Buffalo Wild Wings (BWLD) 10-Q 28 Oct 16 2016 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2016	Oct. 25, 2016
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	BUFFALO WILD WINGS INC
Entity Central Index Key	1,062,449
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-25
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 25, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		18,202,127
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 14,758	$ 11,220
Marketable securities	0	9,043
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $251 and $25, respectively	42,707	34,087
Inventory	13,437	15,351
Prepaid expenses	7,674	6,386
Refundable income taxes	543	21,591
Restricted assets	22,240	100,073
Total current assets	101,359	197,751
Property and equipment, net	605,188	604,712
Reacquired franchise rights, net	122,100	129,282
Other assets	38,590	26,536
Goodwill	117,228	114,101
Total assets	984,465	1,072,382
Current liabilities:
Unearned franchise fees	2,621	2,144
Accounts payable	42,963	44,760
Accrued compensation and benefits	35,360	55,578
Accrued expenses	25,831	21,678
Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations	7,302	2,147
Current portion of deferred lease credits	511	59
System-wide payables	59,813	137,257
Total current liabilities	174,401	263,623
Long-term liabilities:
Other liabilities	15,796	16,473
Deferred income taxes	24,689	23,726
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, net of current portion	93,380	70,954
Deferred lease credits, net of current portion	44,310	41,869
Total liabilities	352,576	416,645
Commitments and Contingencies
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, no par value. Authorized 44,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 18,278,601 and 18,917,776 shares, respectively	156,872	160,353
Retained earnings	478,805	499,085
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(3,782)	(4,094)
Total stockholders’ equity	631,895	655,344
Noncontrolling interests	(6)	393
Total equity	631,889	655,737
Total liabilities and equity	$ 984,465	$ 1,072,382

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Accounts Receivable, allowance	$ 251	$ 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)	18,278,601	18,917,776
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	18,278,601	18,917,776

Consolidated Statements of Earn

Consolidated Statements of Earnings - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2016	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 25, 2016	Sep. 27, 2015
Revenue:
Restaurant sales	$ 470,648	$ 431,763	$ 1,421,142	$ 1,248,595
Franchise royalties and fees	23,519	23,763	71,460	73,904
Total revenue	494,167	455,526	1,492,602	1,322,499
Restaurant operating costs:
Cost of sales	136,185	126,878	418,488	370,398
Labor	150,813	138,897	449,317	398,585
Operating	73,435	63,343	211,295	178,716
Occupancy	27,396	24,210	81,324	68,554
Depreciation and amortization	38,345	33,610	113,847	90,887
General and administrative	32,264	33,714	93,750	97,937
Preopening	1,490	4,777	5,191	9,251
Loss on asset disposals	1,393	1,269	4,489	4,180
Total costs and expenses	461,321	426,698	1,377,701	1,218,508
Income from operations	32,846	28,828	114,901	103,991
Interest and other expense	528	1,400	2,375	1,434
Earnings before income taxes	32,318	27,428	112,526	102,557
Income tax expense	9,814	8,261	33,799	32,973
Net earnings including noncontrolling interests	22,504	19,167	78,727	69,584
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	(147)	(69)	(399)	(214)
Net earnings attributable to Buffalo Wild Wings	$ 22,651	$ 19,236	$ 79,126	$ 69,798
Earnings per common share – basic (in Dollars per share)	$ 1.24	$ 1.01	$ 4.25	$ 3.67
Earnings per common share – diluted (in Dollars per share)	$ 1.23	$ 1	$ 4.24	$ 3.65
Weighted average shares outstanding – basic (in Shares)	18,295,694	19,022,111	18,608,533	19,005,859
Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted (in Shares)	18,353,496	19,166,659	18,649,850	19,117,871

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2016	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 25, 2016	Sep. 27, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings including noncontrolling interests	$ 22,504	$ 19,167	$ 78,727	$ 69,584
Other comprehensive loss (income):
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	69	705	(312)	1,370
Other comprehensive loss (income), net of tax	69	705	(312)	1,370
Comprehensive income including noncontrolling interests	22,435	18,462	79,039	68,214
Comprehensive earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	(147)	(69)	(399)	(214)
Comprehensive income attributable to Buffalo Wild Wings	$ 22,582	$ 18,531	$ 79,438	$ 68,428

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2016	Sep. 27, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings including noncontrolling interests	$ 78,727	$ 69,584
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operations:
Depreciation and amortization	113,847	90,887
Loss on asset disposals	4,489	4,180
Deferred lease credits	4,095	4,260
Deferred income taxes	962	(13,561)
Stock-based compensation	2,453	11,689
Excess tax benefit from stock issuance	57	(1,088)
Change in fair value of contingent consideration	(1,591)	0
Loss on investments in affiliates	1,904	0
Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect of acquisitions:
Trading securities	0	(173)
Accounts receivable	(5,025)	(4,982)
Inventory	1,954	(421)
Prepaid expenses	(1,273)	(868)
Other assets	(4,450)	74
Unearned franchise fees	477	104
Accounts payable	6,465	6,901
Income taxes	20,991	545
Accrued expenses	(10,145)	(248)
Net cash provided by operating activities	213,937	166,883
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of property and equipment	(117,850)	(124,233)
Acquisition of businesses	(3,862)	(209,713)
Purchase of marketable securities	(488)	(12,301)
Proceeds from marketable securities	1,205	23,300
Net cash used in investing activities	(120,995)	(322,947)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from line of credit	464,521	197,422
Repayments of line of credit	(440,448)	(150,467)
Borrowings from restricted funds	1,478	31,634
Repurchases of common stock	(105,852)	0
Other financing activities	(1,557)	(580)
Issuance of common stock	2,199	2,903
Excess tax benefit from stock issuance	(57)	1,088
Tax payments for restricted stock units	(9,317)	(7,847)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(89,033)	74,153
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(371)	61
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	3,538	(81,850)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	11,220	93,329
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 14,758	$ 11,479

Basis of Financial Statement Pr

Basis of Financial Statement Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Financial Statement Presentation	Basis of Financial Statement Presentation The consolidated financial statements as of September 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015 , and for the three-month and nine -month periods ended September 25, 2016 and September 27, 2015 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 September 25, 2016 and for the three-month and nine -month periods ended September 25, 2016 and September 27, 2015 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 “the Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to the business of Buffalo Wild Wings, Inc. and its wholly and majority owned subsidiaries. We operate Buffalo Wild Wings ® , R Taco ® , and PizzaRev ® restaurants as well as sell Buffalo Wild Wings and R Taco restaurant franchises. In exchange for initial and continuing franchise fees, we give franchisees the right to use the brand names. We operate as a single segment for reporting purposes. At September 25, 2016 and September 27, 2015 , we operated 617 and 573 company-owned restaurants, respectively, and had 602 and 569 franchised restaurants, respectively. The financial information as of December 27, 2015 is derived from our audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2015 , which are included in Part II, Item 8, of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2015 , and should be read in conjunction with such financial statements. The results of operations for the three-month and nine -month periods ended September 25, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that may be achieved for the entire year ending December 25, 2016 . Certain amounts as of December 27, 2015 have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. The Company reclassified amounts previously presented separately on the consolidated balance sheets as amounts due to restricted funds into our system-wide payables, to which they were related. Also, the Company previously classified depreciation and amortization separately on the consolidated statements of cash flows. The changes in classification do not affect previously reported cash flows from operations, investing or financing activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows, or the previously reported consolidated statement of earnings for any period.

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Our significant accounting policies are disclosed in Part II, Item 8, of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2015 . There has been no significant change in our accounting policies since December 27, 2015 . Recently Issued Accounting Standards In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09 “Revenue with Contracts from Customers (Topic 606).” 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. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-04, “Liabilities - Extinguishments of Liabilities: Recognition of Breakage for Certain Prepaid Stored-Value Products.” ASU 2016-04 provides specific guidance for the derecognition of prepaid stored-value product liabilities. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net).” ASU 2016-08 provides specific guidance to determine whether an entity is providing a specified good or service itself or is arranging for the good or service to be provided by another party. In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-10, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing.” ASU 2016-10 provides clarification on the subjects of identifying performance obligations and licensing implementation guidance. The requirements for these standards relating to Topic 606 will be effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company expects to adopt these standards upon their effective date. We do not believe the new revenue recognition standard will materially impact our recognition of restaurant sales from company-owned restaurants or our recognition of continuing royalty fees from franchisees. We believe adoption of the new revenue recognition standard will impact our accounting for other fees charged to franchisees and transactions involving our advertising funds. We are currently unable to estimate the impact on our consolidated financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases.” ASU 2016-02 requires for lease arrangements spanning more than 12 months, an entity to recognize an asset and liability. The updated guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and early adoption is permitted. We believe the adoption of ASU 2016-02 will materially impact our consolidated financial statements by significantly increasing our non-current assets and non-current liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets in order to record the right of use assets and related lease liabilities for our existing operating leases. We are currently unable to estimate the impact on our consolidated financial statements. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, “Compensation-Stock Compensation: Improvement to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting.” ASU 2016-09 provides guidance intended to simplify accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted for any entity in any interim or annual period. We are currently evaluating the impact of the updated guidance and believe the adoption of the guidance will impact our accounting for excess tax benefits and deficiencies. We are in the process of determining the financial statement impact and are currently unable to estimate the impact on our consolidated financial statements. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows: Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Payments.” ASU 2016-15 provides guidance on eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing diversity in practice. The guidance is effective for interim and and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted for any entity in any interim or annual period. We are currently evaluating the impact of the guidance, but do not believe it will materially impact our consolidated financial statements. We reviewed all other recently issued accounting pronouncements and concluded they are not applicable or not expected to be significant to our operations.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements The framework for measuring fair value provides a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to the valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy under Accounting Standards Codification 820 are described as follows: • Level 1 – Inputs to the valuation methodology are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the Company has the ability to access. • Level 2 – Inputs to the valuation methodology include: ◦ Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets ◦ Quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets ◦ Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability ◦ Inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means If the asset or liability has a specified (contractual) term, the level 2 input must be observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. • Level 3 – Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement. The asset or liability's fair value measurement level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Valuation techniques maximize the use of relevant observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The following table summarizes the financial instruments measured at fair value in our consolidated balance sheet as of September 25, 2016 : Fair Value Measurements Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets Deferred compensation $ 8,921 — — 8,921 Contingent consideration — — 40 40 Liabilities Deferred compensation 8,745 — — 8,745 The following table summarizes the financial instruments measured at fair value in our consolidated balance sheet as of December 27, 2015 : Fair Value Measurements Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets Deferred compensation $ 9,043 — — 9,043 Liabilities Contingent consideration — — 1,551 1,551 Deferred compensation 8,958 — — 8,958 Our deferred compensation assets and liabilities were composed of investments held for future needs of our non-qualified deferred compensation plan and are reported at fair market value, using the “market approach” valuation method. The “market approach” valuation method uses prices and other relevant information observable in market transactions involving identical assets and is a Level 1 approach. Our contingent consideration assets and liabilities represent amounts due and owed in association with a fiscal year 2015 acquisition. These assets and liabilities were valued using a Level 3 approach that utilizes an option pricing model and the projected future performance of certain restaurants we acquired. The future performance of these acquired restaurants will ultimately determine the settlement amount of these assets and liabilities. Estimates of fair value are inherently uncertain and represent only management's reasonable expectation regarding future developments. These estimates and the judgments and assumptions upon which the estimates are based will, in all likelihood, differ in some respects from actual future results. The following table summarizes the activity within Level 3 instruments: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 25, September 25, Beginning balance $ (445 ) $ (1,551 ) Mark to market adjustment 485 1,591 Ending balance $ 40 $ 40 Adjustments to the contingent consideration assets and liabilities are recognized in interest and other expense on the consolidated statements of earnings. There was no significant activity within Level 3 instruments during the three-month or nine -month periods ended September 27, 2015 . There were no significant transfers between the levels of the fair value hierarchy during either of the nine -month periods ended September 25, 2016 and September 27, 2015 .

Marketable Securities

Marketable Securities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2016
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Marketable Securities	Marketable Securities Marketable securities consisted of the following: September 25, December 27, Trading Mutual funds $ — 9,043 Total $ — 9,043

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment Property and equipment consisted of the following: September 25, December 27, Construction in process $ 34,686 18,662 Buildings 98,295 92,603 Capital leases and buildings under deemed landlord financing 26,671 25,105 Furniture, fixtures, and equipment 376,550 369,344 Leasehold improvements 596,871 553,736 Property and equipment, gross 1,133,073 1,059,450 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (527,885 ) (454,738 ) Property and equipment, net $ 605,188 604,712

Reacquired Franchise Rights

Reacquired Franchise Rights	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2016
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]
Reacquired Franchise Rights	Reacquired Franchise Rights Reacquired franchise rights consisted of the following: September 25, December 27, Reacquired franchise rights $ 153,960 152,070 Accumulated amortization (31,860 ) (22,788 ) Reacquired franchise rights, net $ 122,100 129,282 Amortization expense primarily related to amortization of reacquired franchise rights, and also included amortization of capital lease assets and software licenses. Amortization expense for the nine -month periods ended September 25, 2016 and September 27, 2015 was $13,601 and $4,768 , respectively.

Long-Term Debt and Capital Leas

Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations	Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Our long-term debt and capital lease obligations consisted of the following: Average interest rate for the nine months ended September 25, 2016 Maturity September 25, December 27, 2015 Revolving credit facility 1.4% July 2018 $ 58,603 34,530 Capital lease and deemed landlord financing obligations 7.1% Various through November 2030 42,079 38,571 Total debt and capital lease obligations 100,682 73,101 Less current maturities (7,302 ) (2,147 ) Total long-term debt and capital lease obligations $ 93,380 70,954 During the nine month period ended September 25, 2016, we had a $200,000 unsecured revolving credit facility. Interest was charged at LIBOR plus an applicable margin based on our consolidated total leverage ratio. We also paid a commitment fee on the average unused portion of the facility at a rate per annum based on our consolidated total leverage ratio. The revolving credit facility contained covenants that required us to maintain certain financial ratios, including consolidated coverage, consolidated total leverage and minimum EBITDA. The revolving credit facility also had other customary affirmative and negative covenants, including covenants that restricted 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 September 25, 2016 , we were in compliance with all of these covenants. On October 6, 2016, we terminated the unsecured revolving credit facility and entered into a new credit agreement (see note 13).

Stockholder's Equity

Stockholder's Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2016
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stockholder's Equity	Stockholders' Equity During the nine -month period ended September 25, 2016 , we repurchased 758,894 shares of our common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $105,852 . The repurchased shares were concurrently retired and credited to authorized, but unissued stock. The repurchase of these shares resulted in a decrease in common stock of $6,446 and a decrease in retained earnings of $99,406 for the same period. We have 1.6 million shares of common stock reserved for issuance under our current Equity Incentive Plan (Plan) for our employees, officers, and directors. The Plan had 652,019 shares available for grant as of September 25, 2016 . Stock Options 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. Stock options vest in four equal annual installments and have a contractual life of seven years. We issue new shares of common stock upon the exercise of stock options. Option activity for the nine months ended September 25, 2016 is summarized as follows: Number of shares Weighted average exercise price Average remaining contractual life (years) Aggregate intrinsic value Outstanding, December 27, 2015 131,248 $ 113.12 4.0 $ 7,051 Granted 33,996 147.55 Exercised (10,215 ) 71.43 Cancelled (4,612 ) 152.42 Expired (535 ) 147.52 Outstanding, September 25, 2016 149,882 $ 122.44 4.0 $ 5,683 Exercisable, September 25, 2016 76,934 $ 96.14 2.6 $ 4,758 The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above is before applicable income taxes, based on our closing stock price of $155.38 as of the last business day of the nine -month period ended September 25, 2016 , which would have been received by the optionees had all options been exercised and sold on that date. As of September 25, 2016 , total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to nonvested stock options was approximately $2,378 , which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.5 years . During the nine -month periods ended September 25, 2016 and September 27, 2015 , the total intrinsic value of stock options exercised was $848 and $4,012 , respectively. During the nine -month periods ended September 25, 2016 and September 27, 2015 , the weighted average grant date fair value of options was $47.67 and $59.11 , respectively. No shares vested during either of the nine -month periods ended September 25, 2016 or September 27, 2015 . 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 that 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 nine months ended September 25, 2016 was as follows: Number of shares Weighted average grant date fair value Outstanding, December 27, 2015 190,120 $ 161.06 Granted 122,911 147.02 Vested (7,449 ) 122.43 Cancelled (17,579 ) 161.64 Outstanding, September 25, 2016 288,003 $ 156.04 As of September 25, 2016 , the total stock-based compensation expense related to nonvested awards not yet recognized was $7,225 , which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.0 years. The weighted average grant date fair value of restricted stock units granted during the nine -month periods ended September 25, 2016 and September 27, 2015 was $147.02 and $180.60 , respectively. During the nine -month periods ended September 25, 2016 and September 27, 2015 , we recognized $862 and $10,214 , respectively, of stock-based compensation expense related to restricted stock units. The nine -month period ended September 25, 2016 included reversals of previously recognized expenses as we reduced our estimate of financial performance. 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 nine -month periods ended September 25, 2016 , and September 27, 2015 , we issued 12,857 and 8,747 shares of common stock, respectively, under the ESPP. As of September 25, 2016 , we had 172,901 shares available for future issuance under the ESPP.

Earnings Per Common Share

Earnings Per Common Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2016
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 and nine -month periods ended September 25, 2016 and September 27, 2015 : Three Months Ended September 25, 2016 Earnings (numerator) Shares (denominator) Per-share amount Net earnings attributable to Buffalo Wild Wings $ 22,651 Earnings per common share 22,651 18,295,694 $ 1.24 Effect of dilutive securities – stock options — 33,928 Effect of dilutive securities – restricted stock units — 23,874 Earnings per common share – assuming dilution $ 22,651 18,353,496 $ 1.23 Three Months Ended September 27, 2015 Earnings (numerator) Shares (denominator) Per-share amount Net earnings attributable to Buffalo Wild Wings $ 19,236 Earnings per common share 19,236 19,022,111 $ 1.01 Effect of dilutive securities – stock options — 74,204 Effect of dilutive securities – restricted stock units — 70,344 Earnings per common share – assuming dilution $ 19,236 19,166,659 $ 1.00 Nine Months Ended September 25, 2016 Earnings (numerator) Shares (denominator) Per-share amount Net earnings attributable to Buffalo Wild Wings $ 79,126 Earnings per common share 79,126 18,608,533 $ 4.25 Effect of dilutive securities – stock options — 33,359 Effect of dilutive securities – restricted stock units — 7,958 Earnings per common share – assuming dilution $ 79,126 18,649,850 $ 4.24 Nine Months Ended September 27, 2015 Earnings (numerator) Shares (denominator) Per-share amount Net earnings attributable to Buffalo Wild Wings $ 69,798 Earnings per common share 69,798 19,005,859 $ 3.67 Effect of dilutive securities – stock options — 76,080 Effect of dilutive securities – restricted stock units — 35,932 Earnings per common share – assuming dilution $ 69,798 19,117,871 $ 3.65 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 Nine months ended September 25, September 27, September 25, September 27, Stock options 78,070 33,327 71,863 37,986 Restricted stock units 264,129 257,904 280,045 292,316

Supplemental Disclosures of Cas

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2016
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information	Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information Nine months ended September 25, September 27, Cash paid during the period for: Income taxes $ 11,724 45,777 Interest 2,563 586 Noncash financing and investing transactions: Decrease in property and equipment not yet paid for 8,299 10,888 Increase in asset retirement obligation asset and liability 89 1,096 Increase in deemed owner assets and obligations 5,729 — Increase in other assets and liabilities from hosted software arrangements 1,550 — Increase in capital leases 888 —

Contingencies

Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2016
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 do not believe that payment under this guarantee is probable as of September 25, 2016 . On June 2, 2015, two of our former employees (the “plaintiffs”) filed a collective action under the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”) and putative class action under New York state law against us in the United States District Court for the Western District of New York. The claim alleges that we have a policy or procedure requiring employees who receive compensation in part through tip credits to perform work that is ineligible for tip credit compensation at a tip credit rate in violation of the FLSA and New York state law. We intend to vigorously defend this lawsuit. We believe there is a reasonable possibility of loss related to these claims, however, given the early stage of the case, we are currently unable to determine the potential range of exposure, if any. In addition to the litigation described above, we are involved in various other legal matters arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate disposition of these other matters will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

Acquisition of Businesses

Acquisition of Businesses	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2016
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisition of Businesses	Acquisition of Businesses During the nine -month periods ended September 25, 2016 and September 27, 2015 , we acquired 1 and 54 existing, franchised Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants, respectively. We also acquired 1 R Taco franchised restaurant and 4 Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants under construction during the nine-month period ended September 27, 2015. The total purchase prices of $3,862 and $209,713 for franchised restaurants acquired during the nine -month periods ended September 25, 2016 , and September 27, 2015 , respectively, were funded by cash from operations, the sale of marketable securities and proceeds from our revolving credit facility. The acquisitions were accounted for as business combinations. Nine Months Ended September 25, September 27, Inventory, prepaids, and other assets $ 38 14,036 Property and equipment 224 65,623 Lease and other liabilities (14 ) (1,690 ) Reacquired franchise rights 1,890 100,090 Capital lease obligations — (29,975 ) Goodwill 1,724 61,629 $ 3,862 209,713 The excess of the purchase price over the aggregate fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed was allocated to goodwill. The goodwill shown in the table above is not subject to amortization but is deductible for tax purposes. The results of operations of these locations are included in our consolidated statements of earnings as of the date of acquisition.

Subsequent Event (Notes)

Subsequent Event (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2016
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Event	Subsequent Event On October 6, 2016 , we terminated our existing revolving credit facility (see note 7) and entered into a new credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association and other lenders. The Credit Agreement provides the Company with a committed $500,000 unsecured revolving credit facility (“Facility”), which expires on October 6, 2021 . The Facility includes a letter of credit subfacility of $40,000 and a swingline loan subfacility of $20,000 . Amounts borrowed on the Facility bear interest at either a base rate as set forth in the Credit Agreement plus an applicable margin ranging between 0.00% and 0.75% , or a LIBOR rate plus an applicable margin ranging between 1.00% and 1.75% , at the Company's option. The applicable margins are based on our consolidated total leverage ratio. We also pay a commitment fee ranging from 0.125% to 0.250% on the average unused portion of the facility at a rate per annum based on our consolidated total leverage ratio. As of October 23, 2016 , we had an outstanding balance of $100,000 under the Facility.

Summary of Significant Accoun20

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Recently Issued Accounting Standards	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09 “Revenue with Contracts from Customers (Topic 606).” 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. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-04, “Liabilities - Extinguishments of Liabilities: Recognition of Breakage for Certain Prepaid Stored-Value Products.” ASU 2016-04 provides specific guidance for the derecognition of prepaid stored-value product liabilities. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net).” ASU 2016-08 provides specific guidance to determine whether an entity is providing a specified good or service itself or is arranging for the good or service to be provided by another party. In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-10, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing.” ASU 2016-10 provides clarification on the subjects of identifying performance obligations and licensing implementation guidance. The requirements for these standards relating to Topic 606 will be effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company expects to adopt these standards upon their effective date. We do not believe the new revenue recognition standard will materially impact our recognition of restaurant sales from company-owned restaurants or our recognition of continuing royalty fees from franchisees. We believe adoption of the new revenue recognition standard will impact our accounting for other fees charged to franchisees and transactions involving our advertising funds. We are currently unable to estimate the impact on our consolidated financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases.” ASU 2016-02 requires for lease arrangements spanning more than 12 months, an entity to recognize an asset and liability. The updated guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and early adoption is permitted. We believe the adoption of ASU 2016-02 will materially impact our consolidated financial statements by significantly increasing our non-current assets and non-current liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets in order to record the right of use assets and related lease liabilities for our existing operating leases. We are currently unable to estimate the impact on our consolidated financial statements. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, “Compensation-Stock Compensation: Improvement to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting.” ASU 2016-09 provides guidance intended to simplify accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted for any entity in any interim or annual period. We are currently evaluating the impact of the updated guidance and believe the adoption of the guidance will impact our accounting for excess tax benefits and deficiencies. We are in the process of determining the financial statement impact and are currently unable to estimate the impact on our consolidated financial statements. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows: Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Payments.” ASU 2016-15 provides guidance on eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing diversity in practice. The guidance is effective for interim and and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted for any entity in any interim or annual period. We are currently evaluating the impact of the guidance, but do not believe it will materially impact our consolidated financial statements. We reviewed all other recently issued accounting pronouncements and concluded they are not applicable or not expected to be significant to our operations.

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2016
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 September 25, 2016 : Fair Value Measurements Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets Deferred compensation $ 8,921 — — 8,921 Contingent consideration — — 40 40 Liabilities Deferred compensation 8,745 — — 8,745 The following table summarizes the financial instruments measured at fair value in our consolidated balance sheet as of December 27, 2015 : Fair Value Measurements Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets Deferred compensation $ 9,043 — — 9,043 Liabilities Contingent consideration — — 1,551 1,551 Deferred compensation 8,958 — — 8,958
Schedule of Changes in Assets Measured on Recurring Basis with Unobservable Inputs	The following table summarizes the activity within Level 3 instruments: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 25, September 25, Beginning balance $ (445 ) $ (1,551 ) Mark to market adjustment 485 1,591 Ending balance $ 40 $ 40
Schedule of Changes in Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis with Unobservable Inputs	The following table summarizes the activity within Level 3 instruments: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 25, September 25, Beginning balance $ (445 ) $ (1,551 ) Mark to market adjustment 485 1,591 Ending balance $ 40 $ 40

Marketable Securities (Tables)

Marketable Securities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2016
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Marketable Securities	Marketable securities consisted of the following: September 25, December 27, Trading Mutual funds $ — 9,043 Total $ — 9,043

Property and Equipment (Tables)

Property and Equipment (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property and equipment consisted of the following: September 25, December 27, Construction in process $ 34,686 18,662 Buildings 98,295 92,603 Capital leases and buildings under deemed landlord financing 26,671 25,105 Furniture, fixtures, and equipment 376,550 369,344 Leasehold improvements 596,871 553,736 Property and equipment, gross 1,133,073 1,059,450 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (527,885 ) (454,738 ) Property and equipment, net $ 605,188 604,712

Reacquired Franchise Rights (Ta

Reacquired Franchise Rights (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2016
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]
Schedule of Reacquired Franchise Rights	Reacquired franchise rights consisted of the following: September 25, December 27, Reacquired franchise rights $ 153,960 152,070 Accumulated amortization (31,860 ) (22,788 ) Reacquired franchise rights, net $ 122,100 129,282

Long-Term Debt and Capital Le25

Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities	Our long-term debt and capital lease obligations consisted of the following: Average interest rate for the nine months ended September 25, 2016 Maturity September 25, December 27, 2015 Revolving credit facility 1.4% July 2018 $ 58,603 34,530 Capital lease and deemed landlord financing obligations 7.1% Various through November 2030 42,079 38,571 Total debt and capital lease obligations 100,682 73,101 Less current maturities (7,302 ) (2,147 ) Total long-term debt and capital lease obligations $ 93,380 70,954

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2016
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock Option Activity	Option activity for the nine months ended September 25, 2016 is summarized as follows: Number of shares Weighted average exercise price Average remaining contractual life (years) Aggregate intrinsic value Outstanding, December 27, 2015 131,248 $ 113.12 4.0 $ 7,051 Granted 33,996 147.55 Exercised (10,215 ) 71.43 Cancelled (4,612 ) 152.42 Expired (535 ) 147.52 Outstanding, September 25, 2016 149,882 $ 122.44 4.0 $ 5,683 Exercisable, September 25, 2016 76,934 $ 96.14 2.6 $ 4,758
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity	Restricted stock units are contingently issuable shares, and the activity for the nine months ended September 25, 2016 was as follows: Number of shares Weighted average grant date fair value Outstanding, December 27, 2015 190,120 $ 161.06 Granted 122,911 147.02 Vested (7,449 ) 122.43 Cancelled (17,579 ) 161.64 Outstanding, September 25, 2016 288,003 $ 156.04

Earnings Per Common Share (Tabl

Earnings Per Common Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2016
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 and nine -month periods ended September 25, 2016 and September 27, 2015 : Three Months Ended September 25, 2016 Earnings (numerator) Shares (denominator) Per-share amount Net earnings attributable to Buffalo Wild Wings $ 22,651 Earnings per common share 22,651 18,295,694 $ 1.24 Effect of dilutive securities – stock options — 33,928 Effect of dilutive securities – restricted stock units — 23,874 Earnings per common share – assuming dilution $ 22,651 18,353,496 $ 1.23 Three Months Ended September 27, 2015 Earnings (numerator) Shares (denominator) Per-share amount Net earnings attributable to Buffalo Wild Wings $ 19,236 Earnings per common share 19,236 19,022,111 $ 1.01 Effect of dilutive securities – stock options — 74,204 Effect of dilutive securities – restricted stock units — 70,344 Earnings per common share – assuming dilution $ 19,236 19,166,659 $ 1.00 Nine Months Ended September 25, 2016 Earnings (numerator) Shares (denominator) Per-share amount Net earnings attributable to Buffalo Wild Wings $ 79,126 Earnings per common share 79,126 18,608,533 $ 4.25 Effect of dilutive securities – stock options — 33,359 Effect of dilutive securities – restricted stock units — 7,958 Earnings per common share – assuming dilution $ 79,126 18,649,850 $ 4.24 Nine Months Ended September 27, 2015 Earnings (numerator) Shares (denominator) Per-share amount Net earnings attributable to Buffalo Wild Wings $ 69,798 Earnings per common share 69,798 19,005,859 $ 3.67 Effect of dilutive securities – stock options — 76,080 Effect of dilutive securities – restricted stock units — 35,932 Earnings per common share – assuming dilution $ 69,798 19,117,871 $ 3.65
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 Nine months ended September 25, September 27, September 25, September 27, Stock options 78,070 33,327 71,863 37,986 Restricted stock units 264,129 257,904 280,045 292,316

Supplemental Disclosures of C28

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2016
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures	Nine months ended September 25, September 27, Cash paid during the period for: Income taxes $ 11,724 45,777 Interest 2,563 586 Noncash financing and investing transactions: Decrease in property and equipment not yet paid for 8,299 10,888 Increase in asset retirement obligation asset and liability 89 1,096 Increase in deemed owner assets and obligations 5,729 — Increase in other assets and liabilities from hosted software arrangements 1,550 — Increase in capital leases 888 —

Acquisition of Businesses (Tabl

Acquisition of Businesses (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2016
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Acquired Assets and Liabilities Assumed	Nine Months Ended September 25, September 27, Inventory, prepaids, and other assets $ 38 14,036 Property and equipment 224 65,623 Lease and other liabilities (14 ) (1,690 ) Reacquired franchise rights 1,890 100,090 Capital lease obligations — (29,975 ) Goodwill 1,724 61,629 $ 3,862 209,713

Basis of Financial Statement 30

Basis of Financial Statement Presentation (Details) - restaurant	Sep. 25, 2016	Sep. 27, 2015
Company Owned
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of Restaurants	617	573
Franchise
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of Restaurants	602	569

Fair Value Measurements (Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Fair Value Measurements - USD ($)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2016	Sep. 25, 2016	Sep. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Sep. 27, 2015
Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Deferred compensation, asset			$ 8,921,000	$ 9,043,000
Contingent consideration, asset	$ 40,000	$ 40,000	40,000
Contingent consideration, liability		1,551,000		1,551,000
Deferred compensation, liability			8,745,000	8,958,000
Fair Value, Changes In Liabilities Measured At Level 3 Fair Value Hierarchy [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		(1,551,000)
Contingent consideration, asset ending balance	40,000	40,000
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
Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Deferred compensation, asset			8,921,000	9,043,000
Contingent consideration, asset	0	0	0
Contingent consideration, liability		0		0
Deferred compensation, liability			8,745,000	8,958,000
Fair Value, Changes In Liabilities Measured At Level 3 Fair Value Hierarchy [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		0
Contingent consideration, asset ending balance	0	0
Level 2
Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Deferred compensation, asset			0	0
Contingent consideration, asset	0	0	0
Contingent consideration, liability		0		0
Deferred compensation, liability			0	0
Fair Value, Changes In Liabilities Measured At Level 3 Fair Value Hierarchy [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		0
Contingent consideration, asset ending balance	0	0
Level 3
Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Deferred compensation, asset			0	0
Contingent consideration, asset	40,000	40,000	40,000
Contingent consideration, liability	445,000	1,551,000		1,551,000
Deferred compensation, liability			$ 0	$ 0
Fair Value, Changes In Liabilities Measured At Level 3 Fair Value Hierarchy [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(445,000)	(1,551,000)
Mark to market adjustment	485,000	1,591,000
Contingent consideration, asset ending balance	$ 40,000	$ 40,000

Marketable Securities (Details)

Marketable Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Trading Mutual funds	$ 0	$ 9,043
Total	$ 0	$ 9,043

Property and Equipment (Details

Property and Equipment (Details) - Property and Equipment - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Construction in process	$ 34,686	$ 18,662
Buildings	98,295	92,603
Capital leases and buildings under deemed landlord financing	26,671	25,105
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment	376,550	369,344
Leasehold improvements	596,871	553,736
Property and equipment, gross	1,133,073	1,059,450
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(527,885)	(454,738)
Property and equipment, net	$ 605,188	$ 604,712

Reacquired Franchise Rights (De

Reacquired Franchise Rights (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2016	Sep. 27, 2015	Dec. 27, 2015
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of intangible assets	$ 13,601	$ 4,768
Franchise Rights
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Reacquired franchise rights	153,960		$ 152,070
Accumulated amortization	(31,860)		(22,788)
Reacquired franchise rights, net	$ 122,100		$ 129,282

Long-Term Debt and Capital Le35

Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (Details) - USD ($)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Feb. 28, 2013
Revolving Credit Facility (Details) [Line Items]
Debt and capital lease obligations including current maturities	$ 100,682,000	$ 73,101,000
Less current maturities	(7,302,000)	(2,147,000)
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, net of current portion	$ 93,380,000	70,954,000
Revolving credit facility | Revolving Credit Facility
Revolving Credit Facility (Details) [Line Items]
Interest rate during period	1.40%
Debt and capital lease obligations including current maturities	$ 58,603,000	34,530,000
Capital lease and deemed landlord financing obligations
Revolving Credit Facility (Details) [Line Items]
Interest rate during period	7.10%
Debt and capital lease obligations including current maturities	$ 42,079,000	$ 38,571,000
Unsecured Debt | Revolving Credit Facility
Revolving Credit Facility (Details) [Line Items]
Line of credit facility			$ 200,000,000

Stockholders' Equity (Details)

Stockholders' Equity (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2016USD ($)installment$ / sharesshares	Sep. 27, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Shares repurchased and concurrently retired during period	758,894
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Value of shares repurchased and retired during period | $	$ 105,852
Closing stock price | $ / shares	$ 155.38
Weighted average grant date fair value of options (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 47.67	$ 59.11
Employee Stock Option
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of installments in which incentive stock options become exercisable | installment	4
Contractual life of share based award	7 years
Nonvested stock awards, cost not yet recognized | $	$ 2,378
Nonvested stock awards, cost not yet recognized, period for recognition	2 years 5 months 15 days
Total intrinsic value of options exercised | $	$ 848	$ 4,012
Number of shares vested	0	0
Equity Incentive Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock shares reserved for issuance to employees	1,600,000
Shares available for grant	652,019
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
Shares available for grant	172,901
Employee stock purchase plan, market price less discount (as a percent)	85.00%
Stock issued during the period (in shares)	12,857	8,747
Common Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Value of shares repurchased and retired during period | $	$ 6,446
Retained Earnings
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Value of shares repurchased and retired during period | $	$ 99,406

Stockholder's Equity - Stock Op

Stockholder's Equity - Stock Options Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2016	Sep. 27, 2015	Dec. 27, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares Beginning of Period (in shares)	131,248
Options Granted in Period (in shares)	33,996
Options Exercises in Period (in shares)	(10,215)
Options Canceled in Period (in shares)	(4,612)
Options Expired in Period (in shares)	(535)
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares End of Period (in shares)	149,882
Options Exercisable, Number (in shares)	76,934
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)	$ 113.12
Options Granted in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)	147.55
Options Exercised in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)	71.43
Options Canceled in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)	152.42
Options Expired in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)	147.52
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price End of Period (in Dollars per share)	122.44
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)	$ 96.14
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	3 years 11 months 16 days	4 years
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	2 years 7 months 20 days
Options Outstanding, Intrinsic Value	$ 5,683		$ 7,051
Options Exercisable, Intrinsic Value	$ 4,758

Stockholder's Equity - Restrict

Stockholder's Equity - Restricted Stock Activity (Details) - Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2016	Sep. 27, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	3 years
Performance period	3 years
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	190,120
Restricted Stock Units Granted	122,911
Restricted Stock Units Vested	(7,449)
Restricted Stock Units Cancelled	(17,579)
Restricted Stock Units Outstanding End of Period	288,003
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 Balance (in dollars per share)	$ 161.06
Restricted Stock Units, Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)	147.02	$ 180.60
Restricted Stock Units, Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)	122.43
Restricted Stock Units, Canceled, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)	161.64
Restricted Stock Units Outstanding, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Ending Balance (in dollars per share)	$ 156.04
Nonvested stock awards, cost not yet recognized	$ 7,225
Nonvested stock awards, cost not yet recognized, period for recognition	2 years
Restricted Stock Units Expense	$ 862	$ 10,214

Earnings Per Common Share - Rec

Earnings Per Common Share - Reconciliation of Basic and Fully Diluted Earnings Per Common Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2016	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 25, 2016	Sep. 27, 2015
Earnings Per Common Share (Details) - Reconciliation of Basic and Fully Diluted Earnings Per Common Share [Line Items]
Net earnings attributable to Buffalo Wild Wings	$ 22,651	$ 19,236	$ 79,126	$ 69,798
Net earnings to calculate earnings per share	$ 22,651	$ 19,236	$ 79,126	$ 69,798
Weighted average shares outstanding – basic (in Shares)	18,295,694	19,022,111	18,608,533	19,005,859
Earnings per common share – basic (in Dollars per share)	$ 1.24	$ 1.01	$ 4.25	$ 3.67
Effect of dilutive securities – stock options (in shares)			7,958
Earnings per common share – assuming dilution	$ 22,651	$ 19,236	$ 79,126	$ 69,798
Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted (in Shares)	18,353,496	19,166,659	18,649,850	19,117,871
Earnings per common share – diluted (in Dollars per share)	$ 1.23	$ 1	$ 4.24	$ 3.65
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)	33,928	74,204	33,359	76,080
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
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)	23,874	70,344		35,932

Earnings Per Common Share - Sec

Earnings Per Common Share - Securities Excluded From Fully Diluted Calculations (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2016	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 25, 2016	Sep. 27, 2015
Equity Option
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from fully diluted computations	78,070	33,327	71,863	37,986
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from fully diluted computations	264,129	257,904	280,045	292,316

Supplemental Disclosures of C41

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information (Details) - Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2016	Sep. 27, 2015
Income Taxes Paid
Cash paid for income taxes	$ 11,724	$ 45,777
Interest Paid
Cash paid for interest	2,563	586
Noncash financing and investing transactions:
Decrease in property and equipment not yet paid for	8,299	10,888
Increase in asset retirement obligation asset and liability	89	1,096
Increase in deemed owner assets and obligations	5,729	0
Increase in other assets and liabilities from hosted software arrangements	1,550	0
Increase in capital leases	$ 888	$ 0

Contingencies (Details)

Contingencies (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2015USD ($)
Pie Squared Pizza, LLC | Guarantee Obligations
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss	$ 575

Acquisition of Businesses (Deta

Acquisition of Businesses (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2016USD ($)restaurant	Sep. 27, 2015USD ($)restaurant	Dec. 27, 2015USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 117,228		$ 114,101
2016 Acquisitions
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Inventory, prepaids, and other assets	38
Property and equipment	224
Lease and other liabilities	(14)
Reacquired franchise rights	1,890
Capital lease obligations	0	$ (29,975)
Total purchase price	3,862
2015 Acquisitions
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Inventory, prepaids, and other assets		14,036
Property and equipment		65,623
Lease and other liabilities		(1,690)
Reacquired franchise rights		100,090
Goodwill	$ 1,724	61,629
Total purchase price		$ 209,713
Franchise | Buffalo Wild Wings Restaurant
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of Restaurants acquired (in restaurants) | restaurant	1	54
Franchise | Rusty Taco
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of Restaurants acquired (in restaurants) | restaurant		1
Asset under Construction | Buffalo Wild Wings Restaurant
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of Restaurants acquired (in restaurants) | restaurant		4

Subsequent Event (Details)

Subsequent Event (Details) - Unsecured Debt - USD ($)	Oct. 06, 2016	Oct. 23, 2016	Feb. 28, 2013
Revolving Credit Facility
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Line of credit facility			$ 200,000,000
Subsequent Event | Revolving Credit Facility | Wells Fargo, Credit Agreement
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Line of credit facility	$ 500,000,000
Long-term Line of Credit		$ 100,000,000
Subsequent Event | Revolving Credit Facility | Wells Fargo, Credit Agreement | Minimum
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Commitment fee (as a percent)	0.125%
Subsequent Event | Revolving Credit Facility | Wells Fargo, Credit Agreement | Base Rate | Minimum
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)	0.00%
Subsequent Event | Revolving Credit Facility | Wells Fargo, Credit Agreement | Base Rate | Maximum
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)	0.75%
Commitment fee (as a percent)	0.25%
Subsequent Event | Revolving Credit Facility | Wells Fargo, Credit Agreement | LIBOR | Minimum
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)	1.00%
Subsequent Event | Revolving Credit Facility | Wells Fargo, Credit Agreement | LIBOR | Maximum
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)	1.75%
Subsequent Event | Letter of Credit | Wells Fargo, Credit Agreement
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Line of credit facility	$ 40,000
Subsequent Event | Swingline Loan | Wells Fargo, Credit Agreement
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Line of credit facility	$ 20,000