Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (PLKI) 10-K 23 Feb 16 2015 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Jan. 22, 2016	Jul. 12, 2015
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc.
Trading Symbol	PLKI
Entity Central Index Key	1,041,379
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 27, 2015
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-27
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		22,450,717
Entity Public Float			$ 1,359,421

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 9.1	$ 8.4
Accounts and current notes receivable, net	9.2	8.6
Other current assets	8.5	7.4
Advertising cooperative assets, restricted	35.4	32.4
Total current assets	62.2	56.8
Long-term assets:
Property and equipment, net	97.7	95.7
Goodwill	11.1	11.1
Trademarks and other intangible assets, net	94.2	94.7
Other long-term assets, net	1.5	2
Total long-term assets	204.5	203.5
Total assets	266.7	260.3
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	6.7	7.4
Other current liabilities	13.9	12.4
Current debt maturities	0.3	0.3
Advertising cooperative liabilities	35.4	32.4
Total current liabilities	56.3	52.5
Long-term liabilities:
Long-term debt	112.3	109.6
Deferred credits and other long-term liabilities	38.5	32.4
Total long-term liabilities	$ 150.8	$ 142
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders’ equity:
Preferred stock ($.01 par value; 2,500,000 shares authorized; 0 issued and outstanding)	$ 0	$ 0
Common stock ($.01 par value; 150,000,000 shares authorized; 22,449,697 and 23,143,609 shares issued and outstanding at the end of fiscal years 2015 and 2014, respectively)	0.2	0.2
Capital in excess of par value	0	46.4
Retained earnings	59.6	19.3
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(0.2)	(0.1)
Total shareholders’ equity	59.6	65.8
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$ 266.7	$ 260.3

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	2,500,000	2,500,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	150,000,000	150,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	22,449,697	23,143,609
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	22,449,697	23,143,609

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Revenues:
Sales by Company-operated restaurants	$ 109.5	$ 97.2	$ 78.7
Franchise royalties and fees	144	131.3	121.9
Rent from franchised restaurants	5.5	7.1	5.4
Total revenues	259	235.6	206
Expenses:
Restaurant food, beverages and packaging	35.3	32	26.1
Restaurant employee, occupancy and other expenses	52.3	46.8	37.9
General and administrative expenses	84.3	78.9	73.4
Occupancy expenses - franchise restaurants	3.1	3.2	3.4
Depreciation and amortization	9.7	8.7	6.7
Other expenses (income), net	0	1.2	0.3
Total expenses	184.7	170.8	147.8
Operating profit	74.3	64.8	58.2
Interest expense, net	3.7	3	3.7
Income before income taxes	70.6	61.8	54.5
Income tax expense	26.5	23.8	20.4
Net income	$ 44.1	$ 38	$ 34.1
Earnings per common share, basic (in dollars per share)	$ 1.94	$ 1.63	$ 1.44
Earnings per common share, diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 1.91	$ 1.60	$ 1.41
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	22.7	23.3	23.6
Diluted (in shares)	23.1	23.8	24.1

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 44.1	$ 38	$ 34.1
Other comprehensive income
Net change in fair value of cash flow hedge	(0.4)	0	0.4
Reclassification adjustments for derivative losses included in earnings	0.2	0.8	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), before income tax	(0.2)	0.8	0.4
Income tax expense (benefit) on other comprehensive income	0.1	(0.3)	(0.2)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	(0.1)	0.5	0.2
Comprehensive income	$ 44	$ 38.5	$ 34.3

Consolidated Statements of Chan

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	Common Stock	Capital in Excess of Par Value	Retained Earnings (Deficit)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss)
Beginning balance at Dec. 30, 2012	$ 34.2	$ 0.2	$ 87.6	$ (52.8)	$ (0.8)
Beginning balance, shares at Dec. 30, 2012		23,907,428
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	34.1			34.1
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	0.2				0.2
Repurchases and retirement of shares	$ (19.9)		(19.9)
Repurchases and retirement of shares, shares	(504,295)	(504,295)
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	$ 3.4		3.4
Issuance of common stock under stock option plans	3.6		3.6
Issuance of common stock under stock option plans, shares		322,804
Issuance of restricted stock awards, net of forfeitures	(2.2)		(2.2)
Issuance of restricted stock awards, net of forfeitures, shares		58,104
Stock-based compensation expense	5.4		5.4
Ending balance at Dec. 29, 2013	58.8	$ 0.2	77.9	(18.7)	(0.6)
Ending balance, shares at Dec. 29, 2013		23,784,041
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	38			38
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	0.5				0.5
Repurchases and retirement of shares	$ (40)		(40)
Repurchases and retirement of shares, shares	(891,931)	(891,931)
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	$ 2.6		2.6
Issuance of common stock under stock option plans	2.4		2.4
Issuance of common stock under stock option plans, shares		240,563
Issuance of restricted stock awards, net of forfeitures	(1.8)		(1.8)
Issuance of restricted stock awards, net of forfeitures, shares		10,936
Stock-based compensation expense	5.3		5.3
Ending balance at Dec. 28, 2014	65.8	$ 0.2	46.4	19.3	(0.1)
Ending balance, shares at Dec. 28, 2014		23,143,609
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	44.1			44.1
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	(0.1)				(0.1)
Repurchases and retirement of shares	$ (62)		(58.2)	(3.8)
Repurchases and retirement of shares, shares	(1,084,478)	(1,084,478)
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	$ 7.6		7.6
Issuance of common stock under stock option plans	$ 2.5		2.5
Issuance of common stock under stock option plans, shares	197,000	275,973
Issuance of restricted stock awards, net of forfeitures	$ (5)		(5)
Issuance of restricted stock awards, net of forfeitures, shares		114,593
Stock-based compensation expense	6.7		6.7
Ending balance at Dec. 27, 2015	$ 59.6	$ 0.2	$ 0	$ 59.6	$ (0.2)
Ending balance, shares at Dec. 27, 2015		22,449,697

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities:
Net income	$ 44.1	$ 38	$ 34.1
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	9.7	8.7	6.7
Net (gain) loss on sale and disposal of assets	(0.1)	(0.8)	0.3
Deferred income taxes	4.2	2.4	4.5
Non-cash interest expense, net	0.4	1	0.8
Provision for credit losses (recoveries)	0.1	0	(0.7)
Excess tax benefit from share-based payment arrangements	(7.6)	(2.6)	(3.4)
Stock-based compensation expense	6.7	5.3	5.4
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(0.6)	0.4	(1.6)
Other operating assets	6.7	4.9	(2.3)
Accounts payable and other operating liabilities	(0.9)	2.3	0.5
Net cash provided by operating activities	62.7	59.6	44.3
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(12.8)	(27.8)	(32.8)
Proceeds from dispositions of property and equipment	0.2	1.3	0.6
Capitalized interest	0	0	(0.2)
Investment in indefinite-lived assets	0	(41.8)	0
Net cash used in investing activities	(12.6)	(68.3)	(32.4)
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities:
Principal payments — 2010 credit facility (term loan)	0	0	(31.3)
Borrowings under 2013 revolving credit facility	6	43	63
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements	7.6	2.6	3.4
Share repurchases	(62)	(40)	(19.9)
Proceeds from exercise of employee stock options	2.5	2.4	3.6
Debt issuance costs	0	0	(0.7)
Other financing activities, net	(0.5)	(0.5)	(0.4)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(49.4)	7.5	(19.3)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	0.7	(1.2)	(7.4)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	8.4	9.6	17
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	9.1	8.4	9.6
2010 Credit Facility [Member]
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities:
Principal payments — 2010 and 2013 revolving credit facility	0	0	(37)
2013 Credit Facility [Member]
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities:
Principal payments — 2010 and 2013 revolving credit facility	$ (3)	$ 0	$ 0

Description of Business

Description of Business	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Description of Business	Description of Business Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc. (“Popeyes” or “the Company”) develops, operates and franchises quick-service restaurants under the trade name Popeyes ® Louisiana Kitchen and Popeyes ® Chicken & Biscuits in 48 states, the District of Columbia, three territories, and 27 foreign countries.

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Principles of Consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. Use of Estimates. The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires the Company’s management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities. These estimates affect the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during each reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Fiscal Year. The Company has a 52/53-week fiscal year that ends on the last Sunday in December. The 2015, 2014 and 2013 fiscal years all consisted of 52 weeks. Cash and Cash Equivalents. The Company considers all money market investment instruments and certificates of deposit with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Under the terms of the Company’s bank agreements, outstanding checks in excess of the cash balances in the Company’s primary disbursement accounts create a bank overdraft liability. Bank overdrafts were insignificant for both fiscal years 2015 and 2014. Supplemental Cash Flow Information. (in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Interest paid $ 3.0 $ 1.8 $ 3.1 Accrued purchase of property and equipment 1.7 3.0 3.8 Income taxes paid, net 13.6 14.9 16.2 Accounts Receivable, Net. At December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014 , accounts receivable, net were $9.0 million and $8.4 million , respectively. Accounts receivable consist primarily of amounts due from franchisees related to royalties, and rents, and various miscellaneous items. The accounts receivable balance is stated net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company reserves a franchisee’s receivable balance based upon the age of the receivable and consideration of other factors and events. During 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts were as follows: (in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Balance, beginning of year $ 0.1 $ 0.1 $ 0.2 Provisions for credit (recoveries) losses 0.1 — — Write-offs (0.1 ) — (0.1 ) Balance, end of year $ 0.1 $ 0.1 $ 0.1 Notes Receivable, Net. Notes receivable primarily consist of notes from franchisees to finance certain past due franchise revenues and rents. The notes receivable balance is stated net of an allowance for uncollectible amounts which is evaluated each reporting period on a note-by-note basis. At December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014 , notes receivable, net, were approximately $0.5 million and $0.6 million , respectively, of which $0.1 million was current. No notes were reserved at December 28, 2014 . The balance in the allowance account at December 27, 2015 and December 29, 2013 was approximately $0.1 million . Inventories. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or net realizable value and consist principally of food, beverage items, paper and supplies. At December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014 , inventory of $0.9 million and $0.8 million was included as a component of “Other current assets.” Property and Equipment. Property and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Provisions for depreciation are made using the straight-line method over an asset’s estimated useful life: 7 to 35 years for buildings; 5 to 15 years for equipment; and in the case of leasehold improvements and capital lease assets, the lesser of the economic life of the asset or the lease term (generally 3 to 20 years). During 2015, 2014, and 2013, depreciation expense was approximately $9.2 million , $8.2 million , and $6.2 million , respectively. The Company capitalizes interest on external costs in connection with the construction of new restaurants. The capitalized interest is recorded as part of the asset to which it relates and is amortized over the asset’s estimated useful life. Interest expense of $0.2 million was capitalized in 2013. No significant interest was incurred for such purposes in 2015 and 2014. The Company evaluates property and equipment for impairment during the fourth quarter of each year or when circumstances arise indicating that a particular asset may be impaired. For property and equipment at company-operated restaurants, annual impairment evaluations are performed on an individual restaurant basis. The Company evaluates restaurants using a “ two -year history of operating losses” as our primary indicator of potential impairment. The Company evaluates recoverability based on the restaurant’s forecasted undiscounted cash flows for the expected remaining useful life of the unit, which incorporate our best estimate of sales growth and margin improvement based upon our plans for the restaurant and actual results at comparable restaurants. The carrying values of restaurant assets that are not considered recoverable are written down to their estimated fair market value, which are generally measured by discounting estimated future cash flows. Goodwill and Intangible Assets. Amounts assigned to goodwill arose from the allocation of reorganization value when the Company emerged from bankruptcy in 1992 and from business combinations accounted for by the purchase method. Amounts assigned to trademarks arose from the allocation of reorganization value when the Company emerged from bankruptcy in 1992. These assets are deemed indefinite-lived assets and are not amortized for financial reporting purposes. See Note 6 for further disclosure. The Company’s finite-lived intangible assets (primarily re-acquired franchise rights) are amortized on a straight-line basis over 10 to 20 years based on the remaining life of the original franchise agreement or lease agreement. Costs incurred to renew or extend the term of recognized intangibles are expensed as incurred and reported as a component of “General and administrative expenses.” The Company evaluates goodwill, trademarks, recipes and formulas, and other indefinite lived intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis (during the fourth quarter of each year) or more frequently when circumstances arise indicating that a particular asset may be impaired. The impairment evaluation for goodwill includes a comparison of the fair value of each of the Company’s reporting units with their carrying value. The Company’s reporting units are its business segments. Goodwill is allocated to each reporting unit for purposes of this analysis. Goodwill associated with bankruptcy reorganization value is assigned to reporting units using a relative fair value approach. Goodwill associated with a business combination is allocated to the reporting unit or a component of the reporting unit expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination. The fair value of each reporting unit is the amount for which the reporting unit could be sold in a current transaction between willing parties. The Company estimates the fair value of its reporting units using a discounted cash flow model. The operating assumptions used in the discounted cash flow model are generally consistent with the reporting unit’s past performance and with the projections and assumptions that are used in the Company’s current operating plans. Such assumptions are subject to change as a result of changing economic and competitive conditions. If a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, goodwill is written down to its implied fair value. The Company follows a similar analysis for the evaluation of trademarks, recipes and formulas, and other indefinite lived intangible assets but that analysis is performed on a consolidated basis. During 2015, 2014, and 2013, there was no impairment of goodwill or indefinite lived identified during the Company’s annual impairment testing. Fair Value Measurements. Fair value is the price the Company would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability (exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants. For those assets and liabilities recorded or disclosed at fair value, we determine fair value based upon the quoted market price, if available. If a quoted market price is not available for identical assets, we determine fair value based upon the quoted market price of similar assets or the present value of expected future cash flows considering the risks involved, including counterparty performance risk if appropriate, and using discount rates appropriate for the duration. The fair values are assigned a level within the fair value hierarchy, depending on the source of the inputs into the calculation. Level 1 Inputs based upon quoted prices in active markets for identical assets. Level 2 Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset, either directly or indirectly. Level 3 Inputs that are unobservable for the asset. Debt Issuance Costs. Costs incurred to secure new debt facilities are capitalized and then amortized utilizing a method that approximates the effective interest method for term loans and the straight-line method for revolving credit facilities. Absent a basis for cost deferral, debt amendment fees are expensed as incurred. In the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations, the amortization of debt issuance costs, any write-off of debt issuance costs when a debt facility is modified or prematurely paid off, and debt amendment fees are included as a component of “Interest expense, net.” During 2013, the Company wrote off $0.4 million due to the retirement of the 2010 Credit Facility. Advertising Cooperative. The Company maintains an advertising cooperative that receives contributions from the Company and from its franchisees, based upon a percentage of restaurant sales, as required by their franchise agreements. This cooperative is used exclusively for marketing of the Popeyes brand. The Company acts as an agent for the franchisees with regards to their contributions to the advertising cooperative. In the Company’s consolidated financial statements, contributions received and expenses of the advertising cooperative are excluded from the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations and the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow. The Company reports all assets and liabilities of the advertising cooperative as “Advertising cooperative assets, restricted” and “Advertising cooperative liabilities” in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The advertising cooperatives assets, consisting primarily of cash and accounts receivable from the franchisees, can only be used for selected purposes and are considered restricted. The advertising cooperative liabilities represent the corresponding obligation arising from the receipt of the contributions to purchase advertising and promotional programs. The Company’s contributions to the advertising cooperative based on company-operated restaurant sales are reflected in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations as a component of “Restaurant employee, occupancy and other expenses.” Additional contributions to the advertising cooperative for national media advertising and other marketing related costs are expensed as a component of “General and administrative expenses.” During 2015, 2014, and 2013, the Company’s advertising costs were approximately $5.4 million , $3.9 million , and $3.4 million , respectively. Leases. When determining the lease term, the Company includes option periods for which failure to renew the lease imposes economic penalty on the Company in such an amount that a renewal appears, at the inception of the lease, to be reasonably assured. The lease term commences on the date when the Company has the right to control the use of the leased property, which can occur before the rent payments are due under the terms of the lease. The Company records rent expense for leases that contain scheduled rent increases on a straight-line basis over the lease term, including any option periods considered in the determination of that lease term. Contingent rentals are generally based on sales levels in excess of stipulated amounts, and thus are not considered minimum lease payments and are included in rent expense as they accrue. Tenant improvement allowances and other lease incentives are recognized as reductions to rent expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss. Comprehensive income (loss) is net income plus the change in fair value of the Company’s cash flow hedge discussed in Note 9 plus derivative (gains) or losses realized in earnings during the period. Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the Company’s derivative instruments are recorded net of the related income tax effects. As of December 27, 2015 , accumulated other comprehensive loss consisted of derivitive losses associated with the company's interest rate swap agreements. As of December 28, 2014 , accumulated other comprehensive loss consisted of net unrealized losses on interest rate swap agreements settled in cash and derivative gains realized during the period. Unrealized derivative gains or losses on terminated swap agreements are amortized as interest expense over the remaining term of the original swap agreement. The Company reclassified $0.2 million and $0.8 million of net pre-tax derivative losses into earnings in 2015 and 2014, respectively. See Note 9 for further discussion of the Company’s interest rate swap agreements. Revenue Recognition — Sales by Company-Operated Restaurants. Revenues from the sale of food and beverage products are recognized on a cash basis. The Company presents sales net of sales tax and other sales related taxes. Revenue Recognition — Franchise Operations. Revenues from franchising activities include development fees associated with a franchisee’s planned development of a specified number of restaurants within a defined geographic territory, franchise fees associated with the opening of new restaurants, and ongoing royalty fees which are generally based on five percent of net restaurant sales. Development fees and franchise fees are recorded as deferred franchise revenue when received and are recognized as revenue when the restaurants covered by the fees are opened or all material services or conditions relating to the fees have been substantially performed or satisfied by the Company. The Company recognizes royalty revenues as earned. Franchise renewal fees are recognized when a renewal agreement becomes effective. (in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Franchise royalties $ 138.7 $ 125.1 $ 112.1 Franchise fees 5.3 6.2 9.8 Franchise royalties and fees $ 144.0 $ 131.3 $ 121.9 Rent from Franchised Restaurants. Rent from franchised restaurants is composed of rental income and other fees associated with properties leased or subleased to franchisees. Our typical restaurant leases to franchisees are triple net to the franchisee, requiring them to pay minimum rent or percentage rent based on sales in excess of specified amounts or both minimum rent and percentage rent plus real estate taxes, maintenance costs and insurance premiums. These leases are typically cross-defaulted with the corresponding franchise agreement for the restaurant. Minimum rents are recognized on the straight-line basis over the lease term. Percentage rents based on sales are recognized as earned. Cash Consideration from Vendors. The Company has entered into long-term beverage supply agreements with certain major beverage vendors. Pursuant to the terms of these arrangements, marketing rebates are provided to the Company and its advertising fund from the beverage vendors based upon the dollar volume of purchases for company-operated restaurants and franchised restaurants. For Company-operated restaurants, these incentives are recognized as earned throughout the year and are classified as a reduction of “Restaurant food, beverages and packaging” in the consolidated statements of operations. The incentives recognized by Company-operated restaurants were approximately $1.4 million , $1.1 million , and $1.1 million in 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. Rebates earned and contributed to the cooperative advertising fund are excluded from the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. Gains and Losses Associated With Re-franchising. From time to time, the Company engages in re-franchising transactions. Typically, these transactions involve the sale of a company-operated restaurant to an existing or new franchisee. The Company defers gains on the sale of company-operated restaurants when the Company has continuing involvement in the assets sold beyond the customary franchisor role. The Company’s continuing involvement generally includes seller financing or the leasing of real estate to the franchisee. Deferred gains are recognized over the remaining term of the continuing involvement. Losses are recognized immediately. There were no sales of company-operated restaurants in 2015, 2014, or 2013. During 2015, 2014 and 2013, previously deferred gains of approximately $0.3 million , $0.2 million , and $0.1 million , respectively, were recognized in income as a component of “Other expenses (income), net” in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. As of December 27, 2015 , the Company had $0.5 million in deferred gains on unit conversions reported as a component of "Deferred Credits and Other Long-Term Liabilities". Research and Development. Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. During 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 such costs were approximately $2.3 million , $2.3 million , and $2.2 million , respectively. Foreign Currency Transactions. Substantially all of the Company’s foreign-sourced revenues (principally royalties from international franchisees) are recorded in U.S. dollars. The aggregate effects of any exchange gains or losses are included in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations as a component of “General and administrative expenses.” The net foreign currency losses were $0.1 million in 2015 and 2014 and insignificant in 2013 . Income Taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss, capital loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company provides a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company recognizes the benefit of positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return in the financial statements when it is more likely than not (i.e. a likelihood of more than fifty percent) that the position would be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. A recognized tax position is then measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon settlement. Changes in judgment that result in subsequent recognition, derecognition or change in a measurement of a tax position taken in a prior annual period (including any related interest and penalties) is recognized as a discrete item in the interim period in which the change occurs. See Note 18 for additional information regarding income taxes. Stock-Based Compensation Expense. The Company measures and recognizes compensation cost at fair value for all share-based payments, including stock options, restricted share awards and restricted share units. The fair value of stock options with service and market conditions is valued utilizing a Monte Carlo simulation model. The fair value of stock options with only service conditions is estimated using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Restricted share awards and restricted share units are valued at the market price of the Company’s shares on the grant date. The fair value of restricted share awards with service and market conditions are valued utilizing a Monte Carlo simulation model. The fair value of stock-based compensation is amortized either on the graded vesting attribution method or on the cliff vesting attribution method depending on the specific award. The Company issues new shares for common stock upon exercise of stock options. The Company recorded $6.7 million ( $4.2 million net of tax), $5.3 million ( $3.3 million net of tax), and $5.4 million ( $3.4 million net of tax), in total stock-based compensation expense during 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively. Derivative Financial Instruments. The Company uses interest rate swap agreements to reduce its interest rate risk on its floating rate debt under the terms of its credit facility. The Company recognizes all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value. At inception and on an on-going basis, the Company assesses whether each derivative that qualifies for hedge accounting continues to be highly effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of the hedged item. If the derivative meets the hedge criteria as defined by certain accounting standards, changes in the fair value of the derivative are recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. The ineffective portion of a derivative’s change in fair value, if any, is immediately recognized in earnings. Share Repurchases. The company is incorporated in the State of Minnesota and under the laws of that state shares of its own common stock that are acquired by the Company constitute authorized but unissued shares. The cost of the acquisition by the Company of shares of its own stock in excess of the aggregate par value of the shares first reduces additional paid-in-capital, to the extent available, with any residual cost applied against retained earnings. Subsequent Events . The Company discloses material events that occur after the balance sheet date but before the financial statements are issued. In general, these events are recognized if the condition existed at the date of the balance sheet, but not recognized if the condition did not exist at the balance sheet date. The Company discloses non-recognized events if required to keep the financial statements from being misleading. On January 22, 2016, the Company entered into a five year $250.0 million secured revolving credit facility that replaced the 2013 revolving credit facility. See Note 22 for additional information regarding this subsequent event.

Recent Accounting Pronouncement

Recent Accounting Pronouncements That the Company Has Not Yet Adopted	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
Recent Accounting Pronouncements That the Company Has Not Yet Adopted	Recent Accounting Pronouncements That the Company Has Not Yet Adopted Revenue Recognition. In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance for recognizing revenue in contracts with customers across all industries. This guidance requires entities to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The standard allows for either a full retrospective or modified retrospective transition method. This guidance will be effective for our fiscal 2018 which begins on January 1, 2018. The guidance is not expected to impact our recognition of sales from Company-operated restaurants, ongoing royalty fees which are based on a percentage of franchise sales, or rent from franchised restaurants which is composed of rental income and other fees associated with properties leased or subleased to franchisees. We are continuing to evaluate the impact the adoption of this standard will have on the recognition of development, franchise, renewal and other franchise fees. Share-based Payments. In June 2014, the FASB issued guidance that requires that a performance target for a share-based payment award that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. The performance condition should not be reflected in the grant date fair value of the award. Compensation cost should be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved and should represent the compensation cost attributable to the period for which the requisite service has already been rendered. The company already applies the standards proscribed in this guidance so it will not have an impact to us. This guidance is effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015 which is our fiscal 2016. Going Concern. In August 2014, the FASB issued guidance related to management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern by incorporating and expanding upon certain principles that are currently in U.S. auditing standards and to provide related footnote disclosures. This guidance is effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. The requirements of this guidance are not expected to have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements. Extraordinary Items. In January 2015, the FASB issued guidance that eliminates from generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”) the concept of extraordinary items. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. A reporting entity may apply the amendments prospectively. A reporting entity also may apply the amendments retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. Early adoption is permitted provided that the guidance is applied from the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption.The requirements of this guidance are not expected to have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements. Debt Issuance Costs. In April 2015, the FASB issued guidance which requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the associated debt liability, consistent with the presentation of a debt discount. The standard is effective for our fiscal year 2016 and will be applied on a retrospective basis. The Company had $0.7 million and $0.9 million of debt issuance costs at December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014 , respectively. Income Taxes. In November 2015, the FASB issued guidance to simplify the classification of deferred tax assets and liabilities in a classified statement of financial position. Current GAAP requires deferred tax liabilities and assets to be classified as current or non-current based on the classification of the related asset or liability for financial reporting. Deferred tax liabilities and assets that are not related to an asset or liability for financial reporting are classified according to the expected reversal date of the temporary difference. Under the new guidance, all deferred income tax liabilities and assets are to be classified as non-current in a classified statement of financial position. This guidance is effective for our fiscal year 2016. The requirements of this guidance are not expected to have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements. We have reviewed other recently issued accounting pronouncements by the FASB and other standards-setting bodies and concluded that they are either not applicable to our business or are expected to have an immaterial impact on the financial statements upon adoption.

Other Current Assets

Other Current Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Current Assets	Other Current Assets (in millions) 2015 2014 Prepaid income taxes 3.6 2.8 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 4.9 4.6 Total $ 8.5 $ 7.4

Property and Equipment, Net

Property and Equipment, Net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment, Net	Property and Equipment, Net (in millions) 2015 2014 Land $ 19.3 $ 19.2 Buildings and improvements 82.4 75.9 Equipment 42.3 40.0 Properties held for sale and other 0.1 0.1 144.1 135.2 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (46.4 ) (39.5 ) Total $ 97.7 $ 95.7 The increase in property and equipment, net in 2015 was primarily due to the construction of five new company-operated restaurants. At December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014 , property and equipment, net included capital lease assets with a gross book value of $1.8 million and accumulated amortization of $0.3 million .

Trademarks and Other Intangible

Trademarks and Other Intangible Assets, Net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Trademarks and Other Intangible Assets, Net	Trademarks and Other Intangible Assets, Net (in millions) 2015 2014 Indefinite lived intangible assets: Trademarks $ 50.0 $ 50.0 Recipes and formulas 41.8 41.8 Other 0.6 0.6 92.4 92.4 Amortizable intangible assets: Re-acquired franchise rights 7.1 7.1 Accumulated amortization (5.3 ) (4.8 ) 1.8 2.3 Total $ 94.2 $ 94.7 Amortization expense was approximately $0.5 million for 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively. Estimated amortization expense is expected to be approximately $0.5 million in 2016 through 2017, $0.4 million in 2018, $0.2 million in 2019, and $0.2 million in 2020. The remaining weighted average amortization period for these assets is 5 years.

Other Current Liabilities

Other Current Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Current Liabilities	Other Current Liabilities (in millions) 2015 2014 Accrued wages, bonuses and severances $ 8.7 $ 8.5 Other 5.2 3.9 Total $ 13.9 $ 12.4

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements The following table reflects assets and liabilities that are measured and carried at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014 : Quoted Prices in Active Significant Other Significant Carrying December 27, 2015 Financial Assets Cash equivalents $ 9.6 $ — $ — $ 9.6 Restricted cash (advertising cooperative assets) 4.3 — — 4.3 Total assets at fair value $ 13.9 $ — $ — $ 13.9 Financial Liabilities Long term debt and other borrowings $ — $ 115.5 $ — $ 112.6 Interest Rate Swap Agreement — 0.4 $ — 0.4 Total liabilities at fair value $ — $ 115.9 $ — $ 113.0 Quoted Prices in Active Significant Other Significant Carrying December 28, 2014 Financial Assets Cash equivalents $ 9.0 $ — $ — $ 9.0 Restricted cash (advertising cooperative assets) 4.3 — — 4.3 Interest Rate Swap Agreement (Note 9) — — — — Total assets at fair value $ 13.3 $ — $ — $ 13.3 Financial Liabilities Long term debt and other borrowings $ — $ 115.7 $ — $ 109.9 Total liabilities at fair value $ — $ 115.7 $ — $ 109.9 At December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014 , the fair value of the Company’s current assets and current liabilities approximates carrying value because of the short-term nature of these instruments. The fair value of the Company's long-term debt was approximately $115.5 million and $115.7 million on December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014, respectively. The carrying value of our long-term debt, as discussed in Note 9, was $112.6 million and $109.9 million on December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014, respectively. The fair value of each of the Company's long-term debt instruments is based on the amount of future cash flows associated with each instrument, discounted using the Company's current borrowing rate for a similar debt instrument of comparable maturity and is considered a Level 2 valuation. The fair value of the Company’s interest rate swap agreements at December 27, 2015 were based on the sum of all future net present value cash flows. The future cash flows are derived based on the terms of our interest rate swap, as well as considering published discount factors, and projected London Interbank Offered Rates (“LIBOR”). The fair values of each of the Company’s long-term debt instruments are based on the amount of future cash flows associated with each instrument, discounted using the Company’s current borrowing rate for similar debt instruments of comparable maturity. The interest rate swap agreements are presented as level 2 assets when amounts are significant.

Long-Term Debt and Other Borrow

Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowings	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Long-term Debt, Other Disclosures [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowings	Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowings (in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Revolving Credit Facility $ 109.0 $ 106.0 Capital lease obligations 2.2 2.2 Other notes 1.4 1.7 112.6 109.9 Less current portion (0.3 ) (0.3 ) Total $ 112.3 $ 109.6 2013 Revolving Credit Facility . On December 18, 2013, the Company entered into a bank credit facility with a group of lenders consisting of a five year $125.0 million dollar revolving credit facility. The Company drew $63.0 million under the revolving credit facility which was used to retire the Company's 2010 Credit Facility. Outstanding balances accrue interest at a margin of 125 to 250 basis points over the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or other alternative indices plus an applicable margin as specified in the facility. The commitment fee on the unused balance under the facility ranges from 15 to 40 basis points. The increment over LIBOR and the commitment fee are determined quarterly based upon the Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio. As of December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014, the Company’s weighted average interest rates for all outstanding indebtedness under its credit facilities were 2.5% and 1.7% respectively. Under the terms of the 2013 Revolving Credit Facility, the Company can request additional revolving loan commitments of up to $115.0 million . During 2014, the Company increased its revolving credit capacity by $10.0 million , to $135.0 million , and borrowed $43.0 million . Under the terms of the revolving credit facility, the Company may obtain other short-term borrowings of up to $10.0 million and letters of credit up to $20.0 million . Collectively, these other borrowings and letters of credit may not exceed the amount of unused borrowings under the 2013 Revolving Credit Facility. As of December 27, 2015 , the Company had $0.1 million of outstanding letters of credit. The Company had $25.9 million available for short-term borrowings and letter of credit under its 2013 Revolving Credit Facility as of December 27, 2015 . The 2013 Revolving Credit Facility is secured by a first priority security interest in substantially all of the Company’s assets, excluding real estate. The 2013 Revolving Credit Facility contains financial and other covenants, including covenants requiring the Company to maintain various financial ratios, limiting its ability to incur additional indebtedness, restricting the amount of capital expenditures that may be incurred, restricting the payment of cash dividends, and limiting the amount of debt which can be loaned to the Company’s franchisees or guaranteed on their behalf. This facility also limits the Company’s ability to engage in mergers or acquisitions, sell certain assets, repurchase its common stock and enter into certain lease transactions. The 2013 Revolving Credit Facility includes customary events of default, including, but not limited to, the failure to pay any interest, principal or fees when due, the failure to perform certain covenant agreements, inaccurate or false representations or warranties, insolvency or bankruptcy, change of control, the occurrence of certain ERISA events and judgment defaults. At December 27, 2015 , the Company was compliant with all debt covenant requirements. On January 22, 2016, the Company entered into a five year $250.0 million secured revolving credit facility (“2016 Revolving Credit Facility”) that replaced the 2013 Revolving Credit Facility. See Note 22 for additional information regarding the new credit agreement. Future Debt Maturities. At December 27, 2015 , aggregate future debt maturities, excluding capital lease obligations, were as follows: (in millions) 2016 $ 0.3 2017 0.3 2018 109.4 2019 0.4 $ 110.4 Interest Rate Swap Agreements. The Company uses interest rate swap agreements to fix the interest rate exposure on a portion of its outstanding revolving debt. On December 16, 2014 and June 15, 2015 the Company entered into interest rate swap contracts effective January 5, 2015 and July 6, 2015, respectively. The Company’s interest rate swap contracts limit the interest rate exposure on $85 million of floating rate debt borrowed under its 2013 Revolving Credit Facility to a fixed rate of 2.70% . The swap agreements are scheduled to expire January 5, 2018 . The Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Statement of Operations Amount of Loss recognized into Amount of Loss Reclassified from AOCI to (In millions) 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 Interest rate swap $ 0.2 $ — $ 0.2 Interest expense, net $ 0.2 $ 0.8 $ — Net interest expense associated with the interest rate swap agreements was approximately $0.7 million in 2015 , insignificant in 2014 , and $0.5 million in 2013 .

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	Leases The Company leases property and equipment associated with its (1) corporate facilities; (2) fifty of its company-operated restaurants; (3) forty-four restaurant properties that are subleased to franchisees; and (4) and three properties that are subleased to unrelated third parties. At December 27, 2015 , future minimum payments under capital and non-cancelable operating leases were as follows: (in millions) Capital Operating 2016 $ 0.2 $ 7.6 2017 0.2 7.5 2018 0.2 7.2 2019 0.3 7.0 2020 0.3 7.0 Thereafter 4.4 114.7 Future minimum lease payments 5.6 151.0 Less amounts representing interest 3.4 — Total $ 2.2 $ 151.0 During 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , rental expense was approximately $7.9 million , $7.1 million , and $6.0 million , respectively. There was no significant contingent rental expense in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. At December 27, 2015 , the implicit rate of interest on capital leases ranged from 8.1% to 16.0% . The Company leases twenty-four restaurant properties and subleases forty-four restaurant properties to franchisees. Our typical restaurant leases and subleases to franchisees are triple net to the franchisee, requiring them to pay minimum rent or percentage rent based on sales in excess of specified amounts or both minimum rent and percentage rent plus real estate taxes, maintenance costs and insurance premiums. At December 27, 2015 , the aggregate gross book value and net book value of owned properties that were leased to franchisees was approximately $32.9 million and $27.9 million , respectively. During 2015, 2014, and 2013, rental income from these leases and subleases was approximately $5.5 million , $7.1 million , and $5.4 million , respectively. Included in the rental income was contingent rental income of $3.2 million , $3.7 million , and $3.0 million during 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. At December 27, 2015 , future minimum rental income associated with these leases and subleases, are approximately $2.1 million in 2016, $1.5 million in 2017, $1.1 million in 2018, $0.9 million in 2019, $0.8 million in 2020, and $3.9 million thereafter.

Deferred Credits and Other Long

Deferred Credits and Other Long-Term Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Deferred Credits and Other Long-Term Liabilities [Abstract]
Deferred Credits and Other Long-Term Liabilities	Deferred Credits and Other Long-Term Liabilities (in millions) 2015 2014 Deferred franchise revenues $ 5.4 $ 3.7 Deferred rentals 8.1 7.6 Deferred income taxes 19.7 16.0 Other long-term liabilities 5.3 5.1 Total $ 38.5 $ 32.4

Common Stock

Common Stock	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Common Stock	Common Stock Share Repurchase Program. In 2015, the Company's Board of Directors cancelled the existing share repurchase program and replaced it with a $200 million open-ended share repurchase program. During 2015, 2014 and 2013, we repurchased and retired 1,084,478 shares, 891,931 shares and 504,295 shares of common stock for approximately $62.0 million , $40.0 million and $19.9 million , respectively. As of December 27, 2015, the remaining value of shares that may be repurchased under the program was $193.0 million . Pursuant to the terms of the Company’s 2013 Revolving Credit Facility, the Company may repurchase its common stock when the Total Leverage Ratio is less than 3.00 to 1.0 . Total Leverage Ratio, as defined in the 2013 Revolving Credit Facility, is the ratio of the Company’s Consolidated Total Indebtedness to Consolidated EBITDA for the four immediately preceding fiscal quarters. The Total Leverage Ratio at December 27, 2015 was 1.20 to 1.0 . Dividends. During 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company paid no dividends.

Stock Option Plans

Stock Option Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock Option Plans	Incentive Stock Plans Plan Summary. In May 2015, the Company’s shareholders approved the 2015 Incentive Stock Plan replacing the existing 2006 Incentive Stock Plan. The plan provides for the grant of non-qualified stock options, restricted stock, stock appreciation rights, performance-based restricted stock and restricted share units. The Company grants stock options at a price equal to the fair market value of the Company’s stock on the date of grant. Stock options vest ratably over three years and expire seven years from the date of grant if unexercised. Restricted stock generally vests (the restrictions lapse) at the end of a three -year period or on a graded basis over a three -year period. Restricted share units granted to the Company’s board of directors vest ratably over a twelve month period and are convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock on a 1 :1 basis at such time the director no longer serves on the board. Under the Company’s plan, approximately 2.2 million shares have been authorized to be issued to be granted to employees and directors. Approximately 2.2 million shares are available for future grants as of December 27, 2015. Non-Qualified Stock Options The table below summarizes the Company’s stock option activity for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2015 . (shares in thousands) Shares Weighted Weighted Aggregate Stock options: Outstanding at beginning of year 427 $ 20.35 Granted options 68 59.68 Exercised options (197 ) 12.68 Canceled and expired options (5 ) 50.24 Outstanding at end of year 293 $ 34.06 4.3 $ 7.2 Exercisable at end of year 164 $ 21.65 3.2 $ 6.0 The aggregate intrinsic value in the above table represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the difference between the Company’s closing stock price on the last trading date of 2015 and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of options). The amount of aggregate intrinsic value will change based on the fair market value of the Company’s common stock. The Company recognized approximately $1.4 million , $1.1 million , and $0.9 million in stock-based compensation expense associated with its stock option grants during 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. As of December 27, 2015 , there was approximately $1.2 million of total unrecognized compensation costs related to unvested stock options which are expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 1.4 years. The total fair value at grant date of awards which vested during 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 was $0.9 million , $0.9 million , and $0.8 million , respectively. The weighted average grant date fair value of awards granted during 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 was $24.65 , $17.93 , and $15.11 , respectively. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 was $9.0 million , $6.4 million and $7.6 million , respectively During 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , the fair value of option awards were estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The fair value of stock-based compensation is amortized on the graded vesting attribution method. The following weighted average assumptions were used for the grants: 2015 2014 2013 Risk-free interest rate 1.4 % 1.8 % 0.7 % Expected dividend yield — % — % — % Expected term (in years) 4.5 4.5 4.5 Expected volatility 48.8 % 50.6 % 53.0 % The risk-free interest rate is based on the United States treasury yields in effect at the time of grant. The expected term of options represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding based on the vesting period, the term of the option agreement and historical exercise patterns. The estimated volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company’s stock price. The following table summarizes the non-vested stock option activity for the 52 week period ended December 27, 2015 : (shares in thousands) Shares Weighted Unvested stock options outstanding at beginning of period 140 $ 15.37 Granted 68 24.65 Vested (74 ) 12.79 Canceled (5 ) 21.08 Unvested stock options outstanding at end of period 129 $ 21.49 Performance Based Restricted Stock Awards The Company's current long-term incentive plan grants restricted stock awards which are earned subject to the Company meeting three -year cumulative EBITDA goals. EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. A three -year cumulative EBITDA goal is approved by the board of directors at the start of the three -year performance periods. Shares are earned based on a sliding scale of performance above and below the performance goal. The sliding scale is anchored by a minimum performance requirement of 95% of three -year cumulative EBITDA. If 95% of the performance goal is not achieved, then no performance shares are earned. If 95% is achieved, then 50% of the targeted shares are earned. If 100% of the performance goal is achieved, then award is paid at target. The maximum performance requirement is 110% of cumulative EBITDA. If maximum performance is achieved, then 200% of the targeted shares are earned. Shares earned by three-year cumulative EBITDA performance will be adjusted based on our three -year total shareholder return ("TSR") against a broader group of restaurant companies. Shares earned will be adjusted -10% if TSR performance is in the bottom quartile, and will be adjusted +10% if TSR performance is in the upper quartile. TSR represents stock price appreciation and dividends over the three-year performance period. Earned performance shares cliff vest three years from the date of issuance. The following table summarizes the restricted share awards activity for the 52 week period ended December 27, 2015 : (share awards in thousands) Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Unvested performance stock awards: Outstanding beginning of year 193 $ 29.88 Granted 160 $ 32.58 Vested (190 ) $ 17.37 Canceled (7 ) $ 48.17 Outstanding end of year 156 $ 47.11 The grant date fair values of the performance stock awards are determined using a Monte-Carlo simulation model. The weighted average grant date fair value of restricted share awards granted during 2014 and 2013 were $42.92 and $36.35 , respectively. These awards are amortized as expense on a straight line basis over the three-year vesting period. Compensation expense reflects the number of awards that are expected to vest and are adjusted to reflect those awards that do ultimately vest. The Company recognizes compensation expense for awards if and when the Company concludes that is is probable that the three-year cumulative EBITDA performance condition will be achieved. The Company recognized approximately $3.3 million , $2.8 million , and $2.0 million , in stock-based compensation expense associated with these awards during 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively. During the vesting period, recipients of the shares are entitled to dividends on such shares, provided that such shares are not forfeited. Dividends are accumulated and paid out at the end of the vesting period. As of December 27, 2015 , there was approximately $4.2 million in unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested performance stock awards which are expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 1.8 years. The total fair value at grant date of awards which vested during 2015 and 2014 and 2013 was $3.3 million , $2.2 million and $2.2 million , respectively. Restricted Stock Awards The following table summarizes the restricted stock awards activity for the 52 week period ended December 27, 2015 : (share awards in thousands) Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Unvested restricted stock awards: Outstanding beginning of year 32 $ 33.77 Granted 49 $ 59.62 Vested (19 ) $ 29.42 Canceled (4 ) $ 52.73 Outstanding end of year 58 $ 55.60 The grant date fair values of the restricted stock awards are based on the Company's closing stock price on the date of the grant. The weighted average grant date fair value of restricted share awards granted during 2014 and 2013 were $40.57 and $35.77 , respectively. These awards are amortized as expense on a graded basis over the three-year vesting period. The Company recognized approximately $1.3 million , $0.4 million , and $0.2 million , in stock-based compensation expense associated with these awards during 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively. During the vesting period, recipients of the shares are entitled to dividends on such shares, provided that such shares are not forfeited. Dividends are accumulated and paid out at the end of the vesting period. As of December 27, 2015 , there was approximately $1.9 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock awards which are expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 1.9 years. The total fair value at grant date of awards which vested during 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , was $0.6 million , $0.1 million , and $0.1 million , respectively. Restricted Share Units The Company grants restricted stock units (RSUs) to members of its board of directors pursuant to the incentive stock plan. The Company recognized $0.7 million , $0.6 million , and $0.6 million in stock-based compensation expense associated with these awards during the 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively. As of December 27, 2015 , there was approximately $0.3 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested RSUs, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 0.4 years. The following table summarizes the restricted share unit activity for the 52 week period ended December 27, 2015 . (share awards in thousands) Units Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Unvested restricted stock units: Outstanding beginning of year 177 $ 16.86 Granted 12 56.95 Vested (79 ) 15.92 Outstanding end of year 110 $ 21.97 The weighted average grant date fair value of restricted share units vested in 2014 and 2013 was $13.56 and $11.98 , respectively. The weighted average grant date fair value of restricted share units granted during 2014 and 2013 were $37.20 and $34.42 , respectively.

401(k) Savings Plan

401(k) Savings Plan	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
401(k) Savings Plan	401(k) Savings Plan The Company maintains a qualified retirement plan (“Plan”) under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, for the benefit of employees meeting certain eligibility requirements as outlined in the Plan document. All Company employees are subject to the same contribution and vesting schedules. Under the Plan, non-highly compensated employees may contribute up to 75.0% of their eligible compensation to the Plan on a pre-tax basis up to statutory limitations. Highly compensated employees are limited to 5.0% of their eligible compensation. The Company may make both voluntary and matching contributions to the Plan. The Company expensed approximately $0.6 million , $0.4 million , and $0.5 million , during 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively, for its contributions to the Plan.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies Supply Contracts. Supplies are generally provided to Popeyes franchised and company-operated restaurants, pursuant to supply agreements negotiated by Supply Management Services, Inc. (“SMS”), a not-for-profit purchasing cooperative of which the Company is a member. The Company and its franchisees hold membership interests in SMS in proportion to the number of restaurants they own. At December 27, 2015 , the Company held two of seven board seats. The operations of SMS are not included in the Consolidated Financial Statements. The principal raw material for a Popeyes restaurant operation is fresh chicken. Company-operated and franchised restaurants purchase their chicken from suppliers who service Popeyes and its franchisees from various plant locations. These costs are significantly impacted by increases in the cost of fresh chicken, which can result from a number of factors, including increases in the cost of grain, disease, declining market supply of fast-food sized chickens and other factors that affect availability. In order to ensure favorable pricing for fresh chicken purchases and to maintain an adequate supply of fresh chicken for the Popeyes system, SMS has entered into chicken purchasing contracts with chicken suppliers. The contracts, which pertain to the vast majority of our system-wide purchases for Popeyes are “cost-plus” contracts that utilize prices based upon the cost of feed grains plus certain agreed upon non-feed and processing costs. In order to stabilize pricing for the Popeyes system, SMS has entered into commodity pricing agreements for certain commodities including corn and soy, which impact the price of poultry and other food cost. The Company has entered into long-term beverage supply agreements with certain major beverage vendors. Pursuant to the terms of these arrangements, marketing rebates are provided to the Company and its franchisees from the beverage vendors based upon the dollar volume of purchases for company-operated restaurants and franchised restaurants, respectively, which will vary according to their demand for beverage syrup and fluctuations in the market rates for beverage syrup. Formula and Supply Agreements with Former Owner. In June 2014, the Company purchased the formulas (the "formulas") it uses in the preparation on many of its core menu items from Diversified Foods and Seasonings, L.L.C. ("Diversified") for $43.0 million . In connection with the formula purchase, the Company and Diversified terminated the existing royalty and supply agreement which gave the Company worldwide exclusive rights to the formulas and replaced it with a new supply agreement. The new supply agreement provides that the Company agrees to utilize, and to require its franchisees to utilize Diversified as the exclusive supplier of certain agreed upon core products. The term of the new supply agreement continues until March 2034, unless earlier terminated in accordance with the terms of the agreement. The old royalty and supply agreement required the Company to pay Diversified an annual royalty for the use of the formulas of approximately $3.1 million . The Company expensed $1.4 million and $3.1 million in 2014 and 2013 under the old agreement. Business Process Services. Certain accounting and information technology services are provided to the Company under an agreement with a third party provider which expires April 30, 2018 . At December 27, 2015 , future minimum payments under this contract are approximately $1.4 million during 2016 and 2017 and approximately $0.4 million in 2018. During 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company expensed $1.7 million , $1.8 million , and $1.7 million , respectively, under this agreement. Information Technology Outsourcing. Certain information technology services are provided to the Company under managed information technology services agreements with certain third party providers. At December 27, 2015 , future minimum payments under these contracts are $0.7 million during 2016. During 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , the Company expensed $1.7 million , $1.6 million , and $2.6 million , respectively, under these agreements. Litigation. The Company is a defendant in various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business, including claims resulting from “slip and fall” accidents, employment-related claims, claims from guests or employees alleging illness, injury or other food quality, health or operational concerns and claims related to franchise matters. The Company has established adequate reserves to provide for the defense and settlement of such matters. The Company’s management believes their ultimate resolution will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or its results of operations. Insurance Programs. The Company carries property, general liability, business interruption, crime, directors and officers liability, privacy & network liability, employment practices liability, environmental and workers’ compensation insurance policies which it believes are customary for businesses of its size and type. Pursuant to the terms of their franchise agreements, the Company’s franchisees are also required to maintain certain types and levels of insurance coverage, including commercial general liability insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, all risk property and automobile insurance. The Company has established reserves with respect to the programs described above based on the estimated total losses the Company will experience. At December 27, 2015 , the Company’s insurance reserves of approximately $0.1 million were collateralized by letters of credit and/or cash deposits of $0.1 million . Environmental Matters. The Company is subject to various federal, state and local laws regulating the discharge of pollutants into the environment. The Company believes that it conducts its operations in substantial compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations. Certain of the Company’s current and formerly owned and/or leased properties are known or suspected to have been used by prior owners or operators as retail gas stations, and a few of these properties may have been used for other environmentally sensitive purposes. Certain of these properties previously contained underground storage tanks (“USTs”), and some of these properties may currently contain abandoned USTs. It is possible that petroleum products and other contaminants may have been released at these properties into the soil or groundwater. Under applicable federal and state environmental laws, the Company, as the current or former owner or operator of these sites, may be jointly and severally liable for the costs of investigation and remediation of any such contamination, as well as any other environmental conditions at its properties that are unrelated to USTs. The Company has obtained insurance coverage that it believes is reasonable to manage any potential risks related to environmental remediation liabilities. Foreign Operations. The Company’s international operations are limited to franchising activities. During 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , such operations represented approximately 10.6% , 11.5% , and 10.9% , of total franchise revenues, respectively; and approximately 5.9% , 6.4% , and 6.4% , of total revenues, respectively. At December 27, 2015 , approximately $1.5 million of the Company’s accounts receivable were related to its international franchise operations. Significant Franchisee. During 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , one domestic franchisee accounted for approximately 6.5% , 7.2% , and 7.8% , respectively of the Company’s royalty revenues. Geographic Concentrations. Of the Company’s domestic company-operated and franchised restaurants, the majority are located in the southern, southwestern and the Atlantic Coast of the United States. The Company’s international franchisees operate in South Korea, Indonesia, Canada, Turkey and various countries throughout Central America, Asia and Europe.

Other Expenses (Income), Net

Other Expenses (Income), Net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Other Expenses (Income), Net	Other Expenses (Income), Net (in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Disposals of property and equipment $ 0.1 $ 0.2 $ 0.4 Net gain on sale of assets (0.2 ) (1.0 ) (0.1 ) Executive transition expenses 0.5 2.0 — Recoveries under Settlement Program (0.4 ) — — Total $ — $ 1.2 $ 0.3 During the second quarter 2015, the Company received $0.4 million in settlement of its outstanding claims filed pursuant to the Deepwater Horizon Economic and Property Damages Settlement Program ("Settlement Program"). During 2015 and 2014, the Company incurred $0.5 million and $2.0 million in other expenses related to executive transition expenses, respectively. During 2014, the net gain on sale of assets includes the sale of four properties to franchisees for a gain of $0.8 million .

Interest Expense, Net

Interest Expense, Net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Banking and Thrift, Interest [Abstract]
Interest Expense, Net	Interest Expense, Net (in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Interest on debt $ 2.7 $ 1.6 $ 2.4 Reclassification adjustment for derivative losses 0.2 0.8 — Amortization and write-offs of debt issuance costs 0.2 0.2 0.8 Other debt related charges, net 0.6 0.4 0.5 Total $ 3.7 $ 3.0 $ 3.7 Interest expense, net was $3.7 million in 2015 , a $0.7 million increase from 2014 . This increase was primarily due to a higher outstanding debt balance under the 2013 Revolving Credit Facility during 2015 and higher effective interest rates under our credit facility after consideration of the impacts from interest rate swap agreements.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Total income taxes for fiscal years 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , were allocated as follows: (in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Income taxes in the statements of operations, net $ 26.5 $ 23.8 $ 20.4 Income taxes charged (credited) to statements of shareholders’ equity: Compensation expense for tax purposes in excess of amounts recognized for financial reporting purposes (7.6 ) (2.6 ) (3.4 ) Other comprehensive income (0.1 ) 0.3 0.2 Total $ 18.8 $ 21.5 $ 17.2 Total U.S. and foreign income before income taxes for fiscal years 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , were as follows: (in millions) 2015 2014 2013 United States $ 63.7 $ 54.7 $ 49.5 Foreign 6.9 7.1 5.0 Total $ 70.6 $ 61.8 $ 54.5 The components of income tax expense were as follows: (in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Current income tax expense: Federal $ 18.1 $ 17.4 $ 12.8 Foreign 1.9 1.6 1.4 State 2.3 2.4 1.7 22.3 21.4 15.9 Deferred income tax expense: Federal 3.9 1.7 4.1 State 0.3 0.7 0.4 4.2 2.4 4.5 Total $ 26.5 $ 23.8 $ 20.4 In 2014, the Company recorded a $0.5 million adjustment to correct an error related to the measurement of its deferred tax liability associated with its indefinite lived intangible assets in prior periods dating back to 2006. The adjustment is included as a component of state deferred income tax expense. The impact of the adjustment was to increase income tax expense and increase long-term deferred tax liabilities by $0.5 million . The Company does not believe the error was material to its financial statements for the year ended December 28, 2014 or for any prior period. Applicable foreign withholding taxes are generally deducted from royalties and certain other revenues collected from international franchisees. Foreign taxes withheld are generally eligible for credit against the Company’s U.S. income tax liabilities. Reconciliations of the Federal statutory income tax rate to the Company’s effective tax rate are presented below: 2015 2014 2013 Federal income tax rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % State taxes, net of federal benefit 2.9 % 2.3 % 1.9 % Valuation allowance (0.1 )% 1.3 % 0.9 % Provision to return adjustments 0.1 % 0.4 % (0.3 )% Adjustments to estimated tax reserves — % (0.1 )% 0.1 % Other items, net (0.4 )% (0.4 )% (0.2 )% Effective income tax rate 37.5 % 38.5 % 37.4 % Provision to return adjustments include the effects of the reconciliation of income tax amounts recorded in our Consolidated Statements of Operations to amounts reflected on our tax returns. The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are presented below: (in millions) 2015 2014 Deferred tax assets: Deferred franchise fee revenue $ 1.2 $ 1.3 State net operating loss carry forwards 7.8 7.2 Deferred rentals 4.2 4.1 Deferred compensation 4.3 3.9 Allowance for doubtful accounts 0.1 0.1 Other accruals 0.7 0.4 Reorganization costs 2.4 2.4 Total gross deferred tax assets 20.7 19.4 Deferred tax liabilities: Franchise value and trademarks (21.8 ) (20.6 ) Property and equipment (10.4 ) (7.4 ) Prepaid expenses and other current assets (1.2 ) (0.5 ) Total gross deferred liabilities (33.4 ) (28.5 ) Valuation allowance (7.8 ) (7.3 ) Net deferred tax liability $ (20.5 ) $ (16.4 ) The Company assesses quarterly the likelihood that the deferred tax assets will be recovered. To make this assessment, historical levels of income, expectations and risks associated with estimates of future taxable income are considered. If recovery is not likely, the Company increases its valuation allowance for the deferred tax assets that it estimates will not be recovered. At December 27, 2015 , the Company had state net operating losses (“NOLs”) of approximately $149.8 million which expire between 2017 and 2034. The Company established a full valuation allowance on the deferred tax asset related to these NOLs as it is more likely than not that such tax benefit will not be realized. As such, the Company has established valuation allowances of approximately $7.8 million on state net operating loss carry forwards at December 27, 2015 and $7.2 million on state net operating loss carry forwards and $0.1 million on other deferred tax assets at December 28, 2014 . The amount of unrecognized tax benefits were approximately $1.3 million as of December 27, 2015 of which approximately $0.1 million , if recognized, would impact the effective income tax rate. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits as of December 27, 2015 is as follows: (in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Balance, beginning of year $ 1.3 $ 1.4 $ 1.3 Additions related to current year — — 0.1 Reductions related to prior years — (0.1 ) — Reductions due to statute expiration — — — Balance, end of year $ 1.3 $ 1.3 $ 1.4 The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as a component of its income tax expense. Interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions for the fiscal years 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 were not significant. The Company had approximately $0.1 million of accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as of December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014 . Unrecognized tax benefits and accrued interest and penalties are reported as a component of deferred credits and other long-term liabilities. The Company files income tax returns in the United States and various state jurisdictions. The U.S. federal tax years 2011 through 2014 are open to audit. In general, the state tax years open to audit range from 2011 through 2014 .

Components of Earnings Per Shar

Components of Earnings Per Share Computation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Components of Earnings Per Share Computation	Components of Earnings Per Share Computation (in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Net income $ 44.1 $ 38.0 $ 34.1 Denominator for basic earnings per share — weighted average shares 22.7 23.3 23.6 Dilutive employee stock options 0.4 0.5 0.5 Denominator for diluted earnings per share 23.1 23.8 24.1 The Company’s basic earnings per share calculation is computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share calculation is computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding adjusted by the number of additional shares that would have been outstanding had the potentially dilutive common shares been issued. Potentially dilutive common shares include employee stock options, outstanding restricted stock awards and unvested restricted share units. Performance based awards are included in the average diluted shares outstanding each period if the performance criteria have been met at the end of the respective periods. Potentially dilutive shares are excluded from the diluted earnings per share computation in periods in which they have an anti-dilutive effect. The weighted average number of shares subject to antidilutive options was $0.1 million in 2015 and was not significant for the fiscal years 2014 and 2013 .

Segment Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Segment Information The Company is engaged in developing, operating and franchising Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen quick-service restaurants. Based on its internal reporting and management structure, the Company has determined that it has two reportable segments: franchise operations and company-operated restaurants. The company-operated restaurant segment derives its revenues from the operation of company owned restaurants. The franchise segment consists of domestic and international franchising activities and derives its revenues principally from (1) ongoing royalty payments that are determined based on a percentage of franchisee sales; (2) franchise fees associated with new restaurant openings; (3) development fees associated with the opening of new franchised restaurants in a given market; and (4) rental income associated with properties leased or subleased to franchisees. (in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Revenues Franchise operations $ 149.5 $ 138.4 $ 127.3 Company-operated restaurants 109.5 97.2 78.7 $ 259.0 $ 235.6 $ 206.0 Operating profit Franchise operations $ 67.6 $ 62.2 $ 54.7 Company-operated restaurants 16.4 12.5 10.5 84.0 74.7 65.2 Less unallocated expenses Depreciation and amortization 9.7 8.7 6.7 Other expenses (income), net — 1.2 0.3 Operating profit 74.3 64.8 58.2 Interest expense, net 3.7 3.0 3.7 Income before income taxes $ 70.6 $ 61.8 $ 54.5 Capital expenditures Franchise operations $ 1.1 $ 5.3 $ 14.3 Company-operated restaurants 11.7 22.5 18.5 $ 12.8 $ 27.8 $ 32.8 Goodwill — year end Franchise operations $ 8.9 $ 8.9 $ 8.9 Company-operated restaurants 2.2 2.2 2.2 $ 11.1 $ 11.1 $ 11.1 Total assets — year end Franchise operations $ 198.1 $ 195.7 $ 154.8 Company-operated restaurants 68.6 64.6 45.7 $ 266.7 $ 260.3 $ 200.5

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaud

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (in millions, except per share data) 2015 Results of Operations First Second Third Fourth Total revenues $ 79.5 $ 59.4 $ 61.1 $ 59.0 Operating profit 23.1 17.5 17.9 15.8 Net income 13.6 10.3 10.6 9.6 Basic earnings per common share 0.59 0.45 0.47 0.43 Diluted earnings per common share 0.58 0.44 0.46 0.42 (in millions, except per share data) 2014 Results of Operations First Second Third Fourth Total revenues $ 70.1 $ 53.7 $ 54.9 $ 56.9 Operating profit 18.7 14.1 16.7 15.3 Net income 11.1 8.3 9.8 8.8 Basic earnings per common share 0.47 0.36 0.42 0.38 Diluted earnings per common share 0.46 0.35 0.42 0.37 (a) The Company’s first quarters for 2015 and 2014 contained sixteen weeks. The remaining quarters of 2015 and 2014 were twelve weeks. (b) The Company opened two company-operated restaurants during the fourth quarter 2015 compared to seven during the same period last year. Total sales of the two company-operated restaurants were $0.6 million for the fourth quarter 2015 . (c) In 2014 , the Company recognized $0.9 million in lease termination fees associated with the sale of real estate. (d) The Company recognized a $0.9 million in net gains on sale assets during the fourth quarter 2014 associated with the sale of real estate to franchisees and the recognition of deferred gains related to seven properties formerly leased to a franchisee.

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Event	Subsequent Event On January 22, 2016, the Company entered into a five year $250.0 million secured revolving credit facility (“2016 Revolving Credit Facility”) that replaced the 2013 revolving credit facility that consisted of a five year $135.0 million revolving credit facility. Key terms in the 2016 Revolving Credit Facility include the following: • The Company must maintain a Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio of < 4.00 to 1.0 . • The Company must maintain a Consolidated Minimum Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of > 1.25 to 1.0 . • The Company may repurchase and retire its common shares at any time the Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio is less than 3.50 to 1.0 . • Borrowings under the 2016 Credit Facility will bear interest based upon the LIBOR Rate or the Base Rate (each as defined in the 2016 Revolving Credit Facility) plus an applicable margin based on the Company’s Total Leverage Ratio (as defined in the facility). The borrowings currently bear interest at the LIBOR Rate plus 1.50% , the same as in the prior facility. The Company will pay (quarterly in arrears) an annual commitment fee based on its Total Leverage Ratio on the unused portions of the new facility. • The Company may obtain other short-term borrowings of up to $10.0 million and letters of credit up to $20.0 million . Collectively, these other borrowings and letters of credit may not exceed the amount of unused borrowings under the facility. • The Company can request incremental revolving credit commitments up to an additional $150 million . • No principal payments will be due until the maturity date January 22, 2021.

Summary of Significant Accoun30

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates. The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires the Company’s management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities. These estimates affect the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during each reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Fiscal Year	Fiscal Year. The Company has a 52/53-week fiscal year that ends on the last Sunday in December. The 2015, 2014 and 2013 fiscal years all consisted of 52 weeks.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents. The Company considers all money market investment instruments and certificates of deposit with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Under the terms of the Company’s bank agreements, outstanding checks in excess of the cash balances in the Company’s primary disbursement accounts create a bank overdraft liability. Bank overdrafts were insignificant for both fiscal years 2015 and 2014.
Accounts Receivable, Net	Accounts receivable consist primarily of amounts due from franchisees related to royalties, and rents, and various miscellaneous items. The accounts receivable balance is stated net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company reserves a franchisee’s receivable balance based upon the age of the receivable and consideration of other factors and events.
Notes Receivable, Net	Notes Receivable, Net. Notes receivable primarily consist of notes from franchisees to finance certain past due franchise revenues and rents. The notes receivable balance is stated net of an allowance for uncollectible amounts which is evaluated each reporting period on a note-by-note basis.
Inventories	Inventories. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or net realizable value and consist principally of food, beverage items, paper and supplies.
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment. Property and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Provisions for depreciation are made using the straight-line method over an asset’s estimated useful life: 7 to 35 years for buildings; 5 to 15 years for equipment; and in the case of leasehold improvements and capital lease assets, the lesser of the economic life of the asset or the lease term (generally 3 to 20 years). During 2015, 2014, and 2013, depreciation expense was approximately $9.2 million , $8.2 million , and $6.2 million , respectively. The Company capitalizes interest on external costs in connection with the construction of new restaurants. The capitalized interest is recorded as part of the asset to which it relates and is amortized over the asset’s estimated useful life. Interest expense of $0.2 million was capitalized in 2013. No significant interest was incurred for such purposes in 2015 and 2014. The Company evaluates property and equipment for impairment during the fourth quarter of each year or when circumstances arise indicating that a particular asset may be impaired. For property and equipment at company-operated restaurants, annual impairment evaluations are performed on an individual restaurant basis. The Company evaluates restaurants using a “ two -year history of operating losses” as our primary indicator of potential impairment. The Company evaluates recoverability based on the restaurant’s forecasted undiscounted cash flows for the expected remaining useful life of the unit, which incorporate our best estimate of sales growth and margin improvement based upon our plans for the restaurant and actual results at comparable restaurants. The carrying values of restaurant assets that are not considered recoverable are written down to their estimated fair market value, which are generally measured by discounting estimated future cash flows.
Goodwill, Trademarks, and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Intangible Assets. Amounts assigned to goodwill arose from the allocation of reorganization value when the Company emerged from bankruptcy in 1992 and from business combinations accounted for by the purchase method. Amounts assigned to trademarks arose from the allocation of reorganization value when the Company emerged from bankruptcy in 1992. These assets are deemed indefinite-lived assets and are not amortized for financial reporting purposes. See Note 6 for further disclosure. The Company’s finite-lived intangible assets (primarily re-acquired franchise rights) are amortized on a straight-line basis over 10 to 20 years based on the remaining life of the original franchise agreement or lease agreement. Costs incurred to renew or extend the term of recognized intangibles are expensed as incurred and reported as a component of “General and administrative expenses.” The Company evaluates goodwill, trademarks, recipes and formulas, and other indefinite lived intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis (during the fourth quarter of each year) or more frequently when circumstances arise indicating that a particular asset may be impaired. The impairment evaluation for goodwill includes a comparison of the fair value of each of the Company’s reporting units with their carrying value. The Company’s reporting units are its business segments. Goodwill is allocated to each reporting unit for purposes of this analysis. Goodwill associated with bankruptcy reorganization value is assigned to reporting units using a relative fair value approach. Goodwill associated with a business combination is allocated to the reporting unit or a component of the reporting unit expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination. The fair value of each reporting unit is the amount for which the reporting unit could be sold in a current transaction between willing parties. The Company estimates the fair value of its reporting units using a discounted cash flow model. The operating assumptions used in the discounted cash flow model are generally consistent with the reporting unit’s past performance and with the projections and assumptions that are used in the Company’s current operating plans. Such assumptions are subject to change as a result of changing economic and competitive conditions. If a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, goodwill is written down to its implied fair value. The Company follows a similar analysis for the evaluation of trademarks, recipes and formulas, and other indefinite lived intangible assets but that analysis is performed on a consolidated basis. During 2015, 2014, and 2013, there was no impairment of goodwill or indefinite lived identified during the Company’s annual impairment testing.
Fair Value Measurement	Fair Value Measurements. Fair value is the price the Company would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability (exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants. For those assets and liabilities recorded or disclosed at fair value, we determine fair value based upon the quoted market price, if available. If a quoted market price is not available for identical assets, we determine fair value based upon the quoted market price of similar assets or the present value of expected future cash flows considering the risks involved, including counterparty performance risk if appropriate, and using discount rates appropriate for the duration. The fair values are assigned a level within the fair value hierarchy, depending on the source of the inputs into the calculation. Level 1 Inputs based upon quoted prices in active markets for identical assets. Level 2 Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset, either directly or indirectly. Level 3 Inputs that are unobservable for the asset.
Debt Issuance Costs	Debt Issuance Costs. Costs incurred to secure new debt facilities are capitalized and then amortized utilizing a method that approximates the effective interest method for term loans and the straight-line method for revolving credit facilities. Absent a basis for cost deferral, debt amendment fees are expensed as incurred. In the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations, the amortization of debt issuance costs, any write-off of debt issuance costs when a debt facility is modified or prematurely paid off, and debt amendment fees are included as a component of “Interest expense, net.”
Advertising Cooperative	Advertising Cooperative. The Company maintains an advertising cooperative that receives contributions from the Company and from its franchisees, based upon a percentage of restaurant sales, as required by their franchise agreements. This cooperative is used exclusively for marketing of the Popeyes brand. The Company acts as an agent for the franchisees with regards to their contributions to the advertising cooperative. In the Company’s consolidated financial statements, contributions received and expenses of the advertising cooperative are excluded from the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations and the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow. The Company reports all assets and liabilities of the advertising cooperative as “Advertising cooperative assets, restricted” and “Advertising cooperative liabilities” in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The advertising cooperatives assets, consisting primarily of cash and accounts receivable from the franchisees, can only be used for selected purposes and are considered restricted. The advertising cooperative liabilities represent the corresponding obligation arising from the receipt of the contributions to purchase advertising and promotional programs. The Company’s contributions to the advertising cooperative based on company-operated restaurant sales are reflected in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations as a component of “Restaurant employee, occupancy and other expenses.” Additional contributions to the advertising cooperative for national media advertising and other marketing related costs are expensed as a component of “General and administrative expenses.”
Leases	Leases. When determining the lease term, the Company includes option periods for which failure to renew the lease imposes economic penalty on the Company in such an amount that a renewal appears, at the inception of the lease, to be reasonably assured. The lease term commences on the date when the Company has the right to control the use of the leased property, which can occur before the rent payments are due under the terms of the lease. The Company records rent expense for leases that contain scheduled rent increases on a straight-line basis over the lease term, including any option periods considered in the determination of that lease term. Contingent rentals are generally based on sales levels in excess of stipulated amounts, and thus are not considered minimum lease payments and are included in rent expense as they accrue. Tenant improvement allowances and other lease incentives are recognized as reductions to rent expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss. Comprehensive income (loss) is net income plus the change in fair value of the Company’s cash flow hedge discussed in Note 9 plus derivative (gains) or losses realized in earnings during the period. Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the Company’s derivative instruments are recorded net of the related income tax effects.
Revenue Recognition-Sales by Company-Operated Restaurants	Revenue Recognition — Sales by Company-Operated Restaurants. Revenues from the sale of food and beverage products are recognized on a cash basis. The Company presents sales net of sales tax and other sales related taxes.
Revenue Recognition-Franchise Operations	Revenue Recognition — Franchise Operations. Revenues from franchising activities include development fees associated with a franchisee’s planned development of a specified number of restaurants within a defined geographic territory, franchise fees associated with the opening of new restaurants, and ongoing royalty fees which are generally based on five percent of net restaurant sales. Development fees and franchise fees are recorded as deferred franchise revenue when received and are recognized as revenue when the restaurants covered by the fees are opened or all material services or conditions relating to the fees have been substantially performed or satisfied by the Company. The Company recognizes royalty revenues as earned. Franchise renewal fees are recognized when a renewal agreement becomes effective.
Rent from Franchised Restaurants	Rent from Franchised Restaurants. Rent from franchised restaurants is composed of rental income and other fees associated with properties leased or subleased to franchisees. Our typical restaurant leases to franchisees are triple net to the franchisee, requiring them to pay minimum rent or percentage rent based on sales in excess of specified amounts or both minimum rent and percentage rent plus real estate taxes, maintenance costs and insurance premiums. These leases are typically cross-defaulted with the corresponding franchise agreement for the restaurant. Minimum rents are recognized on the straight-line basis over the lease term. Percentage rents based on sales are recognized as earned.
Cash Consideration from Vendors	Cash Consideration from Vendors. The Company has entered into long-term beverage supply agreements with certain major beverage vendors. Pursuant to the terms of these arrangements, marketing rebates are provided to the Company and its advertising fund from the beverage vendors based upon the dollar volume of purchases for company-operated restaurants and franchised restaurants. For Company-operated restaurants, these incentives are recognized as earned throughout the year and are classified as a reduction of “Restaurant food, beverages and packaging” in the consolidated statements of operations. The incentives recognized by Company-operated restaurants were approximately $1.4 million , $1.1 million , and $1.1 million in 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. Rebates earned and contributed to the cooperative advertising fund are excluded from the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Gains and Losses Associated With Re-franchising	Gains and Losses Associated With Re-franchising. From time to time, the Company engages in re-franchising transactions. Typically, these transactions involve the sale of a company-operated restaurant to an existing or new franchisee. The Company defers gains on the sale of company-operated restaurants when the Company has continuing involvement in the assets sold beyond the customary franchisor role. The Company’s continuing involvement generally includes seller financing or the leasing of real estate to the franchisee. Deferred gains are recognized over the remaining term of the continuing involvement. Losses are recognized immediately.
Research and Development	Research and Development. Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.
Foreign Currency Transactions	Foreign Currency Transactions. Substantially all of the Company’s foreign-sourced revenues (principally royalties from international franchisees) are recorded in U.S. dollars. The aggregate effects of any exchange gains or losses are included in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations as a component of “General and administrative expenses.”
Income Taxes	Income Taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss, capital loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company provides a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company recognizes the benefit of positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return in the financial statements when it is more likely than not (i.e. a likelihood of more than fifty percent) that the position would be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. A recognized tax position is then measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon settlement. Changes in judgment that result in subsequent recognition, derecognition or change in a measurement of a tax position taken in a prior annual period (including any related interest and penalties) is recognized as a discrete item in the interim period in which the change occurs.
Stock-Based Compensation Expense	Stock-Based Compensation Expense. The Company measures and recognizes compensation cost at fair value for all share-based payments, including stock options, restricted share awards and restricted share units. The fair value of stock options with service and market conditions is valued utilizing a Monte Carlo simulation model. The fair value of stock options with only service conditions is estimated using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Restricted share awards and restricted share units are valued at the market price of the Company’s shares on the grant date. The fair value of restricted share awards with service and market conditions are valued utilizing a Monte Carlo simulation model. The fair value of stock-based compensation is amortized either on the graded vesting attribution method or on the cliff vesting attribution method depending on the specific award. The Company issues new shares for common stock upon exercise of stock options.
Derivative Financial Instruments	Derivative Financial Instruments. The Company uses interest rate swap agreements to reduce its interest rate risk on its floating rate debt under the terms of its credit facility. The Company recognizes all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value. At inception and on an on-going basis, the Company assesses whether each derivative that qualifies for hedge accounting continues to be highly effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of the hedged item. If the derivative meets the hedge criteria as defined by certain accounting standards, changes in the fair value of the derivative are recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. The ineffective portion of a derivative’s change in fair value, if any, is immediately recognized in earnings.
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events . The Company discloses material events that occur after the balance sheet date but before the financial statements are issued. In general, these events are recognized if the condition existed at the date of the balance sheet, but not recognized if the condition did not exist at the balance sheet date. The Company discloses non-recognized events if required to keep the financial statements from being misleading.

Summary of Significant Accoun31

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	(in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Interest paid $ 3.0 $ 1.8 $ 3.1 Accrued purchase of property and equipment 1.7 3.0 3.8 Income taxes paid, net 13.6 14.9 16.2
Changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts	During 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts were as follows: (in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Balance, beginning of year $ 0.1 $ 0.1 $ 0.2 Provisions for credit (recoveries) losses 0.1 — — Write-offs (0.1 ) — (0.1 ) Balance, end of year $ 0.1 $ 0.1 $ 0.1
Schedule of Franchise Revenue	(in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Franchise royalties $ 138.7 $ 125.1 $ 112.1 Franchise fees 5.3 6.2 9.8 Franchise royalties and fees $ 144.0 $ 131.3 $ 121.9

Other Current Assets (Tables)

Other Current Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of other current assets	(in millions) 2015 2014 Prepaid income taxes 3.6 2.8 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 4.9 4.6 Total $ 8.5 $ 7.4

Property and Equipment, Net (Ta

Property and Equipment, Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Summary of Property and Equipment, Net	(in millions) 2015 2014 Land $ 19.3 $ 19.2 Buildings and improvements 82.4 75.9 Equipment 42.3 40.0 Properties held for sale and other 0.1 0.1 144.1 135.2 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (46.4 ) (39.5 ) Total $ 97.7 $ 95.7

Trademarks and Other Intangib34

Trademarks and Other Intangible Assets, Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Trademarks and other intangible assets, net	(in millions) 2015 2014 Indefinite lived intangible assets: Trademarks $ 50.0 $ 50.0 Recipes and formulas 41.8 41.8 Other 0.6 0.6 92.4 92.4 Amortizable intangible assets: Re-acquired franchise rights 7.1 7.1 Accumulated amortization (5.3 ) (4.8 ) 1.8 2.3 Total $ 94.2 $ 94.7

Other Current Liabilities (Tabl

Other Current Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of other current liabilities	(in millions) 2015 2014 Accrued wages, bonuses and severances $ 8.7 $ 8.5 Other 5.2 3.9 Total $ 13.9 $ 12.4

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Summary of assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis	The following table reflects assets and liabilities that are measured and carried at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014 : Quoted Prices in Active Significant Other Significant Carrying December 27, 2015 Financial Assets Cash equivalents $ 9.6 $ — $ — $ 9.6 Restricted cash (advertising cooperative assets) 4.3 — — 4.3 Total assets at fair value $ 13.9 $ — $ — $ 13.9 Financial Liabilities Long term debt and other borrowings $ — $ 115.5 $ — $ 112.6 Interest Rate Swap Agreement — 0.4 $ — 0.4 Total liabilities at fair value $ — $ 115.9 $ — $ 113.0 Quoted Prices in Active Significant Other Significant Carrying December 28, 2014 Financial Assets Cash equivalents $ 9.0 $ — $ — $ 9.0 Restricted cash (advertising cooperative assets) 4.3 — — 4.3 Interest Rate Swap Agreement (Note 9) — — — — Total assets at fair value $ 13.3 $ — $ — $ 13.3 Financial Liabilities Long term debt and other borrowings $ — $ 115.7 $ — $ 109.9 Total liabilities at fair value $ — $ 115.7 $ — $ 109.9

Long-Term Debt and Other Borr37

Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowings (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Long-term Debt, Other Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments	(in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Revolving Credit Facility $ 109.0 $ 106.0 Capital lease obligations 2.2 2.2 Other notes 1.4 1.7 112.6 109.9 Less current portion (0.3 ) (0.3 ) Total $ 112.3 $ 109.6
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	At December 27, 2015 , aggregate future debt maturities, excluding capital lease obligations, were as follows: (in millions) 2016 $ 0.3 2017 0.3 2018 109.4 2019 0.4 $ 110.4
Effect of derivative instruments on statement of operations	The Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Statement of Operations Amount of Loss recognized into Amount of Loss Reclassified from AOCI to (In millions) 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 Interest rate swap $ 0.2 $ — $ 0.2 Interest expense, net $ 0.2 $ 0.8 $ —

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Leases [Abstract]
Future minimum payments under capital and non-cancelable operating leases	At December 27, 2015 , future minimum payments under capital and non-cancelable operating leases were as follows: (in millions) Capital Operating 2016 $ 0.2 $ 7.6 2017 0.2 7.5 2018 0.2 7.2 2019 0.3 7.0 2020 0.3 7.0 Thereafter 4.4 114.7 Future minimum lease payments 5.6 151.0 Less amounts representing interest 3.4 — Total $ 2.2 $ 151.0

Deferred Credits and Other Lo39

Deferred Credits and Other Long-Term Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Deferred Credits and Other Long-Term Liabilities [Abstract]
Deferred Credits and Other Long-Term Liabilities	(in millions) 2015 2014 Deferred franchise revenues $ 5.4 $ 3.7 Deferred rentals 8.1 7.6 Deferred income taxes 19.7 16.0 Other long-term liabilities 5.3 5.1 Total $ 38.5 $ 32.4

Stock Option Plans (Tables)

Stock Option Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Summary of Stock Option Plan Activity	The table below summarizes the Company’s stock option activity for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2015 . (shares in thousands) Shares Weighted Weighted Aggregate Stock options: Outstanding at beginning of year 427 $ 20.35 Granted options 68 59.68 Exercised options (197 ) 12.68 Canceled and expired options (5 ) 50.24 Outstanding at end of year 293 $ 34.06 4.3 $ 7.2 Exercisable at end of year 164 $ 21.65 3.2 $ 6.0
Summary of fair value of stock-based compensation	The following weighted average assumptions were used for the grants: 2015 2014 2013 Risk-free interest rate 1.4 % 1.8 % 0.7 % Expected dividend yield — % — % — % Expected term (in years) 4.5 4.5 4.5 Expected volatility 48.8 % 50.6 % 53.0 %
Summary of non-vested stock option activity	The following table summarizes the non-vested stock option activity for the 52 week period ended December 27, 2015 : (shares in thousands) Shares Weighted Unvested stock options outstanding at beginning of period 140 $ 15.37 Granted 68 24.65 Vested (74 ) 12.79 Canceled (5 ) 21.08 Unvested stock options outstanding at end of period 129 $ 21.49
Summary of the restricted share awards activity	The following table summarizes the restricted share awards activity for the 52 week period ended December 27, 2015 : (share awards in thousands) Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Unvested performance stock awards: Outstanding beginning of year 193 $ 29.88 Granted 160 $ 32.58 Vested (190 ) $ 17.37 Canceled (7 ) $ 48.17 Outstanding end of year 156 $ 47.11 The following table summarizes the restricted stock awards activity for the 52 week period ended December 27, 2015 : (share awards in thousands) Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Unvested restricted stock awards: Outstanding beginning of year 32 $ 33.77 Granted 49 $ 59.62 Vested (19 ) $ 29.42 Canceled (4 ) $ 52.73 Outstanding end of year 58 $ 55.60
Summary of restricted share unit activity	The following table summarizes the restricted share unit activity for the 52 week period ended December 27, 2015 . (share awards in thousands) Units Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Unvested restricted stock units: Outstanding beginning of year 177 $ 16.86 Granted 12 56.95 Vested (79 ) 15.92 Outstanding end of year 110 $ 21.97

Other Expenses (Income), Net (T

Other Expenses (Income), Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Other Expenses (Income), Net	(in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Disposals of property and equipment $ 0.1 $ 0.2 $ 0.4 Net gain on sale of assets (0.2 ) (1.0 ) (0.1 ) Executive transition expenses 0.5 2.0 — Recoveries under Settlement Program (0.4 ) — — Total $ — $ 1.2 $ 0.3

Interest Expense, Net (Tables)

Interest Expense, Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Banking and Thrift, Interest [Abstract]
Interest Expense, Net	(in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Interest on debt $ 2.7 $ 1.6 $ 2.4 Reclassification adjustment for derivative losses 0.2 0.8 — Amortization and write-offs of debt issuance costs 0.2 0.2 0.8 Other debt related charges, net 0.6 0.4 0.5 Total $ 3.7 $ 3.0 $ 3.7

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Total income taxes	Total income taxes for fiscal years 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , were allocated as follows: (in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Income taxes in the statements of operations, net $ 26.5 $ 23.8 $ 20.4 Income taxes charged (credited) to statements of shareholders’ equity: Compensation expense for tax purposes in excess of amounts recognized for financial reporting purposes (7.6 ) (2.6 ) (3.4 ) Other comprehensive income (0.1 ) 0.3 0.2 Total $ 18.8 $ 21.5 $ 17.2
Total U.S. and foreign income before income taxes	Total U.S. and foreign income before income taxes for fiscal years 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , were as follows: (in millions) 2015 2014 2013 United States $ 63.7 $ 54.7 $ 49.5 Foreign 6.9 7.1 5.0 Total $ 70.6 $ 61.8 $ 54.5
The components of income tax expense	The components of income tax expense were as follows: (in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Current income tax expense: Federal $ 18.1 $ 17.4 $ 12.8 Foreign 1.9 1.6 1.4 State 2.3 2.4 1.7 22.3 21.4 15.9 Deferred income tax expense: Federal 3.9 1.7 4.1 State 0.3 0.7 0.4 4.2 2.4 4.5 Total $ 26.5 $ 23.8 $ 20.4
Reconciliations of the Federal statutory income tax rate to the Company's effective tax rate	Reconciliations of the Federal statutory income tax rate to the Company’s effective tax rate are presented below: 2015 2014 2013 Federal income tax rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % State taxes, net of federal benefit 2.9 % 2.3 % 1.9 % Valuation allowance (0.1 )% 1.3 % 0.9 % Provision to return adjustments 0.1 % 0.4 % (0.3 )% Adjustments to estimated tax reserves — % (0.1 )% 0.1 % Other items, net (0.4 )% (0.4 )% (0.2 )% Effective income tax rate 37.5 % 38.5 % 37.4 %
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities	The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are presented below: (in millions) 2015 2014 Deferred tax assets: Deferred franchise fee revenue $ 1.2 $ 1.3 State net operating loss carry forwards 7.8 7.2 Deferred rentals 4.2 4.1 Deferred compensation 4.3 3.9 Allowance for doubtful accounts 0.1 0.1 Other accruals 0.7 0.4 Reorganization costs 2.4 2.4 Total gross deferred tax assets 20.7 19.4 Deferred tax liabilities: Franchise value and trademarks (21.8 ) (20.6 ) Property and equipment (10.4 ) (7.4 ) Prepaid expenses and other current assets (1.2 ) (0.5 ) Total gross deferred liabilities (33.4 ) (28.5 ) Valuation allowance (7.8 ) (7.3 ) Net deferred tax liability $ (20.5 ) $ (16.4 )
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits as of December 27, 2015 is as follows: (in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Balance, beginning of year $ 1.3 $ 1.4 $ 1.3 Additions related to current year — — 0.1 Reductions related to prior years — (0.1 ) — Reductions due to statute expiration — — — Balance, end of year $ 1.3 $ 1.3 $ 1.4

Components of Earnings Per Comm

Components of Earnings Per Common Share Computation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Summary of computation of earnings per share	(in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Net income $ 44.1 $ 38.0 $ 34.1 Denominator for basic earnings per share — weighted average shares 22.7 23.3 23.6 Dilutive employee stock options 0.4 0.5 0.5 Denominator for diluted earnings per share 23.1 23.8 24.1

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Summary of segment information	(in millions) 2015 2014 2013 Revenues Franchise operations $ 149.5 $ 138.4 $ 127.3 Company-operated restaurants 109.5 97.2 78.7 $ 259.0 $ 235.6 $ 206.0 Operating profit Franchise operations $ 67.6 $ 62.2 $ 54.7 Company-operated restaurants 16.4 12.5 10.5 84.0 74.7 65.2 Less unallocated expenses Depreciation and amortization 9.7 8.7 6.7 Other expenses (income), net — 1.2 0.3 Operating profit 74.3 64.8 58.2 Interest expense, net 3.7 3.0 3.7 Income before income taxes $ 70.6 $ 61.8 $ 54.5 Capital expenditures Franchise operations $ 1.1 $ 5.3 $ 14.3 Company-operated restaurants 11.7 22.5 18.5 $ 12.8 $ 27.8 $ 32.8 Goodwill — year end Franchise operations $ 8.9 $ 8.9 $ 8.9 Company-operated restaurants 2.2 2.2 2.2 $ 11.1 $ 11.1 $ 11.1 Total assets — year end Franchise operations $ 198.1 $ 195.7 $ 154.8 Company-operated restaurants 68.6 64.6 45.7 $ 266.7 $ 260.3 $ 200.5

Quarterly Financial Data (Una46

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of quarterly financial data	(in millions, except per share data) 2015 Results of Operations First Second Third Fourth Total revenues $ 79.5 $ 59.4 $ 61.1 $ 59.0 Operating profit 23.1 17.5 17.9 15.8 Net income 13.6 10.3 10.6 9.6 Basic earnings per common share 0.59 0.45 0.47 0.43 Diluted earnings per common share 0.58 0.44 0.46 0.42 (in millions, except per share data) 2014 Results of Operations First Second Third Fourth Total revenues $ 70.1 $ 53.7 $ 54.9 $ 56.9 Operating profit 18.7 14.1 16.7 15.3 Net income 11.1 8.3 9.8 8.8 Basic earnings per common share 0.47 0.36 0.42 0.38 Diluted earnings per common share 0.46 0.35 0.42 0.37 (a) The Company’s first quarters for 2015 and 2014 contained sixteen weeks. The remaining quarters of 2015 and 2014 were twelve weeks. (b) The Company opened two company-operated restaurants during the fourth quarter 2015 compared to seven during the same period last year. Total sales of the two company-operated restaurants were $0.6 million for the fourth quarter 2015 . (c) In 2014 , the Company recognized $0.9 million in lease termination fees associated with the sale of real estate. (d) The Company recognized a $0.9 million in net gains on sale assets during the fourth quarter 2014 associated with the sale of real estate to franchisees and the recognition of deferred gains related to seven properties formerly leased to a franchisee.

Description of Business (Detail

Description of Business (Details)	Dec. 27, 2015CountryStateTerritory
Description of Business (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of states, franchises quick-service restaurants | State	48
Number of territories, franchises quick-service restaurants | Territory	3
Number of countries, franchises quick-service restaurants | Country	27

Summary of Significant Accoun48

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Interest paid	$ 3	$ 1.8	$ 3.1
Effect on Future Cash Flows, Amount	1.7	3	3.8
Income taxes paid, net	$ 13.6	$ 14.9	$ 16.2

Summary of Significant Accoun49

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Provision for Doubtful Accounts	$ 0.1	$ 0	$ 0
Changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts
Balance, beginning of year	0.1	0.1	0.2
Write-offs	(0.1)	0	(0.1)
Balance, end of year	$ 0.1	$ 0.1	$ 0.1

Summary of Significant Accoun50

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Franchise Royalties	$ 138.7	$ 125.1	$ 112.1
Initial Franchise Fees	5.3	6.2	9.8
Franchise Revenue	$ 144	$ 131.3	$ 121.9

Summary of Significant Accoun51

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Tax Adjustments, Settlements, and Unusual Provisions	$ 500,000
Interest Expense, Trading Liabilities		$ (200,000)	$ (800,000)	$ 0
Accounts receivable, net current	8,400,000	9,000,000	8,400,000
Notes receivable	600,000	500,000	600,000
Notes receivable, current		100,000
Allowance for notes receivable	100,000	0	100,000
Inventories	800,000	900,000	800,000
Depreciation expense		9,200,000	8,200,000	6,200,000
Interest costs capitalized		$ 0	200,000	0
Restaurant potential impairment evaluation period of operating losses		2 years
Impairment of goodwill or trademarks		$ 0	0	0
Royalty fees as a percentage of net restaurant sales		5.00%
Cash consideration from vendors		$ 1,400,000	1,100,000	1,100,000
Proceeds from sale of company store		0	0	0
Deferred gain on sale of property	200,000	300,000	200,000	100,000
Research and development costs		2,300,000	2,300,000	2,200,000
Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Unrealized		100,000	100,000
Stock-based compensation expense		6,700,000	5,300,000	5,400,000
Stock-based compensation net of tax		4,200,000	3,300,000	3,400,000
Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Other Operating Liabilities		(900,000)	2,300,000	500,000
Payments to Acquire Productive Assets		12,800,000	27,800,000	32,800,000
Deferred Gain On Unit Conversion		500,000
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)	$ 92,400,000	$ 92,400,000	92,400,000
Minimum [Member]
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible asset amortization period		10 years
Maximum [Member]
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible asset amortization period		20 years
Buildings [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property and equipment, useful life		7 years
Buildings [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property and equipment, useful life		35 years
Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property and equipment, useful life		5 years
Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property and equipment, useful life		15 years
Leasehold improvements and capital lease assets [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property and equipment, useful life		3 years
Leasehold improvements and capital lease assets [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property and equipment, useful life		20 years
General and Administrative Expense [Member]
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Advertising expense		$ 5,400,000	$ 3,900,000	3,400,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | 2010 Credit Facility [Member] | Interest Expense [Member]
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Write-off of deferred debt issuance cost				$ 400,000

Recent Accounting Pronounceme52

Recent Accounting Pronouncements That the Company Has Not Yet Adopted Concentration Risk (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense	$ 0.7	$ 0.9

Other Current Assets (Details)

Other Current Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Summary of other current assets
Prepaid income taxes	$ 3.6	$ 2.8
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	4.9	4.6
Other current assets	$ 8.5	$ 7.4

Property and Equipment, Net (De

Property and Equipment, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Summary of property and equipment, net
Property and equipment, gross	$ 144.1	$ 135.2
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(46.4)	(39.5)
Property and equipment, net	97.7	95.7
Land [Member]
Summary of property and equipment, net
Property and equipment, gross	19.3	19.2
Buildings and improvements [Member]
Summary of property and equipment, net
Property and equipment, gross	82.4	75.9
Equipment [Member]
Summary of property and equipment, net
Property and equipment, gross	42.3	40
Properties held for sale and other [Member]
Summary of property and equipment, net
Property and equipment, gross	$ 0.1	$ 0.1

Property and Equipment Net (Det

Property and Equipment Net (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, net	$ 97.7	$ 95.7
Accumulated depreciation	46.4	39.5
Assets Held under Capital Leases [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, net	1.8	1.8
Accumulated depreciation	$ 0.3	$ 0.3

Trademarks and Other Intangib56

Trademarks and Other Intangible Assets, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 16, 2014	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five		$ 0.2
Indefinite lived intangible assets:
Non-amortizable intangible assets		92.4	$ 92.4
Amortizable intangible assets:
Accumulated amortization		(5.3)	(4.8)
Amortizable intangible assets		1.8	2.3
Trademarks and other intangible assets		94.2	94.7
Trademarks [Member]
Indefinite lived intangible assets:
Non-amortizable intangible assets		50	50
Trade Secrets [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Payments for Royalties and Acquisition of Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets	$ 43
Indefinite lived intangible assets:
Non-amortizable intangible assets		41.8	41.8
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Indefinite lived intangible assets:
Non-amortizable intangible assets		0.6	0.6
Franchise Rights [Member]
Amortizable intangible assets:
Re-acquired franchise rights		$ 7.1	$ 7.1

Trademarks and Other Intangib57

Trademarks and Other Intangible Assets, Net (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Trademarks and Other Intangible Assets, Net (Textual) [Abstract]
Amortization expense	$ 0.5	$ 0.5	$ 0.5
2,015	0.5
2,017	0.5
2,018	0.4
2,019	$ 0.2
Weighted average amortization period	5 years

Other Current Liabilities (Deta

Other Current Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Summary of other current liabilities
Accrued wages, bonuses and severances	$ 8.7	$ 8.5
Other	5.2	3.9
Other Current Liabilities	$ 13.9	$ 12.4

Fair Value Measurements (Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Financial Assets
Cash equivalents	$ 9.6	$ 9
Restricted cash (advertising cooperative assets)	4.3	4.3
Interest Rate Swap Agreement (Note 9)		0
Total assets at fair value	13.9	13.3
Financial Liabilities
Long term debt and other borrowings	112.6	109.9
Interest Rate Swap Agreement	0.4
Total liabilities at fair value	113	109.9
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Asset or Liability (Level 1) [Member]
Financial Assets
Cash equivalents	9.6	9
Restricted cash (advertising cooperative assets)	4.3	4.3
Interest Rate Swap Agreement (Note 9)		0
Total assets at fair value	13.9	13.3
Financial Liabilities
Long term debt and other borrowings	0	0
Interest Rate Swap Agreement	0
Total liabilities at fair value	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Financial Assets
Cash equivalents	0	0
Restricted cash (advertising cooperative assets)	0	0
Interest Rate Swap Agreement (Note 9)		0
Total assets at fair value	0	0
Financial Liabilities
Long term debt and other borrowings	115.5	115.7
Interest Rate Swap Agreement	0.4
Total liabilities at fair value	115.9	115.7
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Financial Assets
Cash equivalents	0	0
Restricted cash (advertising cooperative assets)	0	0
Interest Rate Swap Agreement (Note 9)		0
Total assets at fair value	0	0
Financial Liabilities
Long term debt and other borrowings	0	0
Interest Rate Swap Agreement	0
Total liabilities at fair value	$ 0	$ 0

Long-Term Debt and Other Borr60

Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowings (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Capital lease obligations	$ 2.2	$ 2.2
Other notes	1.4	1.7
Total long-term debt	112.6	109.9
Less current portion	(0.3)	(0.3)
Long-term debt	112.3	109.6
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | 2013 Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility	$ 109	$ 106

Long-Term Debt and Other Borr61

Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowings (Details 1) $ in Millions	Dec. 27, 2015USD ($)
Summary of aggregate future debt maturities, excluding capital lease obligations
2,016	$ 0.3
2,017	0.3
2,018	109.4
2,019	0.4
Total long-term debt	$ 110.4

Long-Term Debt and Other Borr62

Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowings (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Interest expense [Member]
Effect of derivative instruments on statement of operations
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI to Income	$ 0.2	$ 0.8	$ 0
Interest rate swap agreements [Member]
Effect of derivative instruments on statement of operations
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized into AOCI	$ 0.2	$ 0	$ 0.2

Long-Term Debt and Other Borr63

Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowings (Details Textual) - USD ($)	Jan. 22, 2016	Dec. 18, 2013	Jul. 12, 2015	Jun. 15, 2015	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 28, 2014	Oct. 05, 2014	Jul. 13, 2014
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Charges related to amendment of debt facility					$ 700,000	$ 500,000
2013 Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding letters of credit					$ 100,000
2013 Credit Facility [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commitment fee of unused portions of the revolving credit facility					0.40%
2013 Credit Facility [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commitment fee of unused portions of the revolving credit facility					0.15%
2013 Credit Facility [Member] | LIBOR [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate					1.25%
2013 Credit Facility [Member] | LIBOR [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate					2.50%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate					2.50%		1.70%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | 2013 Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term					5 years
Maximum borrowing capacity		$ 125,000,000			$ 135,000,000
Proceeds from lines of credit		$ 63,000,000	$ 43,000,000
Additional borrowing capacity available					10,000,000			$ 115,000,000	$ 10,000,000
Remaining borrowing capacity					25,900,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | 2010 Credit Facility [Member] | Interest Expense [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Expense associated with extinguishment of debt						$ 400,000
Letter of Credit [Member] | 2013 Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Additional borrowing capacity available					$ 20,000,000
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate exposure				$ 85,000,000
Derivative, fixed interest rate				2.70%
Subsequent Event [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | 2016 Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt term	5 years
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 250,000,000
Additional borrowing capacity available	$ 150,000,000
Subsequent Event [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | 2016 Credit Facility [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	1.50%
Subsequent Event [Member] | Letter of Credit [Member] | 2016 Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Additional borrowing capacity available	$ 20,000,000

Leases (Details)

Leases (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 27, 2015USD ($)
Capital Leases
2,015	$ 0.2
2,016	0.2
2,017	0.2
2,018	0.3
2,019	0.3
Thereafter	4.4
Future minimum lease payments	5.6
Less amounts representing interest	3.4
Capital Leases Total	2.2
Operating Leases
2,015	7.6
2,016	7.5
2,017	7.2
2,018	7
2,019	7
Thereafter	114.7
Future minimum lease payments/Total Operating Leases	$ 151

Leases (Details Textual)

Leases (Details Textual)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015USD ($)Property	Dec. 28, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 29, 2013USD ($)
Leases (Textual) [Abstract]
Rental expense	$ 7,900,000	$ 7,100,000	$ 6,000,000
Contingent rentals	0	$ 0	0
Implicit rate of interest on capital leases, minimum		8.10%
Implicit rate of interest on capital leases maximum		16.00%
Capital lease assets gross book value	32,900,000
Aggregate net book value of leased properties	27,900,000
Rental income from leases and subleases	5,500,000	$ 7,100,000	5,400,000
Operating Leases, Income Statement, Contingent Revenue	3,200,000	$ 3,700,000	$ 3,000,000
2,015	2,100,000
2,016	1,500,000
2,017	1,100,000
2,018	900,000
2,019	800,000
Thereafter	$ 3,900,000
Subleased [Member]
Leases (Textual) [Abstract]
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Number of Units | Property	44
Leased [Member]
Leases (Textual) [Abstract]
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Number of Units | Property	24

Deferred Credits and Other Lo66

Deferred Credits and Other Long-Term Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Deferred Credits and Other Long-Term Liabilities
Deferred franchise revenues	$ 5.4	$ 3.7
Deferred rentals	8.1	7.6
Deferred income taxes	19.7	16
Other long-term liabilities	5.3	5.1
Deferred Credits and Other Long-Term Liabilities	$ 38.5	$ 32.4

Common Stock (Details)

Common Stock (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015USD ($)quartershares	Dec. 28, 2014USD ($)shares	Dec. 29, 2013USD ($)shares
Common Stock (Textual) [Abstract]
Amount of share repurchase program	$ 200,000,000
No. of common stock repurchased and retired | shares	1,084,478	891,931	504,295
Repurchases and retirement of shares	$ 62,000,000	$ 40,000,000	$ 19,900,000
Remaining value of shares repurchased	$ 193,000,000
Number of immediately preceding fiscal quarters used in calculation of Total Leverage Ratio | quarter	4
Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio	1.20
Dividends	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
2013 Credit Facility [Member]
Common Stock (Textual) [Abstract]
Covenant terms, consolidated total leverage ratio, threshold to repurchase shares	3

Stock Option Plans (Details)

Stock Option Plans (Details) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Summary of Stock Option Plan Activity
Stock options outstanding, beginning balance, shares | shares	427
Stock options granted, shares | shares	68
Stock options exercised, shares | shares	(197)
Stock options, canceled and expired, shares | shares	(5)
Stock options outstanding, ending balance, shares | shares	293
Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Stock options outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning Balance (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 20.35
Stock options granted, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	59.68
Stock options exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	12.68
Stock options cancelled and expired, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	50.24
Stock options outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Ending Balance (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 34.06
Stock options exercisable, shares | shares	164
Stock options exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 21.65
Stock options outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	4 years 3 months 18 days
Stock options exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	3 years 2 months 12 days
Stock options outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value | $	$ 7.2
Stock options exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value | $	$ 6
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Period of Cumulative EBITDA Goals	3 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award,Equity Instruments Other than Options, Shareholder Return Performance Bottom Quartile, Earned Shares, Percentage	10.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award,Equity Instruments Other than Options,Total Shareholder Return Performance Upper Quartile, Earned Shares, Percentage	10.00%
Restricted Stock [Member] | Tranche 1 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Performance Goal Percentage, Award Paid At Target	100.00%
Restricted Stock [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Tranche 1 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Performance Requirement Percentage	95.00%
Ninety-Five Percent Three-Year Cumulative EBITDA [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Percent of Targeted Shares Earned	50.00%
One Hundred Ten Percent Annual EBITDA [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Percent of Targeted Shares Earned	110.00%
One Hundred Ten Percent Three-Year Cumulative EBITDA [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Percent of Targeted Shares Earned	200.00%

Stock Option Plans (Details 1)

Stock Option Plans (Details 1)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Summary of fair value of stock-based compensation
Risk-free interest rate	1.40%	1.80%	0.70%
Expected dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Expected term (in years)	4 years 6 months	4 years 6 months	4 years 6 months
Expected volatility	48.80%	50.60%	53.00%

Stock Option Plans (Details 2)

Stock Option Plans (Details 2) shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015$ / sharesshares
Summarizes the non-vested stock option activity
Stock options outstanding, beginning balance, shares	427
Unvested stock options outstanding, Granted, shares	68
Stock options, canceled, shares	(5)
Stock options outstanding, ending balance, shares	293
Non vested options [Member]
Summarizes the non-vested stock option activity
Stock options outstanding, beginning balance, shares	140
Unvested stock options outstanding, Granted, shares	68
Unvested stock options outstanding, Vested, shares	(74)
Stock options, canceled, shares	(5)
Stock options outstanding, ending balance, shares	129
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Unvested stock options, outstanding ,Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value at beginning of period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 15.37
Unvested stock options, Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	24.65
Unvested stock options, Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	12.79
Unvested stock options, Cancelled, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	21.08
Unvested stock options, outstanding, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value at ending of period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 21.49

Stock Option Plans (Details 3)

Stock Option Plans (Details 3) - $ / shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule of Nonvested Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the restricted share awards activity for the 52 week period ended December 27, 2015 : (share awards in thousands) Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Unvested performance stock awards: Outstanding beginning of year 193 $ 29.88 Granted 160 $ 32.58 Vested (190 ) $ 17.37 Canceled (7 ) $ 48.17 Outstanding end of year 156 $ 47.11 The following table summarizes the restricted stock awards activity for the 52 week period ended December 27, 2015 : (share awards in thousands) Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Unvested restricted stock awards: Outstanding beginning of year 32 $ 33.77 Granted 49 $ 59.62 Vested (19 ) $ 29.42 Canceled (4 ) $ 52.73 Outstanding end of year 58 $ 55.60
RSA [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]
Summary of the restricted share awards activity
Outstanding beginning of year	32
Granted	49
Vested	(19)
Canceled	(4)
Outstanding end of year	58	32
Restricted share awards, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding beginning of year	$ 33.77
Granted	59.62	$ 40.57	$ 35.77
Vested	29.42
Canceled	52.73
Outstanding end of year	$ 55.60	$ 33.77
New LTIP [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]
Summary of the restricted share awards activity
Outstanding beginning of year	193
Granted	160
Vested	(190)
Canceled	(7)
Outstanding end of year	156	193
Restricted share awards, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding beginning of year	$ 29.88
Granted	32.58	$ 42.92	$ 36.35
Vested	17.37
Canceled	48.17
Outstanding end of year	$ 47.11	$ 29.88

Stock Option Plans (Details 4)

Stock Option Plans (Details 4) - Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] - $ / shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Summary of restricted share unit activity
Outstanding beginning of year	177
Granted	12
Vested	(79)
Outstanding end of year	110	177
Restricted share units, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding beginning of year	$ 16.86
Granted	56.95	$ 37.20	$ 34.42
Vested	15.92	13.56	$ 11.98
Outstanding end of year	$ 21.97	$ 16.86

Stock Option Plans (Details Tex

Stock Option Plans (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation costs related to unvested stock options	$ 1.2
Stock Option Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Total fair value at grant date of stock options	0.9	$ 0.9	$ 0.8
Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised	$ 9	6.4	7.6
Two Thousand Fifteen Stock Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted share units conversion ratio	1
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock based compensation with stock option grants	$ 1.4	$ 1.1	$ 0.9
Weighted average period of recognition	1 year 4 months 24 days
Weighted average grant date fair value of stock options granted (in dollars per share)	$ 24.65	$ 17.93	$ 15.11
Stock Options [Member] | Two Thousand Fifteen Stock Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Purchase of common stock by employees and directors	2,200
Award plan expiration period	7 years
Award vesting period	3 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Additional Shares Authorized	2,200
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Period of cumulative EBITDA goals	3 years
Total Shareholder Return performance bottom quartile, percent adjustment decrease in earned shares	(10.00%)
Total shareholder return performance upper quartile, percent adjustment increase in earned shares	10.00%
Restricted Stock [Member] | Two Thousand Fifteen Stock Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period	3 years
Restricted Stock [Member] | New LTIP [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 17.37
Weighted average period of recognition	1 year 9 months 18 days
Stock-based compensation expense associated with restricted share awards	$ 3.3	$ 2.8	$ 2
Vested	190
Granted	$ 32.58	$ 42.92	$ 36.35
Outstanding restricted share awards earned subject to performance goals	156	193
Unrecognized compensation costs related to other than stock options	$ 4.2
Total fair value at grant date of restricted stock awards	$ 3.3	$ 2.2	$ 2.2
Restricted Stock [Member] | RSA [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 29.42
Weighted average period of recognition	1 year 10 months 24 days
Stock-based compensation expense associated with restricted share awards	$ 1.3	$ 0.4	$ 0.2
Vested	19
Granted	$ 59.62	$ 40.57	$ 35.77
Outstanding restricted share awards earned subject to performance goals	58	32
Unrecognized compensation costs related to other than stock options	$ 1.9
Total fair value at grant date of restricted stock awards	$ 0.6	$ 0.1	$ 0.1
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 15.92	$ 13.56	$ 11.98
Weighted average period of recognition	4 months 24 days
Stock-based compensation expense associated with restricted share awards	$ 0.7	$ 0.6	$ 0.6
Vested	79
Granted	$ 56.95	$ 37.20	$ 34.42
Outstanding restricted share awards earned subject to performance goals	110	177
Unrecognized compensation costs related to other than stock options	$ 0.3
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | Two Thousand Fifteen Stock Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period	12 years
Less Than 95% Three-Year Cumulative EBITDA [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percent of targeted shares earned	0.00%
Minimum [Member] | 95% Three-Year Cumulative EBITDA [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percent of targeted shares earned	50.00%
Maximum [Member] | 110% Three-Year Cumulative EBITDA [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percent of targeted shares earned	200.00%
Maximum [Member] | 110% Annual EBITDA [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percent of targeted shares earned	110.00%
Three-Year Cumulative EBITDA Performance Goal [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance goal percentage, award paid at target	100.00%
Three-Year Cumulative EBITDA Performance Goal [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance requirement percentage	95.00%

401 (k) Savings Plan (Details)

401 (k) Savings Plan (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
401 (k) Savings Plan (Textual) [Abstract]
Maximum contribution of non-highly compensated employees to qualified retirement plan	75.00%
Maximum contribution of highly compensated employees to qualified retirement plan	5.00%
Expense for contributions to the Plan	$ 0.6	$ 0.4	$ 0.5

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) $ in Millions	Jun. 16, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 27, 2015USD ($)Franchisee	Dec. 28, 2014USD ($)Franchisee	Dec. 29, 2013USD ($)Franchisee
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract]
Percentage franchise revenue from international operation		10.60%	11.50%	10.90%
Percent of international revenue out of total revenue		5.90%	6.40%	6.40%
Company's accounts receivables under franchise operation		$ 1.5
Percentage of company's domestic franchise revenue out of royalty		6.50%	7.20%	7.80%
Letter of Credit [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Insurance reserves		$ 0.1
Cash deposits [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Insurance reserves		0.1
Formula and Supply Agreements [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Contractual obligation		3.1
Contractual obligation expense		1.4	$ 3.1	$ 3.1
Business Process Services [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Contractual obligation expense		1.7	1.8	1.7
Contractual Obligation, Due in Next Fiscal Year		$ 1.4
Services agreement expiration date		Apr. 30, 2018
Contractual obligation, due in 12 months		$ 1.4
Contractual Obligation, Due in Third Year		0.4
Information Technology Outsourcing [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Contractual obligation expense		1.7	$ 1.6	$ 2.6
Contractual Obligation, Due in Next Fiscal Year		$ 0.7
Royalty Revenues [Member] | UNITED STATES
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of Significant Franchisees | Franchisee		1	1	1
Trade Secrets [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Payments for Royalties and Acquisition of Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets	$ 43

Other Expenses (Income), Net (D

Other Expenses (Income), Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 12, 2015	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Disposals		$ 0.1	$ 0.2	$ 0.4
Proceeds from Legal Settlements	$ 0.4
Other Expenses (Income), Net
Net gain on sale of assets		(0.2)	(1)	(0.1)
Other Expenses, Executive Transition Expenses		0.5	2	0
Recoveries under Settlement Program		(0.4)	0	0
Other expenses (income), net		$ 0	$ 1.2	$ 0.3

Other Expenses (Income), Net 77

Other Expenses (Income), Net (Details Textual) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 28, 2014USD ($)Property	Dec. 29, 2013USD ($)
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Other Expenses, Executive Transition Expenses	$ 0.5	$ 2	$ 0
Net gain on sale of properties to franchisee	$ 0.2	1	$ 0.1
Franchised Units [Member]
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Deferred gain on sale of property		$ 0.8
Number of properties sold to franchise | Property		4

Interest Expense, Net (Details)

Interest Expense, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Interest Expense, Net
Interest on debt	$ 2.7	$ 1.6	$ 2.4
Interest Expense, Trading Liabilities	0.2	0.8	0
Amortization and write-offs of debt issuance costs	0.2	0.2	0.8
Other debt related charges, net	0.6	0.4	0.5
Interest expense, net	3.7	$ 3	$ 3.7
Interest expense increase	$ 0.7

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Total income taxes
Income taxes in the statements of operations, net	$ 26.5	$ 23.8	$ 20.4
Income taxes charged (credited) to statements of shareholders’ equity:
Compensation expense for tax purposes in excess of amounts recognized for financial reporting purposes	7.6	2.6	3.4
Other comprehensive income	(0.1)	0.3	0.2
Total income taxes, Net	$ 18.8	$ 21.5	$ 17.2

Income Taxes (Details 1)

Income Taxes (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Total U.S. and foreign income before income taxes
United States	$ 63.7	$ 54.7	$ 49.5
Foreign	6.9	7.1	5
Income before income taxes	$ 70.6	$ 61.8	$ 54.5

Income Taxes (Details 2)

Income Taxes (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Current income tax expense:
Federal	$ 18.1	$ 17.4	$ 12.8
Foreign	1.9	1.6	1.4
State	2.3	2.4	1.7
Current income tax expense, Total	22.3	21.4	15.9
Deferred income tax expense:
Federal	3.9	1.7	4.1
State	0.3	0.7	0.4
Deferred income tax expense, Total	4.2	2.4	4.5
Income tax expense (benefit), Total	$ 26.5	$ 23.8	$ 20.4

Income Taxes (Details 3)

Income Taxes (Details 3)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Reconciliations of the Federal statutory income tax rate to the Company's effective tax rate
Federal income tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State taxes, net of federal benefit	2.90%	2.30%	1.90%
Valuation allowance	(0.10%)	1.30%	0.90%
Provision to return adjustments	0.10%	0.40%	(0.30%)
Adjustments to estimated tax reserves	0.00%	(0.10%)	0.10%
Other items, net	(0.40%)	(0.40%)	(0.20%)
Effective income tax rate	37.50%	38.50%	37.40%

Income Taxes (Details 4)

Income Taxes (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 27, 2015
Deferred tax assets:
Deferred franchise fee revenue	$ 1.3	$ 1.2
State net operating loss carry forwards	7.2	7.8
Deferred rentals	4.1	4.2
Deferred compensation	3.9	4.3
Allowance for doubtful accounts	0.1	0.1
Other accruals	0.4	0.7
Reorganization costs	2.4	2.4
Total gross deferred tax assets	19.4	20.7
Deferred tax liabilities:
Franchise value and trademarks	(20.6)	(21.8)
Property and equipment	(7.4)	(10.4)
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other	(0.5)	(1.2)
Total gross deferred liabilities	(28.5)	(33.4)
Valuation allowance	(7.3)	(7.8)
Net deferred tax liability	(16.4)	$ (20.5)
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance, Other [Member]
Valuation Allowance [Line Items]
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease), Amount	$ 0.1

Income Taxes (Details 5)

Income Taxes (Details 5) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Reconciliation of beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits
Balance, beginning of year	$ 1.3	$ 1.4	$ 1.3
Additions related to current year	0	0	0.1
Reductions related to prior years	0	(0.1)	0
Reductions due to statute expiration	0	0	0
Balance, end of year	$ 1.3	$ 1.3	$ 1.4

Income Taxes (Details Textual)

Income Taxes (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012
Effective Income Tax Rate Continuing Operations Tax Rate Reconciliation [Line Items]
Tax Adjustments, Settlements, and Unusual Provisions	$ 0.5
Income Taxes (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Unrecognized tax benefits	$ 1.3	$ 1.3	$ 1.3	$ 1.4	$ 1.3
Accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions		0.1
Recognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate		$ 0.1
U.S. federal tax [Member]
Income Taxes (Textual) [Abstract]
Tax years examination		2011 through 2014
State tax [Member]
Income Taxes (Textual) [Abstract]
Operating Loss Carryforwards		$ 149.8
Tax years examination		2011 through 2014
Maximum [Member] | U.S. federal tax [Member]
Income Taxes (Textual) [Abstract]
Tax years examination		2,013
Minimum [Member] | U.S. federal tax [Member]
Income Taxes (Textual) [Abstract]
Tax years examination		2,010
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance, Net Operating Loss Carryforward, State and Local [Member]
Income Taxes (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Valuation allowance		$ 7.8	7.2
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance, Other [Member]
Income Taxes (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Valuation allowance			$ 0.1

Components of Earnings Per Sh86

Components of Earnings Per Share Computation (Details) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended						4 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Oct. 04, 2015	Jul. 12, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Oct. 05, 2014	Jul. 13, 2014	Apr. 19, 2015	Apr. 20, 2014	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Summary of computation of diluted earnings per share
Net income	$ 9.6	$ 10.6	$ 10.3	$ 8.8	$ 9.8	$ 8.3	$ 13.6	$ 11.1	$ 44.1	$ 38	$ 34.1
Denominator for basic earnings per share — weighted average shares									22.7	23.3	23.6
Dilutive employee stock options (in shares)									0.4	0.5	0.5
Denominator for diluted earnings per share (in shares)									23.1	23.8	24.1

Segment Information (Details)

Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Revenues:
Total revenues	$ 259	$ 235.6	$ 206
Operating profit before unallocated expenses
Operating Profit, Gross	84	74.7	65.2
Less unallocated expenses
Depreciation and amortization	9.7	8.7	6.7
Other expenses (income), net	0	1.2	0.3
Operating profit	74.3	64.8	58.2
Interest expense, net	3.7	3	3.7
Income before income taxes	70.6	61.8	54.5
Capital expenditures
Capital expenditures	12.8	27.8	32.8
Goodwill — year end
Goodwill	11.1	11.1	11.1
Total assets — year end
Total assets	266.7	260.3	200.5
Franchise operations [Member]
Revenues:
Total revenues	149.5	138.4	127.3
Operating profit before unallocated expenses
Operating Profit, Gross	67.6	62.2	54.7
Capital expenditures
Capital expenditures	1.1	5.3	14.3
Goodwill — year end
Goodwill	8.9	8.9	8.9
Total assets — year end
Total assets	198.1	195.7	154.8
Company-operated restaurants [Member]
Revenues:
Total revenues	109.5	97.2	78.7
Operating profit before unallocated expenses
Operating Profit, Gross	16.4	12.5	10.5
Capital expenditures
Capital expenditures	11.7	22.5	18.5
Goodwill — year end
Goodwill	2.2	2.2	2.2
Total assets — year end
Total assets	$ 68.6	$ 64.6	$ 45.7

Segment Information (Details Te

Segment Information (Details Textual)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments	2

Quarterly Financial Data (Una89

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended						4 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Oct. 04, 2015	Jul. 12, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Oct. 05, 2014	Jul. 13, 2014	Apr. 19, 2015	Apr. 20, 2014	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Summary of segment information
Total revenues	$ 59	$ 61.1	$ 59.4	$ 56.9	$ 54.9	$ 53.7	$ 79.5	$ 70.1
Operating profit	15.8	17.9	17.5	15.3	16.7	14.1	23.1	18.7
Net income	$ 9.6	$ 10.6	$ 10.3	$ 8.8	$ 9.8	$ 8.3	$ 13.6	$ 11.1	$ 44.1	$ 38	$ 34.1
Basic earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.43	$ 0.47	$ 0.45	$ 0.38	$ 0.42	$ 0.36	$ 0.59	$ 0.47	$ 1.94	$ 1.63	$ 1.44
Diluted earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.42	$ 0.46	$ 0.44	$ 0.37	$ 0.42	$ 0.35	$ 0.58	$ 0.46	$ 1.91	$ 1.60	$ 1.41

Quarterly Financial Data (Una90

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details Textual) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015USD ($)restaurant	Dec. 27, 2015USD ($)restaurant	Dec. 28, 2014USD ($)Propertyrestaurant	Dec. 29, 2013USD ($)
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Number of company-operated restaurant | restaurant	2	2	7
Total sales of company-operated restaurants	$ 0.6	$ 109.5	$ 97.2	$ 78.7
Fees and Commissions, Other			0.9
Net gains on sale assets associated with the sale of real estate to a franchisee			$ 0.9
Number of properties formerly leased to a franchisee | Property			7

Subsequent Event (Details)

Subsequent Event (Details)	Jan. 22, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 27, 2015USD ($)	Oct. 05, 2014USD ($)	Jul. 13, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 18, 2013USD ($)
2016 Credit Facility [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Covenant terms, consolidated total leverage ratio	4
Covenant terms, consolidated minimum fixed charge ratio	1.25
Covenant terms, consolidated total leverage ratio, threshold to repurchase shares	3.50
2013 Credit Facility [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Covenant terms, consolidated total leverage ratio, threshold to repurchase shares		3
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | 2016 Credit Facility [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Debt term	5 years
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 250,000,000
Additional borrowing capacity available	150,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | 2013 Credit Facility [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Debt term		5 years
Maximum borrowing capacity		$ 135,000,000			$ 125,000,000
Additional borrowing capacity available		10,000,000	$ 115,000,000	$ 10,000,000
Other Short-term Borrowings [Member] | 2016 Credit Facility [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Additional borrowing capacity available	10,000,000
Letter of Credit [Member] | 2016 Credit Facility [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Additional borrowing capacity available	$ 20,000,000
Letter of Credit [Member] | 2013 Credit Facility [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Additional borrowing capacity available		$ 20,000,000
LIBOR [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | 2016 Credit Facility [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	1.50%