two different toppings, and fourteen proprietary spreads to create healthy and delicious panini and sub sandwiches with flavors from around the world. As a leading "fast-casual" concept, Spicy Pickle offers menu items that are far beyond traditional fast food but without the price point of casual dining
. The hallmark of a Spicy Pickle restaurant is quality, service and an enjoyable atmosphere. The company is headquartered in Denver, Colorado , with restaurants open across 11 states and more in development nationwide. Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc. also operates as franchisor for Bread Garden Urban Cafes, a bakery café concept with restaurants in the metropolitan Vancouver, Canada area. Bread Garden Urban Cafes serve coffee, pastries and breakfast items as well as lunch and dinner along with a wide variety of desserts and are found in typical high density urban settings along with specialty locations in two airports in British Columbia . To find out more about Spicy Pickle (OTCBB: SPKL) visit our website at www.spicypickle.com/.

[OTCBBTrader]

Kommentar des OTC Journals von heute:


Spicy Pickle (OTC BB: SPKL) Acting Perky

I know it's been a while, but my troubled restaurant story is finally starting to come back in earnest- both on the technical side, and the growth side.

Today, about mid morning, SPKL announced the opening of two more Bread Garden restaurants in British Columbia, both in downtown British Columbia in high density areas.

This is the third Bread Garden that has opened recently- the other being on the plaza at Whistler Mountain- the site for the Alpine events in the winter olympics.

One of the two new stores in Downtown Vancouver is located in the CBC Headquarters building- the Canadian Broadcasting Company. It will be busy during the Olympics. There's a Bread Garden at the Vancouver International Airport as well.

In all, this brings the total to 15 Bread Garden Urban Cafes that have been opened since Spicy Pickle acquired the brand.

Penny stock lovers might want to take note of the action in this little $.10 stock. Back in mid December, volume began to materialize. Note the stock has been in a nice incline back up as the volume bars increased in size.

There is clearly accumulation going on in this stock, and there is more good stuff to come. I love it at this level, and believe it coud be an easy double over the next few months from here. Activity is increasing both domestically and in Western Canada.

New stores are under construction in Vegas, Texas, and California. Western Canada continues to expand. A new franchisee signed on in Montana.

In the spirit of full disclosure, I inform you I recently purchased 500,000 shares from one of the founders in a private transaction for $.06 per share. He needed the money. I liked the price. Those shares are restricted from sale for 6 months.

If you add that to the other million shares I own- most with a cost basis of about $.25, I'm in line to make a serious return if the stock really heats up. Looks like it's going to. The company, after a very rough 18 months, is headed in the right direction.

Home Page : www.otcjournal.com

[OTCBBTrader]

Schöner Run in den letzten Tagen und heute bisher + 28%....na, wenn das keine Reaktion auf die Olympischen Spiele in CA ist !

[OTCBBTrader]

Gestern mit + 40% in den USA geschlossen.

Die täglichen Handelsvolumina sind ungewöhnlich hoch, daraus lässt sich wohl nur schliessen, dass SPKL auch durch die Olympischen Winterspiele in Kanada in den Fokus der Börse geraten ist. Und da die Volumina sehr hoch sind, schätze ich, dass es sich hierbei nicht nur um Einzelkäufer handelt welche sich eindecken sondern auch um eine Menge kleinerer Käufer. Gut für das Papier auf lange Sicht.

Ich schätze das neu eröffnete Restaurant neben McDonald im Flughafen Vancouver und die übernommenen Restaurants von Bread Garden werden beachtliche Umsätze machen z.Zt. Dies scheint die Phantasie derzeit anzuheizen.

[thadado]

guuude!

bin knapp unter 0,10€ letztes jahr eingestiegen und da in meinem stammforum (ariva) kein beitrag existiert, wollte ich mich hier dazugesellen.

ich halte die aktie auch für unterbewertet und hoffe wenn die kosten weiter gesenkt werden, wie auch im letzten jahr schon, wird es abgehen!

wie ich sehe otcbbtrader, kämpfst hier alleine an vordester front. kannst du mir sagen wie es zu so einem krassen spread bei der aktien kommen kann?

[OTCBBTrader]

Ach, noch ein Hesse ;-)...na, da bin ich als Frankfurt ja nicht soooo alleine.

Vorabfrage: Beziehst Du den Begriff 'Spread' hier auf die letzten Preisanstiege in der letzten Woche, auf das Gap vorgestern oder auf den Spread in der gesamten Geschichte SPKL?

die Anstiege in den letzten Tagen sind mit Sicherheit in den Olympischen Spielen in Vancouver zu suchen: SPKL hat am Flughafen, in Vancouver selber und im Bereich der Olypischen Spiele jese Menge REstaurants eröffnet bzw. mit Bread Garden übernommen. Dies wird zu einer Umsatzexplosion führen, vermutlich. Und da das Papier eigentlich immer im Fokus des Marktes war (nicht vergessen, der CEO ist recht bekannt um man schaut was er mit SPKL macht) ist es nun wiederentdeckt worden und man gewinnt Vertrauen zurück. Meine Einschätzung! Ich mag SPKL sehr und denke in den kommenden Jahren wird hier richtig was passieren.

[thadado]

ja, bin aus Groß-Gerau.

ich meinte den spread zwischen bid/ask

am fr bei 56% und heute bei 35% (bid 0,114€ / ask 0,154)

die aktie wird in den fokus rücken, wenn gewinn gemacht wird. momentan wird ja viel in neue läden investiert.

[OTCBBTrader]

WATERVILLE RESEARCH
http://www.watervilleresearch.com/spicy-pickle-franchising-i…

SPKLResearch Report

Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc. (OTCBB: SPKL) was founded by two chefs in Colorado who developed a core culinary inspired menu of great tasting hot and cold sandwiches that separates Spicy Pickle from its competitors. Spicy Pickle is a “Fast Casual” restaurant concept designed to appeal primarily to a daytime population of white collar administrative, managerial and professional people, college students and university personnel, and higher median income families looking for healthy, tasteful and fast meal alternatives. Spicy Pickle serves high quality meats and fine artisan breads, baked fresh daily from scratch, along with a wide choice of eight different cheeses, twenty-two different toppings, and fourteen proprietary spreads to create healthy and delicious panini and sub sandwiches with flavors from around the world. Spicy Pickle meats, poultry and cheeses are preservative free and contain no MSG, additives, fillers or artificial flavors. As a leading "fast-casual" concept, Spicy Pickle offers menu items that are far beyond traditional fast food but without the price point of casual dining. The hallmark of a Spicy Pickle restaurant is quality food, fine service and an enjoyable atmosphere.
Spicy Pickle restaurants provide an up front order and pay system similar to fast food restaurants but a delivery system similar to casual sit down restaurants. Delivery of the customer’s order is 5-7 minutes. Customers can eat and leave at their own pace. There is also take-out and catering available. Spicy Pickle distinguishes itself in three ways:
1. Spicy pickle provides an exceptional variety of high quality choices for the customer to customize their order to fit their dietary needs, taste, or adventurous spirit;
2. They create signature items that have received rave reviews for their flavor profiles, and; they provide healthy, fresh and preservative free products.
Headquartered in Denver, the Company operates 7 corporate Spicy Pickle restaurants and has 32 franchise restaurants of Spicy Pickle in 12 states and is the franchisor to 12 Bread Garden restaurants in the greater Vancouver area. The average sales at each Spicy Pickle are $450,000+ and Bread Garden is $600,000+. With the Bread Garden acquisition the Company, either corporately or franchised has a total of 50 restaurants. The Company believes it needs system-wide sales of approximately $35,000,000 to $40,000,000 to meet break even at the overhead needed to operate a chain of that size and ratio of corporate owned to franchised restaurants. With the acquisition of Bread Garden, the Spicy Pickle system wide sales currently are approximately $24,000,000. The Company expects approximately 12-13 restaurants of both brands slated for opening in the US and Canada through thesecond half of 2009. Although cash flow positive is not anticipated by these openings alone, future franchise salescan bridge that gap. The Spicy Pickle promise is “To give you a reason to come back.”
Bread Garden Urban Cafes Acquisition in October 2008
Spicy Pickle purchased substantially all of the assets of Bread Garden Franchising, Inc. including all of its rights to operate as the franchisor of the 12 Bread Garden Urban Cafes in Western Canada, the US and worldwide. As consideration for the acquisition Spicy Pickle issued 5,177,500 shares of its common stock and warrants to purchase up to 3,038,750 shares of its common stock. Bread Garden is a profitable and growing rapidly with 7 additional franchises in the pipeline. Spicy Pickle took over the existing small Bread Garden franchising office located in downtown Vancouver.
At the present time there are no plans to convert the Bread Garden Urban Cafes to Spicy Pickle restaurants. In fact, some of the Spicy Pickle units will begin to sell breakfast based on the expertise acquired from Bread Garden. Bread Garden Urban Cafes have been operating for approximately 30 years in the Vancouver area. The cafes serve coffee, pastries and breakfast items as well as lunch and dinner along with a wide variety of desserts. The cafes offer Wi-Fi service and are a popular destination throughout the day and evening. As is typical of European style restaurants, the food is displayed in refrigerated glass cases giving customers a visual experience before they choose their menu items.
As a result of the Bread Garden acquisition, Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc. will:
1. Expand their geographical footprint into Western Canada region where the economy is performing better and has less credit issues in comparison to the United States;
2. Spicy Pickle can now take a very successful coffee, breakfast, pastry and dessert program from the Bread Garden Urban Cafes and import it to the Spicy Pickle model;
3. Spicy Pickle can supplement the Bread Garden breakfast menu with the expansive and fresh lunch menu of Spicy Pickle. Bread Garden Urban Cafes are very popular and have a reputation as an all day coffee house gathering place which adds incremental business throughout the day.
4. Leverage the operational efficiencies of the combined Spicy Pickle and Bread Garden.
The Bread Garden Urban Cafes are well located, many of them having leased space at a time when great locations were still available in Vancouver at reasonable rates. Spicy Pickle will continue to use the Bread Garden name as they have developed a loyal following and enjoy great brand recognition in the region. Bread Garden's branded products are found on the British Columbia ferries and in gas stations around the city, and while these outlets are not part of this transaction, they add tremendously to the brand recognition throughout British Columbia.
Financial Information
Spicy Pickle’s stock started trading on the Bulletin Board under the symbol SPKL in August of 2007. Currently there are approximately 54,000,000 shares outstanding. The shares underlying the convertible preferred, warrants and stock options bring the fully diluted shares to approximately 75,800,000. Of those approximately 6,500,000 represent shares underlying the convertible preferred stock which are currently convertible at $0.85 per share, 3,000,000 represent shares underlying warrants which are exercisable at $0.625 per share and 9,500,000 represent shares underlying warrants which are exercisable at $1.60 per share. The share pricing underlying the conversion and exercise of the warrants are both subject to repricing based on future issuance of stock. The remaining fully diluted shares constitute employee stock options exercisable at varying rates between $.25 and $1.20 tied to their date of grant. Currently there are approximately 5,000 beneficial shareholders.
Spicy Pickle raised an initial $400,000 at startup, several hundred thousand more over the next two years, $2,000,000 in a private offering in the summer of 2006, and an additional $1,800,000 in a self underwritten public offering in the summer of 2007. At the end of 2007 the Company raised just under $6,000,000 in a private convertible preferred stock offering. Additionally, sales of franchises have been used as working capital by the Company although booked as deferred revenue on its financial statements until the restaurant opens. The Company has recently cut back at the corporate office to bring cost in line with the current economy. Spicy Pickle currently employs 17 full time people in the corporate office and 3 in the Bread Garden office.
SPKL Shares as of April 14, 2009

Industry Fast Casual Dining
Stock Price - SPKL $0.16
52 Week Range $0.14-1.01
Shares Outstanding 54.4 MM
Public Share Float 28.5 MM
Market Capitalization 9.0 MM
Cash 12/31/08 $287,000
Total Assets 12/31/08 $5.6 MM
Equity 12/31/08 $3.2 MM

Income Statement for FYE 12/31/08

- Restaurant sales $3.1 MM*
- Franchise fees & royalties $1.3 MM
Revenue $4.4 MM*
Restaurant Operating Cost $3.7 MM
General+Admin+Dep Cost $6.3 MM
Income Before Tax ($5.6 MM)

* Reflects 7 corporate owned franchises. Some were acquired during 2008.
History of Spicy Pickle
Spicy Pickle was founded in 1999 by Tony Walker and Kevin Morrison who were employed at a fine dining Italian restaurant where employees were taken to Italy once a year on culinary and wine tasting tours. From this experience the founders developed the idea and menu for a sandwich shop that did not serve the usual fare. The first Spicy Pickle opened in mid 1999 just south of downtown Denver in an older undeveloped area. It quickly established a cult following offering 6 Panini sandwiches along with a build your own sandwich menu. By late 2001 two additional restaurants were opened and in early 2003 the founders partnered with CEO Marc Geman to establish Spicy Pickle Franchising, LLC, a company organized to franchise, own and operate Spicy Pickle Restaurants. Between the three they combined decades of culinary and restaurant operations experience along with legal and franchise experience.
Spicy Pickle in the Current Fast Casual Dining Market
Spicy Pickle has been recognized several times in the trade publications as a restaurant serving interesting and unusual food. In 2006 Spicy Pickle was awarded the Hot Concept award by Nations Restaurant News for its innovative menu. By early 2008 Spicy Pickle is ranked in the top 25% of fast casual restaurants according to Fast Casual Magazine. These awards and recognition suggest that Spicy Pickle has the right ingredients to become a major player in the Fast Casual segment of the restaurant industry.
Spicy Pickle is in the early stages of its brand identity but has developed a name and reputation for delivering great tasting food with interesting flavor profiles and providing a sought after customization of meals. Spicy Pickle has reached a state of brand identification where people differentiate their products from other sandwich and food shops and affirmatively seek them out. This has been shown by the significant repeat business of customers which from surveys is 1 to 3 times a month for 75% of the customers and 4 to 7 times a month for 16% of the customers.
Fast Casual dining is the fastest growing segment of the restaurant industry because it offers the value proposition of speed of service close to fast food without the extensive pre-preparation, but quality that is closer to sit down dining and meals prepared to order. Fast Casual appeals to baby boomers and GenXers with over 75% of the customers in the age range of 25 to 54. The Company competes in the sandwich and daytime meal category along with a large and in some cases very well established concepts that also provide a lunch and day time population meal alternative for the customer. This includes bakery cafes, burgers, noodle based meals, salad, Mexican, Asian and other ethnic foods.
Everywhere consumers turn, retailers and restaurateurs are touting the value of a dollar. That doesn’t mean all Fast Casuals are going by way of McDonald’s and Burger King, but it does mean operators are recognizing the importance of strategically priced menu items. Quiznos, Boston Market, Togo’s, Daphne’s Greek Café and Moe’s Southwest Grill have all within the past year launched menu items priced at $5 or less.
Fast Casual operators have built their businesses and their reputations on quality products, distinctive atmospheres and décor. More recently, reduced portion sizes have played a role in the shaping of fast casual menu items. Moe’s launched its Joey Jr. value meal in early January 2009 for the price of $4.99. The meal, which features a smaller portion size than its other menu items, includes chips, salsa and a drink.
According to theNational Restaurant Association’s 2009 Restaurant Industry Forecast, the top trend for both full and quick-service restaurants is expanded focus on value. Restaurant customers interviewed by the association in November 2008 said they would frequent a full or quick-service restaurant more if it provided a variety of dining discounts. Other top draws included smaller portions for a lower price. Smaller portion sizes can lead the way for ticket add-ons, even when a customer orders a meal or bundle. The goal is not to reduce the check average, but provide items that would ideally add to the check. The absence of beverages from some meal bundles also serves to drive check averages without making customers feel shortchanged.
Spicy Pickel is addressing dining options for its customers under a menu option called Picklenomics. Customers can choose from a variety of meats and cheeses on ciabatta rolls with lettuce, tomato, mayo and mustard for approximately 20% less than the signature items. They can choose two items between half sandwiches, soups, salads and chips plus a 22 ounce fountain soda.
Fast Casual hasn't always been such a strong contender for American stomachs and wallets. Historically the restaurant industry has had three main sectors: fast-food, casual dining, and fine dining, each with corresponding price points - $5 to $6, $10 to $12, and $20 and higher, respectively. "Fast Casual really hit the radar over the last three to four years," says Paul G. Fetscher, CCIM, president of Great American Brokerage in Long Beach, N.Y. "There was a gap in the restaurant market. People were spending $4 to $5 at [fast-food] restaurants or $10 at sit-down places."
Fast-casual is expected to increase between 10.8 percent and 12.5 percent in 2009, according to a report by Technomic, a Chicago-based food industry consulting and research company. Most likely this growth will come at the expense of fine dining. Fast Casual's acceptance indicates America's growing taste for high-quality food prepared quickly. And there are plenty of investors that want a piece of the pie. Big chains such as Chipotle and Panera are experiencing yearly same-store increases of 33 percent and 29.7 percent respectively, according to Technomic.
Some Fast Casual concepts seek investment capital from or are sought out by larger fast-food companies. This relationship offers additional money, the ability to buy more property, and a wealth of real estate knowledge, say restaurant industry watchers in a BusinessWeek report. McDonald's bought into Chipotle in 1998 when Chipotle founder and CEO Steve Ells asked for financing. Since then, McDonald's has sold its shares, but the backing allowed Chipotle to expand. Other big-time backers of fast-casual chains include Wendy's International's investment in Baja Fresh Mexican Grill, Café Express, and Pasta Pomodoro; McDonald's ownership of Boston Market; and Jack in the Box's ownership of Qdoba Mexican Grill. The business of serving high-quality food faster than casual-dining restaurants will continue to grow. With consumers spending 44 percent of their food budget on eating out, a proportion that is expected to rise to 53 percent in the next four years, according to a National Restaurant Association study, Fast Casual will continue to crop up as a valuable investment opportunity in markets across the U.S.
The Real Estate
One of the most attractive aspects of Fast Casual is the propensity to make a lot of money in a small space. Typically the space requirements for this sector are small but the concepts bring high customer counts, making this sector favorable to nearby tenants in retail developments. Fast Casual's ability to draw customers to a mall or area makes them a popular tenant with landlords as well. Location can mean the difference between lunchtime crowds or empty tables for a Fast Casual concept. Restaurants that value freshness must locate in areas that get enough traffic to sell items quickly to ensure they remain fresh. Like many other Fast Casual concepts Spicy Pickle and Bread Garden competes for approximately 2,000 sq. ft. of high visibility end cap locations with adequate ingress, egress and parking. This market is competitive, even with the economic slowdown, and landlords often hold out for larger users or higher rates. This part of the process, site selection and lease negotiation leading to possession, is the longest step in the timeline from franchisee signing to restaurant opening, and takes 6 to 8 months of the 10 to 12 month process. Commercial real estate prices have come down substantially, which bodes well for the long term profitability of future franchisees. Those with the financial strength to move forward are now in a position to negotiate very favorable terms in prime locations. The lack of financing for current and potential franchisees continues to be a roadblock to more rapid expansion and new franchise sales.
Corporate Strategy
The strategy of Spicy Pickle consists of four parts:
1. Attracting Multi-Unit experienced operators;
2. Owning and operating corporate markets;
3. Leveraging growth by finding other multi-unit concepts or complementary products that can be converted or run with Spicy Pickle’s existing infrastructure;
4. Find alternative venues that offer exceptional brand recognition opportunities.
Each of these provides an opportunity to expand the Spicy Pickle concept or culinary menu into new territories which brings immediate benefits in terms of distribution arrangements, vendor agreements, manufacturing discounts and rebates, marketing concentration, and in the case of a conversion or alternative venue, more public awareness of the brand. A typical Spicy Pickle will cost between $300,000 to $350,000 fully built and ready for operation. The same is true of Bread Garden. Training cost, working capital, grand opening marketing costs and initial inventory are separate. Average volumes of Spicy Pickle are currently approximately $450,000 with about 20% of the restaurants having annualized revenue of greater than $600,000. Average unit volumes of Bread Gardens are slightly above $600,000 with one unit doing in excess of $1 million dollars Canadian. Where sales to costs are 2 times and more, there is a tremendous opportunity for a good operator to realize a good return on a relatively small investment. Spicy Pickle believes that experienced multi-unit operators and franchisees will be able to leverage the concept in their existing development areas where they already operate fast food or casual dining restaurants. This franchisee allows the Company to keep its overhead in check.
To be a successful concept, Spicy Pickle must both own and operate restaurants and have a selective franchisee program. The Company believes that it should operate and control a corporate market in the Denver metropolitan area. Several of the early Spicy Pickle franchisees were in this market and Spicy Pickle has already purchased four restaurants from franchisees and built three others for a Colorado corporate owned market of 7 restaurants, with a goal of of achieveing sufficient diversity to roll out new menu options, point of purchase materials, and layouts before rolling such programs out nationally. Spicy Pickle also has an opportunity to purchase some of the Bread Garden restaurants which are under control of the family that sold the concept to Spicy Pickle. The Company is considering Vancouver, Canada as a potential second corporate market starting with the purchase of the largest sales volume restaurant located in downtown Vancouver. Bread Garden has a similar expansion opportunity starting in Western Canada and could grow to well over 50 restaurants in the British Columbia and Alberta markets.
Early franchise sales were made in several cases to franchisees with limited or no restaurant experience. These were the only candidates that knew of Spicy Pickle and that was mostly due to local patronage. The early Denver based restaurants, as well as two of the three original restaurants which were subsequently sold to a franchisee, were, until 2008, all operated by franchisees. Subsequent franchise sales, mostly out of state, were made to restaurant experienced franchisees although not necessarily franchisees who operated multi-unit developments. Many of these franchisees were managers, area managers, back of the house personnel or people in the food service business. The more recent sales have been to the strategic group of franchisees that are capable of expanding the system, improving unit volumes, and developing a territory in a reasonable period of time. These franchisees are the ones with multi-unit experience. They are well financed, have infrastructure to open, market and operate multiple restaurants.
Certain venues offer an opportunity to expose the Spicy Pickle brand and concept to a wide variety of the general population. Some of these, like sports venues, are more local in nature and generally require a significant payment of sales, rent or front end fees making the opportunity more a marketing decision than an economic decision. Other venues, although expensive, can produce sales volume far above the typical strip mall locations that are home to most fast casual concepts. Among these airports rank the highest due to the large audience to which the concept is exposed. Accordingly Spicy Pickle has aggressively sought airport venues both for Spicy Pickle and Bread Garden.
In the case of Bread Garden Spicy Pickle has successfully secured a location in the new Air Canada terminal being built in Vancouver, Canada. This terminal will serve all Canadian citizens flying international routes encompassing all cross-Canada traffic that is connecting for overseas or other North and South American destinations. The Company is also building a franchise in the Kamloops airport in British Columbia. In the US, Spicy Pickle has joined with HMS Host to respond to an RFP for a space at the Denver International Airport on Terminal B which is wholly occupied by United Air Lines. This is the busiest terminal at DIA by far. Partnering with HMS Host provides a few advantages to the Company. In the first instance the venue must be operated 7 days a week and 18 or more hours per day making employee shift management both difficult and expensive. Host Marriott already runs venues in these airports, including DIA, and therefore their employee base is already present and can be cross trained as needed. They are also familiar with the food distribution issues at the airports and can piggy back Spicy Pickle specialty items on their daily deliveries. Additionally security at airports adds to the burden. Secondly Host Marriott offers Spicy Pickle an opportunity to open other Spicy Pickles in some of the 108 other airports that they service.
Management
To attract and support qualified franchisees and run successful corporate markets the Company needs to have personnel in place capable of both operating corporate restaurants as well as helping franchisees initially open their market and then provide ongoing culinary, operational and marketing assistance. Accordingly the Company has built a solid infrastructure of personnel seasoned in the restaurant and franchise industry and is capable with few add-ons of running both corporate and supporting franchise restaurants in excess of 100 combined corporate and franchised restaurants.
Marc N. Geman - President/CEO, Chairman of the Board of Directors
Mr. Geman is the President/CEO and a Member of the Board of Directors of SPF. From 1994 to 1998, he was President of Pretzelmaker a national franchisor of soft pretzels that he built from a handful to over 240 stores and sold to Mrs. Fields Cookies, Inc. in November 1998. Prior to SPF Mr. Geman was an officer, and director of both Bayview Technology Group a company that developed energy efficient products, and in the early 90’s of Portfolio Management Consultants, Inc., an investment advisory firm managing assets for high net worth individuals. Mr. Geman has been a licensed attorney since 1973.
Anthony S. Walker - COO, Member of the Board of Directors
Mr. Walker is the COO and a Member of the Board of Directors of SPF since its inception in January 2003. Together with Mr. Morrison, he is a co-founder of the predecessor company that in August 1999 started operating SPICY PICKLE Restaurants in Denver, Colorado. From 1996 until 1999, Mr. Walker was a chef at the Barolo Grill, a fine dining restaurant in Denver, Colorado. Mr. Walker has been recognized in magazines such as The New York Times, Cucina Italiana and Nations Restaurant News.
Kevin T. Morrison - Chief Culinary Officer/Director of Baking
Mr. Morrison is the Chief Culinary Officer of SPF since its inception in January 2003. He is also a co-founder of the Spicy Pickle concept and opened the first SPICY PICKLE Restaurant in 1999, in Denver, Colorado. From 1995 until August 2000, Mr. Morrison owned and operated a wholesale food distribution business, Red Tomato Specialty Produce, in Denver, Colorado. Kevin was a former Chief Di Cuisine of Vinci restaurant in Chicago and Sous Chef of Barolo Grill in Denver. He currently holds a seat on the California Almond Board Culinary Panel for 2007.
Arnold Tinter - CFO
Mr. Tinter is a Certified Public Accountant with over 35 years of experience in the field of accounting, management and financial consulting. From 2001 through 2003 Mr. Tinter was CFO of a privately held distributor of energy saving products. From 2003 through the present Mr. Tinter has been a consultant providing services in the areas of strategic planning, capital formation and mergers and acquisition. In addition to his consulting services he currently serves as CFO for Spicy Pickle Franchising Inc. Mr. Tinter is a graduate of C.W. Post College, Brookville, New York. He received a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in accounting.
Prospects for the Future
The following is a summary of existing expansion possibilities for the remainder of 2009 and possibly into 2010:
Spicy Pickle update:
• Houston franchisee has signed a lease for their first site and is actively pursuing additional locations. The first site will open April 19, 2009.
• Las Vegas franchisee is finalizing lease negotiations for a second location.
• After a long negotiation our San Antonio franchisee terminated their first lease when the landlord refused to accept the previously agreed to terms, and is actively looking again for a first location.
• Los Angeles franchisee continues to seek a first location for this market.
• The Naperville, Illinois franchisee is under construction.
• The Chicago location in Lincoln Park, which was a Company-owned restaurant, was sold to a new franchisee, and they are now operating that location with improved sales due to the local ownership.
• A new franchisee in the Denver area has relocated and is under construction.
Bread Garden Urban Café update:
The Bread Garden chain in Vancouver is not experiencing the same credit barriers to expansion, and is therefore positioned for more rapid expansion. The following is a list of Bread Garden activity in the Vancouver area:
• A new Bread Garden Urban Café is now open at the University of British Columbia.
• A new space will be ready for occupancy in the Vancouver airport this spring, and is expected to open July 1, 2009 in time for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.
• The concession for the Kamloops Airport in British Columbia has been obtained, and the existing restaurant will be converted starting May 1, 2009 into a Bread Garden Urban Café.
• The Bread Garden Urban Café in North Vancouver has closed and was replaced by the drive through location in nearby Cloverdale.
• Bread Garden has signed a lease for the new Canadian Broadcasting Company Building located in downtown Vancouver which will be ready for delivery this spring.
• Two new downtown locations in Vancouver.
• New location at the popular Whistler Ski Mountain.
• Summer of 2009, a new location is Brisbane, Australia will open.
The Bread Garden Urban Café chain continues to grow. Existing restaurants are upgrading and refreshing their menu items.

[OTCBBTrader]

SPKL will auf US-Flughäfen Restaurants eröffnen!!!!!

Na, daß könnte ja eine ganz große Sachen werden wenn ich da so an all' die bekannten Konkurrenten denke, die dort schon vertreten sind. DIE Chance für SPKL.

Ich denke ich bleibe mal ein paar Jahre investiert ;-)

PS. Der Report von Waterville ist sehr lesenswert!!!!

[OTCBBTrader]

Meine Leseempfehlung richtet sich an den einen (1) Leser der heute hier reingeschaut hat ;-)))

Na, schauen wir mal wieviel 2011 hier reinschauen ....werden dann wohl schon ein paar mehr sein...die mir dann wieder mal erklären wollen ich hätte von tuten und blasen keine Ahnung (alles Erfahrungswerte aus 10 Jahre Teilnahme im W:O....LOL)

[OTCBBTrader]

Date : 03/15/2010

Spicy Pickle Franchising Reports Year End 2009 Results

Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc. (OTCBB: SPKL), fast casual restaurant operator and franchisor under its Spicy Pickle and Bread Garden Urban Cafe brands, today announced results for the year ended December 31, 2009.

Spicy Pickle's management feels it reached two major milestones in 2009. First, it reduced its operating loss to $2 million from $5.6 million, and secondly, it arranged for the redemption of a portion of its convertible preferred stock and the conversion of the remainder. The company issued just under 7 million shares of common stock for the conversion and paid $800,000 cash for the redemption.

For the year ended December 31, 2009, total revenue decreased 6.68% from 2008. In addition to general economic conditions, during 2009 revenue from company owned restaurant operations decreased about 14% primarily as a result of having one less restaurant operating in 2009. This restaurant was sold to a new franchisee at the end of 2008. Bakery sales decreased about 13% as a result of having fewer customers, both franchise and company owned restaurants as well as the general economic conditions. These decreases were partially offset by a 10% increase in franchise fees and royalty revenues.

The company reduced its losses in both our restaurant and bakery operations. It significantly reduced corporate overhead by about 65% which brought the net loss down about $3.6 million.

The company negotiated an agreement and exchanged shares carrying a preferred position on its assets and an ongoing dividend payment, for just over $1 million of market value of its common stock along with a payment of $800,000. There was a book entry to account for the lowering of the warrant exercise price. If the warrants are exercised, they will bring the company additional proceeds of about $1 million. Under accounting rules, the treatment is to increase the paid-in capital of the company and not reflect an operating gain or loss on the income statement. The company believes the transaction is beneficial to all shareholders. The original transaction took place in 2007 when the company raised about $5.7 million for issuing the original convertible preferred shares.

Chairman and CEO Marc Geman noted that, "2009 was a difficult year for almost anyone in the franchise restaurant business. Without readily available financing it is very hard to grow a franchise system, and in a time where sales have declined overall, it is also hard to attract interest in retail operations. Nonetheless, we took this opportunity to significantly reduce expenses, particularly in personnel and related travel, which has resulted in our recognizing a loss of about $2 million versus $5.6 million the year before. Additionally, of the loss, about $820,000 was depreciation, amortization and stock-based payments which are non-cash. We also closed some underperforming restaurants, some of which extended into early 2010. The net effect of these closings against new openings was to keep revenue fairly level at this time but to replace underperforming restaurants with those we expect will be better performing ones, and in the end we believe we will have a healthier, stronger system.

"Our overhead reductions have controlled the losses and we will continue to closely monitor costs. We ended the year with about $810,000 in cash, and while we believe we have the necessary funds to continue to execute our plan, we will continue to explore fund raising activities."

For the year ended December 31, 2009, restaurant sales decreased 14.3% from $2,643,682 in 2008 to $2,264,926 in 2009. The decrease is principally due to the number of restaurants operating in each period as well as the changes in economic conditions. In 2009, the company had seven restaurants operating. In 2008, it had eight restaurants.

For the year, bakery sales decreased 12.9% from $466,669 to $406,600 in 2009. It had fewer customers, both franchise and company restaurants, in 2009 than in 2008. In addition, customers' revenues were down in 2009 resulting in lower bread sales.

The loss from restaurant operations decreased 10.0% from $533,151 for 2008 to $479,786 for 2009. The improvement results from the sale of one less profitable company owned restaurant. In addition, the company reduced controllable operating costs. "We believe we will see continued improvement in the operation of our restaurants as we work towards adding new day parts, such as breakfast or dinner, to our menu," said Mr. Geman.

The loss from bakery operations decreased 34.7% from $64,254 for 2008 to $41,956 for 2009. This results from a reduction of cost of sales percentage from 35.9% to 25.7% for 2009. Bakery labor, a significant component of cost, is semi variable and decreased to 45.6% in 2009. Other operating costs increased 21.2% to $90,793 in 2009, primarily from increases in our allowance for bad debts.

Franchise fees and royalty revenue increased 11.0% from $1,307,295 for 2008 to $1,450,899 in 2009. Revenue increased as a result of fees being paid by more franchised restaurants in 2009 than in 2008, primarily from the addition of the Bread Garden Urban Cafes

Following is a financial summary:

As of December 31,

Balance Sheet: 2009 2008

----------------- -----------------

Total current assets $ 1,288,423 $ 671,284

Total assets $ 5,839,194 $ 5,565,190

Current liabilities $ 1,208,359 $ 1,596,919

Total stockholders' equity $ 3,343,507 $ 3,275,219

Statement of Operations:

Year Ended

December 31,

2009 2008

----------------- -----------------

Revenues $ 4,122,425 $ 4,417,646

Operating costs and expenses $ 6,113,207 $ 10,028,347

Operating loss $ (1,990,782) $ (5,610,701)

Net loss $ (2,039,841) $ (5,612,749)

Comprehensive (loss) $ (2,771,641) $ (5,921,349)

Net (loss) per common share $ (0.04) $ (0.12)

About Spicy Pickle?:

Founded in 1999, Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc. (OTCBB: SPKL) serves high quality meats and fine artisan breads, baked fresh daily, along with a wide choice of eight cheeses, twenty-two toppings, and fourteen proprietary spreads to create healthy and delicious panini and sub sandwiches with flavors from around the world. As a leading "fast-casual" concept, Spicy Pickle offers menu items that are far beyond traditional fast food but without the price point of casual dining. The hallmark of a Spicy Pickle restaurant is quality, service and an enjoyable atmosphere. The company is headquartered in Denver, Colorado, with restaurants open across 10 states and more in development nationwide. Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc. also operates as franchisor for Bread Garden Urban Cafes, a concept with restaurants in the metropolitan Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada and in other locations in British Columbia. Bread Garden Urban Cafes serve coffee, pastries and breakfast items as well as lunch and dinner along with a wide variety of desserts. To find out more about Spicy Pickle, visit our website at www.spicypickle.com.

Forward-Looking Statements:

Certain statements in this press release, including statements regarding the number of restaurants we intend to open, are forward-looking statements. We use words such as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "should," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "predict," "project," "target," and similar terms and phrases, including references to assumptions, to identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to us as of the date any such statements are made and we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following: factors that could affect our ability to achieve and manage our planned expansion, such as the availability of a sufficient number of suitable new restaurant sites and the availability of qualified franchisees and employees; risks relating to our expansion into new markets; the risk of food-borne illnesses and other health concerns about our food products; changes in the availability and costs of food; changes in consumer preferences, general economic conditions or consumer discretionary spending; the impact of federal, state or local government regulations relating to our franchisees and employees, and the sale of food or alcoholic beverages; the impact of litigation; our ability to protect our name and logo and other proprietary information; the potential effects of inclement weather; the effect of competition in the restaurant industry; and other risk factors described from time to time in our SEC reports.


Company Contact:

Marc Geman

Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc.

Email Contact

www.spicypickle.com

[phone]

Woody Wallace

The Investor Relations Company

Email Contact

312-245-2700

[OTCBBTrader]

gute
Zahlen da systematische Reduzierung der Schulden innerhalb der Rezession.

[OTCBBTrader]

Deutsche Anleger werden leider garnicht verstehen, was die heutige (folgende) News von SPKL bedeutet: Baseball und Promis!....SPKL geht in die Sportstadien und schließt Verträge mit Veranstaltern etc.......das macht UMSATZ!!!!:



Spicy Pickle to Open Two Special Venues

DENVER, CO -- (Marketwire)
03/16/10
Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc. (OTCBB: SPKL), operator of the fast casual restaurant chains Spicy Pickle in the United States and Bread Garden Urban Cafe in Canada, today announced signing of a contract with the Colorado Rockies to provide box lunches at Coors Field during the baseball season beginning with the first home game on April 9, 2010. It also announced that the City of Kamloops, British Columbia awarded Bread Garden Urban Cafe the contract to operate the restaurant and concession services at the McArthur Island Sport and Event Centre in Kamloops, British Columbia.

At Coors Field, Spicy Pickle will offer "Pickle Packs" of five different specialty sandwiches with chips, a large cookie and its signature spicy pickle spear. The Pickle Packs will be available at the Spicy Pickle kiosk on the main concourse at section 132 behind home plate in a highly trafficked area. The kiosk will also have bottled beverages and kettle cooked chips available. The sandwiches will include some of Spicy Pickle's most popular cold sandwiches. The company believes that getting healthy and delicious food at the ball park with a complete meal packed in a handy carrying container will be a big hit with fans and a great branding experience for Spicy Pickle.

In a second special venue opportunity, its Bread Garden Urban Cafe franchise will open at the McArthur Island Sport and Event Centre, a year around premier multi-use public recreation facility containing curling, ice hockey, speed and figure skating, as well as health & wellness outdoor programs. The facility is a major gathering point for hockey tournaments and events in the winter season. It is a 100 acre public recreation facility that has 9 full-size soccer fields and 12 baseball diamonds along with other facilities.

Bread Garden will be the exclusive provider of restaurant and concession operations including a full service restaurant with liquor license that seats 125 indoor and has a large deck that can accommodate an additional 105 at the Soccer Clubhouse. Additionally, the franchisee will operate two kiosks, one located at the foyer area of the main Arena and serving the Curling Club Lounge and a Baseball Club Kiosk. The lease is for ten years with two 5 year renewals. Kamloops is renowned as Canada's Tournament Capital, the company noted.

"Coors Field will be the first sports venue for us," said Marc Geman, CEO of Spicy Pickle, "and we believe that customers will enjoy having a healthy alternative to the usual fare at the ball park, conveniently packaged so they can easily carry it around and use it at their seats to hold the food. We also have a sponsorship with the Colorado Rockies that includes full page advertising in the game day magazine distributed outside the ball park and available to Frontier airline customers as they board their planes." Mr. Geman added, "We also created a promotion that whenever a runner for the opposing team is caught in a rundown, called 'in a pickle,' and tagged out, we will offer a free entre at participating Colorado restaurants after 5pm the next day with the purchase of a second entre. This should be a fun season for us and we look forward to a successful run by our Colorado Rockies."

"We already have a Bread Garden Urban Cafe in the airport in Kamloops and the franchisee there will also operate at the McArthur Island Sport and Event Centre," said Mr. Geman. "The wide use of this facility by teams and people throughout Canada will help spread the Bread Garden name beyond British Columbia and begin the branding process that we believe will lead to opportunities in other Provinces in the near future. We believe this experience will also give us exposure to sports teams and venues that could become additional outlets for the Bread Garden Urban Cafes. We are very pleased to have two outstanding opportunities, one in the US and one in Canada, to expand our concepts into these special venues and look forward to successful operations at both sites."

About Spicy Pickle? and Bread Garden:

Founded in 1999, Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc. (OTCBB: SPKL) serves high quality meats and fine artisan breads, baked fresh daily, along with a wide choice of eight different cheeses, twenty-two different toppings, and fourteen proprietary spreads to create healthy and delicious panini and sub sandwiches with flavors from around the world. As a leading "fast-casual" concept, Spicy Pickle offers menu items that are far beyond traditional fast food but without the price point of casual dining. The hallmark of a Spicy Pickle restaurant is quality, service and an enjoyable atmosphere. The company is headquartered in Denver, Colorado, with restaurants open across 10 states and more in development nationwide. Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc. also operates as franchisor for Bread Garden Urban Cafes, a bakery cafe concept with restaurants in the metropolitan Vancouver, Canada area. Bread Garden Urban Cafes serve coffee, pastries and breakfast items as well as lunch and dinner along with a wide variety of desserts and are found in typical high density urban settings along with specialty locations in two airports in British Columbia. To find out more about Spicy Pickle (OTCBB: SPKL), visit our website at www.spicypickle.com/.

Forward-Looking Statements:

Certain statements in this press release, including statements regarding the number of restaurants we intend to open, are forward-looking statements. We use words such as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "should," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "predict," "project," "target," and similar terms and phrases, including references to assumptions, to identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to us as of the date any such statements are made and we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following: factors that could affect our ability to achieve and manage our planned expansion, such as the availability of a sufficient number of suitable new restaurant sites and the availability of qualified franchisees and employees; risks relating to our expansion into new markets; the risk of food-borne illnesses and other health concerns about our food products; changes in the availability and costs of food; changes in consumer preferences, general economic conditions or consumer discretionary spending; the impact of federal, state or local government regulations relating to our franchisees and employees, and the sale of food or alcoholic beverages; the impact of litigation; our ability to protect our name and logo and other proprietary information; the potential effects of inclement weather; the effect of competition in the restaurant industry; and other risk factors described from time to time in our SEC reports.


Company Contact:

Marc Geman

Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc.

Email Contact

www.spicypickle.com

[phone]

or

The Investor Relations Company:

Woody Wallace

Email Contact

312-245-2700

[OTCBBTrader]

WOW !!!!!!!!!!!!! Was für eine Crew!

Spicy Pickle Strengthens Board; Announces Three New Members

DENVER, CO -- (Marketwire)
03/18/10
Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc. (OTCBB: SPKL), operator of the fast casual restaurant chains Spicy Pickle in the United States and Bread Garden Urban Cafe in Canada, today proudly announced the significant strengthening of its board of directors with the addition of three members, bringing the total to seven.

The new board members are Mo Siegel, Gregg Marshall and Stacey Reed. The company has increased the board to 7 members to provide for directors with industry experience. Mr. Siegel and Mr. Marshall are considered independent directors and are not investors in the company.

Mr. Mo Siegel is the founder of Celestial Seasonings, Inc., the largest manufacturer and marketer of Specialty teas in North America. He served at various times as Chairman, President and CEO of that company from 1970 until 2002, including after its sale to the Hain Food Group in 2000. He also founded Earth Wise, Inc. products that was sold to Block Drug Company. He is a public speaker, author, and has been featured in books, newspaper and magazine articles and for his work with several non-profit organizations. Mr. Siegel presently serves on the Board of Directors of Whole Foods Market, Camelback Corp, and Annie's Homegrown Foods. He has served on 16 Boards of Directors on both public and private organizations and has extensive experience and continuing education in board management and affairs. Over decades, Mr. Siegel has served on the audit, governance, nomination, and compensation committees of publicly traded companies. He has specialized in the food industry either as a founder or board member for the past 40 years.

Mr. Gregg Marshall was the founder and CEO of SYGMA Network, Inc. which he built into the nation's second largest distributor to restaurant chains, supplying chain restaurants nationwide through 17 distribution centers, over 4,000 employees, and more than $4 billion in annual sales. He also led SYGMA's acquisition of a business supplying international locations of US restaurant chains in over 100 countries. Today, SYGMA is the largest subsidiary of SYSCO Corporation, a Fortune 100 company and the largest foodservice distributor in the US and Canada. Mr. Marshall also served as a senior officer of SYSCO for 22 years, a member of its senior executive team, and a participant in over 100 consecutive meetings of SYSCO's Board. During his tenure, SYSCO grew from $2 billion to over $30 billion in annual sales. Previously, Mr. Marshall spent 10 years as an officer of Leprino Foods, Nobel Inc., and Shamrock Foods, all of which have been leading foodservice innovators. Currently he runs the Marshall Consulting Group whose clients include restaurant chains, foodservice suppliers, investment management firms, and private equity firms, consulting on franchisor/franchisee relations and supply chain optimization. Mr. Marshall sits on the Board of CiCi's Pizza, a family style pizza concept with over 650 locations in the US.

Mrs. Stacey Reed is the wife of Presley Reed, who has been a member of the Board of Directors for several years, and along with Stacey, a principal investor in the company. From 1986 until 2008 when the company was sold, Mrs. Reed was the President of the Reed Group, Ltd., a company that delivers robust content, services and solutions, and software to help companies improve their organization's performance, and return employees to healthy lives and full productivity. Started by Presley Reed, Reed Group was a pioneer in the field of identifying, preventing and managing employee absence. The company researched and published the definitive return-to-work reference tool now known as the MDGuidelines used by over 22,000 case managers and health care providers in 38 countries in their day-to-day operations.

Additionally Mr. Presley Reed will assume the duties as Chairman of the Board.

Mr. Geman, CEO, said, "We are truly blessed to have attracted this quality of new board members. I am sure these additions will go a long way, and quickly, toward helping the company connect with industry partners that can accelerate our growth and maximize our systems to create a profitable and attractive franchise system. We have excellent food and a good foothold with our brands and now with help from these top executives who have been there before and have the creativity, knowledge and resources in this industry, we are confident that we will continue to grow at an acceptable pace. Having any one of these people on board would be a cause for pride but to be able to fill out our board with this level of membership is truly a compliment to our concept and bodes well for the future."

Other current board members are Presley Reed, Ray Bonanno and company employees Marc Geman and Tony Walker.

About Spicy Pickle™ and Bread Garden:

Founded in 1999, Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc. (OTCBB: SPKL) serves high quality meats and fine artisan breads, baked fresh daily, along with a wide choice of eight different cheeses, twenty-two different toppings, and fourteen proprietary spreads to create healthy and delicious panini and sub sandwiches with flavors from around the world. As a leading "fast-casual" concept, Spicy Pickle offers menu items that are far beyond traditional fast food but without the price point of casual dining. The hallmark of a Spicy Pickle restaurant is quality, service and an enjoyable atmosphere. The company is headquartered in Denver, Colorado, with restaurants open across 11 states and more in development nationwide. Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc. also operates as franchisor for Bread Garden Urban Cafes, a bakery cafe concept with restaurants in the metropolitan Vancouver, Canada area. Bread Garden Urban Cafes serve coffee, pastries and breakfast items as well as lunch and dinner along with a wide variety of desserts and are found in typical high density urban settings along with specialty locations in two airports in British Columbia. To find out more about Spicy Pickle (OTCBB: SPKL), visit our website at www.spicypickle.com/.

Forward-Looking Statements:

Certain statements in this press release, including statements regarding the number of restaurants we intend to open, are forward-looking statements. We use words such as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "should," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "predict," "project," "target," and similar terms and phrases, including references to assumptions, to identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to us as of the date any such statements are made and we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following: factors that could affect our ability to achieve and manage our planned expansion, such as the availability of a sufficient number of suitable new restaurant sites and the availability of qualified franchisees and employees; risks relating to our expansion into new markets; the risk of food-borne illnesses and other health concerns about our food products; changes in the availability and costs of food; changes in consumer preferences, general economic conditions or consumer discretionary spending; the impact of federal, state or local government regulations relating to our franchisees and employees, and the sale of food or alcoholic beverages; the impact of litigation; our ability to protect our name and logo and other proprietary information; the potential effects of inclement weather; the effect of competition in the restaurant industry; and other risk factors described from time to time in our SEC reports.

Company Contact:

Marc Geman

Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc.

Email Contact

www.spicypickle.com

[phone]

The Investor Relations Company:

Woody Wallace

Email Contact

312-245-2700

[OTCBBTrader]

Spicy Pickle Opens Two New Restaurants

DENVER, CO -- (Marketwire)
03/22/10
Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc. (OTCBB: SPKL), operator of the fast casual restaurant chains Spicy Pickle in the U. S. and Bread Garden Urban Cafe in Canada, today announced the opening of a Spicy Pickle restaurant in Temecula, CA and a Bread Garden Urban Cafe in downtown Vancouver.

"The Temecula location is on the ring road of a shopping center that attracts a typical Spicy Pickle customer," said Marc Geman, CEO of Spicy Pickle. "Our franchisee is very familiar with the area and already has gained catering customers which we believe is the foundation for a successful restaurant. The restaurant design and build out were done very economically with a focus on return of investment for the franchisee," said Mr. Geman, "and in this economic environment that is a key to growth." The location is 4075 Margarita Road, Unit D, Temecula, CA 92591. Restaurant hours are 11 AM to 8 PM seven days a week. The phone number is 951-296-5660 and the fax is 951-296-5611. Franchisees Michael and Nicole Serpico are very excited to be opening their doors and Nicole plans on working closely with the schools in the area to promote fund raising activities that will introduce Spicy Pickle and help generate funds for local schools.

The new Bread Garden Urban Cafe at 855 Davie Street in downtown Vancouver is the third downtown location opened in recent months and the fifth location in the densely populated downtown area. "Bread Garden Urban Cafes are well known in Vancouver and with this new restaurant we continue to establish a strong position in the growing Vancouver market," said Marc Geman, CEO of SPBG Franchising, Inc., a British Columbia company which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc. and the franchisor of the Bread Garden Urban Cafes. "Our staff in Vancouver continues to do an outstanding job of finding and opening high visibility locations throughout Vancouver and British Columbia."

Mr. Geman said, "The Bread Garden purchase continues to prove an extremely valuable asset of the company and its value is increasing every day. We continue to work
on our portfolios of restaurants in both the United States and Canada and overall we continue to have net increases in our restaurant counts. More importantly, we are building more economically, finding better rents, and increasing efficiencies in the kitchen
that reduce costs and labor. All of this should show up as better returns for the franchisees and increased unit sales which we believe will translate into increased royalty revenue for the company and continuing interest in expansion by existing and new franchisees."

[OTCBBTrader]

WOW....und das Wachstum geht weiter.


Spicy Pickle Opens Second Houston Restaurant

DENVER, CO, Mar 31, 2010 --

Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc. (OTCBB: SPKL), operator of the fast casual restaurant chains Spicy Pickle in the U. S. and Bread Garden Urban Cafe in Canada, today announced the opening of the second Spicy Pickle restaurant in Houston, TX.

The new Houston restaurant is next to the Reliant Stadium, home of the NFL Houston Texans, on the retail level of a 300 unit apartment complex. The location, at 1333 Old Spanish Trail, at the corner of Kirby Ave., is just down the street from the Texas Medical Center, reported Marc Geman, Spicy Pickle's CEO.

"The Medical Center is one of the largest and most famous in the world. It encompasses 42 non-profit healthcare providers and has over 100,000 daily patients and visitors. With approximately 50,000 employees, the Texas Medical Center member institutions collectively are the largest employer in Houston, responding to over 4.5 million patients annually," the restaurant executive noted.

Mr. Geman continued, "This location is in the middle of our target demographic serving both the daytime residential and entertainment complexes frequented by our typical customer. It will also serve beer and wine to accommodate an early evening and dinner business. The restaurant will keep extended hours to accommodate its customers. We believe that this will be a very busy location. Hours of operation are 11 AM to 9 PM Sunday to Thursday and 11 AM to 10 PM Friday and Saturday. The phone number is 281-617-4777 and the fax is 281-617-4778. The Franchisee already had one restaurant open and is working on a lease for a third he hopes to open this year."

Mr. Geman said, "We are fortunate to have franchisees in a position to continue to build out their development areas. However, this also reflects our sharpened strategy of the past few years, to primarily team up with stronger franchisees that can build and successfully operate multiple restaurants. Every new restaurant adds to the efficiencies of distribution, marketing and branding and creates greater opportunities for the local residents and businesses to become familiar with and love our food."

[OTCBBTrader]

Spicy Pickle Franchising Unit to Open Three Locations Within Richmond, British Columbia Olympic Oval

Date : 04/06/2010 @ 8:30AM



Spicy Pickle Franchising Unit to Open Three Locations Within Richmond, British Columbia Olympic Oval

DENVER, CO -- (Marketwire)
04/06/10
Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc. (OTCBB: SPKL) announced today that its Bread Garden Urban Cafe Canadian subsidiary, operator of Vancouver's original bakery cafe since 1979, will open three food and beverage locations within the Richmond Olympic Oval in the summer of 2010 in the province of British Columbia, Canada. The Olympic Oval is the facility that hosted the 2010 Winter Olympic long track speed skating.

"Bread Garden is thrilled to announce these new locations within the Richmond Olympic Oval will open this summer," said Zip Dhanani, President and CEO of Bread Garden Franchising Inc., the franchisee that will be operating at the location. "We are proud to be a part of this legacy facility and to have the opportunity to provide fresh, quality meals to its athletes, the public and visitors from around the world."

Bread Garden's three locations within the Oval will include a full Bread Garden Urban Cafe and Bread Garden Express on the ground level, plus a Bread Garden kiosk on the Activity Level. "From activity to nutrition, the Richmond Olympic Oval has greater potential than perhaps any other facility in North America to inspire people of all ages and skill levels to live healthier lifestyles and pursue their own personal podiums," said John Mills, General Manager of the Oval. "The addition of food and beverage services provided by Bread Garden, known for its healthy meal options, takes us another step further in realizing that potential." Catering by the Bread Garden will be available to meeting and event planners hosting their functions at the Richmond Olympic Oval, Mr. Dhanani added.

Spicy Pickle President and CEO Marc Geman acknowledged that this is a great opportunity for its Canadian franchisee. "Being in partnership with strong franchisees like this one that can continue their expansion during current economic conditions shows that our strategy of linking with stronger, experienced entrepreneurs is a good one, and is working. Our whole system, both concepts, are steeped in the healthy food tradition that consumers are looking for today. Information on the Olympic Oval is available at www.richmondoval.ca."

[OTCBBTrader]

Wenn dies kein unterbewerteter Microcap ist, dann weiß ich nicht was 'Unterbewertung' heissen soll. Selbst während der Krise Wachstum ohne ende....und der Markt merkt es....in zwei Jahren LOL

[OTCBBTrader]

PS. ....doch.........man kann diesen Titel dann auch noch bei $ 1.83 kaufen LOL

[OTCBBTrader]

Antwort auf Beitrag Nr.: 39.280.712 von OTCBBTrader am 06.04.10 16:58:37

NEWS 14.4.2010

Spicy Pickle Strengthens Management; Announces New CEO

DENVER, CO -- (Marketwire)
04/14/10
Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc. (OTCBB: SPKL), operator of the fast casual restaurant chains Spicy Pickle in the United States and Bread Garden Urban Cafe in Canada, today announced the addition of a CEO to its management team.

The Company will divide its current CEO/President role and appoint Mark Laramie as CEO, while Marc Geman will continue to be the President. Mr. Laramie will assume his position immediately.

Mr. Laramie is a restaurant executive with over 30 years' experience in growing companies and expanding regional brands into national and international markets. Mr. Laramie has extensive experience in retail operations, franchising, brand management and organizational development. From 1983 to 1998 he was the Group VP of Franchising for Little Caesars Enterprises Inc., overseeing 600 franchise entities consisting of more than 3500 Little Caesars restaurants. He also was the managing partner of a 53-store franchisee of Little Caesars. From 1998 to 2001 he was the COO of Quiznos Classic Subs and then President/CEO of Quiznos of Canada and the UK. From 2002 to 2006 he was President/COO of Papa Murphy's International where he helped build that chain to over 1000 restaurants. Since 2007, Mr. Laramie has been the CEO/Chairman of Pinnacle Restaurant Group and FranExecs Consulting Group.

Mr. Geman, President, said, "We have been working
steadily to improve both our Board of Directors and bring in C level personnel with extensive experience in growing franchise chains and refining retail operations. Mark Laramie fits these criteria perfectly. With his background we add the needed ingredient of operational know how for rapid expansion while we continue to look at multiple opportunities for the growth of our system. I look forward to working with Mark and having someone with his restaurant experience and skills to help us firmly establish both our brands -- Spicy Pickle and Bread Garden Urban Cafes -- throughout North America and beyond."

Mr. Laramie said, "The team at Spicy Pickle has done a wonderful job of growing the brand through these critical early years and I am honored to join the team at this stage. Our brands have the nucleus of a great staff as well as dedicated franchise operators and we will now take our systems and development to the next level. It is a very exciting time for Spicy Pickle and Bread Garden
Urban Cafe and I am very happy to be a part of it."


NEWS 6.5.2010

Spicy Pickle Announces President to Step Aside Following Appointment of New CEO and Reconstituted Board

DENVER, CO -- (Marketwire)

Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc. (OTCBB: SPKL), operator of the fast casual restaurant chains Spicy Pickle in the United States and Bread Garden Urban Café in Canada, today announced that its President has decided to step aside following the company's appointment of a new CEO and election of three new board members.

The company has accepted the resignation of Marc Geman as President and as a member of the Board of Directors. Mr. Geman has resigned to pursue other interests. Mark Laramie, the company's new CEO, stated, "We thank Mr. Geman for his years of service and wish him well in his new endeavors." Mr. Geman noted that "the company is in very capable hands with Mark as its CEO and a dynamic new Board."

The company has also accepted the resignation of Anthony Walker as a Director. Mr. Walker will continue in his current position as Chief Operating Officer. His responsibilities will include company owned restaurant operations, franchise support, distribution, training, and commissary operations. Mr. Laramie stated, "As we look to the future and prepare for expansion of our brands, we are reorganizing the key management staff and infrastructure to elevate us to the next level, while also maximizing cost efficiencies and cash
flow."

[OTCBBTrader]

Kaufkurse par excellence. Wahrlich eine mächtig Unterbewertung findet bei SPKL statt. Mir solls rcht sein, ich habe Zeit. Mein Zeitrahmen: 3-4 Jahre.

[OTCBBTrader]

Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc. Receives Additional Revolving Credit Line; Reports First Quarter Results

DENVER, 06/03/10

Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc. (OTCBB: SPKL), fast casual restaurant operator and franchisor of its Spicy Pickle and Bread Garden Urban Café brands, announced it has secured a $2,000,000 revolving credit line for operating capital.

The line is in the form of a convertible promissory note and secured loan agreement. Any outstanding indebtedness bears interest at the rate of 10%. The note will mature May 1, 2013 unless extended. The first interest only payment will not be due until September 1, 2010.

The conversion price is set at 10.5 cents, the closing share price on the date the note was signed. For every two shares received upon conversion, if any, the holder will receive a warrant to purchase one share at an initial price of 120% of the stock price during the 10 trading days prior to the election to convert. The warrant would expire in five years.

The company also reported that on May 13, 2010, it filed its first quarter 10Q with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Revenue for the quarter ended March 31, 2010 totaled $973,151, down slightly from $1,003,595 in the year ago quarter. Franchise fees and royalties rose to $354,454 compared with $304,975 in the first quarter 2009. The company noted that most of the revenue is derived from the company's seven owned restaurants. In May, 2010, Spicy Pickle closed one of its restaurants and is looking for a site to relocate it.

Total restaurant and bakery operating costs were down slightly in the quarter, however, general and administrative expenses rose to $1,025,543 from $695,486, mainly due to stock based compensation expenses. Employee stock option expense was $129,879 in the quarter this year vs. $12,259 in the prior year's quarter and a $165,000 expense was recorded for shares issued to employees in lieu of salary.

The company's net loss attributable to common shareholders for the first quarter was $864,366 versus $588,650 in the year ago quarter, equal to one cent a share in both years, based on 82,494,274 weighted average shares outstanding in the quarter this year and 54,369,497 for the same three months last year.

For the quarter ended March 31, not reflecting the cash from the note, the company had total assets of $5.4 million with current assets of $952,000 and current liabilities of $1,795,000. Of its current liabilities, $610,500 was deferred franchise fee revenue and not a cash liability. These funds are taken into revenue when the franchisee opens the restaurant but they are available immediately as working capital. Shareholders' equity totaled $2.77 million, equal to 3.4 cents a share.

Just joining the company as CEO in April this year, Mark Laramie stated, "We view our first quarter efforts as building a foundation from which to grow and prosper. We are optimistic that we have the basic ingredients for a successful restaurant franchise company and we will be working diligently to improve Spicy Pickle's operations and results." Mr. Laramie also commented that "Some of our most positive elements include our proven brands, our greatly strengthened board, our committed management team and our strong franchise operators."

About Spicy Pickle™ and Bread Garden:

Founded in 1999, Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc. (OTCBB: SPKL) serves high quality meats and fine artisan breads, baked fresh daily, along with a wide choice of eight different cheeses, twenty-two different toppings, and fourteen proprietary spreads to create healthy and delicious panini and sub sandwiches with flavors from around the world. As a leading "fast-casual" concept, Spicy Pickle offers menu items that are far beyond traditional fast food but without the price point of casual dining. The hallmark of a Spicy Pickle restaurant is quality, service and an enjoyable atmosphere. The company is headquartered in Denver, Colorado, with restaurants open across 11 states and more in development nationwide. Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc. also operates as franchisor for Bread Garden Urban Cafes, a bakery café concept with restaurants in the metropolitan Vancouver, Canada area. Bread Garden Urban Cafes serve coffee, pastries and breakfast items as well as lunch and dinner along with a wide variety of desserts and are found in typical high density urban settings along with specialty locations in two airports in British Columbia. To find out more about Spicy Pickle (OTCBB: SPKL), visit our website at www.spicypickle.com/.

[OTCBBTrader]

Letter to shareholder
July 27, 2010


Dear Spicy Pickle Franchising Shareholder

Following our recent board and management changes, you may have questions about our strategic direction, especially in light of the recession’s impact on restaurants and, to a lesser but still meaningful extent, on our fast casual category. We want to answer your questions but please bear in mind that the uncertain state of the economy continues to play a pivotal role that affects the pace of our turn-around strategy. Having said that, here is a summary of our initial findings. It lays out our planning and focus for the foreseeable future.

Discovery Process

In the first ten weeks with new management in place, many challenges and opportunities have been identified. Several corrective actions have already been initiated. For perspective, it is important to note, since the industry achieved its high water mark for store sales and franchise growth prior to the recession, virtually the entire retail and restaurant industries have experienced precipitous declines in same store sales and growth momentum. The Spicy Pickle brand has likewise been affected by these macroeconomic forces. In essence, the retail world and consumer expectations changed. Consumer confidence plummeted and discretionary spending followed suit. The Spicy Pickle brand found itself slightly out of position in light of the “value oriented mentality” that exists today. Management is quickly correcting our messaging and offerings to better align with current consumer expectations.

Franchising Support

We have revised our franchise support policies, including increased visitations and operational support to all the stores on a quarterly basis. We have also initiated new marketing guidelines to increase our advertising exposure around every store by creating “Limited Time Offers”. These will be continuing or sustaining on a routine schedule. We have redesigned the menu boards, point of sales materials and printed menus, and then produced them for all stores, utilizing our national ad-fund dollars.

Corporate Structure

As you know, for several years the company has been investing in the necessary systems and programs to support brand development and sustained store growth. As a result, we have operated with a negative cash flow. Corporate staffing, although substantially curtailed from pre-recession highs in 2007, needed further refinement and that was accomplished in the quarter ended June 30. Key personnel needed to affect our turn-around have been added. We are now structured with a highly talented full time corporate staff of 13 professionals, nine in our Denver office and four in our Vancouver, B.C. office, which is the appropriate level for our current stage of growth. As cost containment, we are outsourcing those functions that do not require a full time position.

90 Madison Street, Suite 700, Denver, Colorado 80206 [phone] Facsimile [phone]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bread Garden Brand

In 2008, we acquired the rights to operate the Bread Garden Urban Cafés in Canada. This group has grown, adding 80% new stores to its base in the last 20 months. The brand now has 18 operating units. The Olympics in Vancouver greatly aided in brand awareness in early 2010 and the Canadian economy and lending sources have remained stable in comparison to the US.

Although store volumes of Bread Garden Urban Cafes have remained relatively constant over time, the 30-year-old brand is in need of further menu development and branding refinement, both currently underway. Real estate locations are very good for the most part, and management is currently working on concept evolution, menu and new product development, and increased operational and advertising support for all stores.

Summary Findings

The Board of Directors took proper corrective action by restructuring itself and recruiting new management with experience building brands. Additionally, the newly constituted board brings broader expertise in branding, restaurant operations, franchising, and public company management. Having identified the company’s current strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities, we have begun to implement a turn-around strategy which will continue to unfold. In the short time we have had to make changes, we have been able to put both our brands in a position to begin their climb out of their recessionary decline.

The executive summary of the plan follows.

Turn-Around Action Plan

Effective immediately, the focus of our entire organization will be:

1.) Drive Top Line Sales: Three functional areas
a. Create and Implement an “Integrated Marketing Strategy” and routinely place effective and sustained advertising around all stores.

b. Improve operational consistency and customer services through regular visitations and support of the franchisees.

c. Refine “Brand Identity” of Spicy Pickle and Bread Garden Urban Café and clarify positioning within the fast casual category.

2.) Reduce Expenses: Three functional areas
a. Renegotiate supply and distribution contracts to lower cost of goods, which will potentially increase franchise profitability.

b. Simplify operational procedures and labor scheduling techniques to lower labor costs

c. Improve financial reporting and coaching of franchisees, to establish benchmarks and best practices for success.

3.) Re-organize corporate staff to meet the needs of the franchise community, maximizing cost efficiencies and ROI.

a. Execute reduction in force to eliminate non-essential personnel and minimize cash burn.

b. Recruit required expertise to execute turn-around plan, while out-sourcing as many functions as practical.

c. Develop three year business plan and budget with quantifiable goals, objectives and timelines.

4.) Create and execute an IR/PR plan to re-launch both brands and support shareholder value

a. Appoint IR and PR agencies to design plans and position our brands to tell the “re-emergence” story

b. Attend targeted industry conferences and participate on panels or committees when desirable for the purpose of creating brand awareness.

5.) Identify target brands for possible acquisition in 2011 and 2012, thereby leveraging executive infrastructure and franchising systems across a broader platform.

6.) Develop an International expansion strategy to take advantage of additional growth opportunities and current interest, while the US economy goes through correction.

Summary:

In light of the current internal reorganization and stabilizing economic conditions the company is passing through, we believe there is considerable up-side potential to realize our growth goals. We have reason for optimism regarding the future of our brands. However a few variables need to fall into place.


First, macro-economic conditions must continue to stabilize and improve so that consumer confidence and discretionary spending will likewise improve. Virtually all retail industries, including restaurants and franchising, have been suppressed by recent conditions.


Second, adequate funding must be available to effectively execute the business plan. We have addressed the initial need for funding through the establishment of a $2,000,000 credit facility in June, 2010.


Third, franchise lending and financial markets must free-up in order for us to re-start the growth engines, once we have the operational elements corrected. Capital availability will also be crucial if we wish to acquire additional brands under our corporate umbrella.


We have identified several immediate opportunities and adjustments which we are making relatively quickly, that we believe will have a positive impact on the primary objectives listed above. Through a combination of frugal expense policies and sustained sales building efforts, we will focus on minimizing negative cash flow while simultaneously growing the brands.


We are in the final stages of creating a thorough business plan which will provide the foundation that can take the company through the turn-around and into the next several years of growth.

Thank you for your attention and your continuing support is greatly appreciated. Your responses are welcome. We are available for further explanation at any time.

Best Regards,

Mark Laramie
Chief Executive Officer

[OTCBBTrader]

13. Oktober 2010

Spicy Pickle Franchising Updates Outlook

Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc. (OTCBB: SPKL), fast casual restaurant operator and franchisor of its Spicy Pickle® U.S. and BG Urban Café™ Canadian brands, today reported on its outlook for the remainder of this year and through 2011.

The company's new CEO (since April) Mark Laramie noted, "We have made significant progress in setting the company on the road toward profitability and ultimate success despite the poor overall operating environment in the U. S. in the past six months.

"These are still difficult times for restaurants, including for fast casuals and bakery cafes, as weak consumer spending continues and we are not expecting any significant near term help from the economy. Our comments should be understood in that context.

"Nevertheless, so far this year we have been able to:

* Consolidate our supply chain and purchasing power in North America into a single new supplier, Sysco Corporation, with a significant reduction in our cost of goods sold;
* Increase store level profitability, a benefit to franchisees and the company's restaurants;
* Reach an agreement with Premium Brands Operating Limited Partnership, owner of the Bread Garden® trademarks, to permit us to re-image our current BREAD GARDEN locations to utilize our new, wholly owned BG URBAN CAFÉ marks. Since we have full ownership of our independent BG URBAN CAFÉ brand, upon completion of the re-imaging, we will have full and independent brand rights and revenue streams for all of our existing and future locations and channel development.
* Begin a brand re-imaging program for our Canadian locations into BG URBAN CAFÉ locations with a fresh new look and menu;
* Launch a location focused advertising campaign for SPICY PICKLE stores that has already resulted in positive same store comp sales and increases in average unit volumes;
* Continue company reorganization with a program to bring in executives known to have had significant successes in this business, while controlling our cost structure;
* Secure funding that should carry us well into 2012;
* Visit all franchisees in their individual stores and developed a program of increased franchisee support
* Embark on new menu development at both chains and began improvements in products, per consumer surveys taken; and
* Shore up our new franchisee recruitment efforts and prepared for accelerated expansion.

"The results from our efforts so far have gained traction faster and better than anticipated," said Laramie. "Virtually every aspect of the company has improved and is showing meaningful progress. We have reduced our cash burn other than for new investment spending on advertising and store remodeling. For example, we are investing about $320,000 right now into the Canadian operations to transform them into BG URBAN CAFE locations, with a new image and menu redesign. We have also invested approximately $150,000 in newly created advertising campaigns, which are driving SPICY PICKLE sales.

"We are filling key executive positions with industry veterans who have proven extremely successful in closely related restaurant businesses. Some are initially consultants who will become full time as soon as possible and others are on staff now. Positions recently filled are: Branding and Chief Marketing Consultant Rob Elliott, Chief Financial Officer Clint Woodruff, Vice President/General Manager for Canada Jeff Branton, and Supply Chain and Business Development Consultant Peter Fowler. Together with our very strong board of directors, these executives provide the skills we need to meet our objectives.

"Regarding the Spicy Pickle franchise restaurants, we reviewed the entire program from top to bottom in view of the current economic climate. We looked at everything, from menu, quality, freshness, competitive offerings, sandwich size, suppliers, bread, image, economics, management assistance, staffing, sites and facilities. We improved store economics and we talked to all franchisees about what else we could do to help them. Part of our improved store economics directly results from our new vendor and supplier alliances noted above. While our prior U.S. and Canadian suppliers are fine companies who provided admirable services, the consolidation into a single North American supplier has led to a marked improvement in our overall economy of scale.

"Many of these changes are just beginning to take effect, and we expect to see the results over the next several quarters and more so as we move through 2011. Moreover, while we have cut ongoing general and administrative expenses, we are investing in the company's operations infrastructure in order to help franchisees become more successful and to create a more attractive opportunity for prospective franchisees. That means having successful, top notch restaurants that are very attractive to prospective business partners.

"For the remainder of 2010, we should add a few franchise restaurants and we should see several more next year. However, we believe as we go through 2011 our franchise program will pick up speed and that by 2012 franchise expansion in terms of restaurant openings should accelerate. We believe the funds we now have available, plus the cash generated from our various revenue streams should be sufficient well into 2012," the chief executive concluded.

About Spicy Pickle® and BG Urban Café™ Brands:

Founded in 1999, Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc. (OTCBB: SPKL) serves high quality meats and fine artisan breads baked fresh daily, along with a wide choice of eight cheeses, 22 toppings, and 14 proprietary spreads to create healthy, delicious panini and sub sandwiches with flavors from around the world. As a leading "fast-casual" concept, SPICY PICKLE restaurants offer menu items that are far beyond traditional fast food without the price points of casual dining. The hallmark of a SPICY PICKLE restaurant is quality service in an enjoyable atmosphere. The company is headquartered in Denver, Colorado, with restaurants in 10 states. A Spicy Pickle Franchising subsidiary operates as franchisor for BG Urban Cafes in the metropolitan Vancouver, Canada area. BG Urban Cafes serve coffee, pastries, breakfast items, lunch, dinner and a wide variety of desserts. Visit our website at www.spicypickle.com.

[OTCBBTrader]

Ich beende hiermit mein Engagement in diesem Thread da kein Interesse besteht.