Buffalo Wild Wings (BWLD) 10-Q 5 May 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015	Apr. 30, 2015
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	BUFFALO WILD WINGS INC
Document Type	10-Q
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-15
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		18,995,283
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Central Index Key	1062449
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Document Period End Date	29-Mar-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_un

Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) (USD $)	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$92,601	$93,329
Marketable securities	21,017	19,547
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $25	30,393	28,322
Inventory	11,550	11,893
Prepaid expenses	9,817	4,215
Refundable income taxes	0	9,779
Deferred income taxes	16,435	15,807
Restricted assets	55,439	81,037
Total current assets	237,252	263,929
Property and equipment, net	494,866	494,401
Reacquired franchise rights, net	41,777	37,631
Other assets	19,237	19,399
Goodwill	40,625	38,106
Total assets	833,757	853,466
Current liabilities:
Unearned franchise fees	2,461	2,099
Accounts payable	33,850	37,241
Accrued compensation and benefits	39,190	59,161
Accrued expenses	13,236	16,573
Income tax payable	7,951	0
Current portion of deferred lease credits	499	743
System-wide payables	55,125	79,668
Total current liabilities	152,312	195,485
Long-term liabilities:
Other liabilities	6,420	6,388
Deferred income taxes	34,515	39,815
Deferred lease credits	38,106	37,479
Total liabilities	231,353	279,167
Commitments and Contingencies
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, no par value. Authorized 44,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 18,995,188 and 18,937,131, respectively	148,129	148,114
Retained earnings	456,758	427,695
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-2,991	-2,096
Total stockholders’ equity	601,896	573,713
Noncontrolling interests	508	586
Total equity	602,404	574,299
Total liabilities and equity	$833,757	$853,466

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_un1

Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Accounts Receivable, allowance	$25	$25
Undesignated stock, shares authorized (in shares)	1,000,000	1,000,000
Common stock, par value (in Dollars per share)	$0	$0
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	44,000,000	44,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	18,995,188	18,937,131
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	18,995,188	18,937,131

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ear

Consolidated Statements of Earnings (unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014
Revenue:
Restaurant sales	$414,972	$344,945
Franchise royalties and fees	25,614	22,910
Total revenue	440,586	367,855
Restaurant operating costs:
Cost of sales	125,677	97,487
Labor	130,394	105,334
Operating	58,551	49,038
Occupancy	21,990	18,969
Depreciation and amortization	28,069	22,832
General and administrative	30,522	28,156
Preopening	1,270	2,578
Loss on asset disposals and impairment	605	787
Total costs and expenses	397,078	325,181
Income from operations	43,508	42,674
Investment income (loss)	-75	-127
Earnings before income taxes	43,433	42,547
Income tax expense	14,448	14,231
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	28,985	28,316
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	-78	0
Net earnings including noncontrolling interests	$29,063	$28,316
Earnings per common share – basic (in Dollars per share)	$1.53	$1.50
Earnings per common share – diluted (in Dollars per share)	$1.52	$1.49
Weighted average shares outstanding – basic (in Shares)	18,992,965	18,872,556
Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted (in Shares)	19,074,328	18,953,133

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$28,985	$28,316
Other comprehensive loss:
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	-895	-494
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	-895	-494
Comprehensive income including noncontrolling interests	28,090	27,822
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-78	0
Comprehensive income attributable to Buffalo Wild Wings	$28,168	$27,822

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$28,985	$28,316
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operations:
Depreciation	26,851	21,699
Amortization	1,218	1,133
Loss on asset disposals and impairment	605	787
Deferred lease credits	1,159	998
Deferred income taxes	-5,508	-6,892
Stock-based compensation	2,745	3,615
Excess tax benefit from stock issuance	-66	-29
Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect of acquisitions:
Trading securities	-328	-90
Accounts receivable	-2,053	-3,403
Inventory	471	-859
Prepaid expenses	-5,619	-2,423
Other assets	154	121
Unearned franchise fees	362	-126
Accounts payable	-1,037	-4,211
Income taxes	17,796	19,872
Accrued expenses	-18,374	-10,414
Net cash provided by operating activities	47,361	48,094
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of property and equipment	-25,788	-25,732
Acquisition of businesses	-13,894	0
Purchase of marketable securities	-12,297	0
Proceeds from marketable securities	11,155	0
Net cash used in investing activities	-40,824	-25,732
Cash flows from financing activities:
Issuance of common stock	231	244
Excess tax benefit from stock issuance	66	29
Tax payments for restricted stock units	-7,627	-7,474
Net cash used in financing activities	-7,330	-7,201
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	65	-115
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-728	15,046
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	93,329	57,502
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$92,601	$72,548

Basis_of_Financial_Statement_P

Basis of Financial Statement Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Financial Statement Presentation	Basis of Financial Statement Presentation
	The consolidated financial statements as of March 29, 2015 and December 28, 2014, and for the three-month periods ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014 have been prepared by Buffalo Wild Wings, Inc. pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The financial information as of March 29, 2015 and for the three-month periods ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014 is unaudited, but, in the opinion of management, reflects all adjustments and accruals necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the interim periods.
	References in the remainder of this document to “company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to the business of Buffalo Wild Wings, Inc. and our subsidiaries. We operate Buffalo Wild Wings®, PizzaRev®, and Rusty Taco® restaurants as well as sell Buffalo Wild Wings and Rusty Taco restaurant franchises. We operate as a single segment for reporting purposes.
	The financial information as of December 28, 2014 is derived from our audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014, which is included in Item 8 in the fiscal 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K and should be read in conjunction with such financial statements.
	The results of operations for the three-month period ended March 29, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that may be achieved for the entire year ending December 27, 2015.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	(a)	Inventories
	Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined by the first-in, first-out method. Cash flows related to inventory sales are classified in net cash provided by operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
	We purchase products from a number of suppliers and believe there are alternative suppliers. We have minimum purchase commitments from some of our vendors, but the terms of the contracts and nature of the products are such that our purchase requirements do not create a market risk. One of the primary food products used by our restaurants and our franchised restaurants is chicken wings. The price we pay for chicken wings is determined based on the average of the previous month’s wing market plus mark-up for processing and distribution. For the three-month periods ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014, chicken wings were 26.5% and 20.5%, respectively, of restaurant cost of sales.
	(b)	New Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09 “Revenue with Contracts from Customers.” ASU 2014-09 supersedes the current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The guidance introduces a five-step model to achieve its core principal of the entity recognizing revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers at an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The updated guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and early adoption is not permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of the updated guidance but we do not believe the adoption of ASU 2014-09 will have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.
	We reviewed all other significant newly-issued accounting pronouncements and concluded that they either are not applicable to our operations or that no material effect is expected on our consolidated financial statements as a result of future adoption.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements
	The guidance for fair value measurements establishes the authoritative definition of fair value, sets out a framework for measuring fair value, and outlines the required disclosures regarding fair value measurements. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. We use a three-tier fair value hierarchy based upon observable and non-observable inputs as follows:
	•Level 1 – Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets;
	•Level 2 – Inputs, other than the quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly; and
	•Level 3 – Unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.
	The following table summarizes the financial instruments measured at fair value in our consolidated balance sheet as of March 29, 2015:
		Fair Value Measurements
		Level 1		Level 2	Level 3	Total
	Assets
	Cash Equivalents	$	73,476	3,000	—	76,476
	Marketable Securities	8,879		12,138	—	21,017
	Restricted Assets	3,029		—	—	3,029
	The following table summarizes the financial instruments measured at fair value in our consolidated balance sheet as of December 28, 2014:
		Fair Value Measurements
		Level 1		Level 2	Level 3	Total
	Assets
	Cash Equivalents	$	62,510	3,000	—	65,510
	Marketable Securities	8,551		10,996	—	19,547
	Restricted Assets	3,028		—	—	3,028
	Our cash equivalents are comprised of money market funds and commercial paper which are valued using the Level 1 and Level 2 approach, respectively. Our marketable securities were classified as trading securities and available-for-sale securities. Our trading securities are comprised of investments held for future needs of our non-qualified deferred compensation plan and were reported at fair market value, using the “market approach” valuation technique. The “market approach” valuation method uses prices and other relevant information observable in market transactions involving identical or comparable assets and is a Level 1 approach. Our available-for-sale securities are comprised of commercial paper and other highly liquid assets and are valued using a Level 2 approach. Our restricted assets include money market mutual funds and variable rate demand obligations and are valued using the Level 1 and Level 2 approach, respectively.
	There were no significant transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy during the three-month periods ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014.

Marketable_Securities

Marketable Securities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Marketable Securities	Marketable Securities
	Marketable securities consisted of the following:
		March 29,		December 28,
		2015		2014
	Available-for-sale
	Commercial paper	$	5,993	—
	Variable rate demand obligations	3,145		—
	Agency securities	3,000		—
	Municipal securities	—		10,996
	Trading
	Mutual funds	8,879		8,551
	Total	$	21,017	19,547
	Purchases of available-for-sale securities totaled $12,297 and sales totaled $11,155 for the three-month period ended March 29, 2015. There were no purchases or sales of available-for-sale securities for the three-month period ended March 30, 2014.

Property_and_Equipment

Property and Equipment	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment consisted of the following:
		March 29,			December 28,
		2015			2014
	Construction in process	$	18,809		12,391
	Buildings	83,131			80,811
	Furniture, fixtures, and equipment	309,180			301,568
	Leasehold improvements	468,267			461,155
	Property and equipment, gross	879,387			855,925
	Less accumulated depreciation	(384,521		)	(361,524	)
	Property and equipment, net	$	494,866		494,401

Revolving_Credit_Facility

Revolving Credit Facility	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Revolving Credit Facility	Revolving Credit Facility
	We have a $100,000 unsecured revolving credit facility. Loans under the facility bear interest at a rate per annum equal to, at our election, either (i) LIBOR for an interest period of one month, reset daily, plus 0.875%, if our consolidated total leverage ratio is less than or equal to 0.50, or plus 1.125% if our total leverage ratio is greater than or equal to 0.51, or (ii) LIBOR for an interest period of one, two, three, six or twelve months, reset at the end of the selected interest period, plus 0.875%, if our consolidated total leverage ratio is less than or equal to 0.50, or plus 1.125% if our consolidated total leverage ratio is greater than or equal to 0.51. As of March 29, 2015, we had no outstanding balance under the facility.
	There is a commitment fee on the average unused portion of the facility at a rate per annum equal to 0.15%, if our consolidated total leverage ratio is less than or equal to 0.50, or 0.20% if our consolidated total leverage ratio is greater than or equal to 0.51.
	The Credit Agreement requires us to maintain (a) consolidated coverage ratio as of the end of each fiscal quarter at no less than 2.50 to 1.00, (b) consolidated total leverage ratio as of the end of each fiscal quarter at no more than 2.00 to 1.00 and (c) minimum EBITDA during any consecutive four-quarter period at no less than $100,000. The Credit Agreement also contains other customary affirmative and negative covenants, including covenants that restrict the right of the Company and its subsidiaries to merge, to lease, sell or otherwise dispose of assets, to make investments and to grant liens on their assets. As of March 29, 2015, we were in compliance with all of these covenants.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholder's Equity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stockholder's Equity	Stockholder’s Equity
	(a)	Stock Options
	We have 5.4 million shares of common stock reserved for issuance under our Equity Incentive Plan (Plan) for our employees, officers, and directors. The exercise price for stock options issued under the Plan is to be not less than the fair market value on the date of grant with respect to incentive and nonqualified stock options. Incentive stock options become exercisable in four equal installments from the date of the grant and have a contractual life of seven years. Nonqualified stock options issued pursuant to the Plan have a four-year vesting period and have a contractual life of seven years. Incentive stock options may be granted under this Plan until March 12, 2022. We issue new shares of common stock upon exercise of stock options. Option activity is summarized for the three months ended March 29, 2015 as follows:
		Number		Weighted		Average remaining contractual life	Aggregate intrinsic value
		of shares		average		(years)
				exercise price
	Outstanding, December 28, 2014	158,879		$	78.9	3.7	$	16,553
	Granted	—
	Exercised	(2,748	)	84.25
	Cancelled	(645	)	112.01
	Outstanding, March 29, 2015	155,486		$	78.66	3.4	$	16,119
	Exercisable, March 29, 2015	112,179		64.95		2.8	13,167
	The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above is before applicable income taxes, based on our closing stock price of $182.33 as of the last business day of the three-month period ended March 29, 2015, which would have been received by the optionees had all options been exercised on that date. As of March 29, 2015, total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to nonvested stock options was approximately $1,506, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.1 years. During the three-month periods ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014, the total intrinsic value of stock options exercised was $288 and $336, respectively. No shares were granted or vested during the three-month periods ended March 29, 2015 or March 30, 2014.
	The Plan had 1,098,760 shares available for grant as of March 29, 2015.
	(b)	Restricted Stock Units
	Restricted stock units are granted annually under the Plan at the discretion of the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors.
	We grant restricted stock units subject to three-year cliff vesting and a cumulative three-year earnings target. The number of units which vest at the end of the three-year period is based on performance against the target. These restricted stock units are subject to forfeiture if they have not vested at the end of the three-year period. Stock-based compensation is recognized for the number of units expected to vest at the end of the period and is expensed beginning on the grant date through the end of the performance period.
	For each grant, restricted stock units meeting the performance criteria will vest as of the end of the third fiscal year in the performance period, subject to a Plan specified maximum number of shares that may be issued to any individual in any year in settlement of restricted stock units. The distribution of vested restricted stock units as common stock typically occurs in March of the following year. The common stock is issued to participants net of the number of shares needed for the required minimum employee withholding taxes. We issue new shares of common stock upon the disbursement of restricted stock units. Restricted stock units are contingently issuable shares, and the activity for the three months ended March 29, 2015 is as follows:
		Number		Weighted
		of shares		average
				grant date
				fair value
	Outstanding, December 28, 2014	265,989		$	108.82
	Granted	—		—
	Vested	(16,850	)	89.01
	Cancelled	(6,668	)	109.79
	Outstanding, March 29, 2015	242,471		$	110.18
	As of March 29, 2015, the total stock-based compensation expense related to nonvested awards not yet recognized was $12,211, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.5 years. No shares were granted during the three-month periods ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014. During the three-month periods ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014, we recognized $2,317 and $3,282, respectively, of stock-based compensation expense related to restricted stock units.
	(c)	Employee Stock Purchase Plan
	We have reserved 600,000 shares of common stock for issuance under our Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP). The ESPP is available to substantially all employees subject to employment eligibility requirements. Participants may purchase our common stock at 85% of the beginning or ending closing price, whichever is lower, for each six-month period ending in May and November. During the three-month periods ended March 29, 2015, and March 30, 2014, we issued no shares of common stock under the ESPP. As of March 29, 2015, we had 204,268 shares available for future issuance under the ESPP.

Earnings_Per_Common_Share

Earnings Per Common Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Common Share	Earnings Per Common Share
	The following is a reconciliation of basic and fully diluted earnings per common share for the three-month periods ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014:
		Three Months Ended March 29, 2015
		Earnings			Shares	Per-share
		(numerator)			(denominator)	amount
	Net earnings attributable to Buffalo Wild Wings	$	29,063
	Earnings per common share	29,063			18,992,965	$	1.53
	Effect of dilutive securities – stock options	—			81,363
	Earnings per common share – assuming dilution	$	29,063		19,074,328	$	1.52
		Three Months Ended March 30, 2014
		Earnings			Shares	Per-share
		(numerator)			(denominator)	amount
	Net earnings attributable to Buffalo Wild Wings	$	28,316
	Earnings per common share	28,316			18,872,556	$	1.5
	Effect of dilutive securities – stock options	—			80,577
	Earnings per common share – assuming dilution	$	28,316		18,953,133	$	1.49
	The following is a summary of those securities outstanding at the end of the respective periods, which have been excluded from the fully diluted calculations because the effect on net earnings per common share would have been antidilutive or were performance-granted shares for which the performance criteria had not yet been met:
		Three months ended
		March 29,		March 30,
		2015		2014
	Stock options	6,691		—
	Restricted stock units	242,471		272,385

Supplemental_Disclosures_of_Ca

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information	Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information
		Three months ended
		March 29,			March 30,
		2015			2014
	Cash paid during the period for:
	Income taxes	$	2,096		1,322
	Noncash financing and investing transactions:
	Property and equipment not yet paid for	(2,311		)	4,642

Contingencies

Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contingencies	Contingencies
	We have a limited guarantee of the borrowings of Pie Squared Pizza, LLC, a subsidiary of Pie Squared Holdings, LLC, in the amount of $575.
	We are involved in various legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Inventories	Inventories
	Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined by the first-in, first-out method. Cash flows related to inventory sales are classified in net cash provided by operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
	We purchase products from a number of suppliers and believe there are alternative suppliers. We have minimum purchase commitments from some of our vendors, but the terms of the contracts and nature of the products are such that our purchase requirements do not create a market risk. One of the primary food products used by our restaurants and our franchised restaurants is chicken wings. The price we pay for chicken wings is determined based on the average of the previous month’s wing market plus mark-up for processing and distribution.
New Accounting Pronouncements	New Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09 “Revenue with Contracts from Customers.” ASU 2014-09 supersedes the current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The guidance introduces a five-step model to achieve its core principal of the entity recognizing revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers at an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The updated guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and early adoption is not permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of the updated guidance but we do not believe the adoption of ASU 2014-09 will have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.
	We reviewed all other significant newly-issued accounting pronouncements and concluded that they either are not applicable to our operations or that no material effect is expected on our consolidated financial statements as a result of future adoption.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis	The following table summarizes the financial instruments measured at fair value in our consolidated balance sheet as of March 29, 2015:
		Fair Value Measurements
		Level 1		Level 2	Level 3	Total
	Assets
	Cash Equivalents	$	73,476	3,000	—	76,476
	Marketable Securities	8,879		12,138	—	21,017
	Restricted Assets	3,029		—	—	3,029
	The following table summarizes the financial instruments measured at fair value in our consolidated balance sheet as of December 28, 2014:
		Fair Value Measurements
		Level 1		Level 2	Level 3	Total
	Assets
	Cash Equivalents	$	62,510	3,000	—	65,510
	Marketable Securities	8,551		10,996	—	19,547
	Restricted Assets	3,028		—	—	3,028

Marketable_Securities_Tables

Marketable Securities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Marketable Securities	Marketable securities consisted of the following:
		March 29,		December 28,
		2015		2014
	Available-for-sale
	Commercial paper	$	5,993	—
	Variable rate demand obligations	3,145		—
	Agency securities	3,000		—
	Municipal securities	—		10,996
	Trading
	Mutual funds	8,879		8,551
	Total	$	21,017	19,547

Property_and_Equipment_Tables

Property and Equipment (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property and equipment consisted of the following:
		March 29,			December 28,
		2015			2014
	Construction in process	$	18,809		12,391
	Buildings	83,131			80,811
	Furniture, fixtures, and equipment	309,180			301,568
	Leasehold improvements	468,267			461,155
	Property and equipment, gross	879,387			855,925
	Less accumulated depreciation	(384,521		)	(361,524	)
	Property and equipment, net	$	494,866		494,401

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock Option Activity	Option activity is summarized for the three months ended March 29, 2015 as follows:
		Number		Weighted		Average remaining contractual life	Aggregate intrinsic value
		of shares		average		(years)
				exercise price
	Outstanding, December 28, 2014	158,879		$	78.9	3.7	$	16,553
	Granted	—
	Exercised	(2,748	)	84.25
	Cancelled	(645	)	112.01
	Outstanding, March 29, 2015	155,486		$	78.66	3.4	$	16,119
	Exercisable, March 29, 2015	112,179		64.95		2.8	13,167
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity	Restricted stock units are contingently issuable shares, and the activity for the three months ended March 29, 2015 is as follows:
		Number		Weighted
		of shares		average
				grant date
				fair value
	Outstanding, December 28, 2014	265,989		$	108.82
	Granted	—		—
	Vested	(16,850	)	89.01
	Cancelled	(6,668	)	109.79
	Outstanding, March 29, 2015	242,471		$	110.18

Earnings_Per_Common_Share_Tabl

Earnings Per Common Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	The following is a reconciliation of basic and fully diluted earnings per common share for the three-month periods ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014:
		Three Months Ended March 29, 2015
		Earnings			Shares	Per-share
		(numerator)			(denominator)	amount
	Net earnings attributable to Buffalo Wild Wings	$	29,063
	Earnings per common share	29,063			18,992,965	$	1.53
	Effect of dilutive securities – stock options	—			81,363
	Earnings per common share – assuming dilution	$	29,063		19,074,328	$	1.52
		Three Months Ended March 30, 2014
		Earnings			Shares	Per-share
		(numerator)			(denominator)	amount
	Net earnings attributable to Buffalo Wild Wings	$	28,316
	Earnings per common share	28,316			18,872,556	$	1.5
	Effect of dilutive securities – stock options	—			80,577
	Earnings per common share – assuming dilution	$	28,316		18,953,133	$	1.49
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share	The following is a summary of those securities outstanding at the end of the respective periods, which have been excluded from the fully diluted calculations because the effect on net earnings per common share would have been antidilutive or were performance-granted shares for which the performance criteria had not yet been met:
		Three months ended
		March 29,		March 30,
		2015		2014
	Stock options	6,691		—
	Restricted stock units	242,471		272,385

Supplemental_Disclosures_of_Ca1

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures
		Three months ended
		March 29,			March 30,
		2015			2014
	Cash paid during the period for:
	Income taxes	$	2,096		1,322
	Noncash financing and investing transactions:
	Property and equipment not yet paid for	(2,311		)	4,642

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (Chicken Wings)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014
Chicken Wings
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Percentage of Cost of Sales	26.50%	20.50%

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Fair Value Measurements (USD $)	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Mar. 30, 2014
Assets
Cash Equivalents	$76,476,000	$65,510,000
Marketable Securities	21,017,000	19,547,000
Restricted Assets	3,029,000	3,028,000
Fair Value, Liabilities, Level 1 to Level 2 Transfers, Amount	0		0
Fair Value, Assets, Level 2 to Level 1 Transfers, Amount	0		0
Level 1
Assets
Cash Equivalents	73,476,000	62,510,000
Marketable Securities	8,879,000	8,551,000
Restricted Assets	3,029,000	3,028,000
Level 2
Assets
Cash Equivalents	3,000,000	3,000,000
Marketable Securities	12,138,000	10,996,000
Restricted Assets	0	0
Level 3
Assets
Cash Equivalents	0	0
Marketable Securities	0	0
Restricted Assets	$0	$0

Marketable_Securities_Details_

Marketable Securities (Details) - Marketable Securities (USD $)	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Marketable Securities [Line Items]
Trading	$8,879	$8,551
Total	21,017	19,547
Commercial Paper, Not Included with Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Marketable Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale	5,993	0
Variable Rate Demand Obligation [Member]
Marketable Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale	3,145	0
Agency Securities [Member]
Marketable Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale	3,000	0
Debt Securities [Member]
Marketable Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale	$0	$10,996

Marketable_Securities_Details

Marketable Securities (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Payments to Acquire Available-for-sale Securities	$12,297,000	$0
Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities	$11,155,000

Property_and_Equipment_Details

Property and Equipment (Details) - Property and Equipment (USD $)	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Construction in process	$18,809	$12,391
Buildings	83,131	80,811
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment	309,180	301,568
Leasehold improvements	468,267	461,155
Property and equipment, gross	879,387	855,925
Less accumulated depreciation	-384,521	-361,524
Property and equipment, net	$494,866	$494,401

Revolving_Credit_Facility_Deta

Revolving Credit Facility (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2013	Mar. 29, 2015
Revolving Credit Facility (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity (in Dollars)	$100,000,000
Long-term Line of Credit (in Dollars)		0
Minimum
Revolving Credit Facility (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage	0.15%
Coverage Ratio	2.5
Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (in Dollars)	$100,000,000
Maximum
Revolving Credit Facility (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage	0.20%
Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio	2
LIBOR Election 1, Leverage Ratio Less than or Equal to .50
Revolving Credit Facility (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	0.88%
Leverage Ratio	0.5
LIBOR Election 1, Leverage Ratio Greater than or Equal to .51
Revolving Credit Facility (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.13%
Leverage Ratio	0.51
LIBOR Election 2, Leverage Ratio Less than or Equal to .50
Revolving Credit Facility (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	0.88%
Leverage Ratio	0.5
LIBOR Election 2, Leverage Ratio Greater than or Equal to .51
Revolving Credit Facility (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.13%
Leverage Ratio	0.51
Maximum Leverage Ratio for 0.15% Commitment Fee
Revolving Credit Facility (Details) [Line Items]
Leverage Ratio	0.5
Minimum Leverage Ratio for 0.20% Commitment Fee
Revolving Credit Facility (Details) [Line Items]
Leverage Ratio	0.51
Interest Rate Terms
Revolving Credit Facility (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Terms	Loans under the facility bear interest at a rate per annum equal to, at our election, either (i) LIBOR for an interest period of one month, reset daily, plus 0.875%, if our consolidated total leverage ratio is less than or equal to 0.50, or plus 1.125% if our total leverage ratio is greater than or equal to .51, or (ii) LIBOR for an interest period of one, two, three, six or twelve months, reset at the end of the selected interest period, plus 0.875%, if our consolidated total leverage ratio is less than or equal to 0.50, or plus 1.125% if our consolidated total leverage ratio is greater than or equal to .51.
Requirements
Revolving Credit Facility (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Terms	The Credit Agreement requires us to maintain (a) consolidated coverage ratio as of the end of each fiscal quarter at no less than 2.50 to 1.00, (b) consolidated total leverage ratio as of the end of each fiscal quarter at no more than 2.00 to 1.00 and (c) minimum EBITDA during any consecutive four-quarter period at no less than $100,000. The Credit Agreement also contains other customary affirmative and negative covenants, including covenants that restrict the right of the Company and its subsidiaries to merge, to lease, sell or otherwise dispose of assets, to make investments and to grant liens on their assets.

Stockholders_Equity_Details

Stockholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Closing Stock Price	$182.33
Total intrinsic value of options exercised	$288,000	$336,000
Number of shares vested		0
Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$0
Equity Incentive Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock shares reserved for issuance to employees	5,400,000
Nonvested Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	1,506,000
Nonvested Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Weighted Average Period for Recognition	2 years 1 month
Number of Shares Available for Grant	1,098,760
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock shares reserved for issuance to employees	600,000
Number of Shares Available for Grant	204,268
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Market Price Less Discount	85.00%
Stock Issued During Period Under the Employee Stock Purchase Plans	0
Incentive Stock Options | Equity Incentive Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of installments in which incentive stock options become exercisable	4
Incentive Stock Options | Minimum | Equity Incentive Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Contractual life of share based award	7 years
Nonqualified Stock Options | Equity Incentive Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Contractual life of share based award	7 years
Vesting period	4 years
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	3 years
Nonvested Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	12,211,000
Nonvested Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Weighted Average Period for Recognition	1 year 6 months
Duration of Earnings Target for granting restricted stock	3 years
Restricted Stock or Unit Expense	$2,317,000	$3,282,000

Stockholders_Equity_Details_St

Stockholders' Equity (Details) - Stock Options Activity (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 28, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares Beginning of Period (in shares)	158,879
Options Grants in Period, Gross (in shares)	0
Options Exercises in Period (in shares)	-2,748
Options Forfeitures and Expirations in Period (in shares)	-645
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares End of Period (in shares)	155,486
Options Exercisable, Number (in shares)	112,179
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Beginning of Period (in Dollars per share)	$78.90
Options Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)
Options Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)	$84.25
Options Forfeitures and Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)	$112.01
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price End of Period (in Dollars per share)	$78.66
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)	$64.95
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Beginning of Period (in years)	3 years 5 months	3 years 8 months 12 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term End of Period (in years)	3 years 5 months	3 years 8 months 12 days
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	2 years 9 months 17 days
Options Outstanding, Intrinsic Value	$16,119		$16,553
Options Exercisable, Intrinsic Value	$13,167

Stockholders_Equity_Details_Re

Stockholders' Equity (Details) - Restricted Stock Activity (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Restricted Stock Units Outstanding Beginning of Period (in shares)	265,989
Grants in Period (in shares)	0
Vested in Period (in shares)	-16,850
Cancelled in Period (in shares)	-6,668
Restricted Stock Units Outstanding End of Period (in shares)	242,471
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Restricted Stock Units Outstanding, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Beginning of Period (in Dollars per share)	$108.82
Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in Dollars per share)	$0
Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in Dollars per share)	$89.01
Cancelled in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in Dollars per share)	$109.79
Restricted Stock Units Outstanding, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value End of Period (in Dollars per share)	$110.18

Earnings_Per_Common_Share_Deta

Earnings Per Common Share (Details) - Reconciliation of Basic and Fully Diluted Earnings Per Common Share (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Common Share (Details) - Reconciliation of Basic and Fully Diluted Earnings Per Common Share [Line Items]
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$28,985	$28,316
Net earnings to calculate earnings per share	29,063	28,316
Weighted average shares outstanding – basic (in Shares)	18,992,965	18,872,556
Earnings per common share – basic (in Dollars per share)	$1.53	$1.50
Earnings per common share – assuming dilution	$29,063	$28,316
Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted (in Shares)	19,074,328	18,953,133
Earnings per common share – diluted (in Dollars per share)	$1.52	$1.49
Equity Option
Earnings Per Common Share (Details) - Reconciliation of Basic and Fully Diluted Earnings Per Common Share [Line Items]
Effect of dilutive securities – stock options (in shares)	81,363	80,577

Earnings_Per_Common_Share_Deta1

Earnings Per Common Share (Details) - Securities Excluded From Fully Diluted Calculations	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014
Equity Option
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from fully diluted computations	6,691	0
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from fully diluted computations	242,471	272,385

Supplemental_Disclosures_of_Ca2

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information (Details) - Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014
Cash paid during the period for:
Income taxes	$2,096	$1,322
Noncash financing and investing transactions:
Property and equipment not yet paid for	($2,311)	$4,642

Contingencies_Contingencies_De

Contingencies Contingencies (Details) (Pie Squared Pizza, LLC, Guarantee Obligations, USD $)	Dec. 28, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Pie Squared Pizza, LLC | Guarantee Obligations
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss	$575