Item 4.01. Changes in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant.
(a) Dismissal of Previous Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
On April 16, 2020, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Audit Committee”) of BBQ Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) chose not to renew the engagement of Grant Thornton LLP (“Grant Thornton”), which was then serving as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, effective immediately. The decision to dismiss Grant Thornton was approved by the Audit Committee.
Grant Thornton’s audit reports on the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of and for the fiscal years ended December 29, 2019 and December 30, 2018 did not contain an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles.
During the fiscal years December 29, 2019 and December 30, 2018, and the subsequent interim period through April 16, 2020, there were (i) no disagreements (as described in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K and the related instructions) between the Company and Grant Thornton on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which, if not resolved to Grant Thornton’s satisfaction, would have caused Grant Thornton to make reference thereto in their reports on the financial statements for such years, and (ii) no “reportable events” within the meaning of Item 304(a)(1(v) of Regulation S-K and the related instructions.
The Company provided Grant Thornton with a copy of the disclosures it is making in this Current Report on From 8-K and requested that Grant Thornton furnish a letter addressed to the Securities and Exchange Commission stating whether or not it agrees with the statements made herein. A copy of Grant Thornton’s letter dated April 21, 2020 is filed as Exhibit 16.1 hereto.
(b) Engagement of New Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
On April 16, 2020, the Audit Committee approved the engagement of Schechter Dokken Kanter CPAs (“SDK”) to serve as the Company’s new independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2020. On April 20, 2020, the company entered into an engagement agreement with SDK, effective April 20, 2020. The decision to appoint SDK was approved by the Audit Committee.
During the fiscal years ended December 29, 2019 and December 30, 2018, and the subsequent interim period through April 21, 2020, neither the Company nor anyone acting on its behalf has consulted with SDK regarding any of the matters described in Items 304(a)(2)(i) and (ii) of Regulation S-K.