Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (PLKI) 10-K/A 1 Mar 17 2016 FY Annual report (amended) Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Jan. 20, 2017	Jul. 10, 2016
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/A
Document Period End Date	Dec. 25, 2016
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-25
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		20,727,945
Entity Public Float			$ 1,141,833

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 11.6	$ 9.1
Accounts and current notes receivable, net	9.5	9.2
Other current assets	4.9	8.5
Advertising cooperative assets, restricted	33.8	35.4
Total current assets	59.8	62.2
Long-term assets:
Property and equipment, net	95.6	97.7
Goodwill	11	11.1
Trademarks and other intangible assets, net	93.7	94.2
Other long-term assets, net	2.1	1.5
Total long-term assets	202.4	204.5
Total assets	262.2	266.7
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	7.8	6.7
Other current liabilities	13	13.1
Current debt maturities	0.5	0.3
Advertising cooperative liabilities	33.8	35.4
Total current liabilities	55.1	55.5
Long-term liabilities:
Long-term debt	159.3	112.3
Deferred credits and other long-term liabilities	39.4	39.3
Total long-term liabilities	198.7	151.6
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; 20,727,945 and 22,449,697 shares issued and outstanding at the end of fiscal years 2016 and 2015, respectively)	0.2	0.2
Capital in excess of par value	0	0
Retained earnings	8.3	59.6
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(0.1)	(0.2)
Total shareholders’ equity	8.4	59.6
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$ 262.2	$ 266.7

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015
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)	20,727,945	22,449,697
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	20,727,945	22,449,697

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Revenues:
Sales by Company-operated restaurants	$ 108.3	$ 109.5	$ 97.2
Franchise royalties and fees	154.8	144	131.3
Rent from franchised restaurants	5.8	5.5	7.1
Total revenues	268.9	259	235.6
Expenses:
Restaurant food, beverages and packaging	34.2	35.3	32
Restaurant employee, occupancy and other expenses	53.4	52.3	46.8
General and administrative expenses	89.5	84.3	78.9
Occupancy expenses - franchise restaurants	3.1	3.1	3.2
Depreciation and amortization	10.1	9.7	8.7
Other expenses (income), net	4.1	0	1.2
Total expenses	194.4	184.7	170.8
Operating profit	74.5	74.3	64.8
Interest expense, net	4.6	3.7	3
Income before income taxes	69.9	70.6	61.8
Income tax expense	27.1	26.5	23.8
Net income	$ 42.8	$ 44.1	$ 38
Earnings per common share, basic (in dollars per share)	$ 2	$ 1.94	$ 1.63
Earnings per common share, diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 1.98	$ 1.91	$ 1.60
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	21.4	22.7	23.3
Diluted (in shares)	21.6	23.1	23.8

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 42.8	$ 44.1	$ 38
Other comprehensive income
Net change in fair value of cash flow hedge	(0.4)	(1.2)	0
Reclassification adjustments for derivative losses included in earnings	0.6	1	0.8
Other comprehensive income (loss), before income tax	0.2	(0.2)	0.8
Income tax expense (benefit) on other comprehensive income	0.1	(0.1)	0.3
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	0.1	(0.1)	0.5
Comprehensive income	$ 42.9	$ 44	$ 38.5

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. 29, 2013	$ 58.8	$ 0.2	$ 77.9	$ (18.7)	$ (0.6)
Beginning 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		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
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	42.8			42.8
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	0.1				0.1
Repurchases and retirement of shares	$ (100)		(5.9)	(94.1)
Repurchases and retirement of shares, shares	(1,815,574)	(1,815,574)
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	$ 1		1
Issuance of common stock under stock option plans	$ 0.5		0.5
Issuance of common stock under stock option plans, shares	29,000	32,158
Issuance of restricted stock awards, net of forfeitures	$ (2.4)		(2.4)
Issuance of restricted stock awards, net of forfeitures, shares		61,664
Stock-based compensation expense	6.8		6.8
Ending balance at Dec. 25, 2016	$ 8.4	$ 0.2	$ 0	$ 8.3	$ (0.1)
Ending balance, shares at Dec. 25, 2016		20,727,945

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities:
Net income	$ 42.8	$ 44.1	$ 38
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	10.1	9.7	8.7
Asset Impairment Charges	3.7	0	0
Net (gain) loss on sale and disposal of assets	0.4	(0.1)	(0.8)
Deferred income taxes	(2.3)	4.2	2.4
Non-cash interest expense, net	0.4	0.4	1
Excess tax benefit from share-based payment arrangements	(1)	(7.6)	(2.6)
Stock-based compensation expense	6.8	6.7	5.3
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(0.2)	(0.5)	0.4
Other operating assets	4.8	6.7	4.9
Accounts payable and other operating liabilities	0.9	(0.9)	2.3
Net cash provided by operating activities	66.4	62.7	59.6
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(10.4)	(12.8)	(27.8)
Proceeds from dispositions of property and equipment	0.2	0.2	1.3
Investment in indefinite-lived assets	0	0	(41.8)
Net cash used in investing activities	(10.2)	(12.6)	(68.3)
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities:
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements	1	7.6	2.6
Share repurchases	(100)	(62)	(40)
Proceeds from exercise of employee stock options	0.5	2.5	2.4
Debt issuance costs	(1.1)	0	0
Other financing activities, net	(0.6)	(0.5)	(0.5)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(53.7)	(49.4)	7.5
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	2.5	0.7	(1.2)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	9.1	8.4	9.6
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	11.6	9.1	8.4
2013 Credit Facility [Member]
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities:
Principal payments — 2013 revolving credit facility	(109)	(3)	0
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | 2013 Credit Facility [Member]
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities:
Borrowings under credit facility	0	6	43
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | 2016 Credit Facility [Member]
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities:
Borrowings under credit facility	$ 155.5	$ 0	$ 0

Description of Business

Description of Business	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
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 25 foreign countries.

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
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 2016 , 2015 and 2014 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 2016 and 2015. Supplemental Cash Flow Information. (in millions) 2016 2015 2014 Interest paid $ 3.8 $ 3.0 $ 1.8 Accrued purchase of property and equipment 2.2 1.7 3.0 Property acquisition financed by promissory note 1.0 — — Income taxes paid, net 21.2 13.6 14.9 Accounts Receivable, Net. At December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015 , accounts receivable, net were $9.3 million and $9.0 million , respectively. Accounts receivable consist primarily of amounts due from franchisees related to royalties, 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 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts were as follows: (in millions) 2016 2015 2014 Balance, beginning of year $ 0.1 $ 0.1 $ 0.1 Provisions for credit (recoveries) losses 0.1 0.1 — Write-offs — (0.1 ) — Balance, end of year $ 0.2 $ 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 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015 , notes receivable, net, were approximately $0.4 million and $0.5 million , respectively, of which $0.1 million was current. No notes were reserved at December 25, 2016 . The balance in the allowance account at December 27, 2015 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 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015 , inventory of $0.8 million and $0.9 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 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , depreciation expense was approximately $9.6 million , $9.2 million , and $8.2 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. No significant interest was incurred for such purposes in 2016 , 2015 and 2014 . The Company evaluates property and equipment for impairment 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. Estimates of future cash flows are highly subjective judgments and can be significantly impacted by changes in the business or economic conditions. The discount rate used in the fair value calculations is our estimate of the required rate of return that a third party would expect to receive when purchasing a similar restaurant and the related long-lived assets. The Company recorded $3.7 million in asset impairments as a component of "Other expenses (income), net" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations during the third quarter of 2016. No impairments were recorded in 2015 or 2014. See Note 5 for further discussion. Goodwill, Trademarks, and Other 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. See Note 6 for further disclosure. 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 for impairment on an annual basis as of the first day of the fourth quarter or more frequently when circumstances arise indicating that goodwill may be impaired using a two-step process. The first step of the impairment evaluation 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. The Company uses a discounted cash flow methodology to estimate the fair value of its reporting units. The operating assumptions used to estimate future cash flows are 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. The discount rate used in estimating the fair value of the reporting units is our estimate of a market participant’s required rate of return. If a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, goodwill is impaired down to its implied fair value determined in the same manner as a business combination. During 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , there was no impairment of goodwill identified during the Company’s annual impairment testing. The Company-operated restaurants segment has goodwill of $2.1 million as of the end of 2016 . While the operating assumptions used to estimate the segment’s fair value reflect what the Company believes are reasonable and achievable growth rates, failure to realize these growth rates could result in future impairment of the recorded goodwill. If the Company believes the risks inherent in the business increase, the resulting change in the assumed discount rate could also result in future goodwill impairment. During 2016, the Company included $0.1 million of goodwill in the carrying value of the 17 restaurants in Indianapolis, Indiana in the determination of the loss on the refranchising of the restaurants. See Note 16 for further details. The Company evaluates trademarks, recipes and formulas, and other indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually during the fourth quarter or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the asset may be impaired. When evaluating an indefinite-lived asset for impairment, the Company compares the estimated fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset to its carrying value. If the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value of the asset, the asset is impaired down to its estimated fair value. The Company uses a relief from royalty methodology to estimate the fair value of its indefinite-lived intangible assets. During 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , there was no indicated impairment of indefinite-lived intangible assets as a result of the Company’s annual impairment testing. The estimated fair values of our indefinite-lived intangible assets were substantially in excess of their carrying values as of the 2016 evaluation date. 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. Debt issuance costs are classified as "Other long-term assets, net" on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Company adopted the FASB's updated guidance on debt issuance costs beginning in 2016. The Company classified its debt issuance costs as a direct reduction of the carrying amount of our revolving credit facility during the interim periods in 2016. During the fourth quarter of 2016, we changed our accounting policy to present such costs as an asset regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings on the revolving credit arrangement consistent with prior year's classification. This change did not have a material impact on our financial results. Unamortized debt issuance costs were $1.4 million and $0.7 million as of December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015 , respectfully. In the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations, the amortization of debt issuance costs, 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 2016, the Company expensed $0.1 million of deferred debt costs due to the retirement of the 2013 Revolving 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 Sheets. 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 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , the Company’s advertising costs were approximately $4.6 million , $5.4 million , and $3.9 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. Commitments and Contingencies. Contingent liabilities are reserved when the Company is able to assess that an expected loss is both probable and reasonably estimable. See Note 15 for further discussion. 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 loss for the Company’s derivative instruments are recorded net of the related income tax effects. As of December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015 , accumulated other comprehensive loss consisted of derivative losses associated with 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) 2016 2015 2014 Franchise royalties $ 149.0 $ 138.7 $ 125.1 Franchise fees 5.8 5.3 6.2 Franchise royalties and fees $ 154.8 $ 144.0 $ 131.3 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 , $1.4 million , and $1.1 million in 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , 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 Refranchising. From time to time, the Company engages in refranchising 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. During the fourth quarter 2016 , the Company refranchised the 17 Company-operated restaurants in the Indianapolis, Indiana market to existing franchisees. The Company recorded a $0.1 million loss on the refranchising of the restaurants. See Note 16 for further discussion. There were no sales of Company-operated restaurants in 2015 or 2014 . During 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , previously deferred gains of approximately $0.1 million , $0.3 million , and $0.2 million , respectively, were recognized in income as a component of “Other expenses (income), net” in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. As of December 25, 2016 , the Company had $0.4 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 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 such costs were approximately $2.2 million , $2.3 million , and $2.3 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 insignificant in 2016 and $0.1 million in 2015 and 2014 . 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 carried a valuation allowance on deferred tax assets of $8.7 million at December 25, 2016 and $7.8 million at December 27, 2015 , based on the view that it is more likely than not that the Company will not be able to realize tax benefits associated with certain state operating loss carryforwards which continue to expire, certain state indefinite-lived intangible assets, and other deferred tax assets. 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) are recognized as a discrete item in the interim period in which the change occurs. At December 25, 2016 , we had approximately $1.2 million of unrecognized tax benefits, $0.1 million of which, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate. At December 25, 2016 , the Company had approximately $0.1 million of accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions. Deferred income tax liabilities and assets are classified as non-current and are included in “Deferred credits and other long-term liabilities” on the Company's consolidated balance sheet. The Company early adopted FASB issued ASU 2015-7, “Income Taxes: Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes”, and retrospectively adjusted the prior period, resulting in a $0.8 million reclassification of Other Current Liabilities to Deferred Credits and Other Long-Term Liabilities on the Company’s December 27, 2015 Consolidated Balance Sheet. 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 only service conditions are 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 option pricing models require various highly subjective and judgmental assumptions including risk-free interest rates, expected volatility of our stock price, expected forfeiture rates, expected dividend yield and expected term. If any of the assumptions used in the models change significantly, share-based compensation expense may differ materially in the future from that recorded in the current period. The specific weighted average assumptions used to estimate the fair value of stock-based employee compensation are set forth in Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K. 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. This guidance was effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015 which was our fiscal 2016. The Company already applied the standards proscribed in this guidance so it had impact to its consolidated financial statements and disclosures. The Company recorded $6.8 million ( $4.2 million net of tax), $6.7 million ( $4.2 million net of tax), and $5.3 million ( $3.3 million net of tax), in total stock-based compensation expense during 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , 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 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. Going Concern. The Company's consolidated financial statements were prepared on the basis that the Company is able to continue as a going concern. There are no conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date the financial statements are issued. Revisions. To conform with current year presentation, a revision was made to the consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the fiscal year 2015 to reflect the reclassification of derivative losses into net income separate from unrealized derivative losses arising during the period. The reclassification increased derivative losses into net income by $0.8 million in fiscal year 2015. The revision had no impact on other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes. The reclassification noted above represent corrections that are not deemed material, individually or in the aggregate, to the prior period consolidated financial statements. 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. On February 15, 2017, the Company increased the revolving loan commitments under its 2016 revolving credit facility to $400 million . See Note 22 for further discussion.

Recent Accounting Pronouncement

Recent Accounting Pronouncements That the Company Has Not Yet Adopted	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
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. Leases. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-2, “Leases,” which amends the current lease accounting standards by requiring companies to recognize a right-of-use asset, a lease liability for all operating and capital leases (financing) with lease terms greater that twelve months, and disclosure of key information about leasing arrangements. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 (fiscal 2019 for the Company), and early adoption is permitted. Upon initial review, the Company expects that most of its operating lease commitments for land and buildings of Company-operated restaurants and restaurants leased to franchisees will be subject to the new guidance and recognized as operating lease liabilities and right-of-use assets upon adoption, resulting in a significant increase in the assets and liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. Continued evaluation may identify additional impacts this standard will have on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. Stock-based Compensation. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-9, “Compensation - Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting”. This guidance changes how companies account for certain aspects of share-based payment awards to employees including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, and statutory tax withholding requirements, as well as classification in the statement of cash flows. This standard is effective for the reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 (fiscal 2017 for the Company). The adoption of this standard will not have a significant impact on our stock-based compensation expense. We are continuing to evaluate the impact the adoption of this standard will have on the recognition of income tax expense and the presentation of cash flows provided by operating and financing activities in our consolidated statements of cash flows. 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. 25, 2016
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Current Assets	Other Current Assets (in millions) 2016 2015 Prepaid income taxes $ — $ 3.6 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 4.9 4.9 Total $ 4.9 $ 8.5

Property and Equipment, Net

Property and Equipment, Net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment, Net	Property and Equipment, Net (in millions) 2016 2015 Land $ 20.9 $ 19.3 Buildings and improvements 86.0 82.4 Equipment 43.6 42.3 Properties held for sale and other — 0.1 150.5 144.1 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (54.9 ) (46.4 ) Total $ 95.6 $ 97.7 At December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015 , property and equipment, net included capital lease assets with a gross book value of $1.8 million and accumulated amortization of $0.4 million and $0.3 million , respectively. During 2016, the Company refranchised its 17 Company-operated restaurants in Indianapolis and concluded that certain other assets would be disposed before the end of their estimated useful lives. Accordingly, the Company recorded $3.7 million in asset impairments as a component of "Other expenses (income), net" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations during the third quarter of 2016. The Company impaired $2.9 million in buildings and improvements and $0.8 million in equipment. The asset impairments included $2.6 million for two Company-operated restaurants and $1.1 million for two restaurants leased to franchisees.

Trademarks and Other Intangible

Trademarks and Other Intangible Assets, Net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Trademarks and Other Intangible Assets, Net	Trademarks and Other Intangible Assets, Net (in millions) 2016 2015 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 (5.8 ) (5.3 ) 1.3 1.8 Total $ 93.7 $ 94.2 Amortization expense was approximately $0.5 million for 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively. Estimated amortization expense is expected to be approximately $0.5 million in 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 4 years.

Other Current Liabilities

Other Current Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Current Liabilities	Other Current Liabilities (in millions) 2016 2015 Accrued wages, bonuses and severances $ 6.6 $ 8.7 Accrued income taxes payable 1.4 — Other 5.0 4.4 Total $ 13.0 $ 13.1

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
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 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015 : Quoted Prices in Active Significant Other Significant Carrying December 25, 2016 Financial Assets Cash equivalents $ 11.8 $ — $ — $ 11.8 Total assets at fair value $ 11.8 $ — $ — $ 11.8 Financial Liabilities Long term debt and other borrowings $ — $ 166.9 $ — $ 159.8 Interest Rate Swap Agreement — 0.2 — 0.2 Total liabilities at fair value $ — $ 167.1 $ — $ 160.0 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 At December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015 , 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 $166.9 million and $115.5 million on December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015 , respectively. The carrying value of our long-term debt, as discussed in Note 9, was $159.8 million and $112.6 million on December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015 , 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 25, 2016 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. 25, 2016
Long-term Debt, Other Disclosures [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowings	Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowings (in millions) 2016 2015 2013 Revolving Credit Facility $ — $ 109.0 2016 Revolving Credit Facility 155.5 — Capital lease obligations 2.2 2.2 Promissory note 1.0 — Other notes 1.1 1.4 159.8 112.6 Less current portion (0.5 ) (0.3 ) Long-term debt $ 159.3 $ 112.3 2016 Revolving Credit Facility. On January 22, 2016, the Company entered into a five -year $250.0 million secured revolving credit facility (the “2016 Revolving Credit Facility”) that replaced the Company’s 2013 revolving credit facility (the “2013 Revolving Credit Facility”) that consisted of a five -year $135.0 million revolving credit facility. The Company may obtain other short-term borrowings 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 2016 Revolving Credit Facility. As of December 25, 2016 , the Company had $0.1 million of outstanding letters of credit. Availability for short-term borrowings and letters of credit under the revolving credit facility was $94.4 million as of December 25, 2016 . Other key terms in the 2016 Revolving Credit Facility include the following: • The Company must maintain a Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio of less than or equal to 4.00 to 1.0. • The Company must maintain a Minimum Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of greater than or equal to 1.25 to 1.0. • The Company may repurchase and retire its common shares when the Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio is less than or equal to 3.5 to 1.0 (subject to certain conditions). • Borrowings under the 2016 Revolving 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 Consolidated 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 Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio on the unused portions of the facility. The 2016 Revolving Credit Facility was secured by a first priority security interest in substantially all of the Company’s assets, excluding real estate. The 2016 Revolving Credit Facility contained financial and other covenants, including covenants requiring the Company to maintain various financial ratios, limiting its ability to incur additional indebtedness, restricted the amount of capital expenditures that may be incurred, restricted the payment of cash dividends, and limited the amount of debt which could have been loaned to the Company’s franchisees or guaranteed on their behalf. This facility also limited the Company’s ability to engage in mergers or acquisitions, sell certain assets, repurchase its common stock and enter into certain lease transactions. The 2016 Revolving Credit Facility included 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. As of December 25, 2016 , the Company was in compliance with the financial and other covenants of the 2016 Revolving Credit Facility. The Company’s weighted average interest rate for all outstanding indebtedness under the 2016 Revolving Credit Facility, including fixed and floating rate debt, was 2.4% as of December 25, 2016 . On February 15, 2017, the Company increased the aggregate revolving loan commitments under the credit facility to $400 million . See Note 22 for further discussion. 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. Outstanding balances accrued 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 ranged from 15 to 40 basis points. The increment over LIBOR and the commitment fee were 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. Promissory Note . On February 12, 2016, the Company entered into a five-year $1.0 million promissory note for the purchase of land for a new Company-operated restaurant. Under the terms of the promissory note, the Company will pay five equal annual installments of $0.2 million plus 1.75% interest beginning in the first quarter 2017. Future Debt Maturities. At December 25, 2016 , aggregate future debt maturities, excluding capital lease obligations, were as follows: (in millions) 2017 $ 0.5 2018 0.6 2019 0.6 2020 0.2 2021 155.7 $ 157.6 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 Revolving Credit Facilities 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 Gain/(Loss) recognized into AOCI Amount of Loss Reclassified from AOCI to (In millions) 2016 2015 2014 2016 2015 2014 Interest rate swap $ 0.1 $ (0.1 ) $ 0.5 Interest expense, net $ 0.6 $ 1.0 $ 0.8

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	Leases The Company leases property and equipment associated with its (1) corporate facilities; (2) 42 of its Company-operated restaurants; (3) 50 restaurant properties that are subleased to franchisees; and (4) four properties that are subleased to unrelated third parties. At December 25, 2016 , future minimum payments under capital and non-cancelable operating leases were as follows: (in millions) Capital Operating 2017 $ 0.2 $ 8.1 2018 0.2 7.7 2019 0.2 7.5 2020 0.3 7.3 2021 0.3 7.1 Thereafter 4.2 108.5 Future minimum lease payments 5.4 146.2 Less amounts representing interest 3.2 — Total $ 2.2 $ 146.2 During 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , rental expense was approximately $8.1 million , $7.9 million , and $7.1 million , respectively. There was no significant contingent rental expense in 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. At December 25, 2016 , the implicit rate of interest on capital leases ranged from 8.1% to 16.0% . The Company leases 32 restaurant properties and subleases 50 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 25, 2016 , the aggregate gross book value and net book value of owned properties that were leased to franchisees was approximately $60.4 million and $48.7 million , respectively. During 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , rental income from these leases and subleases was approximately $5.8 million , $5.5 million , and $7.1 million , respectively. Included in the rental income was contingent rental income of $3.1 million , $3.2 million , and $3.7 million during 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively. At December 25, 2016 , future minimum rental income associated with these leases and subleases, are approximately $3.9 million in 2017, $3.5 million in 2018, $3.4 million in 2019, $3.3 million in 2020, $2.7 million in 2021, and $3.4 million thereafter.

Deferred Credits and Other Long

Deferred Credits and Other Long-Term Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Deferred Credits and Other Long-Term Liabilities [Abstract]
Deferred Credits and Other Long-Term Liabilities	Deferred Credits and Other Long-Term Liabilities (in millions) 2016 2015 Deferred franchise revenues $ 8.1 $ 5.4 Deferred rentals 8.3 8.1 Deferred income tax liability 18.4 20.5 Other long-term liabilities 4.6 5.3 Total $ 39.4 $ 39.3 Other long-term liabilities primarily consist of unfavorable leases and unrecognized tax benefits.

Common Stock

Common Stock	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Common Stock	Common Stock Share Repurchase Program. In 2015, the Company's Board of Directors canceled the existing share repurchase program and replaced it with a $200 million open-ended share repurchase program. During 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , we repurchased and retired 1,815,574 shares, 1,084,478 shares and 891,931 shares of common stock for approximately $100.0 million , $62.0 million and $40.0 million , respectively. As of December 25, 2016 , the remaining value of shares that may be repurchased under the program was $93.0 million . Pursuant to the terms of the Company’s 2016 Revolving Credit Facility, the Company may repurchase its common stock when the Total Leverage Ratio is less than 3.5 to 1.0 . Total Leverage Ratio, as defined in the 2016 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 25, 2016 was 1.7 to 1.0 . Dividends. During 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , the Company paid no dividends.

Stock Option Plans

Stock Option Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
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 one -year 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 granted to employees and directors. Approximately 2.0 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 25, 2016 . (shares in thousands) Shares Weighted Weighted Aggregate Stock options: Outstanding at beginning of year 293 $ 34.06 Granted options 87 52.93 Exercised options (29 ) 16.97 Outstanding at end of year 351 $ 40.11 4.2 $ 7.6 Exercisable at end of year 198 $ 30.01 3.1 $ 6.2 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 2016 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 , $1.4 million , and $1.1 million in stock-based compensation expense associated with its stock option grants during 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively. As of December 25, 2016 , there was approximately $1.4 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 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 was $1.2 million , $0.9 million , and $0.9 million , respectively. The weighted average grant date fair value of awards granted during 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 was $21.18 , $24.65 , and $17.93 , respectively. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 was $1.1 million , $9.0 million and $6.4 million , respectively During 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , 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: 2016 2015 2014 Risk-free interest rate 1.2 % 1.4 % 1.8 % Expected dividend yield — % — % — % Expected term (in years) 4.5 4.5 4.5 Expected volatility 47.2 % 48.8 % 50.6 % 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 25, 2016 : (shares in thousands) Shares Weighted Unvested stock options outstanding at beginning of period 129 $ 21.49 Granted 87 21.18 Vested (62 ) 19.32 Unvested stock options outstanding at end of period 154 $ 22.21 Performance Based Stock Awards The Company's current long-term incentive plan grants performance based stock awards which are earned subject to the Company meeting three -year cumulative EBITDA goals. EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest expense, 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 performance based stock awards activity for the 52 week period ended December 25, 2016 : (share awards in thousands) Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Unvested performance based stock awards: Outstanding beginning of year 156 $ 47.11 Granted 109 $ 47.10 Vested (87 ) $ 36.34 Outstanding end of year 178 $ 52.44 The grant date fair values of the performance based stock awards are determined using a Monte-Carlo simulation model. The weighted average grant date fair value of restricted share awards granted during 2015 and 2014 were $32.58 and $42.92 , 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 $2.3 million , $3.3 million , and $2.8 million , in stock-based compensation expense associated with these awards during 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , 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 25, 2016 , there was approximately $4.0 million in unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested performance stock awards which are expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.2 years. The total fair value at grant date of awards which vested during 2016 and 2015 and 2014 was $3.2 million , $3.3 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 25, 2016 : (share awards in thousands) Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Unvested restricted stock awards: Outstanding beginning of year 58 $ 55.60 Vested (15 ) $ 52.13 Canceled (2 ) $ 52.83 Outstanding end of year 41 $ 57.02 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 2015 and 2014 were $59.62 and $40.57 , respectively. These awards are amortized as expense on a graded basis over the three-year vesting period. The Company recognized approximately $1.0 million , $1.3 million , and $0.4 million , in stock-based compensation expense associated with these awards during 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , 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 25, 2016 , there was approximately $0.9 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 1.2 years. The total fair value at grant date of awards which vested during 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , was $0.8 million , $0.6 million , and $0.1 million , respectively. Restricted Share Units - Employees In 2016, the Company granted restricted stock units (RSUs) to employees pursuant to the incentive stock plan. The restricted share units generally cliff vest at the end of three years or vest on a graded basis over a three year period. The Company recognized $1.2 million in stock-based compensation expense during 2016 associated with these awards. As of December 25, 2016 , there was approximately $2.7 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to the unvested RSUs, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 1.7 years . The following table summarizes the restricted share unit activity for the 52 week period ended December 25, 2016 : (share awards in thousands) Units Weighted Unvested restricted stock units: Granted 72 54.59 Cancelled (1 ) 52.91 Outstanding end of year 71 54.62 Restricted Share Units - Board of Directors The Company grants restricted stock units (RSUs) to members of its board of directors pursuant to the incentive stock plan. The Company recognized $0.9 million , $0.7 million , and $0.6 million in stock-based compensation expense associated with these awards during the 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively. As of December 25, 2016 , there was approximately $0.4 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 25, 2016 . (share awards in thousands) Units Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Unvested restricted stock units: Outstanding beginning of year 110 $ 21.97 Granted 18 52.13 Vested (3 ) 56.92 Outstanding end of year 125 $ 25.30 The weighted average grant date fair value of restricted share units vested in 2015 and 2014 was $15.92 and $13.56 , respectively. The weighted average grant date fair value of restricted share units granted during 2015 and 2014 were $56.95 and $37.20 , respectively.

401(k) Savings Plan

401(k) Savings Plan	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
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 $0.7 million , $0.6 million , and $0.4 million , during 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively, for its contributions to the Plan.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
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 25, 2016 , 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 in 2014 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 25, 2016 , future minimum payments under this contract are approximately $1.4 million during 2017 and approximately $0.4 million in 2018. During 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , the Company expensed $1.4 million , $1.7 million , and $1.8 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 25, 2016 , future minimum payments under these contracts are $0.9 million during 2017. During 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , the Company expensed $1.7 million , $1.7 million , and $1.6 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 25, 2016 , the Company’s insurance reserves of approximately $0.1 million were collateralized by letters of credit and 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 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , such operations represented approximately 10.9% , 10.6% , and 11.5% , of total franchise revenues, respectively; and approximately 6.3% , 5.9% , and 6.4% , of total revenues, respectively. At December 25, 2016 , approximately $1.5 million of the Company’s accounts receivable were related to its international franchise operations. Significant Franchisee. During 2016 , two domestic franchisees accounted for approximately 12.5% of the Company's royalty revenues. During 2015 , and 2014 , one domestic franchisee accounted for approximately 6.5% , and 7.2% , 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, Canada, Turkey and various countries throughout Central America, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific and Europe.

Other Expenses (Income), Net

Other Expenses (Income), Net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Other Expenses (Income), Net	Other Expenses (Income), Net (in millions) 2016 2015 2014 Net (gain) loss on sale and disposal of assets $ 0.4 $ (0.1 ) $ (0.8 ) Asset impairments 3.7 — — Executive transition expenses — 0.5 2.0 Recoveries under Settlement Program — (0.4 ) — Total $ 4.1 $ — $ 1.2 During the fourth quarter 2016, the Company leased the 17 Company-operated restaurants in Indianapolis, Indiana to franchisees who will operate the restaurants under franchise agreements. Typical with many of our franchise restaurant leases, the leases are triple net to the franchisee, requiring the franchisee to pay minimum rent and percentage rents based on sales in excess of a specified amount, plus real estate taxes, maintenance costs and insurance premiums. The leases are cross-defaulted with the corresponding franchise agreements for the restaurants. The Company recorded a $0.1 million loss on the refranchising of the restaurants. During the third quarter 2016, the Company recorded $3.7 million in asset impairments, which included $2.6 million in Company-operated restaurants and $1.1 million in restaurants leased to franchisees. See Note 5 for further discussion. 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. 25, 2016
Banking and Thrift, Interest [Abstract]
Interest Expense, Net	Interest Expense, Net (in millions) 2016 2015 2014 Interest on debt $ 3.1 $ 2.0 $ 1.6 Reclassification adjustment for derivative losses 0.6 1.0 0.8 Amortization and write-offs of debt issuance costs 0.4 0.2 0.2 Other debt related charges, net 0.5 0.5 0.4 Total $ 4.6 $ 3.7 $ 3.0 Interest expense, net was $4.6 million in 2016 , a $0.9 million increase from 2015 . This increase was primarily due to a higher outstanding debt balance under the 2016 Revolving Credit Facility during 2016 partially offset by a decrease in reclassification adjustments for derivative losses during 2016.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Total income taxes for fiscal years 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , were allocated as follows: (in millions) 2016 2015 2014 Income taxes in the statements of operations, net $ 27.1 $ 26.5 $ 23.8 Income taxes charged (credited) to statements of shareholders’ equity: Compensation expense for tax purposes in excess of amounts recognized for financial reporting purposes (1.0 ) (7.6 ) (2.6 ) Other comprehensive income 0.1 (0.1 ) 0.3 Total $ 26.2 $ 18.8 $ 21.5 Total U.S. and foreign income before income taxes for fiscal years 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , were as follows: (in millions) 2016 2015 2014 United States $ 61.3 $ 63.7 $ 54.7 Foreign 8.6 6.9 7.1 Total $ 69.9 $ 70.6 $ 61.8 The components of income tax expense were as follows: (in millions) 2016 2015 2014 Current income tax expense: Federal $ 23.8 $ 18.1 $ 17.4 Foreign 2.2 1.9 1.6 State 3.4 2.3 2.4 29.4 22.3 21.4 Deferred income tax expense: Federal (2.4 ) 3.9 1.7 State 0.1 0.3 0.7 (2.3 ) 4.2 2.4 Total $ 27.1 $ 26.5 $ 23.8 In 2016, the Company recorded a $0.5 million adjustment to correct an error related to a valuation allowance on a deferred tax asset associated with a non-operating property held for sale dating back to 2005. 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 deferred tax asset valuation allowance by $0.5 million . The Company does not believe the error was material to its financial statements for the year ended December 25, 2016 or for any prior period. 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 . 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: 2016 2015 2014 Federal income tax rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % State taxes, net of federal benefit 2.8 % 2.9 % 2.3 % Valuation allowance 1.0 % (0.1 )% 1.3 % Provision to return adjustments (0.1 )% 0.1 % 0.4 % Adjustments to estimated tax reserves — % — % (0.1 )% Other items, net 0.1 % (0.4 )% (0.4 )% Effective income tax rate 38.8 % 37.5 % 38.5 % 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) 2016 2015 Deferred tax assets: Deferred franchise fee revenue $ 1.8 $ 1.2 State net operating loss carry forwards 8.0 7.8 Deferred rentals 4.2 4.2 Deferred compensation 6.0 4.3 Allowance for doubtful accounts 0.1 0.1 Other accruals 0.5 0.7 Reorganization costs 2.4 2.4 Total gross deferred tax assets 23.0 20.7 Deferred tax liabilities: Franchise value and trademarks (23.2 ) (21.8 ) Property and equipment (8.5 ) (10.4 ) Prepaid expenses and other current assets (1.0 ) (1.2 ) Total gross deferred liabilities (32.7 ) (33.4 ) Valuation allowance (8.7 ) (7.8 ) Net deferred tax liability $ (18.4 ) $ (20.5 ) 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 25, 2016 , the Company had state net operating losses (“NOLs”) of approximately $153 million which expire between 2017 and 2035. 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 $8.0 million on state net operating loss carry forwards and $0.7 million on other deferred tax assets at December 25, 2016 and $7.8 million on state net operating loss carry forwards at December 27, 2015 . The amount of unrecognized tax benefits were approximately $1.2 million as of December 25, 2016 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 25, 2016 is as follows: (in millions) 2016 2015 2014 Balance, beginning of year $ 1.3 $ 1.3 $ 1.4 Additions related to current year — — — Reductions related to prior years (0.1 ) — (0.1 ) Reductions due to statute expiration — — — Balance, end of year $ 1.2 $ 1.3 $ 1.3 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 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 were not significant. The Company had approximately $0.1 million of accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as of December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015 . 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 2015 are open to audit. In general, the state tax years open to audit range from 2011 through 2015 .

Components of Earnings Per Shar

Components of Earnings Per Share Computation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Components of Earnings Per Share Computation	Components of Earnings Per Share Computation (in millions) 2016 2015 2014 Net income $ 42.8 $ 44.1 $ 38.0 Denominator for basic earnings per share — weighted average shares 21.4 22.7 23.3 Dilutive employee stock options 0.2 0.4 0.5 Denominator for diluted earnings per share 21.6 23.1 23.8 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 anti-dilutive options was 0.1 million in 2016 and 2015 and was not significant for the fiscal year 2014 .

Segment Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
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) 2016 2015 2014 Revenues Franchise operations $ 160.6 $ 149.5 $ 138.4 Company-operated restaurants 108.3 109.5 97.2 $ 268.9 $ 259.0 $ 235.6 Operating profit Franchise operations $ 73.2 $ 67.6 $ 62.2 Company-operated restaurants 15.5 16.4 12.5 88.7 84.0 74.7 Less unallocated expenses Depreciation and amortization 10.1 9.7 8.7 Other expenses (income), net 4.1 — 1.2 Operating profit 74.5 74.3 64.8 Interest expense, net 4.6 3.7 3.0 Income before income taxes $ 69.9 $ 70.6 $ 61.8 Capital expenditures Franchise operations $ 2.1 $ 1.1 $ 5.3 Company-operated restaurants 8.3 11.7 22.5 $ 10.4 $ 12.8 $ 27.8 Goodwill — year end Franchise operations $ 8.9 $ 8.9 $ 8.9 Company-operated restaurants 2.1 2.2 2.2 $ 11.0 $ 11.1 $ 11.1 Total assets — year end Franchise operations $ 215.1 $ 198.1 $ 195.7 Company-operated restaurants 47.1 68.6 64.6 $ 262.2 $ 266.7 $ 260.3

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaud

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (in millions, except per share data) 2016 Results of Operations First Second Third Fourth Total revenues $ 82.2 $ 61.7 $ 64.0 $ 61.0 Operating profit 22.1 17.5 17.7 17.2 Net income 12.9 10.3 10.4 9.2 Basic earnings per common share 0.58 0.48 0.50 0.45 Diluted earnings per common share 0.58 0.47 0.49 0.44 (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 (a) The Company’s first quarters for 2016 and 2015 contained sixteen weeks. The remaining quarters of 2016 and 2015 were twelve weeks. (b) The Company opened no Company-operated restaurants during the fourth quarter 2016 compared to two during the same period last year. Total sales of the two Company-operated restaurants were $0.6 million for the fourth quarter 2015 . (c) The Company refranchised 17 Company-operated restaurants during the fourth quarter 2016 . The impact of this transaction was $2.2 million decrease in sales compared to 2015 . (d) In the fourth quarter 2016, the Company recorded a $0.5 million out of period adjustment related to deferred tax expense. see Note 18 for further discussion.

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Event	Subsequent Event First Amendment to the 2016 Revolving Credit Facility. On February 15, 2017, the Company increased the aggregate revolving loan commitments under the credit facility to $400 million . With the $150 million expansion, availability for short-term borrowing and letters of credit under the amended and restated credit facility is $244.4 million . There were no changes to any other key terms of the credit facility. Merger Agreement with RBI. On February 21, 2017, the Company entered into a definitive Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with Restaurant Brands International Inc. (“RBI”). Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, an affiliate of RBI will commence a cash tender offer (the “Offer”) to purchase all of the outstanding shares of our common stock for $79.00 per share in cash. Following the completion of the Offer, the Company will cease to be a publicly traded company. The completion of the acquisition, which we expect will occur in early April 2017, is subject to customary conditions.

Summary of Significant Accoun30

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
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 2016 , 2015 and 2014 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 2016 and 2015.
Accounts Receivable, Net	Accounts receivable consist primarily of amounts due from franchisees related to royalties, 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 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , depreciation expense was approximately $9.6 million , $9.2 million , and $8.2 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. No significant interest was incurred for such purposes in 2016 , 2015 and 2014 . The Company evaluates property and equipment for impairment 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. Estimates of future cash flows are highly subjective judgments and can be significantly impacted by changes in the business or economic conditions. The discount rate used in the fair value calculations is our estimate of the required rate of return that a third party would expect to receive when purchasing a similar restaurant and the related long-lived assets. The Company recorded $3.7 million in asset impairments as a component of "Other expenses (income), net" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations during the third quarter of 2016. No impairments were recorded in 2015 or 2014. See Note 5 for further discussion.
Goodwill, Trademarks, and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill, Trademarks, and Other 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. See Note 6 for further disclosure. 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 for impairment on an annual basis as of the first day of the fourth quarter or more frequently when circumstances arise indicating that goodwill may be impaired using a two-step process. The first step of the impairment evaluation 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. The Company uses a discounted cash flow methodology to estimate the fair value of its reporting units. The operating assumptions used to estimate future cash flows are 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. The discount rate used in estimating the fair value of the reporting units is our estimate of a market participant’s required rate of return. If a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, goodwill is impaired down to its implied fair value determined in the same manner as a business combination. During 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , there was no impairment of goodwill identified during the Company’s annual impairment testing. The Company-operated restaurants segment has goodwill of $2.1 million as of the end of 2016 . While the operating assumptions used to estimate the segment’s fair value reflect what the Company believes are reasonable and achievable growth rates, failure to realize these growth rates could result in future impairment of the recorded goodwill. If the Company believes the risks inherent in the business increase, the resulting change in the assumed discount rate could also result in future goodwill impairment. During 2016, the Company included $0.1 million of goodwill in the carrying value of the 17 restaurants in Indianapolis, Indiana in the determination of the loss on the refranchising of the restaurants. See Note 16 for further details. The Company evaluates trademarks, recipes and formulas, and other indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually during the fourth quarter or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the asset may be impaired. When evaluating an indefinite-lived asset for impairment, the Company compares the estimated fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset to its carrying value. If the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value of the asset, the asset is impaired down to its estimated fair value. The Company uses a relief from royalty methodology to estimate the fair value of its indefinite-lived intangible assets. During 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , there was no indicated impairment of indefinite-lived intangible assets as a result of the Company’s annual impairment testing. The estimated fair values of our indefinite-lived intangible assets were substantially in excess of their carrying values as of the 2016 evaluation date.
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. Debt issuance costs are classified as "Other long-term assets, net" on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Company adopted the FASB's updated guidance on debt issuance costs beginning in 2016. The Company classified its debt issuance costs as a direct reduction of the carrying amount of our revolving credit facility during the interim periods in 2016. During the fourth quarter of 2016, we changed our accounting policy to present such costs as an asset regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings on the revolving credit arrangement consistent with prior year's classification. This change did not have a material impact on our financial results. Unamortized debt issuance costs were $1.4 million and $0.7 million as of December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015 , respectfully. In the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations, the amortization of debt issuance costs, 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 Sheets. 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 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 , $1.4 million , and $1.1 million in 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , 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 Refranchising. From time to time, the Company engages in refranchising 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 carried a valuation allowance on deferred tax assets of $8.7 million at December 25, 2016 and $7.8 million at December 27, 2015 , based on the view that it is more likely than not that the Company will not be able to realize tax benefits associated with certain state operating loss carryforwards which continue to expire, certain state indefinite-lived intangible assets, and other deferred tax assets. 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) are 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 only service conditions are 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 option pricing models require various highly subjective and judgmental assumptions including risk-free interest rates, expected volatility of our stock price, expected forfeiture rates, expected dividend yield and expected term. If any of the assumptions used in the models change significantly, share-based compensation expense may differ materially in the future from that recorded in the current period. The specific weighted average assumptions used to estimate the fair value of stock-based employee compensation are set forth in Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K. 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. This guidance was effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015 which was our fiscal 2016. The Company already applied the standards proscribed in this guidance so it had impact to its consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
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 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. On February 15, 2017, the Company increased the revolving loan commitments under its 2016 revolving credit facility to $400 million . See Note 22 for further discussion.

Summary of Significant Accoun31

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	(in millions) 2016 2015 2014 Interest paid $ 3.8 $ 3.0 $ 1.8 Accrued purchase of property and equipment 2.2 1.7 3.0 Property acquisition financed by promissory note 1.0 — — Income taxes paid, net 21.2 13.6 14.9
Changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts	During 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts were as follows: (in millions) 2016 2015 2014 Balance, beginning of year $ 0.1 $ 0.1 $ 0.1 Provisions for credit (recoveries) losses 0.1 0.1 — Write-offs — (0.1 ) — Balance, end of year $ 0.2 $ 0.1 $ 0.1
Schedule of Franchise Revenue	(in millions) 2016 2015 2014 Franchise royalties $ 149.0 $ 138.7 $ 125.1 Franchise fees 5.8 5.3 6.2 Franchise royalties and fees $ 154.8 $ 144.0 $ 131.3

Other Current Assets (Tables)

Other Current Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of other current assets	(in millions) 2016 2015 Prepaid income taxes $ — $ 3.6 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 4.9 4.9 Total $ 4.9 $ 8.5

Property and Equipment, Net (Ta

Property and Equipment, Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Summary of Property and Equipment, Net	(in millions) 2016 2015 Land $ 20.9 $ 19.3 Buildings and improvements 86.0 82.4 Equipment 43.6 42.3 Properties held for sale and other — 0.1 150.5 144.1 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (54.9 ) (46.4 ) Total $ 95.6 $ 97.7

Trademarks and Other Intangib34

Trademarks and Other Intangible Assets, Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Trademarks and other intangible assets, net	(in millions) 2016 2015 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 (5.8 ) (5.3 ) 1.3 1.8 Total $ 93.7 $ 94.2

Other Current Liabilities (Tabl

Other Current Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of other current liabilities	(in millions) 2016 2015 Accrued wages, bonuses and severances $ 6.6 $ 8.7 Accrued income taxes payable 1.4 — Other 5.0 4.4 Total $ 13.0 $ 13.1

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
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 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015 : Quoted Prices in Active Significant Other Significant Carrying December 25, 2016 Financial Assets Cash equivalents $ 11.8 $ — $ — $ 11.8 Total assets at fair value $ 11.8 $ — $ — $ 11.8 Financial Liabilities Long term debt and other borrowings $ — $ 166.9 $ — $ 159.8 Interest Rate Swap Agreement — 0.2 — 0.2 Total liabilities at fair value $ — $ 167.1 $ — $ 160.0 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

Long-Term Debt and Other Borr37

Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowings (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Long-term Debt, Other Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments	(in millions) 2016 2015 2013 Revolving Credit Facility $ — $ 109.0 2016 Revolving Credit Facility 155.5 — Capital lease obligations 2.2 2.2 Promissory note 1.0 — Other notes 1.1 1.4 159.8 112.6 Less current portion (0.5 ) (0.3 ) Long-term debt $ 159.3 $ 112.3
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	At December 25, 2016 , aggregate future debt maturities, excluding capital lease obligations, were as follows: (in millions) 2017 $ 0.5 2018 0.6 2019 0.6 2020 0.2 2021 155.7 $ 157.6
Effect of derivative instruments on statement of operations	The Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Statement of Operations Amount of Gain/(Loss) recognized into AOCI Amount of Loss Reclassified from AOCI to (In millions) 2016 2015 2014 2016 2015 2014 Interest rate swap $ 0.1 $ (0.1 ) $ 0.5 Interest expense, net $ 0.6 $ 1.0 $ 0.8

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Leases [Abstract]
Future minimum payments under capital and non-cancelable operating leases	At December 25, 2016 , future minimum payments under capital and non-cancelable operating leases were as follows: (in millions) Capital Operating 2017 $ 0.2 $ 8.1 2018 0.2 7.7 2019 0.2 7.5 2020 0.3 7.3 2021 0.3 7.1 Thereafter 4.2 108.5 Future minimum lease payments 5.4 146.2 Less amounts representing interest 3.2 — Total $ 2.2 $ 146.2

Deferred Credits and Other Lo39

Deferred Credits and Other Long-Term Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Deferred Credits and Other Long-Term Liabilities [Abstract]
Deferred Credits and Other Long-Term Liabilities	(in millions) 2016 2015 Deferred franchise revenues $ 8.1 $ 5.4 Deferred rentals 8.3 8.1 Deferred income tax liability 18.4 20.5 Other long-term liabilities 4.6 5.3 Total $ 39.4 $ 39.3

Stock Option Plans (Tables)

Stock Option Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
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 25, 2016 . (shares in thousands) Shares Weighted Weighted Aggregate Stock options: Outstanding at beginning of year 293 $ 34.06 Granted options 87 52.93 Exercised options (29 ) 16.97 Outstanding at end of year 351 $ 40.11 4.2 $ 7.6 Exercisable at end of year 198 $ 30.01 3.1 $ 6.2
Summary of fair value of stock-based compensation	The following weighted average assumptions were used for the grants: 2016 2015 2014 Risk-free interest rate 1.2 % 1.4 % 1.8 % Expected dividend yield — % — % — % Expected term (in years) 4.5 4.5 4.5 Expected volatility 47.2 % 48.8 % 50.6 %
Summary of non-vested stock option activity	The following table summarizes the non-vested stock option activity for the 52 week period ended December 25, 2016 : (shares in thousands) Shares Weighted Unvested stock options outstanding at beginning of period 129 $ 21.49 Granted 87 21.18 Vested (62 ) 19.32 Unvested stock options outstanding at end of period 154 $ 22.21
Summary of the restricted share awards activity	The following table summarizes the performance based stock awards activity for the 52 week period ended December 25, 2016 : (share awards in thousands) Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Unvested performance based stock awards: Outstanding beginning of year 156 $ 47.11 Granted 109 $ 47.10 Vested (87 ) $ 36.34 Outstanding end of year 178 $ 52.44 The following table summarizes the restricted stock awards activity for the 52 week period ended December 25, 2016 : (share awards in thousands) Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Unvested restricted stock awards: Outstanding beginning of year 58 $ 55.60 Vested (15 ) $ 52.13 Canceled (2 ) $ 52.83 Outstanding end of year 41 $ 57.02
Summary of restricted share unit activity	The following table summarizes the restricted share unit activity for the 52 week period ended December 25, 2016 : (share awards in thousands) Units Weighted Unvested restricted stock units: Granted 72 54.59 Cancelled (1 ) 52.91 Outstanding end of year 71 54.62 The following table summarizes the restricted share unit activity for the 52 week period ended December 25, 2016 . (share awards in thousands) Units Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Unvested restricted stock units: Outstanding beginning of year 110 $ 21.97 Granted 18 52.13 Vested (3 ) 56.92 Outstanding end of year 125 $ 25.30

Other Expenses (Income), Net (T

Other Expenses (Income), Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Other Expenses (Income), Net	(in millions) 2016 2015 2014 Net (gain) loss on sale and disposal of assets $ 0.4 $ (0.1 ) $ (0.8 ) Asset impairments 3.7 — — Executive transition expenses — 0.5 2.0 Recoveries under Settlement Program — (0.4 ) — Total $ 4.1 $ — $ 1.2

Interest Expense, Net (Tables)

Interest Expense, Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Banking and Thrift, Interest [Abstract]
Interest Expense, Net	(in millions) 2016 2015 2014 Interest on debt $ 3.1 $ 2.0 $ 1.6 Reclassification adjustment for derivative losses 0.6 1.0 0.8 Amortization and write-offs of debt issuance costs 0.4 0.2 0.2 Other debt related charges, net 0.5 0.5 0.4 Total $ 4.6 $ 3.7 $ 3.0

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Total income taxes	Total income taxes for fiscal years 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , were allocated as follows: (in millions) 2016 2015 2014 Income taxes in the statements of operations, net $ 27.1 $ 26.5 $ 23.8 Income taxes charged (credited) to statements of shareholders’ equity: Compensation expense for tax purposes in excess of amounts recognized for financial reporting purposes (1.0 ) (7.6 ) (2.6 ) Other comprehensive income 0.1 (0.1 ) 0.3 Total $ 26.2 $ 18.8 $ 21.5
Total U.S. and foreign income before income taxes	Total U.S. and foreign income before income taxes for fiscal years 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , were as follows: (in millions) 2016 2015 2014 United States $ 61.3 $ 63.7 $ 54.7 Foreign 8.6 6.9 7.1 Total $ 69.9 $ 70.6 $ 61.8
The components of income tax expense	The components of income tax expense were as follows: (in millions) 2016 2015 2014 Current income tax expense: Federal $ 23.8 $ 18.1 $ 17.4 Foreign 2.2 1.9 1.6 State 3.4 2.3 2.4 29.4 22.3 21.4 Deferred income tax expense: Federal (2.4 ) 3.9 1.7 State 0.1 0.3 0.7 (2.3 ) 4.2 2.4 Total $ 27.1 $ 26.5 $ 23.8
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: 2016 2015 2014 Federal income tax rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % State taxes, net of federal benefit 2.8 % 2.9 % 2.3 % Valuation allowance 1.0 % (0.1 )% 1.3 % Provision to return adjustments (0.1 )% 0.1 % 0.4 % Adjustments to estimated tax reserves — % — % (0.1 )% Other items, net 0.1 % (0.4 )% (0.4 )% Effective income tax rate 38.8 % 37.5 % 38.5 %
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) 2016 2015 Deferred tax assets: Deferred franchise fee revenue $ 1.8 $ 1.2 State net operating loss carry forwards 8.0 7.8 Deferred rentals 4.2 4.2 Deferred compensation 6.0 4.3 Allowance for doubtful accounts 0.1 0.1 Other accruals 0.5 0.7 Reorganization costs 2.4 2.4 Total gross deferred tax assets 23.0 20.7 Deferred tax liabilities: Franchise value and trademarks (23.2 ) (21.8 ) Property and equipment (8.5 ) (10.4 ) Prepaid expenses and other current assets (1.0 ) (1.2 ) Total gross deferred liabilities (32.7 ) (33.4 ) Valuation allowance (8.7 ) (7.8 ) Net deferred tax liability $ (18.4 ) $ (20.5 )
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 25, 2016 is as follows: (in millions) 2016 2015 2014 Balance, beginning of year $ 1.3 $ 1.3 $ 1.4 Additions related to current year — — — Reductions related to prior years (0.1 ) — (0.1 ) Reductions due to statute expiration — — — Balance, end of year $ 1.2 $ 1.3 $ 1.3

Components of Earnings Per Comm

Components of Earnings Per Common Share Computation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Summary of computation of earnings per share	(in millions) 2016 2015 2014 Net income $ 42.8 $ 44.1 $ 38.0 Denominator for basic earnings per share — weighted average shares 21.4 22.7 23.3 Dilutive employee stock options 0.2 0.4 0.5 Denominator for diluted earnings per share 21.6 23.1 23.8

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Summary of 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) 2016 2015 2014 Revenues Franchise operations $ 160.6 $ 149.5 $ 138.4 Company-operated restaurants 108.3 109.5 97.2 $ 268.9 $ 259.0 $ 235.6 Operating profit Franchise operations $ 73.2 $ 67.6 $ 62.2 Company-operated restaurants 15.5 16.4 12.5 88.7 84.0 74.7 Less unallocated expenses Depreciation and amortization 10.1 9.7 8.7 Other expenses (income), net 4.1 — 1.2 Operating profit 74.5 74.3 64.8 Interest expense, net 4.6 3.7 3.0 Income before income taxes $ 69.9 $ 70.6 $ 61.8 Capital expenditures Franchise operations $ 2.1 $ 1.1 $ 5.3 Company-operated restaurants 8.3 11.7 22.5 $ 10.4 $ 12.8 $ 27.8 Goodwill — year end Franchise operations $ 8.9 $ 8.9 $ 8.9 Company-operated restaurants 2.1 2.2 2.2 $ 11.0 $ 11.1 $ 11.1 Total assets — year end Franchise operations $ 215.1 $ 198.1 $ 195.7 Company-operated restaurants 47.1 68.6 64.6 $ 262.2 $ 266.7 $ 260.3

Quarterly Financial Data (Una46

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of quarterly financial data	(in millions, except per share data) 2016 Results of Operations First Second Third Fourth Total revenues $ 82.2 $ 61.7 $ 64.0 $ 61.0 Operating profit 22.1 17.5 17.7 17.2 Net income 12.9 10.3 10.4 9.2 Basic earnings per common share 0.58 0.48 0.50 0.45 Diluted earnings per common share 0.58 0.47 0.49 0.44 (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 (a) The Company’s first quarters for 2016 and 2015 contained sixteen weeks. The remaining quarters of 2016 and 2015 were twelve weeks. (b) The Company opened no Company-operated restaurants during the fourth quarter 2016 compared to two during the same period last year. Total sales of the two Company-operated restaurants were $0.6 million for the fourth quarter 2015 . (c) The Company refranchised 17 Company-operated restaurants during the fourth quarter 2016 . The impact of this transaction was $2.2 million decrease in sales compared to 2015 . (d) In the fourth quarter 2016, the Company recorded a $0.5 million out of period adjustment related to deferred tax expense. see Note 18 for further discussion.

Description of Business (Detail

Description of Business (Details)	Dec. 25, 2016CountryStateTerritory
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	25

Summary of Significant Accoun48

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Interest paid	$ 3.8	$ 3	$ 1.8
Effect on Future Cash Flows, Amount	2.2	1.7	3
Notes Payable	1	0	0
Income taxes paid, net	$ 21.2	$ 13.6	$ 14.9

Summary of Significant Accoun49

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts
Balance, beginning of year	$ 0.1	$ 0.1	$ 0.1
Provision for credit (recoveries) losses	0.1	0.1	0
Write-offs	0	(0.1)	0
Balance, end of year	$ 0.2	$ 0.1	$ 0.1

Summary of Significant Accoun50

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Franchise Royalties	$ 149	$ 138.7	$ 125.1
Initial Franchise Fees	5.8	5.3	6.2
Franchise Revenue	$ 154.8	$ 144	$ 131.3

Summary of Significant Accoun51

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 27, 2015USD ($)restaurant	Dec. 28, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 25, 2016restaurant	Jan. 22, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 29, 2013USD ($)	Dec. 18, 2013USD ($)
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, net current	$ 9,300,000	$ 9,000,000
Notes receivable	400,000	500,000
Notes receivable, current	100,000	100,000
Allowance for notes receivable	0	100,000
Inventories	800,000	900,000
Depreciation expense	9,600,000	9,200,000	$ 8,200,000
Interest costs capitalized	$ 0	0	0
Restaurant potential impairment evaluation period of operating losses	2 years
Number of Franchised Property	17
Asset Impairment Charges	$ 3,700,000	0	0
Impairment of goodwill or trademarks		0	0
Goodwill	11,000,000	$ 11,100,000	11,100,000
Goodwill, Other Increase (Decrease)	100,000
Number of Restaurants		2		17	0
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)	92,400,000	$ 92,400,000
Debt Issuance Costs, Line of Credit Arrangements, Net	$ 1,400,000	700,000
Royalty fees as a percentage of net restaurant sales	5.00%
Cash consideration from vendors	$ 1,400,000	1,400,000	1,100,000
Proceeds from sale of company store	0	0	0
Deferred gain on sale of property	100,000	300,000	200,000
Deferred Gain On Unit Conversion	400,000
Research and development costs	2,200,000	2,300,000	2,300,000
Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Unrealized		100,000	100,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	8,700,000	7,800,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	1,200,000	1,300,000	1,300,000				$ 1,400,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate	100,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued	100,000
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net	18,400,000	20,500,000
Tax Adjustments, Settlements, and Unusual Provisions			500,000
Interest Expense, Trading Liabilities	(600,000)	(1,000,000)	(800,000)
Stock-based compensation expense	6,800,000	6,700,000	5,300,000
Stock-based compensation net of tax	$ 4,200,000	4,200,000	3,300,000
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]
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges	$ 800,000
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
Building and Building Improvements [Member]
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges	$ 2,900,000
General and Administrative Expense [Member]
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Advertising expense	4,600,000	5,400,000	3,900,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | 2013 Credit Facility [Member]
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity						$ 135,000,000		$ 125,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | 2013 Credit Facility [Member] | Interest Expense [Member]
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Write-off of deferred debt issuance cost	100,000
Deferred Credits and Other Long-Term Liabilities [Member] | Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncement [Member]
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net		800,000
Goodwill [Member]
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of Restaurants				17	17
Company Operated Restaurants [Member]
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges	2,600,000
Goodwill	2,100,000	2,200,000	2,200,000
Franchise Operations [Member]
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges	1,100,000
Goodwill	$ 8,900,000	8,900,000	$ 8,900,000
Scenario, Adjustment [Member]
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Interest Expense, Trading Liabilities		$ (800,000)

Other Current Assets (Details)

Other Current Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015
Summary of other current assets
Prepaid income taxes	$ 0	$ 3.6
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	4.9	4.9
Other current assets	$ 4.9	$ 8.5

Property and Equipment, Net (De

Property and Equipment, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015
Summary of property and equipment, net
Property and equipment, gross	$ 150.5	$ 144.1
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(54.9)	(46.4)
Property and equipment, net	95.6	97.7
Land [Member]
Summary of property and equipment, net
Property and equipment, gross	20.9	19.3
Buildings and improvements [Member]
Summary of property and equipment, net
Property and equipment, gross	86	82.4
Equipment [Member]
Summary of property and equipment, net
Property and equipment, gross	43.6	42.3
Properties held for sale and other [Member]
Summary of property and equipment, net
Property and equipment, gross	$ 0	$ 0.1

Property and Equipment Net (Det

Property and Equipment Net (Details Textual) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 27, 2015USD ($)restaurant	Dec. 28, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 25, 2016restaurant
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, net	$ 95.6	$ 97.7
Accumulated depreciation	54.9	$ 46.4
Number of Restaurants		2		17	0
Asset Impairment Charges	3.7	$ 0	$ 0
Assets Held under Capital Leases [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, net	1.8	1.8
Accumulated depreciation	0.4	$ 0.3
Building and Building Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges	2.9
Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges	0.8
Company Operated Restaurants [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges	2.6
Franchise Operations [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges	$ 1.1

Trademarks and Other Intangib55

Trademarks and Other Intangible Assets, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 16, 2014	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015
Indefinite lived intangible assets:
Non-amortizable intangible assets		$ 92.4	$ 92.4
Amortizable intangible assets:
Accumulated amortization		(5.8)	(5.3)
Amortizable intangible assets		1.3	1.8
Trademarks and other intangible assets		93.7	94.2
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 Intangib56

Trademarks and Other Intangible Assets, Net (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Trademarks and Other Intangible Assets, Net (Textual) [Abstract]
Amortization expense	$ 0.5	$ 0.5	$ 0.5
2,017	0.5
2,018	0.4
2,019	0.2
2,020	$ 0.2
Weighted average amortization period	4 years

Other Current Liabilities (Deta

Other Current Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015
Summary of other current liabilities
Accrued wages, bonuses and severances	$ 6.6	$ 8.7
Accrued income taxes payable	1.4	0
Other	5	4.4
Other Current Liabilities	$ 13	$ 13.1

Fair Value Measurements (Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015
Financial Assets
Cash equivalents	$ 11.8	$ 9.6
Restricted cash (advertising cooperative assets)		4.3
Total assets at fair value	11.8	13.9
Financial Liabilities
Long term debt and other borrowings	159.8	112.6
Interest Rate Swap Agreement	0.2	0.4
Total liabilities at fair value	160	113
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Asset or Liability (Level 1) [Member]
Financial Assets
Cash equivalents	11.8	9.6
Restricted cash (advertising cooperative assets)		4.3
Total assets at fair value	11.8	13.9
Financial Liabilities
Long term debt and other borrowings	0	0
Interest Rate Swap Agreement	0	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
Total assets at fair value	0	0
Financial Liabilities
Long term debt and other borrowings	166.9	115.5
Interest Rate Swap Agreement	0.2	0.4
Total liabilities at fair value	167.1	115.9
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Financial Assets
Cash equivalents	0	0
Restricted cash (advertising cooperative assets)		0
Total assets at fair value	0	0
Financial Liabilities
Long term debt and other borrowings	0	0
Interest Rate Swap Agreement	0	0
Total liabilities at fair value	$ 0	$ 0

Long-Term Debt and Other Borr59

Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowings (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Capital lease obligations	$ 2.2	$ 2.2
Notes Payable	1	0	$ 0
Other notes	1.1	1.4
Total long-term debt	159.8	112.6
Less current portion	(0.5)	(0.3)
Long-term debt	159.3	112.3
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | 2013 Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility	0	109
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | 2016 Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility	$ 155.5	$ 0

Long-Term Debt and Other Borr60

Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowings (Details 1) $ in Millions	Dec. 25, 2016USD ($)
Summary of aggregate future debt maturities, excluding capital lease obligations
2,017	$ 0.5
2,018	0.6
2,019	0.6
2,020	0.2
2,021	155.7
Total long-term debt	$ 157.6

Long-Term Debt and Other Borr61

Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowings (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Interest expense [Member]
Effect of derivative instruments on statement of operations
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI to Income	$ 0.6	$ 1	$ 0.8
Interest rate swap agreements [Member]
Effect of derivative instruments on statement of operations
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized into AOCI	$ 0.1	$ (0.1)	$ 0.5

Long-Term Debt and Other Borr62

Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowings (Details Textual)	Feb. 12, 2016	Jan. 22, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 15, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 25, 2016USD ($)	Feb. 15, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 27, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 28, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 18, 2013USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable				$ 1,000,000		$ 0	$ 0
Note payable, maximum period	5 years
Debt Instrument, Annual Principal Payment				$ 200,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage				1.75%
2013 Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Terms, Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio, Threshold to Repurchase Shares				3.50
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%
2016 Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Terms, Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio		4
Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Terms, Consolidated Minimum Fixed Charge Ratio		1.25
Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Terms, Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio, Threshold to Repurchase Shares		3.5
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]
Line of Credit Facility Maximum Period		5 years
Debt term				5 years
Maximum borrowing capacity		$ 135,000,000						$ 125,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | 2013 Credit Facility [Member] | Interest Expense [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Expense associated with extinguishment of debt				$ 100,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | 2016 Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility Maximum Period		5 years
Maximum borrowing capacity		$ 250,000,000
Weighted average interest rate				2.40%
Other Short-term Borrowings		10,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity				$ 94,400,000
Letter of Credit [Member] | 2016 Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Other Short-term Borrowings		$ 20,000,000		$ 100,000
Interest rate swap agreements [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]
Maximum borrowing capacity					$ 400,000,000
Additional borrowing capacity available					150,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity					$ 244,400,000

Leases (Details)

Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015
Capital Leases
2,017	$ 0.2
2,018	0.2
2,019	0.2
2,020	0.3
2,021	0.3
Thereafter	4.2
Future minimum lease payments	5.4
Less amounts representing interest	3.2	$ 0
Capital Leases Total	2.2
Operating Leases
2,017	8.1
2,018	7.7
2,019	7.5
2,020	7.3
2,021	7.1
Thereafter	108.5
Future minimum lease payments/Total Operating Leases	$ 146.2

Leases (Details Textual)

Leases (Details Textual)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016USD ($)Property	Dec. 27, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 28, 2014USD ($)
Leases (Textual) [Abstract]
Rental expense	$ 8,100,000	$ 7,900,000	$ 7,100,000
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	60,400,000
Aggregate net book value of leased properties	48,700,000
Rental income from leases and subleases	5,800,000	$ 5,500,000	7,100,000
Operating Leases, Income Statement, Contingent Revenue	3,100,000	$ 3,200,000	$ 3,700,000
2,017	3,900,000
2,018	3,500,000
2,019	3,400,000
2,020	3,300,000
2,021	2,700,000
Thereafter	$ 3,400,000
Company Operated Restaurants [Member]
Leases (Textual) [Abstract]
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Number of Units | Property	42
Subleased [Member]
Leases (Textual) [Abstract]
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Number of Units | Property	50
Leased [Member]
Leases (Textual) [Abstract]
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Number of Units | Property	32

Deferred Credits and Other Lo65

Deferred Credits and Other Long-Term Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015
Deferred Credits and Other Long-Term Liabilities
Deferred franchise revenues	$ 8.1	$ 5.4
Deferred rentals	8.3	8.1
Deferred income tax liability	18.4	20.5
Other long-term liabilities	4.6	5.3
Deferred Credits and Other Long-Term Liabilities	$ 39.4	$ 39.3

Common Stock (Details)

Common Stock (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016USD ($)quartershares	Dec. 27, 2015USD ($)shares	Dec. 28, 2014USD ($)shares
Common Stock (Textual) [Abstract]
Amount of share repurchase program	$ 200,000,000
No. of common stock repurchased and retired | shares	1,815,574	1,084,478	891,931
Repurchases and retirement of shares	$ 100,000,000	$ 62,000,000	$ 40,000,000
Remaining value of shares repurchased	$ 93,000,000
Number of immediately preceding fiscal quarters used in calculation of Total Leverage Ratio | quarter	4
Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio	1.7
Dividends	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
2013 Credit Facility [Member]
Common Stock (Textual) [Abstract]
Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Terms, Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio, Threshold to Repurchase Shares	3.50

Stock Option Plans (Details)

Stock Option Plans (Details) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Summary of Stock Option Plan Activity
Stock options outstanding, beginning balance, shares | shares	293
Stock options granted, shares | shares	87
Stock options exercised, shares | shares	(29)
Stock options outstanding, ending balance, shares | shares	351
Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Stock options outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning Balance (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 34.06
Stock options granted, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	52.93
Stock options exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	16.97
Stock options outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Ending Balance (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 40.11
Stock options exercisable, shares | shares	198
Stock options exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 30.01
Stock options outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	4 years 2 months 12 days
Stock options exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	3 years 1 month 6 days
Stock options outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value | $	$ 7.6
Stock options exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value | $	$ 6.2
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. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Summary of fair value of stock-based compensation
Risk-free interest rate	1.20%	1.40%	1.80%
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	47.20%	48.80%	50.60%

Stock Option Plans (Details 2)

Stock Option Plans (Details 2) shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016$ / sharesshares
Summarizes the non-vested stock option activity
Stock options outstanding, beginning balance, shares	293
Unvested stock options outstanding, Granted, shares	87
Stock options outstanding, ending balance, shares	351
Non vested options [Member]
Summarizes the non-vested stock option activity
Stock options outstanding, beginning balance, shares	129
Unvested stock options outstanding, Granted, shares	87
Unvested stock options outstanding, Vested, shares	(62)
Stock options outstanding, ending balance, shares	154
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	$ 21.49
Unvested stock options, Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	21.18
Unvested stock options, Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	19.32
Unvested stock options, outstanding, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value at ending of period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 22.21

Stock Option Plans (Details 3)

Stock Option Plans (Details 3) - $ / shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
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 performance based stock awards activity for the 52 week period ended December 25, 2016 : (share awards in thousands) Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Unvested performance based stock awards: Outstanding beginning of year 156 $ 47.11 Granted 109 $ 47.10 Vested (87 ) $ 36.34 Outstanding end of year 178 $ 52.44 The following table summarizes the restricted stock awards activity for the 52 week period ended December 25, 2016 : (share awards in thousands) Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Unvested restricted stock awards: Outstanding beginning of year 58 $ 55.60 Vested (15 ) $ 52.13 Canceled (2 ) $ 52.83 Outstanding end of year 41 $ 57.02
RSA [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]
Summary of the restricted share awards activity
Outstanding beginning of year	58
Vested	(15)
Canceled	(2)
Outstanding end of year	41	58
Restricted share awards, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding beginning of year	$ 55.60
Granted		$ 59.62	$ 40.57
Vested	52.13
Canceled	52.83
Outstanding end of year	$ 57.02	$ 55.60
New LTIP [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]
Summary of the restricted share awards activity
Outstanding beginning of year	156
Granted	109
Vested	(87)
Outstanding end of year	178	156
Restricted share awards, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding beginning of year	$ 47.11
Granted	47.10	$ 32.58	$ 42.92
Vested	36.34
Outstanding end of year	$ 52.44	$ 47.11

Stock Option Plans (Details 4)

Stock Option Plans (Details 4) - Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] - $ / shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Summary of restricted share unit activity
Outstanding beginning of year	110
Granted	18
Vested	(3)
Outstanding end of year	125	110
Restricted share units, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding beginning of year	$ 21.97
Granted	52.13	$ 56.95	$ 37.20
Vested	56.92	15.92	$ 13.56
Outstanding end of year	$ 25.30	$ 21.97

Stock Option Plans Stock Option

Stock Option Plans Stock Option Plans (Details 5) - Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] - $ / shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Summary of restricted share unit activity employee [Abstract]
Granted	18
Outstanding end of year	125	110
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Granted	$ 52.13	$ 56.95	$ 37.20
Outstanding end of year	$ 25.30	$ 21.97
RSU Employee [Domain]
Summary of restricted share unit activity employee [Abstract]
Granted	72
Canceled	(1)
Outstanding end of year	71
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Granted	$ 54.59
Canceled	52.91
Outstanding end of year	$ 54.62

Stock Option Plans (Details Tex

Stock Option Plans (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation costs related to unvested stock options	$ 1.4
Stock Option Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Total fair value at grant date of stock options	1.2	$ 0.9	$ 0.9
Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised	$ 1.1	9	6.4
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	$ 1.4	$ 1.1
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)	$ 21.18	$ 24.65	$ 17.93
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	2,000
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	$ 36.34
Weighted average period of recognition	2 years 2 months 12 days
Stock-based compensation expense associated with restricted share awards	$ 2.3	$ 3.3	$ 2.8
Vested	87
Granted	$ 47.10	$ 32.58	$ 42.92
Outstanding restricted share awards earned subject to performance goals	178	156
Unrecognized compensation costs related to other than stock options	$ 4
Total fair value at grant date of restricted stock awards	$ 3.2	$ 3.3	$ 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	$ 52.13
Weighted average period of recognition	1 year 2 months 12 days
Stock-based compensation expense associated with restricted share awards	$ 1	$ 1.3	$ 0.4
Vested	15
Granted		$ 59.62	$ 40.57
Outstanding restricted share awards earned subject to performance goals	41	58
Unrecognized compensation costs related to other than stock options	$ 0.9
Total fair value at grant date of restricted stock awards	$ 0.8	$ 0.6	$ 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	$ 56.92	$ 15.92	$ 13.56
Weighted average period of recognition	4 months 24 days
Stock-based compensation expense associated with restricted share awards	$ 0.9	$ 0.7	$ 0.6
Vested	3
Granted	$ 52.13	$ 56.95	$ 37.20
Outstanding restricted share awards earned subject to performance goals	125	110
Unrecognized compensation costs related to other than stock options	$ 0.4
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	1 year
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | RSU Employee [Domain]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average period of recognition	1 year 8 months 12 days
Stock-based compensation expense associated with restricted share awards	$ 1.2
Granted	$ 54.59
Outstanding restricted share awards earned subject to performance goals	71
Unrecognized compensation costs related to other than stock options	$ 2.7
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. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
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	$ 0.7	$ 0.6	$ 0.4

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) $ in Millions	Jun. 16, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 25, 2016USD ($)Franchisee	Dec. 27, 2015USD ($)Franchisee	Dec. 28, 2014USD ($)Franchisee
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract]
Percentage franchise revenue from international operation		10.90%	10.60%	11.50%
Percent of international revenue out of total revenue		6.30%	5.90%	6.40%
Company's accounts receivables under franchise operation		$ 1.5
Percentage of company's domestic franchise revenue out of royalty		12.50%	6.50%	7.20%
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
Business Process Services [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Contractual obligation expense		1.4	$ 1.7	1.8
Contractual Obligation, Due in Next Fiscal Year		$ 1.4
Services agreement expiration date		Apr. 30, 2018
Contractual obligation, due in 12 months		$ 0.4
Information Technology Outsourcing [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Contractual obligation expense		1.7	$ 1.7	$ 1.6
Contractual Obligation, Due in Next Fiscal Year		$ 0.9
Royalty Revenues [Member] | UNITED STATES
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of Significant Franchisees | Franchisee		2	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. 10, 2016	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Proceeds from Legal Settlements	$ 0.4
Other Expenses (Income), Net
Net gain on sale of assets		$ 0.4	$ (0.1)	$ (0.8)
Asset Impairment Charges		3.7	0	0
Other Expenses, Executive Transition Expenses		0	0.5	2
Recoveries under Settlement Program		0	(0.4)	0
Other expenses (income), net		$ 4.1	$ 0	$ 1.2

Other Expenses (Income), Net 77

Other Expenses (Income), Net (Details Textual) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 27, 2015USD ($)Propertyrestaurant	Dec. 28, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 25, 2016restaurant
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of Restaurants	17	2		0
Goodwill, Other Increase (Decrease)	$ 0.1
Asset Impairment Charges	3.7	$ 0	$ 0
Other Expenses, Executive Transition Expenses	0	0.5	2
Net gain on sale of properties to franchisee	(0.4)	0.1	$ 0.8
Franchised Units [Member]
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Deferred gain on sale of property		$ 0.8
Number of properties sold to franchise | Property		4
Franchise Operations [Member]
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges	1.1
Company Operated Restaurants [Member]
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges	$ 2.6
Goodwill [Member]
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of Restaurants	17			17

Interest Expense, Net (Details)

Interest Expense, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Interest Expense, Net
Interest on debt	$ 3.1	$ 2	$ 1.6
Interest Expense, Trading Liabilities	0.6	1	0.8
Amortization and write-offs of debt issuance costs	0.4	0.2	0.2
Other debt related charges, net	0.5	0.5	0.4
Interest expense, net	4.6	3.7	$ 3
Interest expense increase	$ 4.6	$ 0.9

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Total income taxes
Income taxes in the statements of operations, net	$ 27.1	$ 26.5	$ 23.8
Income taxes charged (credited) to statements of shareholders’ equity:
Compensation expense for tax purposes in excess of amounts recognized for financial reporting purposes	1	7.6	2.6
Other comprehensive income	0.1	(0.1)	0.3
Total income taxes, Net	$ 26.2	$ 18.8	$ 21.5

Income Taxes (Details 1)

Income Taxes (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net	$ 18.4	$ 20.5
Total U.S. and foreign income before income taxes
United States	61.3	63.7	$ 54.7
Foreign	8.6	6.9	7.1
Income before income taxes	$ 69.9	$ 70.6	$ 61.8

Income Taxes (Details 2)

Income Taxes (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Current income tax expense:
Federal	$ 23.8	$ 18.1	$ 17.4
Foreign	2.2	1.9	1.6
State	3.4	2.3	2.4
Current income tax expense, Total	29.4	22.3	21.4
Deferred income tax expense:
Federal	(2.4)	3.9	1.7
State	0.1	0.3	0.7
Deferred income tax expense, Total	(2.3)	4.2	2.4
Income tax expense (benefit), Total	$ 27.1	$ 26.5	$ 23.8

Income Taxes (Details 3)

Income Taxes (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net	$ 18.4	$ 20.5
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	2.80%	2.90%	2.30%
Valuation allowance	1.00%	(0.10%)	1.30%
Provision to return adjustments	(0.10%)	0.10%	0.40%
Adjustments to estimated tax reserves	0.00%	0.00%	(0.10%)
Other items, net	0.10%	(0.40%)	(0.40%)
Effective income tax rate	38.80%	37.50%	38.50%

Income Taxes (Details 4)

Income Taxes (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015
Deferred tax assets:
Deferred franchise fee revenue	$ 1.8	$ 1.2
State net operating loss carry forwards	8	7.8
Deferred rentals	4.2	4.2
Deferred compensation	6	4.3
Allowance for doubtful accounts	0.1	0.1
Other accruals	0.5	0.7
Reorganization costs	2.4	2.4
Total gross deferred tax assets	23	20.7
Deferred tax liabilities:
Franchise value and trademarks	(23.2)	(21.8)
Property and equipment	(8.5)	(10.4)
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other	(1)	(1.2)
Total gross deferred liabilities	(32.7)	(33.4)
Valuation allowance	(8.7)	(7.8)
Net deferred tax liability	(18.4)	$ (20.5)
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance, Other [Member]
Valuation Allowance [Line Items]
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease), Amount	$ 0.7

Income Taxes (Details 5)

Income Taxes (Details 5) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Reconciliation of beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits
Balance, beginning of year	$ 1.3	$ 1.3	$ 1.4
Additions related to current year	0	0	0
Reductions related to prior years	(0.1)	0	(0.1)
Reductions due to statute expiration	0	0	0
Balance, end of year	$ 1.2	$ 1.3	$ 1.3

Income Taxes (Details Textual)

Income Taxes (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Effective Income Tax Rate Continuing Operations Tax Rate Reconciliation [Line Items]
Valuation Allowance for Impairment of Recognized Servicing Assets, Sales	$ 0.5
Tax Adjustments, Settlements, and Unusual Provisions			$ 0.5
Income Taxes (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Unrecognized tax benefits	1.2	$ 1.3	$ 1.3	$ 1.4
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 2015
State tax [Member]
Income Taxes (Textual) [Abstract]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	$ 153
Tax years examination	2011 through 2015
Maximum [Member] | U.S. federal tax [Member]
Income Taxes (Textual) [Abstract]
Tax years examination	2,015
Minimum [Member] | U.S. federal tax [Member]
Income Taxes (Textual) [Abstract]
Tax years examination	2,011
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance, Net Operating Loss Carryforward, State and Local [Member]
Income Taxes (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Valuation allowance	$ 8	$ 7.8
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance, Other [Member]
Income Taxes (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Valuation allowance	$ 0.7

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. 25, 2016	Oct. 02, 2016	Jul. 10, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Oct. 04, 2015	Jul. 12, 2015	Apr. 17, 2016	Apr. 19, 2015	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount									0.1	0.1
Summary of computation of diluted earnings per share
Net income	$ 9.2	$ 10.4	$ 10.3	$ 9.6	$ 10.6	$ 10.3	$ 12.9	$ 13.6	$ 42.8	$ 44.1	$ 38
Denominator for basic earnings per share — weighted average shares									21.4	22.7	23.3
Dilutive employee stock options (in shares)									0.2	0.4	0.5
Denominator for diluted earnings per share (in shares)									21.6	23.1	23.8

Segment Information (Details)

Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Revenues:
Total revenues	$ 268.9	$ 259	$ 235.6
Operating profit before unallocated expenses
Operating Profit, Gross	88.7	84	74.7
Less unallocated expenses
Depreciation and amortization	10.1	9.7	8.7
Other expenses (income), net	4.1	0	1.2
Operating profit	74.5	74.3	64.8
Interest expense, net	4.6	3.7	3
Income before income taxes	69.9	70.6	61.8
Capital expenditures
Capital expenditures	10.4	12.8	27.8
Goodwill — year end
Goodwill	11	11.1	11.1
Total assets — year end
Total assets	262.2	266.7	260.3
Franchise operations [Member]
Revenues:
Total revenues	160.6	149.5	138.4
Operating profit before unallocated expenses
Operating Profit, Gross	73.2	67.6	62.2
Capital expenditures
Capital expenditures	2.1	1.1	5.3
Goodwill — year end
Goodwill	8.9	8.9	8.9
Total assets — year end
Total assets	215.1	198.1	195.7
Company-operated restaurants [Member]
Revenues:
Total revenues	108.3	109.5	97.2
Operating profit before unallocated expenses
Operating Profit, Gross	15.5	16.4	12.5
Capital expenditures
Capital expenditures	8.3	11.7	22.5
Goodwill — year end
Goodwill	2.1	2.2	2.2
Total assets — year end
Total assets	$ 47.1	$ 68.6	$ 64.6

Segment Information (Details Te

Segment Information (Details Textual)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016Segment
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. 25, 2016	Oct. 02, 2016	Jul. 10, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Oct. 04, 2015	Jul. 12, 2015	Apr. 17, 2016	Apr. 19, 2015	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Summary of segment information
Total revenues	$ 61	$ 64	$ 61.7	$ 59	$ 61.1	$ 59.4	$ 82.2	$ 79.5
Operating profit	17.2	17.7	17.5	15.8	17.9	17.5	22.1	23.1
Net income	$ 9.2	$ 10.4	$ 10.3	$ 9.6	$ 10.6	$ 10.3	$ 12.9	$ 13.6	$ 42.8	$ 44.1	$ 38
Basic earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.45	$ 0.50	$ 0.48	$ 0.43	$ 0.47	$ 0.45	$ 0.58	$ 0.59	$ 2	$ 1.94	$ 1.63
Diluted earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.44	$ 0.49	$ 0.47	$ 0.42	$ 0.46	$ 0.44	$ 0.58	$ 0.58	$ 1.98	$ 1.91	$ 1.60

Quarterly Financial Data (Una90

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details Textual) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 25, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 27, 2015USD ($)restaurant	Dec. 28, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 25, 2016restaurant
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Number of company-operated restaurant	17	17	2		0
Total sales of company-operated restaurants	$ 0.6	$ 108.3	$ 109.5	$ 97.2
Number of properties leased to a franchisee		17
Increase (decrease) in revenue		$ 2.2
Valuation Allowance for Impairment of Recognized Servicing Assets, Sales		$ 0.5

Subsequent Event (Details)

Subsequent Event (Details)	Jan. 22, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 25, 2016USD ($)	Feb. 21, 2017$ / shares	Feb. 15, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 18, 2013USD ($)
2016 Credit Facility [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Terms, Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio	4
Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Terms, Consolidated Minimum Fixed Charge Ratio	1.25
Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Terms, Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio, Threshold to Repurchase Shares	3.5
2013 Credit Facility [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Terms, Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio, Threshold to Repurchase Shares		3.50
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | 2016 Credit Facility [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 250,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity		$ 94,400,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | 2016 Credit Facility [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity				$ 400,000,000
Additional borrowing capacity available				150,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity				$ 244,400,000
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
Restaurant Brands International Inc [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Merger agreement, share price (in usd per share) | $ / shares			$ 79