Buffalo Wild Wings (BWLD) 10-Q 25 Oct 17 2017 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017	Oct. 18, 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	Sep. 24, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		15,512,253
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. 24, 2017	Dec. 25, 2016
Current assets:
Cash	$ 30,685	$ 49,266
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $251	42,380	34,225
Inventory	14,688	16,532
Prepaid expenses	10,126	9,075
Refundable income taxes	2,109	1,018
Restricted assets	23,314	66,471
Total current assets	123,302	176,587
Property and equipment, net	541,706	592,806
Reacquired franchise rights, net	109,035	118,973
Other assets	39,215	41,625
Goodwill	117,228	117,228
Total assets	930,486	1,047,219
Current liabilities:
Deferred revenue	6,892	3,089
Accounts payable	40,857	45,797
Accrued compensation and benefits	33,982	47,304
Accrued expenses	31,043	32,347
Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations	4,627	3,745
Current portion of deferred lease credits	4,736	873
System-wide payables	54,570	108,814
Total current liabilities	176,707	241,969
Long-term liabilities:
Other liabilities	16,828	16,109
Deferred income taxes	12,937	21,588
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, net of current portion	420,376	205,312
Deferred lease credits, net of current portion	40,803	44,341
Total liabilities	667,651	529,319
Commitments and Contingencies
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, no par value. Authorized 44,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 15,512,253 and 17,462,465 shares, respectively	142,657	147,234
Retained earnings	124,314	374,683
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(3,560)	(3,878)
Total stockholders’ equity	263,411	518,039
Noncontrolling interests	(576)	(139)
Total equity	262,835	517,900
Total liabilities and equity	$ 930,486	$ 1,047,219

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 24, 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)	15,512,253	17,462,465
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	15,512,253	17,462,465

Consolidated Statements of Earn

Consolidated Statements of Earnings - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 25, 2016	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 25, 2016
Revenue:
Restaurant sales	$ 472,956	$ 470,648	$ 1,457,826	$ 1,421,142
Franchise royalties and fees	23,744	23,519	73,617	71,460
Total revenue	496,700	494,167	1,531,443	1,492,602
Restaurant operating costs:
Cost of sales	145,645	136,185	458,360	418,488
Labor	148,417	150,813	463,775	449,317
Operating	71,981	73,435	224,149	211,295
Occupancy	28,439	27,396	85,028	81,324
Depreciation and amortization	37,766	38,345	114,746	113,847
General and administrative	31,054	32,264	102,961	93,750
Preopening	856	1,490	2,360	5,191
Loss on asset disposals and impairment	4,118	1,393	8,474	4,489
Total costs and expenses	468,276	461,321	1,459,853	1,377,701
Income from operations	28,424	32,846	71,590	114,901
Interest expense	3,814	885	9,506	2,571
Other income	(203)	(357)	(4,983)	(196)
Earnings before income taxes	24,813	32,318	67,067	112,526
Income tax expense	6,775	9,814	18,993	33,799
Net earnings including noncontrolling interests	18,038	22,504	48,074	78,727
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(142)	(147)	(437)	(399)
Net earnings attributable to Buffalo Wild Wings	$ 18,180	$ 22,651	$ 48,511	$ 79,126
Earnings per common share – basic (in Dollars per share)	$ 1.17	$ 1.24	$ 2.99	$ 4.25
Earnings per common share – diluted (in Dollars per share)	$ 1.17	$ 1.23	$ 2.98	$ 4.24
Weighted average shares outstanding – basic (in Shares)	15,501,675	18,295,694	16,216,084	18,608,533
Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted (in Shares)	15,572,094	18,353,496	16,268,537	18,649,850

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 25, 2016	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 25, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings including noncontrolling interests	$ 18,038	$ 22,504	$ 48,074	$ 78,727
Other comprehensive loss (income):
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	(248)	69	(318)	(312)
Other comprehensive loss (income), net of tax	(248)	69	(318)	(312)
Comprehensive income including noncontrolling interests	18,286	22,435	48,392	79,039
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(142)	(147)	(437)	(399)
Comprehensive income attributable to Buffalo Wild Wings	$ 18,428	$ 22,582	$ 48,829	$ 79,438

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 25, 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings including noncontrolling interests	$ 48,074	$ 78,727
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operations:
Depreciation and amortization	114,746	113,847
Loss on asset disposals and impairment	8,474	4,489
Deferred lease credits	2,095	4,095
Deferred income taxes	(8,958)	962
Stock-based compensation	6,465	2,453
Excess tax benefit from stock issuance	0	57
Change in fair value of contingent consideration	359	(1,591)
Gain on sale of investment in affiliate	(5,692)	0
Loss on investments in affiliate	1,488	1,904
Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable	(11,042)	(5,025)
Inventory	1,872	1,954
Prepaid expenses	(1,496)	(1,273)
Other assets	(1,777)	(4,450)
Deferred revenue	3,803	477
Accounts payable	(3,030)	6,465
Income taxes	(1,091)	20,991
Accrued expenses	(12,365)	(10,145)
Net cash provided by operating activities	141,925	213,937
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of property and equipment	(59,552)	(117,850)
Acquisition of businesses	0	(3,862)
Proceeds from sale of investment in affiliate	8,126	0
Purchase of marketable securities	0	488
Proceeds from marketable securities	0	1,205
Net cash used in investing activities	(51,426)	(120,995)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from revolving credit facility	370,000	464,521
Repayments of revolving credit facility	(155,000)	(440,448)
Borrowings from (payments to) restricted funds	(9,468)	1,478
Repurchases of common stock	(312,249)	(105,852)
Other financing activities	(2,347)	(1,557)
Issuance of common stock	3,514	2,199
Excess tax benefit from stock issuance	0	(57)
Tax payments for restricted stock units	(3,861)	(9,317)
Net cash used in financing activities	(109,411)	(89,033)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	331	(371)
Net increase (decrease) in cash	(18,581)	3,538
Cash at beginning of period	49,266	11,220
Cash at end of period	$ 30,685	$ 14,758

Basis of Financial Statement Pr

Basis of Financial Statement Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 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 September 24, 2017 and December 25, 2016 , and for the three- and nine -month periods ended September 24, 2017 and September 25, 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 September 24, 2017 and for the three- and nine -month periods ended September 24, 2017 and September 25, 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 ® and R Taco ® 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 24, 2017 and September 25, 2016 , we operated 638 and 617 company-owned restaurants, respectively, and had 633 and 602 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- and nine -month periods ended September 24, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that may be achieved for the entire fiscal year ending December 31, 2017 .

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 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 . In 2017, we completed the implementation of our customer loyalty program, Blazin' Rewards ® . The program allows members to earn points when they make purchases at our restaurants. We record the fair value of points earned as a reduction of restaurant sales and establish a liability within deferred revenue. The revenue associated with the points is recognized at redemption. The Company developed an estimate for the value of each point based on historical data. In the third quarter of 2017, we established an adequate amount of program-specific history to estimate breakage, which is the percentage of points earned that are not expected to be redeemed by our members. Our breakage assumption resulted in the recognition of $2,885 of revenue in restaurant sales that had been deferred in previous periods. Points generally expire after six months of inactivity. There have been no other significant changes 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. The Company expects to adopt these standards upon their effective date. We do not expect the new revenue recognition standard to materially impact our recognition of restaurant sales from company-owned restaurants or our recognition of continuing royalty fees from franchisees. We expect adoption of the new revenue recognition standard to materially impact our accounting for advertising fees charged to franchisees and other transactions involving our advertising and gift card funds. Upon the adoption of Topic 606, we expect to present advertising contributions received from franchisees as revenue and to record all expenses of the national advertising fund and therefore expect that this will increase revenues and expenses on our consolidated statements of earnings. We also expect the adoption of Topic 606 to impact our accounting for initial franchise fees. Currently, we recognize revenue from initial franchise fees upon the opening of a franchised restaurant when we have performed all of our material obligations and initial services. Upon the adoption of Topic 606, we expect to recognize the revenue related to initial franchise fees over the term of the related franchise agreement. We will adopt this standard by utilizing the full retrospective approach. We will continue to finalize accounting policies, quantify the impact of adopting this standard, and design and implement 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. We reviewed all other recently issued accounting pronouncements and concluded they are not applicable or not expected to be material to our financial statements.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 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 on a recurring basis in our consolidated balance sheet as of September 24, 2017 : Fair Value Measurements Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets Deferred Compensation - Mutual Funds $ 10,200 — — 10,200 Liabilities Deferred Compensation - Mutual Funds 9,985 — — 9,985 The following table summarizes the financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis 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 are 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 represented amounts due related to a fiscal year 2015 acquisition. These assets were initially valued using a Level 3 approach that utilized an option pricing model and the projected future performance of certain restaurants we acquired, and the valuation was updated for the actual performance of the restaurants. The following table summarizes the activity within Level 3 instruments: Three months ended Nine months ended September 24, 2017 September 25, 2016 September 24, 2017 September 25, 2016 Beginning balance $ — (445 ) 2,140 (1,551 ) Mark to market adjustment — 485 (359 ) 1,591 Transfers out of Level 3 (a) — — (1,781 ) — Ending balance $ — 40 — 40 (a) The Company's policy is to recognize transfers in and out of Level 3 as of the date of the event or circumstances that caused the transfer. 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 nine -month periods ended September 24, 2017 or September 25, 2016 . Non-Financial Assets and Liabilities That Are Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis For purposes of our impairment analysis, we generally estimate long-lived asset fair values, including property, plant and equipment and leasehold improvements, using the income approach. The inputs used to determine fair value relate primarily to future assumptions regarding restaurant sales and profitability and our discount rate assumption. These inputs are categorized as Level 3 inputs. The inputs used represent management’s assumptions about what information market participants would use in pricing the assets and are based upon the best information available at the balance sheet date. During the three months ended September 24, 2017 and September 25, 2016 , we recorded impairment charges of $2,202 and $0 , respectively, for our underperforming restaurants in the loss on asset disposals and impairment line item on our consolidated statements of earnings. During the nine months ended September 24, 2017 and September 25, 2016 , we recorded impairment charges of $5,073 and $0 , respectively.

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment Property and equipment consisted of the following: September 24, December 25, Construction in process $ 28,331 19,120 Buildings 100,548 100,974 Capital leases and buildings under deemed landlord financing 31,467 29,840 Furniture, fixtures, and equipment 394,391 386,233 Leasehold improvements 624,880 614,307 Property and equipment, gross 1,179,617 1,150,474 Less accumulated depreciation (637,911 ) (557,668 ) Property and equipment, net $ 541,706 592,806 As of September 24, 2017 and December 25, 2016 , we recorded assets under capital leases of $23,701 and $22,074 , respectively and related accumulated amortization of $5,280 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 September 24, 2017 and September 25, 2016 was $32,438 and $33,853 , respectively. Depreciation expense for the nine-month periods ending September 24, 2017 and September 25, 2016 was $98,874 and $100,246 , respectively.

Reacquired Franchise Rights

Reacquired Franchise Rights	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]
Reacquired Franchise Rights	Reacquired Franchise Rights Reacquired franchise rights consisted of the following: September 24, December 25, Reacquired franchise rights $ 153,870 153,870 Accumulated amortization (44,835 ) (34,897 ) Reacquired franchise rights, net $ 109,035 118,973 Amortization expense is primarily related to amortization of reacquired franchise rights, and also includes amortization of capital lease assets and software licenses. Amortization expense for the three-month periods ended September 24, 2017 and September 25, 2016 was $5,328 and $4,492 , respectively. Amortization expense for the nine -month periods ended September 24, 2017 and September 25, 2016 was $15,872 and $13,601 , respectively.

Long-Term Debt and Capital Leas

Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 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 nine months ended September 24, 2017 Maturity September 24, December 25, 2016 Revolving credit facility 2.3% October 2021 $ 385,000 170,000 Capital lease and deemed landlord financing obligations 8.8% Various through November 2030 40,003 39,057 Total debt and capital lease obligations 425,003 209,057 Less current maturities (4,627 ) (3,745 ) Total long-term debt and capital lease obligations $ 420,376 205,312 On October 6, 2016, we entered into a 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. Consolidated funded indebtedness is defined as sum of all interest-bearing indebtedness of the Company. As of September 24, 2017 , our consolidated total leverage ratio was 1.56 . 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. As of September 24, 2017 , we were in compliance with all of these covenants.

Stockholder's Equity

Stockholder's Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stockholder's Equity	Stockholders' Equity During the nine -month period ended September 24, 2017 , we repurchased 2,022,488 shares of our common stock at an aggregate purchase price of $312,249 . The repurchased shares were concurrently retired and credited to authorized but unissued stock as we are able to reissue these shares. The repurchase of these shares and other activity resulted in a decrease in common stock of $13,371 and a decrease in retained earnings of $298,878 . The shareholders of the Company approved the Company’s 2017 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2017 Plan”) on June 2, 2017 (the “Approval Date”). So long as shares remain available, equity awards may be granted under this plan until June 2, 2027. The Company’s authority to grant new awards under the 2012 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2012 Plan”) terminated upon shareholder approval of the 2017 Plan on the Approval Date. The number of shares of our common stock that may be the subject of awards and issued under the 2017 Plan was initially 2,250,000 , less the number of shares granted under the 2012 Plan after December 25, 2016 and before the Approval Date. Shares subject to awards outstanding under the 2012 Plan or the 2003 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended, that expire, are forfeited, or settled in cash on or after December 26, 2016, will become available for grant under the 2017 Plan. The Plan had 1,923,596 shares available for grant as of September 24, 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 and nonqualified stock options vest in four annual installments at the end of each fiscal year following the date of grant 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 24, 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 52,539 145.31 Exercised (24,513 ) 87.74 Cancelled (19,283 ) 157.24 Outstanding, September 24, 2017 154,367 $ 138.41 4.1 $ 766 Exercisable, September 24, 2017 71,465 $ 123.47 2.6 $ 766 The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above is before applicable income taxes, based on our closing stock price of $105.05 as of the last business day of the nine -month period ended September 24, 2017 , which would have been received by the optionees had all options been exercised and sold on that date. As of September 24, 2017 , total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to nonvested stock options was approximately $1,592 , which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.6 years . During the nine -month periods ended September 24, 2017 and September 25, 2016 , the total intrinsic value of stock options exercised was $1,078 and $848 , respectively. During the nine -month periods ended September 24, 2017 and September 25, 2016 , the weighted average grant date fair values of options were $45.73 and $47.67 , respectively. During the nine -month periods ended September 24, 2017 , the total fair value of options vested was $ 97 . No shares vested during the nine months ended September 25, 2016 . 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 service conditions (“time-based”) as well as units subject to both service and performance conditions (“performance-based”). Our time-based restricted stock units are generally granted subject to a two -year graded vesting schedule. Our performance-based restricted stock units are granted subject to a three -year cliff vesting and cumulative three -year financial targets. The number of performance-based restricted stock units that vest at the end of the three -year period is based on actual performance against the targets. 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 performance-based 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 between the relevant jurisdiction's minimum and maximum statutory rates. 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 24, 2017 was as follows: Number of shares Weighted average grant date fair value Outstanding, December 25, 2016 202,047 $ 160.03 Granted 208,123 151.40 Vested (9,033 ) 131.67 Cancelled (61,549 ) 158.44 Outstanding, September 24, 2017 339,588 $ 155.79 As of September 24, 2017 , the total stock-based compensation expense related to nonvested awards not yet recognized was $8,826 , which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.8 years. During the nine -month periods ended September 24, 2017 and September 25, 2016 , the total grant date fair value of shares vested was $1,189 and $912 , respectively. The weighted average grant date fair values of restricted stock units granted during the nine -month periods ended September 24, 2017 and September 25, 2016 were $151.40 and $147.02 , respectively. During the nine -month periods ended September 24, 2017 and September 25, 2016 , we recognized $3,831 and $862 , 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 nine -month periods ended September 24, 2017 and September 25, 2016 , we issued 9,942 and 12,857 shares of common stock, respectively, under the ESPP. As of September 24, 2017 , we had 151,197 shares available for future issuance under the ESPP.

Earnings Per Common Share

Earnings Per Common Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 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- and nine -month periods ended September 24, 2017 and September 25, 2016 : Three Months Ended September 24, 2017 Earnings (numerator) Shares (denominator) Per-share amount Net earnings attributable to Buffalo Wild Wings $ 18,180 Earnings per common share 18,180 15,501,675 $ 1.17 Effect of dilutive securities – stock options — 11,285 Effect of dilutive securities – restricted stock units — 59,134 Earnings per common share – assuming dilution $ 18,180 15,572,094 $ 1.17 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 Nine Months Ended September 24, 2017 Earnings (numerator) Shares (denominator) Per-share amount Net earnings attributable to Buffalo Wild Wings $ 48,511 Earnings per common share 48,511 16,216,084 $ 2.99 Effect of dilutive securities – stock options — 18,950 Effect of dilutive securities – restricted stock units — 33,502 Earnings per common share – assuming dilution $ 48,511 16,268,537 $ 2.98 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 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 anti-dilutive or were performance-based restricted stock units for which the performance criteria had not yet been met: Three months ended Nine months ended September 24, September 25, September 24, September 25, Stock options 124,923 78,070 114,920 71,863 Restricted stock units 270,396 264,129 270,396 280,045

Supplemental Disclosures of Cas

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information	Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information Nine months ended September 24, September 25, Cash paid during the period for: Income taxes $ 28,796 11,724 Interest 8,069 2,563 Noncash financing and investing transactions: Decrease in property and equipment not yet paid for 1,981 8,299 Increase in deemed owner assets and obligations 1,123 5,729 Increase in other assets and liabilities from hosted software arrangements — 1,550 Increase in capital lease assets and obligations 1,631 888

Contingencies

Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contingencies	Contingencies 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, 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.

Sale of Investment in Affiliate

Sale of Investment in Affiliate	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Sale of Investment in Affiliate	Sale of Investment in Affiliate On May 22, 2017, we sold our investment in an affiliate, Pie Squared Holdings, and recorded a gain of $5,692 before income taxes. This gain is included in other income on our consolidated statement of earnings.

Summary of Significant Accoun18

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 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. The Company expects to adopt these standards upon their effective date. We do not expect the new revenue recognition standard to materially impact our recognition of restaurant sales from company-owned restaurants or our recognition of continuing royalty fees from franchisees. We expect adoption of the new revenue recognition standard to materially impact our accounting for advertising fees charged to franchisees and other transactions involving our advertising and gift card funds. Upon the adoption of Topic 606, we expect to present advertising contributions received from franchisees as revenue and to record all expenses of the national advertising fund and therefore expect that this will increase revenues and expenses on our consolidated statements of earnings. We also expect the adoption of Topic 606 to impact our accounting for initial franchise fees. Currently, we recognize revenue from initial franchise fees upon the opening of a franchised restaurant when we have performed all of our material obligations and initial services. Upon the adoption of Topic 606, we expect to recognize the revenue related to initial franchise fees over the term of the related franchise agreement. We will adopt this standard by utilizing the full retrospective approach. We will continue to finalize accounting policies, quantify the impact of adopting this standard, and design and implement 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. We reviewed all other recently issued accounting pronouncements and concluded they are not applicable or not expected to be material to our financial statements.

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 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 on a recurring basis in our consolidated balance sheet as of September 24, 2017 : Fair Value Measurements Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets Deferred Compensation - Mutual Funds $ 10,200 — — 10,200 Liabilities Deferred Compensation - Mutual Funds 9,985 — — 9,985 The following table summarizes the financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis 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 Nine months ended September 24, 2017 September 25, 2016 September 24, 2017 September 25, 2016 Beginning balance $ — (445 ) 2,140 (1,551 ) Mark to market adjustment — 485 (359 ) 1,591 Transfers out of Level 3 (a) — — (1,781 ) — Ending balance $ — 40 — 40 (a) The Company's policy is to recognize transfers in and out of Level 3 as of the date of the event or circumstances that caused the transfer.
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 24, 2017 September 25, 2016 September 24, 2017 September 25, 2016 Beginning balance $ — (445 ) 2,140 (1,551 ) Mark to market adjustment — 485 (359 ) 1,591 Transfers out of Level 3 (a) — — (1,781 ) — Ending balance $ — 40 — 40 (a) The Company's policy is to recognize transfers in and out of Level 3 as of the date of the event or circumstances that caused the transfer.

Property and Equipment (Tables)

Property and Equipment (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property and equipment consisted of the following: September 24, December 25, Construction in process $ 28,331 19,120 Buildings 100,548 100,974 Capital leases and buildings under deemed landlord financing 31,467 29,840 Furniture, fixtures, and equipment 394,391 386,233 Leasehold improvements 624,880 614,307 Property and equipment, gross 1,179,617 1,150,474 Less accumulated depreciation (637,911 ) (557,668 ) Property and equipment, net $ 541,706 592,806

Reacquired Franchise Rights (Ta

Reacquired Franchise Rights (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]
Schedule of Reacquired Franchise Rights	Reacquired franchise rights consisted of the following: September 24, December 25, Reacquired franchise rights $ 153,870 153,870 Accumulated amortization (44,835 ) (34,897 ) Reacquired franchise rights, net $ 109,035 118,973

Long-Term Debt and Capital Le22

Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 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 nine months ended September 24, 2017 Maturity September 24, December 25, 2016 Revolving credit facility 2.3% October 2021 $ 385,000 170,000 Capital lease and deemed landlord financing obligations 8.8% Various through November 2030 40,003 39,057 Total debt and capital lease obligations 425,003 209,057 Less current maturities (4,627 ) (3,745 ) Total long-term debt and capital lease obligations $ 420,376 205,312

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock Option Activity	Option activity for the nine months ended September 24, 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 52,539 145.31 Exercised (24,513 ) 87.74 Cancelled (19,283 ) 157.24 Outstanding, September 24, 2017 154,367 $ 138.41 4.1 $ 766 Exercisable, September 24, 2017 71,465 $ 123.47 2.6 $ 766
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity	Restricted stock units are contingently issuable shares, and the activity for the nine months ended September 24, 2017 was as follows: Number of shares Weighted average grant date fair value Outstanding, December 25, 2016 202,047 $ 160.03 Granted 208,123 151.40 Vested (9,033 ) 131.67 Cancelled (61,549 ) 158.44 Outstanding, September 24, 2017 339,588 $ 155.79

Earnings Per Common Share (Tabl

Earnings Per Common Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 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- and nine -month periods ended September 24, 2017 and September 25, 2016 : Three Months Ended September 24, 2017 Earnings (numerator) Shares (denominator) Per-share amount Net earnings attributable to Buffalo Wild Wings $ 18,180 Earnings per common share 18,180 15,501,675 $ 1.17 Effect of dilutive securities – stock options — 11,285 Effect of dilutive securities – restricted stock units — 59,134 Earnings per common share – assuming dilution $ 18,180 15,572,094 $ 1.17 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 Nine Months Ended September 24, 2017 Earnings (numerator) Shares (denominator) Per-share amount Net earnings attributable to Buffalo Wild Wings $ 48,511 Earnings per common share 48,511 16,216,084 $ 2.99 Effect of dilutive securities – stock options — 18,950 Effect of dilutive securities – restricted stock units — 33,502 Earnings per common share – assuming dilution $ 48,511 16,268,537 $ 2.98 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
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 anti-dilutive or were performance-based restricted stock units for which the performance criteria had not yet been met: Three months ended Nine months ended September 24, September 25, September 24, September 25, Stock options 124,923 78,070 114,920 71,863 Restricted stock units 270,396 264,129 270,396 280,045

Supplemental Disclosures of C25

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures	Nine months ended September 24, September 25, Cash paid during the period for: Income taxes $ 28,796 11,724 Interest 8,069 2,563 Noncash financing and investing transactions: Decrease in property and equipment not yet paid for 1,981 8,299 Increase in deemed owner assets and obligations 1,123 5,729 Increase in other assets and liabilities from hosted software arrangements — 1,550 Increase in capital lease assets and obligations 1,631 888

Basis of Financial Statement 26

Basis of Financial Statement Presentation (Details) - restaurant	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 25, 2016
Company Owned
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of Restaurants	638	617
Franchise
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of Restaurants	633	602

Summary of Significant Accoun27

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2016USD ($)
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Recognition of revenue from loyalty program breakage	$ 2,885

Fair Value Measurements (Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Fair Value Measurements - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 25, 2016	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 25, 2016	Dec. 25, 2016
Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Deferred compensation, asset	$ 10,200,000		$ 10,200,000		$ 9,134,000
Contingent consideration, asset					2,140,000
Deferred compensation, liability	9,985,000		9,985,000		9,014,000
Fair Value, Changes In Liabilities Measured At Level 3 Fair Value Hierarchy [Roll Forward]
Asset impairment charges	2,202,000	$ 0	5,073,000	$ 0
Level 1
Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Deferred compensation, asset	10,200,000		10,200,000		9,134,000
Contingent consideration, asset					0
Deferred compensation, liability	9,985,000		9,985,000		9,014,000
Level 2
Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Deferred compensation, asset	0		0		0
Contingent consideration, asset					0
Deferred compensation, liability	0		0		0
Level 3
Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Deferred compensation, asset	0		0		0
Contingent consideration, asset					2,140,000
Deferred compensation, liability	0		0		$ 0
Fair Value, Changes In Liabilities Measured At Level 3 Fair Value Hierarchy [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	0	(445,000)	2,140,000	(1,551,000)
Mark to market adjustment	0	485,000	(359,000)	1,591,000
Transfers out of Level 3	0	0	(1,781,000)	0
Ending balance	$ 0	$ 40,000	$ 0	$ 40,000

Property and Equipment (Details

Property and Equipment (Details) - Property and Equipment - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 25, 2016	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 25, 2016	Dec. 25, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Construction in process	$ 28,331		$ 28,331		$ 19,120
Buildings	100,548		100,548		100,974
Capital leases and buildings under deemed landlord financing	31,467		31,467		29,840
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment	394,391		394,391		386,233
Leasehold improvements	624,880		624,880		614,307
Property and equipment, gross	1,179,617		1,179,617		1,150,474
Less accumulated depreciation	(637,911)		(637,911)		(557,668)
Property and equipment, net	541,706		541,706		592,806
Assets under capital lease	23,701		23,701		22,074
Amortization of capital leases	5,280		5,280		$ 3,422
Depreciation expense	$ 32,438	$ 33,853	$ 98,874	$ 100,246

Reacquired Franchise Rights (De

Reacquired Franchise Rights (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 25, 2016	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 25, 2016	Dec. 25, 2016
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of intangible assets	$ 5,328	$ 4,492	$ 15,872	$ 13,601
Franchise Rights
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Reacquired franchise rights	153,870		153,870		$ 153,870
Accumulated amortization	(44,835)		(44,835)		(34,897)
Reacquired franchise rights, net	$ 109,035		$ 109,035		$ 118,973

Long-Term Debt and Capital Le31

Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (Details) - USD ($)	Oct. 06, 2016	Sep. 24, 2017	Dec. 25, 2016
Revolving Credit Facility (Details) [Line Items]
Debt and capital lease obligations including current maturities		$ 425,003,000	$ 209,057,000
Less current maturities		(4,627,000)	(3,745,000)
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, net of current portion		$ 420,376,000	205,312,000
Leverage ratio		156.00%
Revolving credit facility | Revolving Credit Facility
Revolving Credit Facility (Details) [Line Items]
Interest rate during period		2.30%
Debt and capital lease obligations including current maturities		$ 385,000,000	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		$ 40,003,000	$ 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) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017USD ($)installment$ / sharesshares	Sep. 25, 2016USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares repurchased and concurrently retired during period | shares	2,022,488
Value of shares repurchased and retired during period | $	$ 312,249
Closing stock price | $ / shares	$ 105.05
Weighted average grant date fair value of options (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 45.73	$ 47.67
Fair value of options vested | $	$ 97
Number of shares vested | shares		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 | $	$ 1,592
Nonvested stock awards, cost not yet recognized, period for recognition	2 years 7 months
Total intrinsic value of options exercised | $	$ 1,078	$ 848
Number of shares vested | shares	0	0
Restricted stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	2 years
Nonvested stock awards, cost not yet recognized | $	$ 8,826
Nonvested stock awards, cost not yet recognized, period for recognition	1 year 10 months
Number of shares vested | shares	0	0
Expiration period (in years)	3 years
Non-option fair value of shares vested during the period | $	$ 1,189	$ 912
Restricted Stock Units, Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 151.40	$ 147.02
Restricted Stock or Unit Expense | $	$ 3,831	$ 862
Performance-based restricted stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	3 years
Performance period	3 years
Equity Incentive Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock shares reserved for issuance to employees | shares	2,250,000
Shares available for grant | shares	1,923,596
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	151,197
Employee stock purchase plan, market price less discount (as a percent)	85.00%
Shares of common stock issued under the ESPP | shares	9,942	12,857
Common Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Value of shares repurchased and retired during period | $	$ (13,371)
Retained Earnings
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Value of shares repurchased and retired during period | $	$ (298,878)

Stockholder's Equity - Stock Op

Stockholder's Equity - Stock Options Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017	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)	52,539
Options Exercises in Period (in shares)	(24,513)
Options Canceled in Period (in shares)	(19,283)
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares End of Period (in shares)	154,367	145,624
Options Exercisable, Number (in shares)	71,465
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)	145.31
Options Exercised in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)	87.74
Options Canceled in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)	157.24
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price End of Period (in Dollars per share)	138.41	$ 129.89
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)	$ 123.47
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	4 years 1 month	4 years 1 month
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	2 years 7 months
Options Outstanding, Intrinsic Value	$ 766	$ 5,076
Options Exercisable, Intrinsic Value	$ 766

Stockholder's Equity - Restrict

Stockholder's Equity - Restricted Stock Activity (Details) - Restricted stock units - $ / shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 25, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Restricted Stock Units Outstanding Beginning of Period (in shares)	202,047
Restricted Stock Units Granted (in shares)	208,123
Restricted Stock Units Vested (in shares)	(9,033)
Restricted Stock Units Cancelled (in shares)	(61,549)
Restricted Stock Units Outstanding End of Period (in shares)	339,588
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)	$ 160.03
Restricted Stock Units, Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)	151.40	$ 147.02
Restricted Stock Units, Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)	131.67
Restricted Stock Units, Canceled, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)	158.44
Restricted Stock Units Outstanding, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Ending Balance (in dollars per share)	$ 155.79

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. 24, 2017	Sep. 25, 2016	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 25, 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	$ 18,180	$ 22,651	$ 48,511	$ 79,126
Earnings per common share	$ 18,180	$ 22,651	$ 48,511	$ 79,126
Weighted average shares outstanding – basic (in Shares)	15,501,675	18,295,694	16,216,084	18,608,533
Earnings per common share – basic (in Dollars per share)	$ 1.17	$ 1.24	$ 2.99	$ 4.25
Effect of dilutive securities – stock options (in shares)			33,502
Earnings per common share – assuming dilution	$ 18,180	$ 22,651	$ 48,511	$ 79,126
Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted (in Shares)	15,572,094	18,353,496	16,268,537	18,649,850
Earnings per common share – diluted (in Dollars per share)	$ 1.17	$ 1.23	$ 2.98	$ 4.24
Stock options
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)	11,285	33,928	18,950	33,359
Restricted stock units
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)	59,134	23,874		7,958

Earnings Per Common Share - Sec

Earnings Per Common Share - Securities Excluded From Fully Diluted Calculations (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 25, 2016	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 25, 2016
Stock options
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from fully diluted computations	124,923	78,070	114,920	71,863
Restricted stock units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from fully diluted computations	270,396	264,129	270,396	280,045

Supplemental Disclosures of C37

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information (Details) - Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 25, 2016
Income Taxes Paid
Cash paid for income taxes	$ 28,796	$ 11,724
Interest Paid
Cash paid for interest	8,069	2,563
Noncash financing and investing transactions:
Decrease in property and equipment not yet paid for	1,981	8,299
Increase in deemed owner assets and obligations	1,123	5,729
Increase in other assets and liabilities from hosted software arrangements	0	1,550
Increase in capital lease assets and obligations	$ 1,631	$ 888

Contingencies (Details)

Contingencies (Details) - FLSA, Collective Action	Sep. 27, 2016state	Jun. 02, 2015plaintiff
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Number of plaintiffs in collective action | plaintiff		2
Number of additional states included in suit amendment | state	7

Sale of Investment in Affilia39

Sale of Investment in Affiliate (Details) $ in Thousands	May 22, 2017USD ($)
Pie Squared Holdings
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Gain on sale of affiliate	$ 5,692