UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549


FORM 8-K


CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934


Date of report (Date of earliest event reported):  July 5, 2014
 
 Cosi, Inc. 
 (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter) 
     
 Delaware
 000-50052
 06-1393745
 (State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)
 (Commission File Number)
 (IRS Employer Identification No.)
     
 1751 Lake Cook Road, Suite 600; Deerfield, Illinois
 60015
 (Address of Principal Executive Offices)
 (Zip Code)
     
 Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:   (847) 597-8800
     
     
  (Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)
 
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions ( see  General Instruction A.2. below):

o      Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

o      Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

o      Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

o      Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))


 
 

 
 
Item 5.02.          Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

On July 7, 2014, Cosi, Inc. (the “Company”) appointed Scott Carlock as Chief Financial Officer, effective as of July 28, 2014.

From April 2001 to July 2014, Mr. Carlock served in several finance and accounting roles with Yum! Brands, Inc., a $13 billion publicly-traded quick-service restaurant company, including Senior Manager of Finance for KFC US, Business Unit Controller and Senior Manager of KFC and Long John Silver, Associate Manager of SEC Reporting and, most recently, Tax Controller and Director where he led global tax planning and reporting.  Prior to joining Yum! Brands, Inc., Mr. Carlock served as Corporate Controller of PrintCafe, Inc., a $50 million provider of software solutions for the print industry.  From October 1993 to November 2000, Mr. Carlock served in several finance and accounting roles with Mellon Financial Corporation, a $5 billion publicly-traded financial services company, most recently as Vice President Controller of its eCommerce Group.  From September 1990 to October 1993, Mr. Carlock served as an auditor for KPMG, LLP.  He received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Bryant College in 1990 and successfully achieved accreditation as a certified public accountant in 1993.
 
Pursuant to the terms of Mr. Carlock’s offer letter, dated July 7, 2014, Mr. Carlock will be paid an annual base salary of $210,000.  He will also be eligible to receive a performance bonus of 50% of his annual base salary based upon the attainment of mutually agreed upon performance.  Mr. Carlock will be entitled to health benefits and life and long-term disability insurance in amounts standard for all of the Company’s employees.  Mr. Carlock is further entitled to the standard benefits available to the Company’s executives generally, including health insurance, life and disability coverage, and participation in the Company’s 401(k) Savings Plan.  Mr. Carlock’s employment may be terminated by either party at any time for any reason.  Mr. Carlock has also agreed to observe the Company's standard confidentiality, non-competition and non-solicitation provisions. 
 
In addition, as a material inducement to enter into employment with the Company and as long-term incentive compensation, on the first day of his employment with the Company (“Date of Grant”), Mr. Carlock will be granted 100,000 shares of restricted stock, of which 50,000 shares will be time-vested (“Time Vested Shares”) and 50,000 shares will be performance-based (“Performance-Based Shares”), which shares will be issued pursuant to the Company’s 2005 Omnibus Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended, and will be subject to the following vesting schedules:

(a)           The Time-Vested Shares will vest in four equal installments, with 25% vesting on each of the first, second, third and fourth anniversaries of the Date of Grant, provided that Mr. Carlock remains in the continuous employ of the Company through each such vesting date.

(b)           The Performance-Based Shares will vest in four equal installments, provided that Mr. Carlock remains in the continuous employment of the Company from and after the Date of Award and through the respective vesting dates set forth below and the specified price targets set forth below for the Company’s common stock are achieved:

(i)  
25% on the first day on which the closing price of the Company’s common stock shall have exceeded $2.00 for 30 consecutive trading days (as adjusted for stock splits, recapitalizations, reorganizations or similar events);

(ii)  
25% on the first day on which the closing price of the Company’s common stock shall have exceeded $2.50 for 30 consecutive trading days (as adjusted for stock
 
 
 
 

 
 

(ii)  
splits, recapitalizations, reorganizations or similar events);

(iii)  
25% on the first day on which the closing price of the Company’s common stock shall have exceeded $3.00 for 30 consecutive trading days (as adjusted for stock splits, recapitalizations, reorganizations or similar events); and

(iv)  
25% on the first day on which the closing price of the Company’s common stock shall have exceeded $4.00 for 30 consecutive trading days (as adjusted for stock splits, recapitalizations, reorganizations or similar events).

Additionally, the Company will pay or reimburse Mr. Carlock for moving expenses, including temporary housing, up to $20,000, in accordance with the Company’s relocation policy applicable to executive-level employees.
 
Mr. Carlock’s offer letter, dated July 7, 2014, is filed as Exhibit 10.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated in this Item 5.02 in its entirety by reference.

Mr. Carlock’s promotion follows the resignation of William E. Koziel as Chief Financial Officer on July 5, 2014, effective as of July 11, 2014.  Mr. Koziel is not resigning because of a disagreement on any matter relating to the Company’s operations, policies or practices.
 
In the interim, George Dimitrov, the Company’s Controller, will serve as the Company’s principal financial officer and principal accounting officer.

A copy of the Company’s press release announcing the above is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.

 
 Item 8.01
Other Events.
 
On July 10, 2014, the Company issued a press release announcing the appointment of Scott Carlock as Chief Financial Officer of the Company and the resignation of William E. Koziel as Chief Financial Officer.  A copy of this press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.

                               
 Item 9.01 (d) Exhibits.
 
Exhibit No.
 
 
Description
 
 
Paper (P) or
Electronic (E)
         
10.1
 
Scott Carlock Offer Letter, dated July 7, 2014
 
E
         
99.1
 
Press Release, dated July 10, 2014
 
E
         

 
 

 
 
Signature
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
 
 
   
Cosi, Inc.
 
       
Date:  July 10, 2014
 
/s/ William E. Koziel
 
   
Name:  William E. Koziel
 
   
Title:    Chief Financial Officer
 
       
 
 

 
 




 
 

 
 
EXHIBIT INDEX
         
 
Exhibit No.
 
 
Description
 
 
Paper (P) or
Electronic (E)
         
10.1
 
Scott Carlock Offer Letter, dated July 7, 2014
 
E
         
99.1
 
Press Release, dated July 10, 2014
 
E

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 


 
EXHIBIT 10.1
 

 
 
 
 
 
COSÌ, INC.
294 Washington Street, Ste. 510
Boston, MA  02108
 
Main Tel:  (847) 597-8800
Website:  www.getcosi.com

July 7, 2014

Mr. Scott A. Carlock

Re:           Chief Financial Officer

Dear Scott:

We are pleased to confirm the essentials of your employment offer.  This offer may be contingent upon the results of criminal, credit and driving checks (depending upon the position and in accordance with applicable laws) submitted by Così, Inc. (the “Company”, “we”, or “us”).  Please be advised that this is not a contract for employment.

1.  You agree to become an at-will employee of the Company, in the position of Chief Financial Officer, with an effective start date to be determined by mutual agreement of you and the Company.

2.  In this position, you will report to the President and CEO.

3.  The gross amount of your annual base salary will be Two Hundred Ten Thousand and 00/100 U.S. Dollars (US$210,000.00), payable in bi-weekly installments in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices, and which will be subject to applicable payroll and withholding taxes and other applicable deductions.

4.  You will be eligible to participate in the Company’s annual bonus plan where you will have the ability to earn an annual bonus in a gross amount up to Fifty Percent (50%) of your annual base salary, which bonus will be contingent upon various factors, including, among others, the Company’s business plan and financial results, and your achievement against targeted goals and objectives, and which will be subject to applicable payroll and withholding taxes and other applicable deductions.

5.  Subject to and upon the terms, conditions and restrictions set forth in the Restricted Stock Agreement and the Company’s employee long-term incentive stock plan under which the shares of restricted stock will be granted, on the grant date (i.e., your first day of employment), you will receive a grant of 100,000 shares or stock options exercisable for shares of the Company’s common stock, of which 50% will be performance-based shares and 50% will be time-based shares.
 
 
 
 

 

 
(a)  The performance-based shares will vest, provided you remain in the continuous employ of the Company from and after the date of grant and through the respective vesting dates, as follows:

(i)  (25%) on the first day on which the closing price of the Company’s common stock has exceeded $2.00 for 30 consecutive trading days (as adjusted for stock splits, recapitalizations, reorganizations or similar events);

(ii)  (25%) on the first day on which the closing price of the Company’s common stock has exceeded $2.50 for 30 consecutive trading days (as adjusted for stock splits, recapitalizations, reorganizations or similar events);

(iii)  (25%) on the first day on which the closing price of the Company’s common stock has exceeded $3.00 for 30 consecutive trading days (as adjusted for stock splits, recapitalizations, reorganizations or similar events); and

(iv)  (25%) on the first day on which the closing price of the Company’s common stock has exceeded $4.00 for 30 consecutive trading days (as adjusted for stock splits, recapitalizations, reorganizations or similar events);

(b)  The time-based shares, provided you remain in the continuous employ of the Company from and after the date of grant and through the respective vesting dates, will vest as follows:

(i)  (25%) on the first anniversary of the date of award, provided that you remain in the continuous employ of the Company from and after the date of grant and through such vesting date;

(ii)  (25%) on the second anniversary of the date of award, provided that you remain in the continuous employ of the Company from and after the date of grant and through such vesting date;

(iii)  (25%) on the third anniversary of the date of award, provided that you remain in the continuous employ of the Company from and after the date of grant and through such vesting date; and

(iv)  (25%) on the fourth anniversary of the date of award, provided that you remain in the continuous employ of the Company from and after the date of grant and through such vesting date.

6.  You will be reimbursed for your business-related and business travel expenses incurred in performing your employment obligations, provided that such expenses are reasonable, customary, and documented, and incurred in accordance with the Company’s then-current business and business travel expense reimbursement policy in effect from time to time. Our business and business travel expense reimbursement policy may change from time to time without notice.

7.  During your employment with the Company, you will be eligible to participate in the Company’s health care benefits plan on the first day of the first full month following your first day of employment (“date of hire”) (for example, if your date of hire is May 10, 2014, you will be eligible to participate as of June 1, 2014; if your date of hire is April 28, 2014, you will be eligible to participate as
 
 
 
2

 
 
of May 1, 2014).  These benefits currently include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, and short- and long-term disability insurance.  If you elect to participate in our health care benefits plans, you will be required to pay an employee contribution for participation in the benefits plans selected.  Participation in, and the terms of, our health care benefits plans are subject to change without notice.
 
8.  During your employment with the Company, you will automatically be enrolled in the Company’s 401(K) retirement plan at the 4% level once you meet the eligibility requirements (90 days of employment and at least 325 hours worked).  After you are enrolled, that means an amount equal to 4% of your gross earnings will be deducted from your paycheck every pay period and paid into the Company’s 401(K) retirement plan for your benefit.  You may change the amount of the deduction or opt out altogether by contacting the Company’s Benefits Department.  If you remain in the Company’s 401(k) retirement plan, every year your deduction will increase by 1% until it reaches the 8% level.  You may rollover any other qualified accounts you may have had upon hire, and you may begin additional contributions as well after 90 days of continuous employment with the Company.  You may contact the Benefits Department for more information regarding this plan.  Participation in, and the terms of, the Company’s 401(K) retirement plan may change from time to time without notice (unless such notice is otherwise required by law).

9.  During your employment with the Company, you will be eligible for twenty (20) days’ paid vacation per calendar year, in accordance with the Company’s salaried employee vacation policy, to be taken during the same calendar year in which such vacation is earned, pro rated for any partial year.  Your vacation is earned based upon the calculation and schedule set forth in the vacation policy as may be in effect from time to time for the Company’s salaried employees.  Our vacation policy may change from time to time without notice (unless such notice is otherwise required by law).

10.  As long as you are in a position requiring a cell phone, under the Company’s current policy, the Company will provide you with a standard cell phone, at no cost to you, and will reimburse you for your usage in accordance with the Company’s cell phone policy, provided that you are participating in the Company’s cell phone program.  You may be required to sign cell phone policies and other documentation related to your use of the cell phone.  The terms of the Company’s cell phone policy may change from time to time without notice.

11.  As long as you are in a position requiring the use of a laptop computer, under the Company’s current policy, the Company will provide you with a laptop computer, at no cost to you.  You may be required to sign computer policies and other documentation related to your use of the laptop computer.  The terms of the Company’s computer policies may change from time to time without notice.

12.  You will be an at-will employee of the Company, which means your employment may be terminated at any time by you or by us for any or no reason whatsoever.  This letter is not an employment agreement or contract.

13.  You understand that, as a condition of your employment with the Company, to protect the Company’s confidential, proprietary and trade secret information, you will be required to sign the Confidentiality and Non-compete Agreement, in the form attached hereto, at the time of your employment.

14.  By commencing employment with the Company, you represent and warrant to the Company that, to the best of your knowledge, you are free to become an employee of the Company and
 
 
3

 
 
to render services and perform duties and obligations accordingly, and that you do not have and will not have any agreements or commitments which would prevent or interfere in any way with the full performance of your services and duties and obligations to and on behalf of the Company.
 
15.  You will be eligible for reimbursement of moving expenses up to a maximum amount of $20,000.00 incurred in connection with your relocation to Boston, Massachusetts, including temporary housing, in accordance with the Company's relocation policy applicable to executive-level employees.


We look forward to welcoming you in your new position and to your success with Così, Inc. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact RJ Dourney or me at (857) 207-0318.
 

Sincerely,
COSÌ, INC.
/s/ Kate Sheehan
Kate Sheehan, V.P. HR

Attachment:  Confidentiality & Non-Compete Agreement

cc:           RJ Dourney
 
 
 
 
4

 
 
 


 
EXHIBIT 99.1
 

 
COSI® HIRES SCOTT CARLOCK AS CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
 
The company strengthens its management ranks with a top industry veteran.
 

 
Boston, MA – July 10, 2014 - Cosi, Inc. (NASDAQ:  COSI), the fast-casual restaurant company, today announced that it has hired Scott Carlock as Chief Financial Officer.
 
Carlock, 46, joins Cosi from quick-service restaurant leader Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM) where he has been employed for the past 13 years.  He has held several senior finance and accounting roles with Yum! Brands, including Senior Manager of Finance for KFC US, Business Unit Controller and Senior Manager of KFC and Long John Silver, Associate Manager of SEC Reporting, and most recently, Tax Controller and Director where he led global tax planning and reporting.    
 
In total, Carlock has over 20 years of professional finance and accounting experience, nearly all of which have been with publicly-traded companies, and includes more than 13 years in the restaurant industry.

“We are pleased to have someone with Scott’s pedigree join the Cosi senior leadership team,” said RJ Dourney, Cosi CEO and President.  “Scott brings with him not only years of leadership and financial experience from one of the world’s leading restaurant organizations, but he has a passion for this industry and the Cosi brand that simply can’t be taught.”
 
“Cosi is a fantastic brand with incredible food, including its signature flatbread, of which I am a big fan,” said Carlock.  “RJ Dourney laid out for me a vision of where he wants to take Cosi and I jumped at the chance to join in that mission.  I think there are great things ahead for Cosi.”
 
Carlock will replace Bill Koziel, Cosi’s current CFO.  “Bill was a vital partner through my first few months on the job as CEO.  We wish him every success as he continues forward with his career,” said Dourney. “The Board would like to thank Bill for his many years of service and dedication to Cosi,” added Mike O’Donnell, Chairman of the Audit Committee.  “He provided invaluable support and guidance through many difficult times, and we wish him well in his new position and future endeavors.”
 
Prior to joining Yum! Brands, Inc., Mr. Carlock served as Corporate Controller of PrintCafe, Inc., a provider of software solutions for the print industry.  From October 1993 to November 2000, Mr. Carlock served in several finance and accounting roles with Mellon Financial Corporation, a publicly-traded financial services company, most recently as Vice President Controller of its eCommerce Group.  From September 1990 to October 1993, Mr. Carlock served as an auditor for KPMG, LLP.  He received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Bryant College in 1990 and successfully achieved accreditation as a certified public accountant in 1993.

Carlock will soon join the Cosi team in its new Boston headquarters.
 
 
 

 
 
About Così, Inc.
 
Così® (http://www.getcosi.com) is a national fast -casual restaurant chain that has developed featured foods built around a secret, generations-old recipe for crackly-crust flatbread. This artisan bread is freshly baked in front of customers throughout the day in open-flame stone-hearth ovens prominently located in each of the restaurants. Così's warm and urbane atmosphere is geared towards its sophisticated, upscale, urban and suburban guests. There are currently 65 Company-owned and 49 franchise restaurants operating in sixteen states, the District of Columbia, the United Arab Emirates, and Costa Rica. The Così® vision is to become America's favorite fast casual restaurant by providing customers authentic, innovative, savory food while remaining an affordable luxury.
 
The Così® menu features Così® sandwiches, freshly-tossed salads, bowls, breakfast wraps, melts, soups, Così® Squagels®, flatbread pizzas, S'mores, snacks and other desserts, and a wide range of coffee and coffee-based drinks and other specialty beverages. Così® restaurants are designed to be welcoming and comfortable with an eclectic environment. Così's sights, sounds, and spaces create a tasteful, relaxed ambience that provides a fresh and new dining experience.
 
"COSI” and related marks are registered trademarks of Così, Inc. in the U.S.A. and certain other countries. Copyright © 2014 Così, Inc. All rights reserved.
 

 
Cosi Media Contact
 
Marc Lapides
Director of Marketing, Cosi Inc.
mlapides@getcosi.com
847-894-3398