Buffalo Wild Wings (BWLD) 10-Q 28 Apr 17 2017 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 26, 2017	Apr. 25, 2017
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	BUFFALO WILD WINGS INC
Entity Central Index Key	1,062,449
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Mar. 26, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		16,140,269
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 26, 2017	Dec. 25, 2016
Current assets:
Cash	$ 38,611	$ 49,266
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $251	41,941	34,225
Inventory	14,917	16,532
Prepaid expenses	7,831	9,075
Refundable income taxes	0	1,018
Restricted assets	22,530	66,471
Total current assets	125,830	176,587
Property and equipment, net	567,214	592,806
Reacquired franchise rights, net	115,660	118,973
Other assets	42,331	41,625
Goodwill	117,228	117,228
Total assets	968,263	1,047,219
Current liabilities:
Deferred revenue	4,515	3,089
Accounts payable	33,370	45,797
Accrued compensation and benefits	34,672	47,304
Accrued expenses	31,135	32,347
Income tax payable	10,407	0
Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations	4,043	3,745
Current portion of deferred lease credits	4,542	873
System-wide payables	63,322	108,814
Total current liabilities	186,006	241,969
Long-term liabilities:
Other liabilities	15,976	16,109
Deferred income taxes	18,686	21,588
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, net of current portion	379,231	205,312
Deferred lease credits, net of current portion	40,913	44,341
Total liabilities	640,812	529,319
Commitments and Contingencies
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, no par value. Authorized 44,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 16,136,768 and 17,462,465 shares, respectively	139,927	147,234
Retained earnings	191,635	374,683
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(3,810)	(3,878)
Total stockholders’ equity	327,752	518,039
Noncontrolling interests	(301)	(139)
Total equity	327,451	517,900
Total liabilities and equity	$ 968,263	$ 1,047,219

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 26, 2017	Dec. 25, 2016
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Accounts Receivable, allowance	$ 251	$ 251
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)	16,136,768	17,462,465
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	16,136,768	17,462,465

Consolidated Statements of Earn

Consolidated Statements of Earnings - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 26, 2017	Mar. 27, 2016
Revenue:
Restaurant sales	$ 509,205	$ 483,911
Franchise royalties and fees	25,558	24,346
Total revenue	534,763	508,257
Restaurant operating costs:
Cost of sales	160,001	143,823
Labor	161,034	149,129
Operating	77,540	69,680
Occupancy	28,463	26,723
Depreciation and amortization	38,877	37,549
General and administrative	32,752	31,665
Preopening	587	1,863
Loss on asset disposals and impairment	1,728	1,222
Total costs and expenses	500,982	461,654
Income from operations	33,781	46,603
Interest expense	2,358	840
Interest expense	1,160	(867)
Earnings before income taxes	30,263	46,630
Income tax expense	8,876	13,952
Net earnings including noncontrolling interests	21,387	32,678
Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(162)	(95)
Net earnings attributable to Buffalo Wild Wings	$ 21,549	$ 32,773
Earnings per common share – basic (in Dollars per share)	$ 1.26	$ 1.73
Earnings per common share – diluted (in Dollars per share)	$ 1.25	$ 1.73
Weighted average shares outstanding – basic (in Shares)	17,163,341	18,922,040
Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted (in Shares)	17,187,237	18,957,084

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 26, 2017	Mar. 27, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings including noncontrolling interests	$ 21,387	$ 32,678
Other comprehensive loss (income):
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	(68)	(247)
Other comprehensive loss (income), net of tax	(68)	(247)
Comprehensive income including noncontrolling interests	21,455	32,925
Comprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(162)	(95)
Comprehensive income attributable to Buffalo Wild Wings	$ 21,617	$ 33,020

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 26, 2017	Mar. 27, 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings including noncontrolling interests	$ 21,387	$ 32,678
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operations:
Depreciation and amortization	38,877	37,549
Loss on asset disposals	1,728	1,222
Deferred lease credits	1,911	2,067
Deferred income taxes	(2,902)	858
Stock-based compensation	617	1,404
Excess tax benefit from stock issuance	0	(33)
Change in fair value of contingent consideration	170	(1,106)
Loss on investments in affiliates	1,363	158
Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect of acquisitions:
Trading securities	0	(104)
Accounts receivable	(10,051)	(1,297)
Inventory	1,619	806
Prepaid expenses	1,245	889
Other assets	(2,927)	(428)
Deferred revenue	1,426	(181)
Accounts payable	(4,378)	(706)
Income taxes	11,425	22,813
Accrued expenses	(12,658)	(19,488)
Net cash provided by operating activities	48,852	77,101
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of property and equipment	(17,140)	(34,094)
Acquisition of businesses	0	(3,860)
Net cash used in investing activities	(17,140)	(37,954)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from revolving credit facility	220,000	108,633
Repayments of revolving credit facility	(47,000)	(135,514)
Borrowings from restricted funds	933	22,622
Repurchases of common stock	(212,250)	(25,000)
Other financing activities	(1,123)	(500)
Issuance of common stock	769	434
Excess tax benefit from stock issuance	0	33
Tax payments for restricted stock units	(3,716)	(9,172)
Net cash used in financing activities	(42,387)	(38,464)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	20	(210)
Net increase (decrease) in cash	(10,655)	473
Cash at beginning of period	49,266	11,220
Cash at end of period	$ 38,611	$ 11,693

Basis of Financial Statement Pr

Basis of Financial Statement Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 26, 2017
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 26, 2017 and December 25, 2016 , and for the three -month periods ended March 26, 2017 and March 27, 2016 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 26, 2017 and for the three -month periods ended March 26, 2017 and March 27, 2016 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 March 26, 2017 and March 27, 2016 , we operated 634 and 603 company-owned restaurants, respectively, and had 616 and 587 franchised restaurants, respectively. The financial information as of December 25, 2016 is derived from our audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the fiscal year ended December 25, 2016 , which are included in Part II, Item 8, of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 25, 2016 , and should be read in conjunction with such financial statements. The results of operations for the three -month period ended March 26, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that may be achieved for the entire year ending December 31, 2017 . Certain amounts as of March 27, 2016 have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. The Company previously classified depreciation and amortization separately on the consolidated statements of cash flows. The change in classification does not affect previously reported cash flows from operations, investing or financing activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows for any period.

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 26, 2017
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 25, 2016 . There has been no significant change in our accounting policies since December 25, 2016 . 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 and gift card fund. Historically, we have recognized revenue from initial franchise fees upon the opening of a franchised restaurant when we performed all of our material obligations and initial services. Upon the adoption of Topic 606, we will generally recognize initial franchise fees over the term of a franchise agreement. We are in the process of implementing this standard as we have drafted certain accounting policies. We will be finalizing accounting policies, selecting our transition method, quantifying the impact of adopting this standard, and designing internal controls during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 . 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. Operating leases comprise the majority of our current lease portfolio. In regards to implementation, we are currently reviewing the accounting standard. We are currently unable to estimate the impact on our consolidated financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other: Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment.” ASU 2017-04 eliminated Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test which required entities to compute the implied fair value of goodwill by determining the fair value of the reporting unit's assets and liabilities as if they were assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Instead of Step 2, entities performing their annual impairment test will recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit's fair value. Entities will continue to have the option to perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. We do not believe the updated requirements 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. Recently Adopted Accounting Standards We adopted the following standard as of December 26, 2016, which did not have a material 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 was effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Prospectively, all excess tax benefits and deficiencies are recognized in the income tax expense line item of our consolidated statements of earnings, and are included within our changes in incomes taxes line item on our consolidated statements of cash flows. We are continuing to estimate forfeitures for awards with a requisite service period, basing the accrual of compensation cost on the estimated number of awards that will vest.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 26, 2017
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 March 26, 2017 : Fair Value Measurements Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets Deferred Compensation - Mutual Funds $ 9,660 — — 9,660 Contingent Consideration — — 1,970 1,970 Liabilities Deferred Compensation - Mutual Funds 9,231 — — 9,231 The following table summarizes the financial instruments measured at fair value in our consolidated balance sheet as of December 25, 2016 : Fair Value Measurements Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets Deferred Compensation - Mutual Funds $ 9,134 — — 9,134 Contingent Consideration — — 2,140 2,140 Liabilities Deferred Compensation - Mutual Funds 9,014 — — 9,014 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 represent amounts due related to a fiscal year 2015 acquisition. These assets 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. 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 March 26, March 27, Beginning balance $ 2,140 $ (1,551 ) Mark to market adjustment (170 ) 1,106 Ending balance $ 1,970 $ (445 ) Adjustments to the contingent consideration assets and liabilities are recognized in other expense (income) on the consolidated statements of earnings. There were no significant transfers between the levels of the fair value hierarchy during either of the three -month periods ended March 26, 2017 and March 27, 2016 .

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 26, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment Property and equipment consisted of the following: March 26, December 25, Construction in process $ 13,214 19,120 Buildings 100,298 100,974 Capital leases and buildings under deemed landlord financing 31,467 29,840 Furniture, fixtures, and equipment 390,595 386,233 Leasehold improvements 621,175 614,307 Property and equipment, gross 1,156,749 1,150,474 Less accumulated depreciation (589,535 ) (557,668 ) Property and equipment, net $ 567,214 592,806 As of March 26, 2017 and December 25, 2016 , we recorded assets under capital lease of $23,701 and $22,074 , respectively and related accumulated amortization of $4,023 and $3,422 , respectively. Amortization expense under capital leases is included within depreciation and amortization on the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Depreciation expense for the three-month periods ending March 26, 2017 and March 27, 2016 was $33,565 and $34,552 , respectively.

Reacquired Franchise Rights

Reacquired Franchise Rights	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 26, 2017
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]
Reacquired Franchise Rights	Reacquired Franchise Rights Reacquired franchise rights consisted of the following: March 26, December 25, Reacquired franchise rights $ 153,870 153,870 Accumulated amortization (38,210 ) (34,897 ) Reacquired franchise rights, net $ 115,660 118,973 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 three -month periods ended March 26, 2017 and March 27, 2016 was $5,312 and $2,997 , respectively.

Long-Term Debt and Capital Leas

Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 26, 2017
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 three months ended March 26, 2017 Maturity March 26, December 25, 2016 Revolving credit facility 1.9% October 6, 2021 $ 343,000 170,000 Capital lease and deemed landlord financing obligations 8.8% Various through November 2030 40,274 39,057 Total debt and capital lease obligations 383,274 209,057 Less current maturities (4,043 ) (3,745 ) Total long-term debt and capital lease obligations $ 379,231 205,312 On October 6, 2016, we terminated our then-existing revolving credit facility 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 $700,000 unsecured revolving credit facility, which expires on October 6, 2021. The revolving credit facility includes a letter of credit subfacility of $40,000 and a swingline loan of $20,000 . Amounts borrowed on the revolving credit 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 defined in our Credit Agreement, our consolidated total leverage ratio is calculated, as of any date of determination, as our consolidated funded indebtedness on such date to Consolidated EBITDA for the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters ending on or immediately prior to such date. As of March 26, 2017 , our consolidated total leverage ratio was 1.29 . The Credit Agreement also contains covenants that require us to maintain certain financial ratios, including consolidated coverage and consolidated total leverage. The Credit Agreement also contains other customary affirmative and negative covenants.

Stockholder's Equity

Stockholder's Equity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 26, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stockholder's Equity	Stockholders' Equity During the three -month period ended March 26, 2017 , we repurchased 1,362,890 shares of our common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $212,250 . The repurchased shares were concurrently retired and credited to authorized, but unissued stock. The repurchase of these shares and other activity resulted in a decrease in common stock of $7,653 and a decrease in retained earnings of $204,597 for the same period. We have 1.6 million shares of common stock reserved for issuance under our 2012 Equity Incentive Plan (Plan) for our employees, officers, and directors. The Plan had 740,288 shares available for grant as of March 26, 2017 . 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. Incentive stock options vest in 4 equal annual installments from the date of grant and have a contractual life of seven years. Nonqualified stock options issued pursuant to the Plan have a four -year vesting period, which vest in ratable annual installments, 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 the exercise of stock options. Option activity for the three months ended March 26, 2017 is summarized as follows: Number of shares Weighted average exercise price Average remaining contractual life (years) Aggregate intrinsic value Outstanding, December 25, 2016 145,624 $ 129.89 4.1 $ 5,076 Granted 1,670 160.20 Exercised (8,185 ) 84.54 Cancelled (4,567 ) 158.52 Outstanding, March 26, 2017 134,542 $ 132.05 3.9 $ 3,241 Exercisable, March 26, 2017 88,007 $ 117.47 3.2 $ 3,222 The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above is before applicable income taxes, based on our closing stock price of $148.25 as of the last business day of the three -month period ended March 26, 2017 , which would have been received by the optionees had all options been exercised and sold on that date. As of March 26, 2017 , total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to nonvested stock options was approximately $1,865 , which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.2 years . During the three -month periods ended March 26, 2017 and March 27, 2016 , the total intrinsic value of stock options exercised was $551 and $533 , respectively. During the three -month periods ended March 26, 2017 and March 27, 2016 , the weighted average grant date fair value of options was $44.93 and $0 , respectively. During the three -month periods ended March 26, 2017 and March 27, 2016 , the total fair value of options vested was $19 and $0 , respectively. 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 actual 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 required for employee withholding taxes, which can be withheld up to the relevant jurisdiction's maximum statutory rate. 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 26, 2017 was as follows: Number of shares Weighted average grant date fair value Outstanding, December 25, 2016 202,047 $ 160.03 Granted 5,400 166.62 Cancelled (11,671 ) 163.13 Outstanding, March 26, 2017 195,776 $ 160.03 As of March 26, 2017 , the total stock-based compensation expense related to nonvested awards not yet recognized was $1,154 , which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.9 years. The weighted average grant date fair value of restricted stock units granted during the three -month period ended March 26, 2017 was $166.62 . We granted no restricted stock units during the three-month period ended March 27, 2016 . No shares of restricted stock vested during the three-month periods ended March 26, 2017 and March 27, 2016 . During the three -month periods ended March 26, 2017 and March 27, 2016 , we recognized $155 and $1,111 , respectively, of stock-based compensation expense related to restricted stock units. 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 26, 2017 , and March 27, 2016 , we issued no shares of common stock under the ESPP. As of March 26, 2017 , we had 161,139 shares available for future issuance under the ESPP.

Earnings Per Common Share

Earnings Per Common Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 26, 2017
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 26, 2017 and March 27, 2016 : Three Months Ended March 26, 2017 Earnings (numerator) Shares (denominator) Per-share amount Net earnings attributable to Buffalo Wild Wings $ 21,549 Earnings per common share 21,549 17,163,341 $ 1.26 Effect of dilutive securities – stock options — 23,896 Earnings per common share – assuming dilution $ 21,549 17,187,237 $ 1.25 Three Months Ended March 27, 2016 Earnings (numerator) Shares (denominator) Per-share amount Net earnings attributable to Buffalo Wild Wings $ 32,773 Earnings per common share 32,773 18,922,040 $ 1.73 Effect of dilutive securities – stock options — 35,044 Earnings per common share – assuming dilution $ 32,773 18,957,084 $ 1.73 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 26, March 27, Stock options 80,566 49,094 Restricted stock units 195,776 183,348

Supplemental Disclosures of Cas

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 26, 2017
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information	Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information Three months ended March 26, March 27, Cash paid (received) during the period for: Income taxes $ 243 (9,786 ) Interest 2,268 867 Noncash financing and investing transactions: Decrease in property and equipment not yet paid for (8,055 ) (3,326 ) Increase in deemed owner assets and obligations 170 1,490 Increase in other assets and liabilities from hosted software arrangements — 1,151 Increase in capital lease assets and obligations 1,631 —

Contingencies

Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 26, 2017
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 did not believe that payment under this guarantee was probable as of March 26, 2017 . 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. On September 27, 2016, the plaintiffs amended their complaint to include putative class action claims under the laws of seven additional states: Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. 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.

Summary of Significant Accoun17

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 26, 2017
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 and gift card fund. Historically, we have recognized revenue from initial franchise fees upon the opening of a franchised restaurant when we performed all of our material obligations and initial services. Upon the adoption of Topic 606, we will generally recognize initial franchise fees over the term of a franchise agreement. We are in the process of implementing this standard as we have drafted certain accounting policies. We will be finalizing accounting policies, selecting our transition method, quantifying the impact of adopting this standard, and designing internal controls during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 . 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. Operating leases comprise the majority of our current lease portfolio. In regards to implementation, we are currently reviewing the accounting standard. We are currently unable to estimate the impact on our consolidated financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other: Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment.” ASU 2017-04 eliminated Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test which required entities to compute the implied fair value of goodwill by determining the fair value of the reporting unit's assets and liabilities as if they were assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Instead of Step 2, entities performing their annual impairment test will recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit's fair value. Entities will continue to have the option to perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. We do not believe the updated requirements 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. Recently Adopted Accounting Standards We adopted the following standard as of December 26, 2016, which did not have a material 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 was effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Prospectively, all excess tax benefits and deficiencies are recognized in the income tax expense line item of our consolidated statements of earnings, and are included within our changes in incomes taxes line item on our consolidated statements of cash flows. We are continuing to estimate forfeitures for awards with a requisite service period, basing the accrual of compensation cost on the estimated number of awards that will vest.

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 26, 2017
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 26, 2017 : Fair Value Measurements Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets Deferred Compensation - Mutual Funds $ 9,660 — — 9,660 Contingent Consideration — — 1,970 1,970 Liabilities Deferred Compensation - Mutual Funds 9,231 — — 9,231 The following table summarizes the financial instruments measured at fair value in our consolidated balance sheet as of December 25, 2016 : Fair Value Measurements Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets Deferred Compensation - Mutual Funds $ 9,134 — — 9,134 Contingent Consideration — — 2,140 2,140 Liabilities Deferred Compensation - Mutual Funds 9,014 — — 9,014
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 March 26, March 27, Beginning balance $ 2,140 $ (1,551 ) Mark to market adjustment (170 ) 1,106 Ending balance $ 1,970 $ (445 )
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 March 26, March 27, Beginning balance $ 2,140 $ (1,551 ) Mark to market adjustment (170 ) 1,106 Ending balance $ 1,970 $ (445 )

Property and Equipment (Tables)

Property and Equipment (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 26, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property and equipment consisted of the following: March 26, December 25, Construction in process $ 13,214 19,120 Buildings 100,298 100,974 Capital leases and buildings under deemed landlord financing 31,467 29,840 Furniture, fixtures, and equipment 390,595 386,233 Leasehold improvements 621,175 614,307 Property and equipment, gross 1,156,749 1,150,474 Less accumulated depreciation (589,535 ) (557,668 ) Property and equipment, net $ 567,214 592,806

Reacquired Franchise Rights (Ta

Reacquired Franchise Rights (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 26, 2017
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]
Schedule of Reacquired Franchise Rights	Reacquired franchise rights consisted of the following: March 26, December 25, Reacquired franchise rights $ 153,870 153,870 Accumulated amortization (38,210 ) (34,897 ) Reacquired franchise rights, net $ 115,660 118,973

Long-Term Debt and Capital Le21

Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 26, 2017
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 three months ended March 26, 2017 Maturity March 26, December 25, 2016 Revolving credit facility 1.9% October 6, 2021 $ 343,000 170,000 Capital lease and deemed landlord financing obligations 8.8% Various through November 2030 40,274 39,057 Total debt and capital lease obligations 383,274 209,057 Less current maturities (4,043 ) (3,745 ) Total long-term debt and capital lease obligations $ 379,231 205,312

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 26, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock Option Activity	Option activity for the three months ended March 26, 2017 is summarized as follows: Number of shares Weighted average exercise price Average remaining contractual life (years) Aggregate intrinsic value Outstanding, December 25, 2016 145,624 $ 129.89 4.1 $ 5,076 Granted 1,670 160.20 Exercised (8,185 ) 84.54 Cancelled (4,567 ) 158.52 Outstanding, March 26, 2017 134,542 $ 132.05 3.9 $ 3,241 Exercisable, March 26, 2017 88,007 $ 117.47 3.2 $ 3,222
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity	Restricted stock units are contingently issuable shares, and the activity for the three months ended March 26, 2017 was as follows: Number of shares Weighted average grant date fair value Outstanding, December 25, 2016 202,047 $ 160.03 Granted 5,400 166.62 Cancelled (11,671 ) 163.13 Outstanding, March 26, 2017 195,776 $ 160.03

Earnings Per Common Share (Tabl

Earnings Per Common Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 26, 2017
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 26, 2017 and March 27, 2016 : Three Months Ended March 26, 2017 Earnings (numerator) Shares (denominator) Per-share amount Net earnings attributable to Buffalo Wild Wings $ 21,549 Earnings per common share 21,549 17,163,341 $ 1.26 Effect of dilutive securities – stock options — 23,896 Earnings per common share – assuming dilution $ 21,549 17,187,237 $ 1.25 Three Months Ended March 27, 2016 Earnings (numerator) Shares (denominator) Per-share amount Net earnings attributable to Buffalo Wild Wings $ 32,773 Earnings per common share 32,773 18,922,040 $ 1.73 Effect of dilutive securities – stock options — 35,044 Earnings per common share – assuming dilution $ 32,773 18,957,084 $ 1.73
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 26, March 27, Stock options 80,566 49,094 Restricted stock units 195,776 183,348

Supplemental Disclosures of C24

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 26, 2017
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures	Three months ended March 26, March 27, Cash paid (received) during the period for: Income taxes $ 243 (9,786 ) Interest 2,268 867 Noncash financing and investing transactions: Decrease in property and equipment not yet paid for (8,055 ) (3,326 ) Increase in deemed owner assets and obligations 170 1,490 Increase in other assets and liabilities from hosted software arrangements — 1,151 Increase in capital lease assets and obligations 1,631 —

Basis of Financial Statement 25

Basis of Financial Statement Presentation (Details) - restaurant	Mar. 26, 2017	Mar. 27, 2016
Company Owned
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of Restaurants	634	603
Franchise
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of Restaurants	616	587

Fair Value Measurements (Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Fair Value Measurements - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 26, 2017	Mar. 27, 2016	Dec. 25, 2016
Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Deferred compensation, asset	$ 9,660,000		$ 9,134,000
Contingent consideration, asset	1,970,000		2,140,000
Deferred compensation, liability	9,231,000		9,014,000
Fair Value, Changes In Liabilities Measured At Level 3 Fair Value Hierarchy [Roll Forward]
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	9,660,000		9,134,000
Contingent consideration, asset	0		0
Deferred compensation, liability	9,231,000		9,014,000
Level 2
Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Deferred compensation, asset	0		0
Contingent consideration, asset	0		0
Deferred compensation, liability	0		0
Level 3
Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Deferred compensation, asset	0		0
Contingent consideration, asset	1,970,000		2,140,000
Deferred compensation, liability	0		$ 0
Fair Value, Changes In Liabilities Measured At Level 3 Fair Value Hierarchy [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	2,140,000	(1,551,000)
Mark to market adjustment	(170,000)	1,106,000
Ending balance	$ 1,970,000	$ (445,000)

Property and Equipment (Details

Property and Equipment (Details) - Property and Equipment - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 26, 2017	Mar. 27, 2016	Dec. 25, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Construction in process	$ 13,214		$ 19,120
Buildings	100,298		100,974
Capital leases and buildings under deemed landlord financing	31,467		29,840
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment	390,595		386,233
Leasehold improvements	621,175		614,307
Property and equipment, gross	1,156,749		1,150,474
Less accumulated depreciation	(589,535)		(557,668)
Property and equipment, net	567,214		592,806
Assets under capital lease	23,701		22,074
Amortization of capital leases	4,023		$ 3,422
Depreciation expense	$ 33,565	$ 34,552

Reacquired Franchise Rights (De

Reacquired Franchise Rights (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 26, 2017	Mar. 27, 2016	Dec. 25, 2016
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of intangible assets	$ 5,312	$ 2,997
Franchise Rights
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Reacquired franchise rights	153,870		$ 153,870
Accumulated amortization	(38,210)		(34,897)
Reacquired franchise rights, net	$ 115,660		$ 118,973

Long-Term Debt and Capital Le29

Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (Details) - USD ($)	Oct. 06, 2016	Mar. 26, 2017	Dec. 25, 2016	Feb. 28, 2013
Revolving Credit Facility (Details) [Line Items]
Debt and capital lease obligations including current maturities		$ 383,274,000	$ 209,057,000
Less current maturities		(4,043,000)	(3,745,000)
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, net of current portion		$ 379,231,000	$ 205,312,000
Leverage ratio			129.00%
Revolving credit facility | Revolving Credit Facility
Revolving Credit Facility (Details) [Line Items]
Interest rate during period		1.90%
Debt and capital lease obligations including current maturities		$ 343,000,000	$ 170,000,000
Revolving credit facility | Revolving Credit Facility | Minimum
Revolving Credit Facility (Details) [Line Items]
Commitment fee (as a percent)	0.125%
Revolving credit facility | Revolving Credit Facility | Maximum
Revolving Credit Facility (Details) [Line Items]
Commitment fee (as a percent)	0.25%
Revolving credit facility | Revolving Credit Facility | Base Rate | Minimum
Revolving Credit Facility (Details) [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)	0.00%
Revolving credit facility | Revolving Credit Facility | Base Rate | Maximum
Revolving Credit Facility (Details) [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)	0.75%
Revolving credit facility | Revolving Credit Facility | LIBOR | Minimum
Revolving Credit Facility (Details) [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)	1.00%
Revolving credit facility | Revolving Credit Facility | LIBOR | Maximum
Revolving Credit Facility (Details) [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)	1.75%
Revolving credit facility | Letter of Credit
Revolving Credit Facility (Details) [Line Items]
Line of credit facility	$ 40,000,000
Revolving credit facility | Swingline Loan Facility
Revolving Credit Facility (Details) [Line Items]
Line of credit facility	$ 20,000
Capital lease and deemed landlord financing obligations
Revolving Credit Facility (Details) [Line Items]
Interest rate during period		8.80%
Debt and capital lease obligations including current maturities		$ 40,274,000	$ 39,057,000
Unsecured Debt | Revolving Credit Facility
Revolving Credit Facility (Details) [Line Items]
Line of credit facility				$ 700,000,000

Stockholders' Equity (Details)

Stockholders' Equity (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 26, 2017USD ($)installment$ / sharesshares	Mar. 27, 2016USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Shares repurchased and concurrently retired during period | shares	1,362,890
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Value of shares repurchased and retired during period	$ 212,250,000
Closing stock price | $ / shares	$ 148.25
Weighted average grant date fair value of options (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 44.93	$ 0
Fair value of options vested	$ 19,000	$ 0
Employee Stock Option
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Contractual life of share based award	7 years
Nonvested stock awards, cost not yet recognized	$ 1,865,000
Nonvested stock awards, cost not yet recognized, period for recognition	2 years 2 months
Total intrinsic value of options exercised	$ 551,000	$ 533,000
Number of shares vested | shares	0	0
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	3 years
Nonvested stock awards, cost not yet recognized	$ 1,154,000
Nonvested stock awards, cost not yet recognized, period for recognition	1 year 11 months 10 days
Performance period	3 years
Restricted Stock Units, Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 166.62
Restricted Stock or Unit Expense	$ 155,000	$ 1,111,000
Equity Incentive Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock shares reserved for issuance to employees | shares	1,600,000
Shares available for grant | shares	740,288
Equity Incentive Plan | Incentive Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of installments for stock incentive plans | installment	4
Equity Incentive Plan | Nonqualified Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	4 years
Equity Incentive Plan | Nonqualified Stock Options | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Contractual life of share based award	7 years
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock shares reserved for issuance to employees | shares	600,000
Shares available for grant | shares	161,139
Employee stock purchase plan, market price less discount (as a percent)	85.00%
Common Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Value of shares repurchased and retired during period	$ 7,653,000
Retained Earnings
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Value of shares repurchased and retired during period	$ 204,597,000

Stockholder's Equity - Stock Op

Stockholder's Equity - Stock Options Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 26, 2017	Mar. 27, 2016	Dec. 25, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares Beginning of Period (in shares)	145,624
Options Granted in Period (in shares)	1,670
Options Exercises in Period (in shares)	(8,185)
Options Canceled in Period (in shares)	(4,567)
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares End of Period (in shares)	134,542
Options Exercisable, Number (in shares)	88,007
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)	$ 129.89
Options Granted in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)	160.20
Options Exercised in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)	84.54
Options Canceled in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)	158.52
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price End of Period (in Dollars per share)	132.05
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)	$ 117.47
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 2 days	4 years 1 month
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	3 years 2 months
Options Outstanding, Intrinsic Value	$ 3,241		$ 5,076
Options Exercisable, Intrinsic Value	$ 3,222

Stockholder's Equity - Restrict

Stockholder's Equity - Restricted Stock Activity (Details) - Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 26, 2017$ / sharesshares
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 | shares	202,047
Restricted Stock Units Granted | shares	5,400
Restricted Stock Units Cancelled | shares	(11,671)
Restricted Stock Units Outstanding End of Period | shares	195,776
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) | $ / shares	$ 160.03
Restricted Stock Units, Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	166.62
Restricted Stock Units, Canceled, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	163.13
Restricted Stock Units Outstanding, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Ending Balance (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 160.03

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
	Mar. 26, 2017	Mar. 27, 2016
Earnings Per Common Share (Details) - Reconciliation of Basic and Fully Diluted Earnings Per Common Share [Line Items]
Net earnings attributable to Buffalo Wild Wings	$ 21,549	$ 32,773
Net earnings to calculate earnings per share	$ 21,549	$ 32,773
Weighted average shares outstanding – basic (in Shares)	17,163,341	18,922,040
Earnings per common share – basic (in Dollars per share)	$ 1.26	$ 1.73
Earnings per common share – assuming dilution	$ 21,549	$ 32,773
Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted (in Shares)	17,187,237	18,957,084
Earnings per common share – diluted (in Dollars per share)	$ 1.25	$ 1.73
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)	23,896	35,044

Earnings Per Common Share - Sec

Earnings Per Common Share - Securities Excluded From Fully Diluted Calculations (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 26, 2017	Mar. 27, 2016
Equity Option
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from fully diluted computations	80,566	49,094
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from fully diluted computations	195,776	183,348

Supplemental Disclosures of C35

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information (Details) - Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 26, 2017	Mar. 27, 2016
Income Taxes Paid
Cash paid for income taxes	$ 243	$ (9,786)
Interest Paid
Cash paid for interest	2,268	867
Noncash financing and investing transactions:
Decrease in property and equipment not yet paid for	(8,055)	(3,326)
Increase in deemed owner assets and obligations	170	1,490
Increase in other assets and liabilities from hosted software arrangements	0	1,151
Increase in capital lease assets and obligations	$ 1,631	$ 0

Contingencies (Details)

Contingencies (Details) $ in Thousands	Mar. 26, 2017USD ($)
Pie Squared Pizza, LLC | Guarantee Obligations
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss	$ 575