Note 16 - Litigation

The Company is party to claims in lawsuits incidental to its business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate outcome of such matters, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In November 2015, certain employees filed a class action lawsuit against two of the Company's subsidiaries and Bagatelle LA, an equity investee of the Company, which has since ceased operations, (collectively, the “LA Defendants”) alleging that the LA Defendants neglected to conform to California state and local rest and meal period requirements as well as other employment-related allegations. In April 2017, the LA Defendants agreed with the plaintiffs to propose court approval of a class action settlement to avoid the uncertainty and risk associated with continued litigation, which agreement was preliminarily approved by the court. Accordingly, based on the probability of this matter reaching final approval, in the second quarter of 2017, the Company recorded $0.2 million of its share in these costs as settlements on the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss. In addition, through Bagatelle Investors, the Company recognized its equity in Bagatelle LA's share of the settlement costs. Final judgment by the court of this settlement agreement was entered on September 26, 2017 and the settlement payment of $0.2 million was made by the Company in October 2017.

In May 2016, certain employees filed a class action lawsuit against two of the Company's subsidiaries and Bagatelle NY, an equity investee of the Company, (collectively, the “NY Defendants”), alleging that the NY Defendants improperly took tip credits due to those employees, as well certain other employment-related allegations. In May 2017, to avoid the uncertainty, risks and cost associated with continued litigation, the NY Defendants reached a settlement agreement with the plaintiffs. Such settlement agreement was preliminarily approved by the court. Accordingly, based on the probability of this matter reaching final approval, in the second quarter of 2017, the Company recorded $0.5 million of its share in these costs as settlements on the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss. In addition, through Bagatelle Investors, the Company recognized its equity in Bagatelle NY’s share of the settlement costs (approximately $0.3 million). Final judgment by the court of this settlement agreement was entered on November 26, 2017. The first installment payment of $0.3 million was paid on December 14, 2017, with the second and final payment of $0.2 million paid on March 1, 2018.

In September 2017, the Company recorded a $0.5 million charge related to an arrangement with a management agreement partner to resolve a dispute. This charge was recorded as a component of settlements on the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss.