Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Commitments and Contingencies

v3.24.0.1
Commitments and Contingencies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies
Purchase Agreements
The Company has entered into manufacturing and purchase agreements to purchase and produce coffee product from third-party suppliers. These purchase agreements are typically obligations to purchase minimum volumes with fixed pricing if the volume terms are not fulfilled, in the form of a take-or-pay provision. The aggregate value of purchases from these third-party suppliers totaled $84,007, $86,531, and $26,668 for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
The amounts in the table below represents the Company's future minimum purchase commitments as of December 31, 2023:
Year ending December 31,
2024 $ 21,040 
2025 26,059 
2026 30,018 
2027 32,427 
2028 15,141 
Thereafter 14,934 
Total $ 139,619 
Contingencies
The Company is the subject of various legal actions in the ordinary course of business. These actions typically seek, among other things, compensation for alleged personal injury, breach of contract, property damage, punitive damages, civil penalties or other losses, or injunctive or declaratory relief. With respect to such lawsuits, the Company accrues reserves when it is probable a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. Although the outcomes of these proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company does not believe any of these proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, would be expected to have a material adverse effect on results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.
The Company could be subject to additional sales tax or other tax liabilities. The Company follows the guidelines of ASC 450, Accounting for Contingencies, and the consolidated financial statements reflect the current impact of such legislation through the Company’s best estimates. However, any of these events could have a material effect on the Company’s business and operating results depending on the previous periods of applied enforcement by certain jurisdictions.
The Company is also subject to U.S. (federal and state) laws, regulations, and administrative practices that require us to collect information from its customers, vendors, merchants, and other third parties for tax reporting purposes and report such information to various government agencies. The scope of such requirements continues to expand, requiring us to develop and implement new compliance systems. Failure to comply with such laws and regulations could result in significant penalties and interest which might have an adverse effect on the Company’s business and operating results.
The Company has accrued $320 and $326 annually related to potential sales and other tax exposure as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, which is included in accrued liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
Legal Disputes
On April 28, 2022, Tang Capital Partners, LP filed a lawsuit in federal district court in New York against the Company, Tang Capital Partners, LP v. BRC Inc., Case 22-CV-3476 (RWL) (Southern District of New York). The complaint alleges that the Tang Capital suffered damages arising from the Company’s refusal on two occasions to permit Tang Capital to exercise warrants. On March 8, 2023, the court granted the Company’s motion to dismiss a claim for declaratory judgment but denied the Company’s motion to dismiss a breach of contract claim. The lawsuit seeks unspecified general and compensatory damages, attorneys’ fees, and other reasonable costs and disbursements. The Company believes that it has meritorious defenses to the claim asserted against it and will defend itself vigorously in these proceedings; however, there can be no assurances that it will be successful in its efforts. The Company is not able at this time to determine or predict the ultimate outcome of this lawsuit or provide a reasonable estimate or range of estimates of the possible outcome or loss, if any, in this matter.
On February 3, 2023, Strategy and Execution, Inc. filed a lawsuit in federal district court in Texas against one of the Company's wholly owned subsidiaries: Strategy and Execution, Inc. v. Black Rifle Coffee Company LLC, Case 23-CV-00135 (FB) (Western District of Texas). The complaint alleges that SEI, a former consultant to the Company, is owed certain disputed royalties from the Company. On April 4, 2023, the Company filed a partial motion to dismiss several of the claims which is currently pending. The Company maintains all royalties expire upon expiration of the parties’ contract on December 31, 2023, and prior to such expiration, only SKUs manufactured at co-manufacturers SEI introduced the Company to, are subject to such royalty. Through December 31, 2023, the Company has expensed all royalties for co-manufacturers which SEI introduced.
On June 22, 2023, John Brian Clark, JBC Structured Products LLC, and Marathon Capital LLC filed a complaint against BRC Inc. and Black Rifle Coffee Company LLC: John Brian Clark, et al. v. BRC Inc., et al., Case 1:23-CV-5340 (RWL) (Southern District of New York). Clark alleges a breach of contract and is seeking a declaratory judgment. The complaint alleges that Clark suffered damages arising from the Company’s refusal to allow Clark to exercise warrants. The lawsuit seeks unspecified general and compensatory damages, attorneys’ fees, and other reasonable costs and disbursements. The Company believes that it has meritorious defenses to the causes of action asserted against it and will defend itself vigorously in these proceedings; however, there can be no assurances that it will be successful in its efforts. Currently the case is stayed through the resolution of the Tang Capital matter, but Clark has the option to end the stay at any time after the end of June 2024 or a summary judgment decision in Tang Capital, whichever comes first. The Company is not able at this time to determine or predict the ultimate outcome of this lawsuit or provide a reasonable estimate or range of estimates of the possible outcome or loss, if any, in this matter.
In connection with certain disputes regarding a small number of franchised Outposts, we recently agreed to provide certain operational and financial support in connection with the sale and shutdown of certain stores managed by franchisees. We have accrued $613 as of December 31, 2023, for future support to be provided to these franchised Outposts.