GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., March 22, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Meritage Hospitality Group Inc. (OTCQX: MHGU), one of the nation’s premier restaurant operators, today reported that it is appointing BDO USA, LLP (“BDO”) as its new independent certified public accounting firm.   

Tracey A. Smith, VP/CFO, stated: "The Company acknowledges the services provided by Plante & Moran, LLP over the past 13 years. We welcome the opportunity to work with BDO going forward."

The former auditor's report on the Company's financial statements for fiscal years ended December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 did not contain an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion, nor was it qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles.

The decision to change independent auditors was recommended and approved by the audit committee of the board of directors of Meritage.

During the Company's two most recent fiscal years and the period subsequent to December 30, 2018, there were (i) no disagreements with the former auditors on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedures, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of the former auditors would have caused the former auditors to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreements in connection with its reports, and (ii) no reportable events of the type listed in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of SEC Regulation S-K or National Instrument 51-102.

Meritage Hospitality Group is one of the nation’s premier restaurant operators, with 319 restaurants in operation located in Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. Meritage is headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, operating with a workforce of approximately 10,000 employees. The Company has approximately 6.2 million (basic) common shares outstanding. The Company’s public filings can be viewed at www.otcmarkets.com, under the stock symbol MHGU, or the Company’s website www.meritagehospitality.com.

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT

Certain information in this new release, particularly information regarding future economic performance and finances, and plans, expectations and objectives of management, constitutes forward-looking statements.  Factors set forth in our Safe Harbor Statement, in addition to other possible factors not listed, could affect the Company’s actual results and cause such results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements.  Please review the Company’s Safe Harbor Statement at http://www.meritagehospitality.com.  

CONTACT:
Tracey A.Smith, VP/CFO
Meritage Hospitality Group Inc.
(616) 776-2600