Cracker Barrel Old Country Store (CBRL) 10-K 22 Sep 17 2017 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2017	Sep. 14, 2017	Jan. 27, 2017
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	CRACKER BARREL OLD COUNTRY STORE, INC
Entity Central Index Key	1,067,294
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--07-28
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 3,779,685,850
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		24,055,682
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Jul. 28, 2017

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 28, 2017	Jul. 29, 2016
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 161,001	$ 150,966
Accounts receivable	18,116	19,389
Income taxes receivable	4,265	16,184
Inventories	156,367	152,308
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	16,047	14,573
Deferred income taxes	3,061	2,320
Total current assets	358,857	355,740
Property and Equipment:
Land	306,105	303,416
Buildings and improvements	837,804	814,176
Buildings under capital leases	3,289	3,289
Restaurant and other equipment	604,413	572,551
Leasehold improvements	326,750	306,489
Construction in progress	15,087	11,924
Total	2,093,448	2,011,845
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization of capital leases	995,351	931,656
Property and equipment - net	1,098,097	1,080,189
Other assets	64,988	61,735
Total	1,521,942	1,497,664
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	118,395	132,493
Taxes withheld and accrued	36,725	37,561
Accrued employee compensation	70,945	61,187
Accrued employee benefits	26,759	27,928
Deferred revenues	72,376	64,028
Dividend payable	30,639	29,706
Other current liabilities	19,989	15,914
Total current liabilities	375,828	368,817
Long-term debt	400,000	400,000
Long-term interest rate swap liability	6,833	22,070
Other long-term obligations	129,353	126,608
Deferred income taxes	65,421	53,726
Commitments and Contingencies (Notes 9 and 15)
Shareholders' Equity:
Preferred stock - 100,000,000 shares of $.01 par value authorized; 300,000 shares designated as Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock; no shares issued	0	0
Common stock - 400,000,000 shares of $.01 par value authorized; 2017 - 24,055,682 shares issued and outstanding; 2016 - 23,956,134 shares issued and outstanding	241	240
Additional paid-in capital	55,659	51,462
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(4,229)	(13,740)
Retained earnings	492,836	488,481
Total shareholders' equity	544,507	526,443
Total	$ 1,521,942	$ 1,497,664

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Jul. 28, 2017	Jul. 29, 2016
Shareholders' Equity:
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	100,000,000	100,000,000
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	400,000,000	400,000,000
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	24,055,682	23,956,134
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	24,055,682	23,956,134
Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock [Member]
Shareholders' Equity:
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	300,000	300,000

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCO

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2017	Jul. 29, 2016	Jul. 31, 2015
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME [Abstract]
Total revenue	$ 2,926,289	$ 2,912,351	$ 2,842,284
Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation and rent)	891,293	928,176	924,171
Labor and other related expenses	1,017,124	1,006,188	992,382
Other store operating expenses	563,300	554,534	523,307
Store operating income	454,572	423,453	402,424
General and administrative expenses	141,414	142,982	147,544
Operating income	313,158	280,471	254,880
Interest expense	14,271	14,052	16,679
Income before income taxes	298,887	266,419	238,201
Provision for income taxes	96,988	77,120	74,298
Net income	$ 201,899	$ 189,299	$ 163,903
Net income per share - basic (in dollars per share)	$ 8.40	$ 7.91	$ 6.85
Net income per share - diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 8.37	$ 7.86	$ 6.82
Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	24,031,810	23,945,041	23,918,368
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	24,118,288	24,074,273	24,048,924

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2017	Jul. 29, 2016	Jul. 31, 2015
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]
Net income	$ 201,899	$ 189,299	$ 163,903
Other comprehensive income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit):
Change in fair value of interest rate swaps	15,402	(16,188)	1,641
Income tax expense (benefit)	5,891	(6,173)	633
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	9,511	(10,015)	1,008
Comprehensive income	$ 211,410	$ 179,284	$ 164,911

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHAN

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Total
Balance at Aug. 01, 2014	$ 238	$ 39,969	$ (4,733)	$ 493,167	$ 528,641
Balance (in shares) at Aug. 01, 2014	23,821,227
Comprehensive Income:
Net income	$ 0	0	0	163,903	163,903
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	0	0	1,008	0	1,008
Comprehensive income	0	0	1,008	163,903	164,911
Cash dividends declared	0	0	0	(171,383)	(171,383)
Share-based compensation	0	16,210	0	0	16,210
Issuance of share-based compensation awards, net of shares withheld for employee taxes	$ 2	(4,818)	0	0	(4,816)
Issuance of share-based compensation awards, net of shares withheld for employee taxes (in shares)	154,528
Tax benefit realized upon exercise of share-based compensation awards	$ 0	4,705	0	0	4,705
Purchases and retirement of common stock	$ 0	0	0	0	$ 0
Purchases and retirement of common stock (in shares)	0				0
Balance at Jul. 31, 2015	$ 240	56,066	(3,725)	485,687	$ 538,268
Balance (in shares) at Jul. 31, 2015	23,975,755
Comprehensive Income:
Net income	$ 0	0	0	189,299	189,299
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	0	0	(10,015)	0	(10,015)
Comprehensive income	0	0	(10,015)	189,299	179,284
Cash dividends declared	0	0	0	(186,505)	(186,505)
Share-based compensation	0	13,202	0	0	13,202
Issuance of share-based compensation awards, net of shares withheld for employee taxes	$ 1	(5,780)	0	0	(5,779)
Issuance of share-based compensation awards, net of shares withheld for employee taxes (in shares)	80,379
Tax benefit realized upon exercise of share-based compensation awards	$ 0	2,626	0	0	2,626
Purchases and retirement of common stock	$ (1)	(14,652)	0	0	$ (14,653)
Purchases and retirement of common stock (in shares)	(100,000)				(100,000)
Balance at Jul. 29, 2016	$ 240	51,462	(13,740)	488,481	$ 526,443
Balance (in shares) at Jul. 29, 2016	23,956,134				23,956,134
Comprehensive Income:
Net income	$ 0	0	0	201,899	$ 201,899
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	0	0	9,511	0	9,511
Comprehensive income	0	0	9,511	201,899	211,410
Cash dividends declared	0	0	0	(197,544)	(197,544)
Share-based compensation	0	8,458	0	0	8,458
Issuance of share-based compensation awards, net of shares withheld for employee taxes	$ 1	(6,897)	0	0	$ (6,896)
Issuance of share-based compensation awards, net of shares withheld for employee taxes (in shares)	99,548				99,548
Tax benefit realized upon exercise of share-based compensation awards	$ 0	2,636	0	0	$ 2,636
Purchases and retirement of common stock	$ 0	0	0	0	$ 0
Purchases and retirement of common stock (in shares)	0				0
Balance at Jul. 28, 2017	$ 241	$ 55,659	$ (4,229)	$ 492,836	$ 544,507
Balance (in shares) at Jul. 28, 2017	24,055,682				24,055,682

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHA7

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2017	Jul. 29, 2016	Jul. 31, 2015
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY [Abstract]
Cash dividends declared (in dollars per share)	$ 8.15	$ 7.70	$ 7.10

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2017USD ($)	Jul. 29, 2016USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2015USD ($)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 201,899	$ 189,299	$ 163,903
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	86,319	78,223	72,955
Loss on disposition of property and equipment	5,585	7,146	6,872
Share-based compensation	8,458	13,202	16,210
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	(2,636)	(2,626)	(4,705)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	1,273	(1,339)	4,654
Income taxes receivable	14,555	(13,558)	2,973
Inventories	(4,059)	750	12,368
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(1,274)	(406)	(2,170)
Other assets	(4,344)	130	(1,659)
Accounts payable	(14,098)	(624)	34,640
Taxes withheld and accrued	(836)	(1,500)	2,800
Accrued employee compensation	9,752	(6,246)	6,485
Accrued employee benefits	(1,169)	211	1,667
Deferred revenue	8,348	5,048	9,155
Other current liabilities	4,470	(3,705)	4,034
Other long-term obligations	3,461	(6,269)	11,090
Deferred income taxes	5,063	13,642	(7,217)
Net cash provided by operating activities	320,767	271,378	334,055
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property and equipment	(110,591)	(114,022)	(90,855)
Proceeds from insurance recoveries of property and equipment	483	662	365
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	503	845	1,876
Net cash used in investing activities	(109,605)	(112,515)	(88,614)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	0	0	406,250
(Taxes withheld) and proceeds from issuance of share-based compensation awards, net	(6,896)	(5,779)	(4,816)
Principal payments under long-term debt and other long-term obligations	0	0	(406,250)
Purchases and retirement of common stock	0	(14,653)	0
Deferred financing costs	0	0	(3,537)
Dividends on common stock	(196,867)	(255,546)	(95,699)
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	2,636	2,626	4,705
Net cash used in financing activities	(201,127)	(273,352)	(99,347)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	10,035	(114,489)	146,094
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	150,966	265,455	119,361
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	161,001	150,966	265,455
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest, net of amounts capitalized	12,847	12,752	15,356
Income taxes	78,092	84,868	69,948
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities:
Capital expenditures accrued in accounts payable	6,743	6,379	5,800
Change in fair value of interest rate swaps	15,402	(16,188)	1,641
Change in deferred tax asset for interest rate swaps	(5,891)	6,173	(633)
Dividends declared but not yet paid	$ 31,296	$ 30,625	$ 99,678

Description of the Business

Description of the Business	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2017
Description of the Business [Abstract]
Description of the Business	1. Description of the Business Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. and its affiliates (collectively, in the Notes, the “Company”) are principally engaged in the operation and development in the United States (“U.S.”) of the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® (“Cracker Barrel”) concept.

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2017
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies GAAP – The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. (“GAAP”). Fiscal year – The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Friday nearest July 31st and each quarter consists of thirteen weeks unless noted otherwise. References in these Notes to a year or quarter are to the Company’s fiscal year or quarter unless noted otherwise. Principles of consolidation – The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly owned. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. Cash and cash equivalents – The Company’s policy is to consider all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Accounts receivable – Accounts receivable represent their estimated net realizable value. Accounts receivable are written off when they are deemed uncollectible. Inventories – Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost of restaurant inventory is determined by the first‑in, first‑out (“FIFO”) method. Retail inventories are valued using the retail inventory method (“RIM”) except at the retail distribution center which uses average cost. Approximately 75% to 85% of retail inventories are valued using RIM and the remaining retail inventories are valued using an average cost method. See Note 4 for additional information regarding the components of inventory. Valuation provisions are included for retail inventory obsolescence, retail inventory shrinkage, returns and amortization of certain items. Cost of goods sold includes an estimate of retail inventory shrinkage that is adjusted upon physical inventory counts. Annual physical inventory counts are conducted throughout the third quarter based upon a cyclical inventory schedule. An estimate of shrinkage is recorded for the time period between physical inventory counts by using a three-year average of the physical inventories’ results on a store-by-store basis. Property and equipment – Property and equipment are stated at cost. For financial reporting purposes, depreciation and amortization on these assets are computed by use of the straight‑line and double‑declining balance methods over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets, as follows: Years Buildings and improvements 30-45 Buildings under capital leases 15-25 Restaurant and other equipment 2-10 Leasehold improvements 1-35 Accelerated depreciation methods are generally used for income tax purposes. Total depreciation expense and depreciation expense related to store operations for each of the three years are as follows: 2017 2016 2015 Total depreciation expense $ 85,912 $ 77,816 $ 72,390 Depreciation expense related to store operations* 79,214 71,382 66,754 *Depreciation expense related to store operations is included in other store operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Gain or loss is recognized upon disposal of property and equipment. The asset and related accumulated depreciation and amortization amounts are removed from the accounts. Maintenance and repairs, including the replacement of minor items, are charged to expense and major additions to property and equipment are capitalized. Impairment of long-lived assets – The Company assesses the impairment of long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets is measured by comparing the carrying value of the asset to the undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the total expected future cash flows are less than the carrying value of the asset, the carrying value is written down, for an asset to be held and used, to the estimated fair value or, for an asset to be disposed of, to the fair value, net of estimated costs of disposal. Any loss resulting from impairment is recognized by a charge to income. Derivative instruments and hedging activities – The Company is exposed to market risk, such as changes in interest rates and commodity prices. The Company has interest rate risk relative to its outstanding borrowings, which bear interest at the Company’s election either at the prime rate or LIBOR plus a percentage point spread based on certain specified financial ratios under its revolving credit facility (see Note 5). The Company’s policy has been to manage interest cost using a mix of fixed and variable rate debt. To manage this risk in a cost efficient manner, the Company uses derivative instruments, specifically interest rate swaps. Companies may elect whether or not to offset related assets and liabilities and report the net amount on their financial statements if the right of setoff exists. Under a master netting agreement, the Company has the legal right to offset the amounts owed to the Company against amounts owed by the Company under a derivative instrument that exists between the Company and a counterparty. When the Company is engaged in more than one outstanding derivative transaction with the same counterparty and also has a legally enforceable master netting agreement with that counterparty, its credit risk exposure is based on the net exposure under the master netting agreement. If, on a net basis, the Company owes the counterparty, the Company regards its credit exposure to the counterparty as being zero. The Company does not hold or use derivative instruments for trading purposes. The Company also does not have any derivatives not designated as hedging instruments and has not designated any non-derivatives as hedging instruments. See Note 6 for additional information on the Company’s derivative and hedging activities. Segment reporting – Operating segments are components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. Using these criteria, the Company manages its business on the basis of one reportable operating segment (see Note 8 for additional information regarding segment reporting). Revenue recognition – The Company records revenue from the sale of products as they are sold. The Company provides for estimated returns based on return history and sales levels. The Company’s policy is to present sales in the Consolidated Statements of Income on a net presentation basis after deducting sales tax. Unredeemed gift cards and certificates – Unredeemed gift cards and certificates represent a liability of the Company related to unearned income and are recorded at their expected redemption value. No revenue is recognized in connection with the point-of-sale transaction when gift cards or gift certificates are sold. For those states that exempt gift cards and certificates from their escheat laws, the Company makes estimates of the ultimate unredeemed (“breakage”) gift cards and certificates in the period of the original sale and amortizes this breakage over the redemption period that other gift cards and certificates historically have been redeemed by reducing its liability and recording revenue accordingly. For those states that do not exempt gift cards and certificates from their escheat laws, the Company records breakage in the period that gift cards and certificates are remitted to the state and reduces its liability accordingly. Any amounts remitted to states under escheat or similar laws reduce the Company’s deferred revenue liability and have no effect on revenue or expense while any amounts that the Company is permitted to retain are recorded as revenue. Insurance – The Company self-insures a significant portion of its workers’ compensation and general liability programs. In 2015, the Company purchased insurance for individual workers’ compensation claims that exceeded $250, $500 or $1,000 depending on the state in which the claim originated. Beginning in 2016, the Company purchases insurance for individual workers’ compensation claims that exceed $250, $750 or $1,000 depending on the state in which the claim originates. The Company purchases insurance for individual general liability claims that exceed $500. The Company records a reserve for workers’ compensation and general liability for all unresolved claims and for an estimate of incurred but not reported claims (“IBNR”). These reserves and estimates of IBNR claims are based upon a full scope actuarial study which is performed annually at the end of the Company’s third quarter and is adjusted by the actuarially determined losses and actual claims payments for the fourth quarter. Additionally, the Company performs limited scope actuarial studies on a quarterly basis to verify and/or modify the Company’s reserves. The reserves and losses in the actuarial study represent a range of possible outcomes within which no given estimate is more likely than any other estimate. As such, the Company records the losses at the lower end of that range and discounts them to present value using a risk-free interest rate based on projected timing of payments. The Company also monitors actual claims development, including incurrence or settlement of individual large claims during the interim periods between actuarial studies as another means of estimating the adequacy of its reserves. The Company’s group health plans combine the use of self-insured and fully-insured programs. Benefits for any individual (employee or dependents) in the self-insured program are limited. The Company records a liability for the self-insured portion of its group health program for all unpaid claims based upon a loss development analysis derived from actual group health claims payment experience. The Company also records a liability for unpaid prescription drug claims based on historical experience. The majority of the Company’s fully-insured plans for calendar 2014 contained a retrospective feature which could increase or decrease premiums based on actual claims experience. Store pre-opening costs – Start-up costs of a new store are expensed when incurred, with the exception of rent expense under operating leases, in which the straight-line rent includes the pre-opening period during construction, as explained further under the “Leases” section in this Note. Leases – The Company’s leases are classified as either capital or operating leases. The Company has ground leases and office space leases that are recorded as operating leases. The Company also leases its advertising billboards which are recorded as operating leases. A majority of the Company’s lease agreements provide renewal options and some of these options contain rent escalation clauses. Additionally, some of the leases have rent holiday and contingent rent provisions. During rent holiday periods, which include the pre-opening period during construction, the Company has possession of and access to the property, but is not obligated to, and normally does not, make rent payments. Contingent rent is determined as a percentage of gross sales in excess of specified levels. The Company records a contingent rent liability and corresponding rent expense when it is probable sales have been achieved in amounts in excess of the specified levels. The liabilities under these leases are recognized on the straight-line basis over the shorter of the useful life, with a maximum of 35 years, or the related lease life. The Company uses a lease life that generally begins on the date that the Company becomes legally obligated under the lease, including the rent holiday periods, and generally extends through certain renewal periods that can be exercised at the Company’s option, for which at the inception of the lease, it is reasonably assured that the Company will exercise those renewal options. This lease period is consistent with the period over which leasehold improvements are amortized. Advertising – The Company expenses the costs of producing advertising the first time the advertising takes place. Other advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense for each of the three years was as follows: 2017 2016 2015 Advertising expense $ 83,623 $ 79,409 $ 68,665 Share-based compensation – The Company’s share-based compensation consists of nonvested stock awards and units and performance-based market stock units (“MSU Grants”). Share-based compensation is recorded in general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Share-based compensation expense is recognized based on the grant date fair value and the achievement of performance conditions for certain awards. The Company recognizes share-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which is generally the award’s vesting period, or to the date on which retirement eligibility is achieved, if shorter. Certain nonvested stock awards and units and the Company’s MSU Grants contain performance conditions. Compensation expense for performance-based awards is recognized when it is probable that the performance criteria will be met. If any performance goals are not met, no compensation expense is ultimately recognized and, to the extent previously recognized, compensation expense is reversed. If a share-based compensation award is modified after the grant date, incremental compensation expense is recognized in an amount equal to the excess of the fair value of the modified award over the fair value of the original award immediately before the modification. Incremental compensation expense for vested awards is recognized immediately. For unvested awards, the sum of the incremental compensation expense and the remaining unrecognized compensation expense for the original award on the modification date is recognized over the modified service period. Additionally, the Company’s policy is to issue shares of common stock to satisfy exercises of share-based compensation awards. Income taxes – The Company’s provision for income taxes includes employer tax credits for FICA taxes paid on employee tip income and other employer tax credits are accounted for by the flow-through method. Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. The Company recognizes (or derecognizes) a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return in the financial statements when it is more likely than not (i.e., a likelihood of more than fifty percent) that the position would be sustained (or not sustained) upon examination by tax authorities. A recognized tax position is then measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The Company recognizes, net of tax, interest and estimated penalties related to uncertain tax positions in its provision for income taxes. See Note 13 for additional information regarding income taxes. Comprehensive income – Comprehensive income includes net income and the effective unrealized portion of the changes in the fair value of the Company’s interest rate swaps. Net income per share – Basic consolidated net income per share is computed by dividing consolidated net income to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the reporting period. Diluted consolidated net income per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities, options or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock and is based upon the weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding during the year. Common equivalent shares related to stock options, nonvested stock awards and units and MSU Grants issued by the Company are calculated using the treasury stock method. The outstanding stock options, nonvested stock awards and units and MSU Grants issued by the Company represent the only dilutive effects on diluted consolidated net income per share. See Note 14 for additional information regarding net income per share. Use of estimates – Management of the Company has made certain estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods to prepare these Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP. Management believes that such estimates have been based on reasonable and supportable assumptions and that the resulting estimates are reasonable for use in the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements. Actual results, however, could differ from those estimates. Recent Accounting Pronouncements Adopted Debt Issuance Costs In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued accounting guidance which requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a reduction of the related debt liability rather than as an asset. This accounting guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those years on a retrospective basis. Since this accounting guidance does not pertain to debt issuance costs related to revolving debt agreements, this accounting guidance did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations upon adoption in the first quarter of 2017. Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted Revenue Recognition In May 2014, the FASB issued accounting guidance which clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue and provides a comprehensive model for revenue recognition. Revenue recognition should depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance also requires additional disclosures about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts. This accounting guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those years. Early application is permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. A company may apply this accounting guidance either retrospectively or using the cumulative effect transition method. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this accounting guidance in the first quarter of 2019. Inventory In July 2015, the FASB issued accounting guidance which requires companies to measure certain inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value. This accounting guidance does not apply to inventories measured by using either the last-in, first-out method or the retail inventory method. This accounting guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those years on a prospective basis. The Company does not expect that the adoption of this accounting guidance in the first period of 2018 will have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations. Deferred Taxes In November 2015, in order to simplify the presentation of deferred income taxes, the FASB issued accounting guidance which requires deferred tax liabilities and assets to be classified as noncurrent in the balance sheet. This accounting guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those years. This accounting guidance may be applied either prospectively to all deferred tax liabilities and assets or retrospectively to all periods presented. Other than the revised balance sheet presentation of deferred tax liabilities and assets, the Company does not expect that the adoption of this accounting guidance in the first quarter of 2018 on a prospective basis will have a significant impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. Leases In February 2016, the FASB issued accounting guidance which requires the recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosure of key information about leasing arrangements. The accounting guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those fiscal years on a modified retrospective basis. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this accounting guidance in the first quarter of 2020. Recognition of Breakage for Certain Prepaid Stored-Value Products In March 2016, in order to address diversity in practice related to the derecognition of a prepaid stored-value product liability, the FASB issued accounting guidance requiring breakage for prepaid stored-value product liabilities to be accounted for consistent with the breakage guidance in the revenue recognition standard (see “Revenue Recognition” above). This accounting guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those years. This accounting guidance may be applied either on a modified retrospective basis or on a retrospective basis. Early application is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this accounting guidance in the first quarter of 2019. Share-Based Payments In March 2016, the FASB issued accounting guidance in order to simplify certain aspects of the accounting and presentation of share-based payments, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities and classification on the statement of cash flows. This accounting guidance is effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those years. This guidance may be applied either on a prospective basis, retrospective basis or a modified retrospective basis depending on the specific accounting topic covered in the accounting guidance. The Company does not expect that the adoption of this accounting guidance in the first quarter of 2018 will have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations. Modification of Share-Based Payment Awards In May 2017, the FASB issued accounting guidance to provide clarity, reduce the diversity in practice and to simplify the accounting guidance related to a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award. This new standard provides guidance for evaluating which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award are substantive and require modification accounting to be applied. This accounting guidance is effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those years on a prospective basis. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this accounting guidance in the first quarter of 2019.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2017
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	3. Fair Value Measurements Fair value for certain of the Company’s assets and liabilities is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In determining fair value, a three level hierarchy for inputs is used. These levels are: · Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (“Level 1”) – quoted prices (unadjusted) for an identical asset or liability in an active market. · Significant Other Observable Inputs (“Level 2”) – quoted prices for a similar asset or liability in an active market or model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs are observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. · Significant Unobservable Inputs (“Level 3”) – unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement of the asset or liability. The Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at July 28, 2017 were as follows: Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Fair Value Cash equivalents* $ 82,524 $ -- $ -- $ 82,524 Interest rate swap asset (see Note 6) -- 32 -- 32 Deferred compensation plan assets** 31,196 -- -- 31,196 Total assets at fair value $ 113,720 $ 32 $ -- $ 113,752 Interest rate swap liability (see Note 6) $ -- $ 6,880 $ -- $ 6,880 Total liabilities at fair value $ -- $ 6,880 $ -- $ 6,880 The Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at July 29, 2016 were as follows: Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Fair Value Cash equivalents* $ 76,084 $ -- $ -- $ 76,084 Interest rate swap asset (see Note 6) -- -- -- -- Deferred compensation plan assets** 27,764 -- -- 27,764 Total assets at fair value $ 103,848 $ -- $ -- $ 103,848 Interest rate swap liability (see Note 6) $ -- $ 22,250 $ -- $ 22,250 Total liabilities at fair value $ -- $ 22,250 $ -- $ 22,250 *Consists of money market fund investments. **Represents plan assets invested in mutual funds established under a Rabbi Trust for the Company’s non-qualified savings plan and is included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as other assets (see Note 12). The Company’s money market fund investments and deferred compensation plan assets are measured at fair value using quoted market prices. The fair values of the Company’s interest rate swap assets and liabilities are determined based on the present value of expected future cash flows. Since the Company’s interest rate swap values are based on the LIBOR forward curve, which is observable at commonly quoted intervals for the full terms of the swaps, it is considered a Level 2 input. Nonperformance risk is reflected in determining the fair value of the interest rate swaps by using the Company’s credit spread less the risk-free interest rate, both of which are observable at commonly quoted intervals for the terms of the swaps. Thus, the adjustment for nonperformance risk is also considered a Level 2 input. The fair values of accounts receivable and accounts payable at July 28, 2017 and July 29, 2016, approximate their carrying amounts because of their short duration. The fair value of the Company’s variable rate debt, based on quoted market prices, which are considered Level 1 inputs, approximates its carrying amounts at July 28, 2017 and July 29, 2016.

Inventories

Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2017
Inventories [Abstract]
Inventories	4. Inventories Inventories were comprised of the following at: July 28, 2017 July 29, 2016 Retail $ 119,446 $ 114,610 Restaurant 20,252 21,522 Supplies 16,669 16,176 Total $ 156,367 $ 152,308

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2017
Debt [Abstract]
Debt	5. Debt On January 8, 2015, the Company entered into a five-year $750,000 revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”). At both July 28, 2017 and July 29, 2016, the Company had $400,000 in outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility. At July 28, 2017, the Company had $9,655 of standby letters of credit, which reduce the Company’s borrowing availability under the Revolving Credit Facility (see Note 15). At July 28, 2017, the Company had $340,345 in borrowing availability under the Revolving Credit Facility. In accordance with the Revolving Credit Facility, outstanding borrowings bear interest, at the Company’s election, either at LIBOR or prime plus a percentage point spread based on certain specified financial ratios. At July 28, 2017 and July 29, 2016, the Company’s outstanding borrowings were swapped at a weighted average interest rates of 3.21% and 3.10%, respectively (see Note 6 for information on the Company’s interest rate swaps). The Revolving Credit Facility contains customary financial covenants, which include maintenance of a maximum consolidated total leverage ratio and a minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio. At July 28, 2017 and July 29, 2016, the Company was in compliance with all debt covenants. The Revolving Credit Facility also imposes restrictions on the amount of dividends the Company is permitted to pay and the amount of shares the Company is permitted to repurchase. Under the Revolving Credit Facility, provided there is no default existing and the total of the Company’s availability under the Revolving Credit Facility plus the Company’s cash and cash equivalents on hand is at least $100,000 (the “cash availability”), the Company may declare and pay cash dividends on shares of its common stock and repurchase shares of its common stock (1) in an unlimited amount if at the time such dividend or repurchase is made the Company’s consolidated total leverage ratio is 3.00 to 1.00 or less and (2) in an aggregate amount not to exceed $100,000 in any fiscal year if the Company’s consolidated total leverage ratio is greater than 3.00 to 1.00 at the time the dividend or repurchase is made; notwithstanding (1) and (2), so long as immediately after giving effect to the payment of any such dividends, cash availability is at least $100,000, the Company may declare and pay cash dividends on shares of its common stock in an aggregate amount not to exceed in any fiscal year the product of the aggregate amount of dividends declared in the fourth quarter of the immediately preceding fiscal year multiplied by four.

Derivative Instruments and Hedg

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	6. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities For each of the Company’s interest rate swaps, the Company has agreed to exchange with a counterparty the difference between fixed and variable interest amounts calculated by reference to an agreed-upon notional principal amount. The interest rates on the portion of the Company’s outstanding debt covered by its interest rate swaps are fixed at the rates in the table below plus the Company’s credit spread. The Company’s credit spread at July 28, 2017 and July 29, 2016 was 1.00% and 1.25%, respectively. All of the Company’s interest rate swaps are accounted for as cash flow hedges. A summary of the Company’s interest rate swaps at July 28, 2017 is as follows: Trade Date Effective Date Term (in Years) Notional Amount Fixed Rate March 18, 2013 May 3, 2015 3 $ 50,000 1.51 % April 22, 2013 May 3, 2015 3 25,000 1.30 % April 25, 2013 May 3, 2015 3 25,000 1.29 % June 18, 2014 May 3, 2015 4 120,000 2.51 % June 24, 2014 May 3, 2015 4 90,000 2.51 % July 1, 2014 May 5, 2015 4 90,000 2.43 % January 30, 2015 May 3, 2019 2 80,000 2.15 % January 30, 2015 May 3, 2019 2 60,000 2.16 % January 30, 2015 May 4, 2021 3 120,000 2.41 % January 30, 2015 May 3, 2019 2 60,000 2.15 % January 30, 2015 May 4, 2021 3 80,000 2.40 % The notional amount for the interest rate swap entered into on June 18, 2014 increases by $40,000 each May over the four-year term of the interest rate swap until the notional amount reaches $160,000 in May 2018. The notional amounts for the interest rate swaps entered into on June 24, 2014 and July 1, 2014 increase by $30,000 each May over the four-year terms of the interest rate swaps until the notional amounts each reach $120,000 in May 2018. The estimated fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments were as follows: (See Note 3) Balance Sheet Location July 28, 2017 July 29, 2016 Interest rate swaps Prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 32 $ -- Interest rate swaps Other current liabilities $ 47 $ 180 Interest rate swaps Long-term interest rate swap liability 6,833 22,070 Total liabilities $ 6,880 $ 22,250 *These interest rate swap assets and liabilities are recorded at gross at both July 28, 2017 and July 29, 2016 since there were no offsetting assets and liabilities under the Company’s master netting agreements. The estimated fair values of the Company’s interest rate swap assets and liabilities incorporate the Company’s non-performance risk. The adjustment related to the Company’s non-performance risk at July 28, 2017 and July 29, 2016 resulted in reductions of $103 and $1,035, respectively, in the total fair value of the interest rate swap assets and liabilities. The offset to the interest rate swap assets and liabilities is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss (“AOCL”), net of the deferred tax assets, and will be reclassified into earnings over the term of the underlying debt. As of July 28, 2017, the estimated pre-tax portion of AOCL that is expected to be reclassified into earnings over the next twelve months is $2,538. Cash flows related to the interest rate swaps are included in interest expense and in operating activities. The following table summarizes the pre-tax effects of the Company’s derivative instruments on AOCL for each of the three years: Amount of Income (Loss) Recognized in AOCL on Derivatives (Effective Portion) 2017 2016 2015 Cash flow hedges: Interest rate swaps $ 15,402 $ (16,188 ) $ 1,641 The following table summarizes the changes in AOCL, net of tax, related to the Company’s interest rate swaps for the years ended July 28, 2017, July 29, 2016 and July 31, 2015: July 28, 2017 July 29, 2016 July 31, 2015 Beginning AOCL balance $ (13,740 ) $ (3,725 ) $ (4,733 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 12,082 (6,683 ) 5,955 Amounts reclassified from AOCL into earnings (2,571 ) (3,332 ) (4,947 ) Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 9,511 (10,015 ) 1,008 Ending AOCL balance $ (4,229 ) $ (13,740 ) $ (3,725 ) The following table summarizes the pre-tax effects of the Company’s derivative instruments on income for each of the three years: Location of Loss Reclassified from AOCL into Income (Effective Portion) Amount of Loss Reclassified from AOCL into Income (Effective Portion) 2017 2016 2015 Cash flow hedges: Interest rate swaps Interest expense $ 4,163 $ 5,395 $ 8,052 The following table summarizes the amounts reclassified out of AOCL related to the Company’s interest rate swaps for the years ended July 28, 2017, July 29, 2016 and July 31, 2015: Details about AOCL July 28, 2017 July 29, 2016 July 31, 2015 Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Statement of Income Loss on cash flow hedges: Interest rate swaps $ (4,163 ) $ (5,395 ) $ (8,052 ) Interest expense Tax benefit 1,592 2,063 3,105 Provision for income taxes $ (2,571 ) $ (3,332 ) $ (4,947 ) Net of tax Any portion of the fair value of the interest rate swaps determined to be ineffective will be recognized currently in earnings. No ineffectiveness has been recorded in 2017, 2016 and 2015.

Share Repurchases

Share Repurchases	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2017
Share Repurchases [Abstract]
Share Repurchases	7. Share Repurchases In each of 2017, 2016 and 2015, subject to a maximum amount of $25,000 and the limits imposed by its credit facility, the Company was authorized to repurchase shares at management’s discretion. The Company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock in 2017 and 2015. In 2016, the Company repurchased 100,000 shares of its common stock in the open market at an aggregate cost of $14,653.

Segment Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2017
Segment Information [Abstract]
Segment Information	8. Segment Information Cracker Barrel stores represent a single, integrated operation with two related and substantially integrated product lines. The operating expenses of the restaurant and retail product lines of a Cracker Barrel store are shared and are indistinguishable in many respects. Accordingly, the Company manages its business on the basis of one reportable operating segment. All of the Company’s operations are located within the United States. Total revenue was comprised of the following at: 2017 2016 2015 Restaurant $ 2,351,212 $ 2,323,199 $ 2,269,610 Retail 575,077 589,152 572,674 Total revenue $ 2,926,289 $ 2,912,351 $ 2,842,284

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2017
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	9. Leases As of July 28, 2017, the Company operated 231 stores in leased facilities and also leased certain land, a retail distribution center and advertising billboards. Rent expense under operating leases, including the sale-leaseback transactions discussed below, for each of the last three years was: Year Minimum Contingent Total 2017 $ 75,000 $ 252 $ 75,252 2016 74,405 263 74,668 2015 72,877 252 73,129 The following is a schedule by year of the future minimum rental payments required under the Company’s operating leases as of July 28, 2017: Year Total 2018 $ 65,253 2019 53,102 2020 48,298 2021 29,993 2022 30,372 Later years 480,140 Total $ 707,158 Sale-Leaseback Transactions In 2009, the Company completed sale-leaseback transactions involving 15 of its owned stores and its retail distribution center. Under the transactions, the land, buildings and improvements at the locations were sold and leased back for terms of 20 and 15 years, respectively. Equipment was not included. The leases include specified renewal options for up to 20 additional years. The Company leases 65 of its stores pursuant to a sale-leaseback transaction which closed in 2000. Under the transaction, the land, buildings and building improvements at the locations were sold and leased back for a term of 21 years. The leases for these stores include specified renewal options for up to 20 additional years and have certain financial covenants related to fixed charge coverage for the leased stores. At July 28, 2017 and July 29, 2016, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.

Share-Based Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2017
Share-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Share-Based Compensation	10. Share-Based Compensation Stock Compensation Plans The Company’s employee compensation plans are administered by the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Committee”). The Committee is authorized to determine, at time periods within its discretion and subject to the direction of the Board of Directors, which employees will be granted awards, the number of shares covered by any awards granted, and within applicable limits, the terms and provisions relating to the exercise and vesting of any awards. The Company has one active compensation plan, the 2010 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2010 Omnibus Plan”), for employees and non-employee directors which authorizes the granting of nonvested stock awards and units, performance-based MSU Grants, stock options and other types of share-based awards. The Company also has stock options outstanding under one other compensation plan in which no future grants may be made. The 2010 Omnibus Plan allows the Committee to grant awards for an aggregate of 1,500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. However, this share reserve is increased by shares awarded under this and prior plans which are forfeited, expired, settled for cash and shares withheld by the Company in payment of a tax withholding obligation. Additionally, this share reserve was decreased by shares granted from prior plans after July 30, 2010 until December 1, 2010. At July 28, 2017, the number of shares authorized for future issuance under the Company’s active plan is 1,044,309. The following table summarizes the number of outstanding awards under each plan at July 28, 2017: 2010 Omnibus Plan 131,575 2002 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan 4,000 Total 135,575 Types of Share-Based Awards Nonvested Stock Awards Nonvested stock awards consist of the Company’s common stock, generally accrue dividend equivalents and vest over 1–5 years. The fair value of the Company’s nonvested stock awards which accrue dividends is equal to the market price of the Company’s stock at the date of the grant. Dividends are forfeited for any nonvested stock awards that do not vest. The Company’s nonvested stock awards include its long-term performance plans which were established by the Committee for the purpose of rewarding certain officers with shares of the Company’s common stock if the Company achieved certain performance targets. The stock awards under the long-term performance plans are calculated or estimated based on achievement of financial performance measures. The following table summarizes the performance periods and vesting periods for the Company’s nonvested stock awards under its long-term performance plans at July 28, 2017: Long-Term Performance Plan (“LTPP”) Performance Period Vesting Period (in Years) 2017 LTPP 2017 – 2018 2 or 3 2016 LTPP 2016 – 2017 2 or 3 The following table summarizes the shares that have been accrued under the 2017 LTPP and 2016 LTPP at July 28, 2017: 2017 LTPP 13,704 2016 LTPP 28,797 A summary of the Company’s nonvested stock activity as of July 28, 2017, and changes during 2017 are presented in the following table: Nonvested Stock Shares Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Unvested at July 29, 2016 40,437 $ 112.52 Granted 94,432 154.63 Vested (102,852 ) 142.93 Forfeited -- -- Unvested at July 28, 2017 32,017 $ 139.04 The following table summarizes the total fair value of nonvested stock that vested for each of the three years: 2017 2016 2015 Total fair value of nonvested stock $ 14,700 $ 8,418 $ 8,152 Nonvested Stock Units Beginning in 2017, the Company adopted long-term incentive plans that award nonvested stock units based upon relative total shareholder return. The number of nonvested stock units that will ultimately be awarded and will vest at the end of the applicable three-year performance period is based on relative total shareholder return, which is defined as increases in the Company’s stock price plus dividends paid during the performance period as compared to the total shareholder return of a group of peer companies determined by the Committee. The number of shares awarded at the end of the performance period for each nonvested stock unit may range from 75% to 125% of the target award. The probability of the actual shares expected to be earned is considered in the grant date valuation; therefore, the expense will not be adjusted to reflect the actual units earned. In addition to a service requirement, the vesting of the nonvested stock units is also subject to the achievement of a specified level of operating income during the performance period. If this performance goal is not met, no nonvested stock units will be awarded and no compensation expense will be recorded. The fair value of the nonvested stock units is determined using the Monte-Carlo simulation model, which simulates a range of possible future stock prices and estimates the probabilities of the potential payouts. This model uses the average prices for the 60 consecutive calendar days beginning 30 days prior to and ending 30 days after the first business day of the performance period. This model also incorporates the following ranges of assumptions: · The expected volatilities are the historical volatilities of the Company’s stock and the members of the peer group over the period commensurate with the three-year performance period. · The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury rate assumption commensurate with the three-year performance period. The risk-free rates for the nonvested stock units granted in 2017 ranged from 1.0% to 1.4%. · The expected dividend yield is assumed to be zero since the award holders are entitled to any dividends paid over the performance period. Dividends accrue on the nonvested stock units. Dividends will be forfeited for nonvested stock units that do not vest. At July 28, 2017, 3,025 nonvested stock units were accrued. Performance-Based Market Stock Units The number of MSU Grants that will ultimately be awarded and will vest at the end of the applicable three-year performance period for each annual plan is based on total shareholder return, which is defined as the change in the Company’s stock price plus dividends paid during the performance period. The number of shares awarded at the end of the performance period will vary in direct proportion to a target number of shares set at the beginning of the period, up to a maximum of 150% of target, based on the change in the Company’s cumulative total shareholder return over the performance period. The probability of the actual shares expected to be earned is considered in the grant date valuation; therefore, the expense will not be adjusted to reflect the actual units earned. In addition to a service requirement, the vesting of the MSU Grants is also subject to the achievement of a specified level of operating income during the performance period. If this performance goal is not met, no MSU Grants will be awarded and no compensation expense will be recorded. The fair value of the MSU Grants is determined using the Monte-Carlo simulation model, which simulates a range of possible future stock prices and estimates the probabilities of the potential payouts. This model uses the average prices for the 60 consecutive calendar days beginning 30 days prior to and ending 30 days after the first business day of the performance period. This model also incorporates the following ranges of assumptions: · The expected volatility is a blend of implied volatility based on market-traded options on the Company’s stock and historical volatility of our stock over the period commensurate with the three-year performance period. · The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury rate assumption commensurate with the three-year performance period. · The expected dividend yield is assumed to be zero since the award holders are entitled to any dividends paid over the performance period. The following assumptions were used in determining the fair value for the Company’s MSU Grants: Year Ended July 29, 2016 July 31, 2015 Dividend yield*** -- -- Expected volatility 23% - 24 % 21 % Risk-free interest rate range 0.9% - 1.0 % 1.0 % ***Dividends accrue on the 2015 and 2016 MSU Grants. Dividends will be forfeited for any MSU Grants that do not vest. No MSU Grants were awarded in 2017. The following table summarizes the shares that have been accrued under the 2015 MSU Grants and 2016 MSU Grants at July 28, 2017: Shares 2015 MSU Grants 39,467 2016 MSU Grants 14,565 Stock Options Prior to 2012, stock options were granted with an exercise price equal to the market price of the Company’s stock on the grant date; those option awards generally vest at a cumulative rate of 33% per year beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date and expire ten years from the date of grant. No stock options were granted in 2015, 2016 or 2017. A summary of the Company’s stock option activity as of July 28, 2017, and changes during 2017 are presented in the following table: Fixed Options Shares Weighted- Average Price Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term Aggregate Intrinsic Value Outstanding at July 29, 2016 12,683 $ 32.71 Granted -- -- Exercised (8,683 ) 32.64 Forfeited -- -- Canceled -- -- Outstanding at July 28, 2017 4,000 $ 32.86 0.33 $ 490 Exercisable 4,000 $ 32.86 0.33 $ 490 The following table summarizes the total intrinsic values of options exercised during each of the three years: 2017 2016 2015 Total intrinsic values of options exercised* $ 1,070 $ 917 $ 4,652 *The intrinsic value for stock options is defined as the difference between the current market value and the grant price. Compensation Expense The following table highlights the components of share-based compensation expense for each of the three years: 2017 2016 2015 Nonvested stock awards and units $ 6,654 $ 10,277 $ 13,243 MSU Grants 1,804 2,925 2,967 Total compensation expense $ 8,458 $ 13,202 $ 16,210 The following table highlights the total unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested stock awards, nonvested stock units and MSU Grants and the weighted-average periods over which the expense is expected to be recognized as of July 28, 2017: Nonvested Stock Awards Nonvested Stock Units MSU Grants Total unrecognized compensation $ 2,692 $ 770 $ 862 Weighted-average period in years 2.12 2.01 1.02 The following table highlights the total income tax benefit recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income for each of the three years: 2017 2016 2015 Total income tax benefit $ 2,740 $ 3,819 $ 5,056 During 2017, the Company issued 99,548 shares of its common stock resulting from the vesting of share-based compensation awards and stock option exercises. Related tax withholding payments on certain share-based compensation awards exceeded proceeds received from the exercise of stock options which resulted in a net reduction to shareholders’ equity of $6,896. The excess tax benefit realized upon exercise of share-based compensation awards was $2,636.

Shareholder Rights Plan

Shareholder Rights Plan	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2017
Shareholder Rights Plan [Abstract]
Shareholder Rights Plan	11. Shareholder Rights Plan On April 9, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a dividend of one preferred share purchase right (a “Right”) for each outstanding share of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and adopted a shareholder rights plan, as set forth in the Rights Agreement dated as of April 9, 2015 (the “Rights Agreement”), by and between the Company and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, as rights agent. The dividend was payable on April 20, 2015 to the shareholders of record as of the close of business on April 20, 2015. The Rights Agreement replaced the Company’s previous shareholder rights plan adopted in 2012 (the “2012 Plan”), and it became effective immediately following the expiration of the 2012 Plan at the close of business on April 9, 2015. The 2012 Plan and the preferred share purchase rights issued thereunder expired by their own terms and shareholders of the Company were not entitled to any payment as a result of the expiration of the 2012 Plan. The Rights The Rights initially trade with, and are inseparable from, the Company’s common stock. The Rights are evidenced only by the balances indicated in the book-entry account system of the transfer agent for the Company’s common stock or, in the case of certificated shares, the certificates that represent such shares of common stock. New Rights will accompany any new shares of common stock the Company issues after April 20, 2015 until the earlier of the Distribution Date, redemption of the Rights by the Board of Directors or the final expiration date of the Rights Agreement, each as described below. Exercise Price Each Right will allow its holder to purchase from the Company one one-hundredth of a share of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock (“Preferred Share”) for $600.00, once the Rights become exercisable. This portion of a Preferred Share will give the shareholder approximately the same dividend and liquidation rights as would one share of common stock. Prior to exercise, the Right does not give its holder any dividend, voting, or liquidation rights. Exercisability The Rights will not be exercisable until 10 days after the public announcement that a person or group has become an “Acquiring Person” by obtaining beneficial ownership of 20% or more of the Company’s outstanding common stock. Shares held by affiliates and associates of an Acquiring Person, and Notional Common Shares (as defined in the Rights Agreement) held by counterparties to a Derivatives Contract (as defined in the Rights Agreement) with an Acquiring Person, will be deemed to be beneficially owned by the Acquiring Person. Certain synthetic interests in securities created by derivative positions – whether or not such interests are considered to be ownership of the underlying common stock or are reportable for purposes of Regulation 13D of the Securities Exchange Act – are treated as beneficial ownership of the number of shares of the Company’s common stock equivalent to the economic exposure created by the derivative. The date when the Rights become exercisable is the “Distribution Date.” Until the Distribution Date, the common stock certificates will evidence the Rights, and any transfer of shares of common stock will constitute a transfer of Rights. After that date, the Rights will separate from the common stock and will be evidenced by book-entry credits or by Rights certificates that the Company will mail to all eligible holders of common stock. Any Rights held by an Acquiring Person will be void and may not be exercised. At July 28, 2017, none of the Rights were exercisable. Consequences of a Person or Group Becoming an Acquiring Person If a person or group becomes an Acquiring Person, after the Distribution Date, each Right will generally entitle the holder, except the Acquiring Person or any associate or affiliate thereof, to acquire, for the exercise price of $600.00 per Right (subject to adjustment as provided in the Rights Agreement), shares of the Company’s common stock (or, in certain circumstances, Preferred Shares) having a market value equal to twice the Right’s then-current exercise price. In addition, if, the Company is later acquired in a merger or similar transaction after the Distribution Date, each Right will generally entitle the holder, except the Acquiring Person or any associate or affiliate thereof, to acquire, for the exercise price of $600.00 per Right (subject to adjustment as provided in the Rights Agreement), shares of the acquiring corporation having a market value equal to twice the Right’s then-current exercise price. Preferred Share Provisions Each one one-hundredth of a Preferred Share, if issued: · will not be redeemable. · will entitle holders to quarterly dividend payments of $0.01 per share, or an amount equal to the dividend paid on one share of common stock, whichever is greater. · will entitle holders upon liquidation either to receive $1.00 per share or an amount equal to the payment made on one share of common stock, whichever is greater. · will have the same voting power as one share of common stock. · if shares of the Company’s common stock are exchanged via merger, consolidation, or a similar transaction, will entitle holders to a per share payment equal to the payment made on one share of common stock. The value of one one-hundredth of a Preferred Share will generally approximate the value of one share of common stock. Redemption The Board of Directors may redeem the Rights for $0.01 per Right at any time before any person or group becomes an Acquiring Person. If the Board of Directors redeems any Rights, it must redeem all of the Rights. Once the Rights are redeemed, the only right of the holders of Rights will be to receive the redemption price of $0.01 per Right. The redemption price will be adjusted if the Company has a stock split or stock dividends of its common stock. Qualifying Offer Provision The Rights would also not interfere with all-cash, fully financed tender offers for all shares of common stock that remain open for a minimum of 60 business days, are subject to a minimum condition of a majority of the outstanding shares and provide for a 20-business day “subsequent offering period” after consummation (such offers are referred to as “qualifying offers”). In the event the Company receives a qualifying offer and the Board of Directors has not redeemed the Rights prior to the consummation of such offer, the consummation of the qualifying offer shall not cause the offeror or its affiliates or associates to become an Acquiring Person, and the Rights will immediately expire upon consummation of the qualifying offer. Exchange After a person or group becomes an Acquiring Person, but before an Acquiring Person owns 50% or more of the Company’s outstanding common stock, the Board of Directors may extinguish the Rights by exchanging one share of common stock or an equivalent security for each Right, other than Rights held by the Acquiring Person. Anti-Dilution Provisions The Board of Directors may adjust the purchase price of the Preferred Shares, the number of Preferred Shares issuable and the number of outstanding Rights to prevent dilution that may occur from a stock dividend, a stock split, a reclassification of the Preferred Shares or common stock. No adjustments to the Exercise Price of less than 1% will be made. Amendments The terms of the Rights Agreement may be amended by the Board of Directors without the consent of the holders of the Rights. After a person or group becomes an Acquiring Person, the Board of Directors may not amend the agreement in a way that adversely affects holders of the Rights . Expiration The Rights will expire on April 9, 2018.

Employee Savings Plans

Employee Savings Plans	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2017
Employee Savings Plans [Abstract]
Employee Savings Plans	12. Employee Savings Plans The Company sponsors a qualified defined contribution retirement plan (“401(k) Savings Plan”) covering salaried and hourly employees who have completed ninety days of service and have attained the age of twenty-one. This plan allows eligible employees to defer receipt of up to 50% of their compensation, as defined in the plan. The Company also sponsors a non-qualified defined contribution retirement plan (“Non-Qualified Savings Plan”) covering highly compensated employees, as defined in the plan. This plan allows eligible employees to defer receipt of up to 50% of their base compensation and 100% of their eligible bonuses, as defined in the plan. Contributions under both plans may be invested in various investment funds at the employee’s discretion. Such contributions, including the Company’s matching contributions described below, may not be invested in the Company’s common stock. In 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Company matched 25% of employee contributions for each participant in either plan up to a total of 6% of the employee’s compensation. Employee contributions vest immediately while Company contributions vest 20% annually beginning on the first anniversary of a contribution date and are vested 100% on the fifth anniversary of such contribution date. At the inception of the Non-Qualified Savings Plan, the Company established a Rabbi Trust to fund the plan’s obligations. The market value of the trust assets for the Non-Qualified Savings Plan of $31,196 is included in other assets and the related liability to the participants of $31,196 is included in other long-term obligations in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Company contributions under both plans are recorded as either labor and other related expenses or general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The following table summarizes the Company’s contributions for each plan for each of the three years: 2017 2016 2015 401(k) Savings Plan $ 2,501 $ 2,528 $ 2,364 Non-Qualified Savings Plan 291 296 234

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2017
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes	13. Income Taxes The components of the provision for income taxes for each of the three years were as follows: 2017 2016 2015 Current: Federal $ 83,743 $ 62,054 $ 71,386 State 7,567 6,447 6,050 Deferred: Federal 4,696 12,477 (6,178 ) State 982 (3,858 ) 3,040 Total provision for income taxes $ 96,988 $ 77,120 $ 74,298 A reconciliation of the Company’s provision for income taxes and income taxes based on the statutory U.S. federal rate of 35% was as follows: 2017 2016 2015 Provision computed at federal statutory income tax rate $ 104,611 $ 93,247 $ 83,370 State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit 5,856 1,427 6,378 Employer tax credits for FICA taxes paid on employee tip income (11,543 ) (11,048 ) (10,681 ) Other employer tax credits (2,814 ) (7,326 ) (5,058 ) Other-net 878 820 289 Total provision for income taxes $ 96,988 $ 77,120 $ 74,298 Significant components of the Company’s net deferred tax liability consisted of the following at: July 28, 2017 July 29, 2016 Deferred tax assets: Compensation and employee benefits $ 10,110 $ 13,937 Deferred rent 18,270 17,183 Accrued liabilities 13,233 12,466 Insurance reserves 12,401 11,444 Inventory 4,411 4,368 Other 2,767 8,718 Deferred tax assets $ 61,192 $ 68,116 Deferred tax liabilities: Property and equipment $ 100,373 $ 97,695 Inventory 10,906 9,803 Other 12,273 12,024 Deferred tax liabilities 123,552 119,522 Net deferred tax liability $ 62,360 $ 51,406 The Company believes that adequate amounts of tax, interest and penalties have been provided for potential tax uncertainties; these amounts are included in other long-term liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of July 28, 2017 and July 29, 2016, the Company’s gross liability for uncertain tax positions, exclusive of interest and penalties, was $20,731 and $21,899, respectively. Summarized below is a tabular reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance of the Company’s total gross liability for uncertain tax positions exclusive of interest and penalties: July 28, 2017 July 29, 2016 July 31, 2015 Balance at beginning of year $ 21,899 $ 25,507 $ 22,832 Tax positions related to the current year: Additions 4,003 4,860 3,994 Reductions -- -- -- Tax positions related to the prior year: Additions 582 2,186 118 Reductions (2,966 ) (6,896 ) (227 ) Settlements (1,027 ) (2,324 ) (204 ) Expiration of statute of limitations (1,760 ) (1,434 ) (1,006 ) Balance at end of year $ 20,731 $ 21,899 $ 25,507 If the Company were to prevail on all uncertain tax positions, the reversal of this accrual would be a tax benefit to the Company and impact the effective tax rate. The following table highlights the amount of uncertain tax positions, exclusive of interest and penalties, which, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate for each of the three years: 2017 2016 2015 Uncertain tax positions $ 13,475 $ 14,234 $ 16,579 The Company had $6,128, $5,497 and $9,754 in interest and penalties accrued as of July 28, 2017, July 29, 2016, and July 31, 2015, respectively. The Company recognized accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits of $631, $(4,256) and $1,194 in its provision for income taxes on July 28, 2017, July 29, 2016 and July 31, 2015, respectively. The increase from 2016 to 2017 and the decrease from 2015 to 2016 both are attributable to the Company’s revaluation of select reserves and audit settlements in 2016. In many cases, the Company’s uncertain tax positions are related to tax years that remain subject to examination by the relevant taxing authorities. Based on the outcome of these examinations or as a result of the expiration of the statutes of limitations for specific taxing jurisdictions, it is reasonably possible that the related uncertain tax positions taken regarding previously filed tax returns could decrease from those recorded as liabilities for uncertain tax positions in the Company’s financial statements at July 28, 2017 by approximately $3,000 to $4,000 within the next twelve months. At July 28, 2017, the Company was subject to income tax examinations for its U.S. federal income taxes after 2013 and for state and local income taxes generally after 2013.

Net Income Per Share and Weight

Net Income Per Share and Weighted Average Shares	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2017
Net Income Per Share and Weighted Average Shares [Abstract]
Net Income Per Share and Weighted Average Shares	14. Net Income Per Share and Weighted Average Shares The following table reconciles the components of diluted earnings per share computations: 2017 2016 2015 Net income per share numerator $ 201,899 $ 189,299 $ 163,903 Net income per share denominator: Basic weighted average shares outstanding 24,031,810 23,945,041 23,918,368 Add potential dilution: Stock options, nonvested stock awards and MSU Grants 86,478 129,232 130,556 Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 24,118,288 24,074,273 24,048,924

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	15. Commitments and Contingencies The Company and its subsidiaries are party to various legal and regulatory proceedings and claims incidental to their business in the ordinary course. In the opinion of management, based upon information currently available, the ultimate liability with respect to these proceedings and claims will not materially affect the Company’s consolidated results of operations or financial position. The Company maintains insurance coverage for various aspects of its business and operations. The Company has elected, however, to retain all or a portion of losses that occur through the use of various deductibles, limits and retentions under its insurance programs. This situation may subject the Company to some future liability for which it is only partially insured, or completely uninsured. The Company intends to mitigate any such future liability by continuing to exercise prudent business judgment in negotiating the terms and conditions of its contracts. See Note 2 for a further discussion of insurance and insurance reserves. Related to its insurance coverage, the Company is contingently liable pursuant to standby letters of credit as credit guarantees to certain insurers. As of July 28, 2017, the Company had $9,655 of standby letters of credit related to securing reserved claims under workers’ compensation insurance. All standby letters of credit are renewable annually and reduce the Company’s borrowing availability under its Revolving Credit facility (see Note 5). As of July 28, 2017, the Company is secondarily liable for lease payments associated with two properties. The Company is not aware of any non-performance under these lease arrangements that would result in the Company having to perform in accordance with the terms of these guarantees, and therefore, no provision has been recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for amounts to be paid in case of non-performance by the third party by the primary obligor under such lease agreements. The Company enters into certain indemnification agreements in favor of third parties in the ordinary course of business. The Company believes that the probability of incurring an actual liability under other indemnification agreements is sufficiently remote so that no liability has been recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaud

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2017
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	16. Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) Quarterly financial data for 2017 and 2016 are summarized as follows: 1 st Quarter 2 nd Quarter 3 rd Quarter 4 th Quarter 2017 Total revenue $ 709,971 $ 772,682 $ 700,410 $ 743,226 Store operating income 109,832 117,513 107,478 119,749 Income before income taxes 72,068 79,058 68,089 79,672 Net income 48,355 52,727 46,924 53,893 Net income per share – basic 2.01 2.19 1.95 2.24 Net income per share – diluted 2.01 2.19 1.95 2.23 2016 Total revenue $ 702,629 $ 764,002 $ 700,136 $ 745,584 Store operating income 99,627 106,032 103,419 114,375 Income before income taxes 61,764 66,956 63,592 74,107 Net income 40,865 48,242 49,169 51,023 Net income per share – basic 1.71 2.02 2.05 2.13 Net income per share – diluted 1.70 2.01 2.04 2.12

Summary of Significant Accoun25

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2017
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
GAAP	GAAP – The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. (“GAAP”).
Fiscal year	Fiscal year – The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Friday nearest July 31st and each quarter consists of thirteen weeks unless noted otherwise. References in these Notes to a year or quarter are to the Company’s fiscal year or quarter unless noted otherwise.
Principles of consolidation	Principles of consolidation – The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly owned. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.
Cash and cash equivalents	Cash and cash equivalents – The Company’s policy is to consider all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Accounts receivable	Accounts receivable – Accounts receivable represent their estimated net realizable value. Accounts receivable are written off when they are deemed uncollectible.
Inventories	Inventories – Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost of restaurant inventory is determined by the first‑in, first‑out (“FIFO”) method. Retail inventories are valued using the retail inventory method (“RIM”) except at the retail distribution center which uses average cost. Approximately 75% to 85% of retail inventories are valued using RIM and the remaining retail inventories are valued using an average cost method. See Note 4 for additional information regarding the components of inventory. Valuation provisions are included for retail inventory obsolescence, retail inventory shrinkage, returns and amortization of certain items. Cost of goods sold includes an estimate of retail inventory shrinkage that is adjusted upon physical inventory counts. Annual physical inventory counts are conducted throughout the third quarter based upon a cyclical inventory schedule. An estimate of shrinkage is recorded for the time period between physical inventory counts by using a three-year average of the physical inventories’ results on a store-by-store basis.
Property and equipment	Property and equipment – Property and equipment are stated at cost. For financial reporting purposes, depreciation and amortization on these assets are computed by use of the straight‑line and double‑declining balance methods over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets, as follows: Years Buildings and improvements 30-45 Buildings under capital leases 15-25 Restaurant and other equipment 2-10 Leasehold improvements 1-35 Accelerated depreciation methods are generally used for income tax purposes. Total depreciation expense and depreciation expense related to store operations for each of the three years are as follows: 2017 2016 2015 Total depreciation expense $ 85,912 $ 77,816 $ 72,390 Depreciation expense related to store operations* 79,214 71,382 66,754 *Depreciation expense related to store operations is included in other store operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Gain or loss is recognized upon disposal of property and equipment. The asset and related accumulated depreciation and amortization amounts are removed from the accounts. Maintenance and repairs, including the replacement of minor items, are charged to expense and major additions to property and equipment are capitalized.
Impairment of long-lived assets	Impairment of long-lived assets – The Company assesses the impairment of long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets is measured by comparing the carrying value of the asset to the undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the total expected future cash flows are less than the carrying value of the asset, the carrying value is written down, for an asset to be held and used, to the estimated fair value or, for an asset to be disposed of, to the fair value, net of estimated costs of disposal. Any loss resulting from impairment is recognized by a charge to income.
Derivative instruments and hedging activities	Derivative instruments and hedging activities – The Company is exposed to market risk, such as changes in interest rates and commodity prices. The Company has interest rate risk relative to its outstanding borrowings, which bear interest at the Company’s election either at the prime rate or LIBOR plus a percentage point spread based on certain specified financial ratios under its revolving credit facility (see Note 5). The Company’s policy has been to manage interest cost using a mix of fixed and variable rate debt. To manage this risk in a cost efficient manner, the Company uses derivative instruments, specifically interest rate swaps. Companies may elect whether or not to offset related assets and liabilities and report the net amount on their financial statements if the right of setoff exists. Under a master netting agreement, the Company has the legal right to offset the amounts owed to the Company against amounts owed by the Company under a derivative instrument that exists between the Company and a counterparty. When the Company is engaged in more than one outstanding derivative transaction with the same counterparty and also has a legally enforceable master netting agreement with that counterparty, its credit risk exposure is based on the net exposure under the master netting agreement. If, on a net basis, the Company owes the counterparty, the Company regards its credit exposure to the counterparty as being zero. The Company does not hold or use derivative instruments for trading purposes. The Company also does not have any derivatives not designated as hedging instruments and has not designated any non-derivatives as hedging instruments. See Note 6 for additional information on the Company’s derivative and hedging activities.
Segment reporting	Segment reporting – Operating segments are components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. Using these criteria, the Company manages its business on the basis of one reportable operating segment (see Note 8 for additional information regarding segment reporting).
Revenue recognition	Revenue recognition – The Company records revenue from the sale of products as they are sold. The Company provides for estimated returns based on return history and sales levels. The Company’s policy is to present sales in the Consolidated Statements of Income on a net presentation basis after deducting sales tax.
Unredeemed gift cards and certificates	Unredeemed gift cards and certificates – Unredeemed gift cards and certificates represent a liability of the Company related to unearned income and are recorded at their expected redemption value. No revenue is recognized in connection with the point-of-sale transaction when gift cards or gift certificates are sold. For those states that exempt gift cards and certificates from their escheat laws, the Company makes estimates of the ultimate unredeemed (“breakage”) gift cards and certificates in the period of the original sale and amortizes this breakage over the redemption period that other gift cards and certificates historically have been redeemed by reducing its liability and recording revenue accordingly. For those states that do not exempt gift cards and certificates from their escheat laws, the Company records breakage in the period that gift cards and certificates are remitted to the state and reduces its liability accordingly. Any amounts remitted to states under escheat or similar laws reduce the Company’s deferred revenue liability and have no effect on revenue or expense while any amounts that the Company is permitted to retain are recorded as revenue.
Insurance	Insurance – The Company self-insures a significant portion of its workers’ compensation and general liability programs. In 2015, the Company purchased insurance for individual workers’ compensation claims that exceeded $250, $500 or $1,000 depending on the state in which the claim originated. Beginning in 2016, the Company purchases insurance for individual workers’ compensation claims that exceed $250, $750 or $1,000 depending on the state in which the claim originates. The Company purchases insurance for individual general liability claims that exceed $500. The Company records a reserve for workers’ compensation and general liability for all unresolved claims and for an estimate of incurred but not reported claims (“IBNR”). These reserves and estimates of IBNR claims are based upon a full scope actuarial study which is performed annually at the end of the Company’s third quarter and is adjusted by the actuarially determined losses and actual claims payments for the fourth quarter. Additionally, the Company performs limited scope actuarial studies on a quarterly basis to verify and/or modify the Company’s reserves. The reserves and losses in the actuarial study represent a range of possible outcomes within which no given estimate is more likely than any other estimate. As such, the Company records the losses at the lower end of that range and discounts them to present value using a risk-free interest rate based on projected timing of payments. The Company also monitors actual claims development, including incurrence or settlement of individual large claims during the interim periods between actuarial studies as another means of estimating the adequacy of its reserves. The Company’s group health plans combine the use of self-insured and fully-insured programs. Benefits for any individual (employee or dependents) in the self-insured program are limited. The Company records a liability for the self-insured portion of its group health program for all unpaid claims based upon a loss development analysis derived from actual group health claims payment experience. The Company also records a liability for unpaid prescription drug claims based on historical experience. The majority of the Company’s fully-insured plans for calendar 2014 contained a retrospective feature which could increase or decrease premiums based on actual claims experience.
Store pre-opening costs	Store pre-opening costs – Start-up costs of a new store are expensed when incurred, with the exception of rent expense under operating leases, in which the straight-line rent includes the pre-opening period during construction, as explained further under the “Leases” section in this Note.
Leases	Leases – The Company’s leases are classified as either capital or operating leases. The Company has ground leases and office space leases that are recorded as operating leases. The Company also leases its advertising billboards which are recorded as operating leases. A majority of the Company’s lease agreements provide renewal options and some of these options contain rent escalation clauses. Additionally, some of the leases have rent holiday and contingent rent provisions. During rent holiday periods, which include the pre-opening period during construction, the Company has possession of and access to the property, but is not obligated to, and normally does not, make rent payments. Contingent rent is determined as a percentage of gross sales in excess of specified levels. The Company records a contingent rent liability and corresponding rent expense when it is probable sales have been achieved in amounts in excess of the specified levels. The liabilities under these leases are recognized on the straight-line basis over the shorter of the useful life, with a maximum of 35 years, or the related lease life. The Company uses a lease life that generally begins on the date that the Company becomes legally obligated under the lease, including the rent holiday periods, and generally extends through certain renewal periods that can be exercised at the Company’s option, for which at the inception of the lease, it is reasonably assured that the Company will exercise those renewal options. This lease period is consistent with the period over which leasehold improvements are amortized.
Advertising	Advertising – The Company expenses the costs of producing advertising the first time the advertising takes place. Other advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense for each of the three years was as follows: 2017 2016 2015 Advertising expense $ 83,623 $ 79,409 $ 68,665
Share-based compensation	Share-based compensation – The Company’s share-based compensation consists of nonvested stock awards and units and performance-based market stock units (“MSU Grants”). Share-based compensation is recorded in general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Share-based compensation expense is recognized based on the grant date fair value and the achievement of performance conditions for certain awards. The Company recognizes share-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which is generally the award’s vesting period, or to the date on which retirement eligibility is achieved, if shorter. Certain nonvested stock awards and units and the Company’s MSU Grants contain performance conditions. Compensation expense for performance-based awards is recognized when it is probable that the performance criteria will be met. If any performance goals are not met, no compensation expense is ultimately recognized and, to the extent previously recognized, compensation expense is reversed. If a share-based compensation award is modified after the grant date, incremental compensation expense is recognized in an amount equal to the excess of the fair value of the modified award over the fair value of the original award immediately before the modification. Incremental compensation expense for vested awards is recognized immediately. For unvested awards, the sum of the incremental compensation expense and the remaining unrecognized compensation expense for the original award on the modification date is recognized over the modified service period. Additionally, the Company’s policy is to issue shares of common stock to satisfy exercises of share-based compensation awards.
Income taxes	Income taxes – The Company’s provision for income taxes includes employer tax credits for FICA taxes paid on employee tip income and other employer tax credits are accounted for by the flow-through method. Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. The Company recognizes (or derecognizes) a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return in the financial statements when it is more likely than not (i.e., a likelihood of more than fifty percent) that the position would be sustained (or not sustained) upon examination by tax authorities. A recognized tax position is then measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The Company recognizes, net of tax, interest and estimated penalties related to uncertain tax positions in its provision for income taxes. See Note 13 for additional information regarding income taxes.
Comprehensive income	Comprehensive income – Comprehensive income includes net income and the effective unrealized portion of the changes in the fair value of the Company’s interest rate swaps.
Net income per share	Net income per share – Basic consolidated net income per share is computed by dividing consolidated net income to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the reporting period. Diluted consolidated net income per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities, options or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock and is based upon the weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding during the year. Common equivalent shares related to stock options, nonvested stock awards and units and MSU Grants issued by the Company are calculated using the treasury stock method. The outstanding stock options, nonvested stock awards and units and MSU Grants issued by the Company represent the only dilutive effects on diluted consolidated net income per share. See Note 14 for additional information regarding net income per share.
Use of estimates	Use of estimates – Management of the Company has made certain estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods to prepare these Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP. Management believes that such estimates have been based on reasonable and supportable assumptions and that the resulting estimates are reasonable for use in the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements. Actual results, however, could differ from those estimates.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements Adopted and Not Yet Adopted	Recent Accounting Pronouncements Adopted Debt Issuance Costs In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued accounting guidance which requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a reduction of the related debt liability rather than as an asset. This accounting guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those years on a retrospective basis. Since this accounting guidance does not pertain to debt issuance costs related to revolving debt agreements, this accounting guidance did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations upon adoption in the first quarter of 2017. Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted Revenue Recognition In May 2014, the FASB issued accounting guidance which clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue and provides a comprehensive model for revenue recognition. Revenue recognition should depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance also requires additional disclosures about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts. This accounting guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those years. Early application is permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. A company may apply this accounting guidance either retrospectively or using the cumulative effect transition method. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this accounting guidance in the first quarter of 2019. Inventory In July 2015, the FASB issued accounting guidance which requires companies to measure certain inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value. This accounting guidance does not apply to inventories measured by using either the last-in, first-out method or the retail inventory method. This accounting guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those years on a prospective basis. The Company does not expect that the adoption of this accounting guidance in the first period of 2018 will have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations. Deferred Taxes In November 2015, in order to simplify the presentation of deferred income taxes, the FASB issued accounting guidance which requires deferred tax liabilities and assets to be classified as noncurrent in the balance sheet. This accounting guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those years. This accounting guidance may be applied either prospectively to all deferred tax liabilities and assets or retrospectively to all periods presented. Other than the revised balance sheet presentation of deferred tax liabilities and assets, the Company does not expect that the adoption of this accounting guidance in the first quarter of 2018 on a prospective basis will have a significant impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. Leases In February 2016, the FASB issued accounting guidance which requires the recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosure of key information about leasing arrangements. The accounting guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those fiscal years on a modified retrospective basis. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this accounting guidance in the first quarter of 2020. Recognition of Breakage for Certain Prepaid Stored-Value Products In March 2016, in order to address diversity in practice related to the derecognition of a prepaid stored-value product liability, the FASB issued accounting guidance requiring breakage for prepaid stored-value product liabilities to be accounted for consistent with the breakage guidance in the revenue recognition standard (see “Revenue Recognition” above). This accounting guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those years. This accounting guidance may be applied either on a modified retrospective basis or on a retrospective basis. Early application is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this accounting guidance in the first quarter of 2019. Share-Based Payments In March 2016, the FASB issued accounting guidance in order to simplify certain aspects of the accounting and presentation of share-based payments, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities and classification on the statement of cash flows. This accounting guidance is effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those years. This guidance may be applied either on a prospective basis, retrospective basis or a modified retrospective basis depending on the specific accounting topic covered in the accounting guidance. The Company does not expect that the adoption of this accounting guidance in the first quarter of 2018 will have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations. Modification of Share-Based Payment Awards In May 2017, the FASB issued accounting guidance to provide clarity, reduce the diversity in practice and to simplify the accounting guidance related to a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award. This new standard provides guidance for evaluating which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award are substantive and require modification accounting to be applied. This accounting guidance is effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those years on a prospective basis. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this accounting guidance in the first quarter of 2019.

Fair Value Measurements (Polici

Fair Value Measurements (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2017
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]
Fair value measurements	Fair value for certain of the Company’s assets and liabilities is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In determining fair value, a three level hierarchy for inputs is used. These levels are: · Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (“Level 1”) – quoted prices (unadjusted) for an identical asset or liability in an active market. · Significant Other Observable Inputs (“Level 2”) – quoted prices for a similar asset or liability in an active market or model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs are observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. · Significant Unobservable Inputs (“Level 3”) – unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement of the asset or liability. The Company’s money market fund investments and deferred compensation plan assets are measured at fair value using quoted market prices. The fair values of the Company’s interest rate swap assets and liabilities are determined based on the present value of expected future cash flows. Since the Company’s interest rate swap values are based on the LIBOR forward curve, which is observable at commonly quoted intervals for the full terms of the swaps, it is considered a Level 2 input. Nonperformance risk is reflected in determining the fair value of the interest rate swaps by using the Company’s credit spread less the risk-free interest rate, both of which are observable at commonly quoted intervals for the terms of the swaps. Thus, the adjustment for nonperformance risk is also considered a Level 2 input. The fair values of accounts receivable and accounts payable at July 28, 2017 and July 29, 2016, approximate their carrying amounts because of their short duration. The fair value of the Company’s variable rate debt, based on quoted market prices, which are considered Level 1 inputs, approximates its carrying amounts at July 28, 2017 and July 29, 2016.

Summary of Significant Accoun27

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2017
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of Estimated Useful Lives of Assets	For financial reporting purposes, depreciation and amortization on these assets are computed by use of the straight‑line and double‑declining balance methods over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets, as follows: Years Buildings and improvements 30-45 Buildings under capital leases 15-25 Restaurant and other equipment 2-10 Leasehold improvements 1-35
Schedule of Total Depreciation Expense and Depreciation Expense Related to Store Operations	Total depreciation expense and depreciation expense related to store operations for each of the three years are as follows: 2017 2016 2015 Total depreciation expense $ 85,912 $ 77,816 $ 72,390 Depreciation expense related to store operations* 79,214 71,382 66,754 *Depreciation expense related to store operations is included in other store operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Schedule of Advertising Expense	Advertising expense for each of the three years was as follows: 2017 2016 2015 Advertising expense $ 83,623 $ 79,409 $ 68,665

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2017
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis	The Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at July 28, 2017 were as follows: Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Fair Value Cash equivalents* $ 82,524 $ -- $ -- $ 82,524 Interest rate swap asset (see Note 6) -- 32 -- 32 Deferred compensation plan assets** 31,196 -- -- 31,196 Total assets at fair value $ 113,720 $ 32 $ -- $ 113,752 Interest rate swap liability (see Note 6) $ -- $ 6,880 $ -- $ 6,880 Total liabilities at fair value $ -- $ 6,880 $ -- $ 6,880 The Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at July 29, 2016 were as follows: Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Fair Value Cash equivalents* $ 76,084 $ -- $ -- $ 76,084 Interest rate swap asset (see Note 6) -- -- -- -- Deferred compensation plan assets** 27,764 -- -- 27,764 Total assets at fair value $ 103,848 $ -- $ -- $ 103,848 Interest rate swap liability (see Note 6) $ -- $ 22,250 $ -- $ 22,250 Total liabilities at fair value $ -- $ 22,250 $ -- $ 22,250 *Consists of money market fund investments. **Represents plan assets invested in mutual funds established under a Rabbi Trust for the Company’s non-qualified savings plan and is included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as other assets (see Note 12).

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2017
Inventories [Abstract]
Inventories	Inventories were comprised of the following at: July 28, 2017 July 29, 2016 Retail $ 119,446 $ 114,610 Restaurant 20,252 21,522 Supplies 16,669 16,176 Total $ 156,367 $ 152,308

Derivative Instruments and He30

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Abstract]
Summary of Interest Rate Swaps	A summary of the Company’s interest rate swaps at July 28, 2017 is as follows: Trade Date Effective Date Term (in Years) Notional Amount Fixed Rate March 18, 2013 May 3, 2015 3 $ 50,000 1.51 % April 22, 2013 May 3, 2015 3 25,000 1.30 % April 25, 2013 May 3, 2015 3 25,000 1.29 % June 18, 2014 May 3, 2015 4 120,000 2.51 % June 24, 2014 May 3, 2015 4 90,000 2.51 % July 1, 2014 May 5, 2015 4 90,000 2.43 % January 30, 2015 May 3, 2019 2 80,000 2.15 % January 30, 2015 May 3, 2019 2 60,000 2.16 % January 30, 2015 May 4, 2021 3 120,000 2.41 % January 30, 2015 May 3, 2019 2 60,000 2.15 % January 30, 2015 May 4, 2021 3 80,000 2.40 %
Schedule of Estimated Fair Value of Derivative Instruments	The estimated fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments were as follows: (See Note 3) Balance Sheet Location July 28, 2017 July 29, 2016 Interest rate swaps Prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 32 $ -- Interest rate swaps Other current liabilities $ 47 $ 180 Interest rate swaps Long-term interest rate swap liability 6,833 22,070 Total liabilities $ 6,880 $ 22,250 *These interest rate swap assets and liabilities are recorded at gross at both July 28, 2017 and July 29, 2016 since there were no offsetting assets and liabilities under the Company’s master netting agreements.
Schedule of Pre-tax Effects of Derivative Instruments on Income and AOCL	The following table summarizes the pre-tax effects of the Company’s derivative instruments on AOCL for each of the three years: Amount of Income (Loss) Recognized in AOCL on Derivatives (Effective Portion) 2017 2016 2015 Cash flow hedges: Interest rate swaps $ 15,402 $ (16,188 ) $ 1,641
Changes in AOCL, Net of Tax, Related to Interest Rate Swaps	The following table summarizes the changes in AOCL, net of tax, related to the Company’s interest rate swaps for the years ended July 28, 2017, July 29, 2016 and July 31, 2015: July 28, 2017 July 29, 2016 July 31, 2015 Beginning AOCL balance $ (13,740 ) $ (3,725 ) $ (4,733 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 12,082 (6,683 ) 5,955 Amounts reclassified from AOCL into earnings (2,571 ) (3,332 ) (4,947 ) Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 9,511 (10,015 ) 1,008 Ending AOCL balance $ (4,229 ) $ (13,740 ) $ (3,725 )
Amounts Reclassified Out of AOCL Related to Interest Rate Swaps	The following table summarizes the pre-tax effects of the Company’s derivative instruments on income for each of the three years: Location of Loss Reclassified from AOCL into Income (Effective Portion) Amount of Loss Reclassified from AOCL into Income (Effective Portion) 2017 2016 2015 Cash flow hedges: Interest rate swaps Interest expense $ 4,163 $ 5,395 $ 8,052 The following table summarizes the amounts reclassified out of AOCL related to the Company’s interest rate swaps for the years ended July 28, 2017, July 29, 2016 and July 31, 2015: Details about AOCL July 28, 2017 July 29, 2016 July 31, 2015 Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Statement of Income Loss on cash flow hedges: Interest rate swaps $ (4,163 ) $ (5,395 ) $ (8,052 ) Interest expense Tax benefit 1,592 2,063 3,105 Provision for income taxes $ (2,571 ) $ (3,332 ) $ (4,947 ) Net of tax

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2017
Segment Information [Abstract]
Composition of Total Revenue	Total revenue was comprised of the following at: 2017 2016 2015 Restaurant $ 2,351,212 $ 2,323,199 $ 2,269,610 Retail 575,077 589,152 572,674 Total revenue $ 2,926,289 $ 2,912,351 $ 2,842,284

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2017
Leases [Abstract]
Schedule of Rent Expense	Rent expense under operating leases, including the sale-leaseback transactions discussed below, for each of the last three years was: Year Minimum Contingent Total 2017 $ 75,000 $ 252 $ 75,252 2016 74,405 263 74,668 2015 72,877 252 73,129
Schedule of Future Minimum Operating Lease Payments	The following is a schedule by year of the future minimum rental payments required under the Company’s operating leases as of July 28, 2017: Year Total 2018 $ 65,253 2019 53,102 2020 48,298 2021 29,993 2022 30,372 Later years 480,140 Total $ 707,158

Share-Based Compensation (Table

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2017
Share-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Schedule of Outstanding Awards under Each Plan	The following table summarizes the number of outstanding awards under each plan at July 28, 2017: 2010 Omnibus Plan 131,575 2002 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan 4,000 Total 135,575
LTPP Performance and Vesting Period	The following table summarizes the performance periods and vesting periods for the Company’s nonvested stock awards under its long-term performance plans at July 28, 2017: Long-Term Performance Plan (“LTPP”) Performance Period Vesting Period (in Years) 2017 LTPP 2017 – 2018 2 or 3 2016 LTPP 2016 – 2017 2 or 3
Schedule of Outstanding Awards under LTPP	The following table summarizes the shares that have been accrued under the 2017 LTPP and 2016 LTPP at July 28, 2017: 2017 LTPP 13,704 2016 LTPP 28,797
Schedule of Nonvested Stock Activity	A summary of the Company’s nonvested stock activity as of July 28, 2017, and changes during 2017 are presented in the following table: Nonvested Stock Shares Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Unvested at July 29, 2016 40,437 $ 112.52 Granted 94,432 154.63 Vested (102,852 ) 142.93 Forfeited -- -- Unvested at July 28, 2017 32,017 $ 139.04
Aggregate Fair Value of Non Vested Stock	The following table summarizes the total fair value of nonvested stock that vested for each of the three years: 2017 2016 2015 Total fair value of nonvested stock $ 14,700 $ 8,418 $ 8,152
Assumptions Used in Determining Fair Value of MSU Grants	The following assumptions were used in determining the fair value for the Company’s MSU Grants: Year Ended July 29, 2016 July 31, 2015 Dividend yield*** -- -- Expected volatility 23% - 24 % 21 % Risk-free interest rate range 0.9% - 1.0 % 1.0 % ***Dividends accrue on the 2015 and 2016 MSU Grants. Dividends will be forfeited for any MSU Grants that do not vest. No MSU Grants were awarded in 2017.
Schedule of Shares Accrued under the MSU Grants	The following table summarizes the shares that have been accrued under the 2015 MSU Grants and 2016 MSU Grants at July 28, 2017: Shares 2015 MSU Grants 39,467 2016 MSU Grants 14,565
Schedule of Stock Option Activity	A summary of the Company’s stock option activity as of July 28, 2017, and changes during 2017 are presented in the following table: Fixed Options Shares Weighted- Average Price Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term Aggregate Intrinsic Value Outstanding at July 29, 2016 12,683 $ 32.71 Granted -- -- Exercised (8,683 ) 32.64 Forfeited -- -- Canceled -- -- Outstanding at July 28, 2017 4,000 $ 32.86 0.33 $ 490 Exercisable 4,000 $ 32.86 0.33 $ 490
Summary of Total Intrinsic Values of Options Exercised	The following table summarizes the total intrinsic values of options exercised during each of the three years: 2017 2016 2015 Total intrinsic values of options exercised* $ 1,070 $ 917 $ 4,652 *The intrinsic value for stock options is defined as the difference between the current market value and the grant price.
Components of Share-based Compensation Expense	Compensation Expense The following table highlights the components of share-based compensation expense for each of the three years: 2017 2016 2015 Nonvested stock awards and units $ 6,654 $ 10,277 $ 13,243 MSU Grants 1,804 2,925 2,967 Total compensation expense $ 8,458 $ 13,202 $ 16,210
Schedule of Unrecognized Compensation Cost, Nonvested Awards	The following table highlights the total unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested stock awards, nonvested stock units and MSU Grants and the weighted-average periods over which the expense is expected to be recognized as of July 28, 2017: Nonvested Stock Awards Nonvested Stock Units MSU Grants Total unrecognized compensation $ 2,692 $ 770 $ 862 Weighted-average period in years 2.12 2.01 1.02
Total Share-based Compensation Income Tax Benefit	The following table highlights the total income tax benefit recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income for each of the three years: 2017 2016 2015 Total income tax benefit $ 2,740 $ 3,819 $ 5,056

Employee Savings Plans (Tables)

Employee Savings Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2017
Employee Savings Plans [Abstract]
Schedule of Contributions for Each Plan	The following table summarizes the Company’s contributions for each plan for each of the three years: 2017 2016 2015 401(k) Savings Plan $ 2,501 $ 2,528 $ 2,364 Non-Qualified Savings Plan 291 296 234

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2017
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Schedule of Provision for Income Taxes	The components of the provision for income taxes for each of the three years were as follows: 2017 2016 2015 Current: Federal $ 83,743 $ 62,054 $ 71,386 State 7,567 6,447 6,050 Deferred: Federal 4,696 12,477 (6,178 ) State 982 (3,858 ) 3,040 Total provision for income taxes $ 96,988 $ 77,120 $ 74,298
Schedule of a Reconciliation of Provision for Income Taxes	A reconciliation of the Company’s provision for income taxes and income taxes based on the statutory U.S. federal rate of 35% was as follows: 2017 2016 2015 Provision computed at federal statutory income tax rate $ 104,611 $ 93,247 $ 83,370 State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit 5,856 1,427 6,378 Employer tax credits for FICA taxes paid on employee tip income (11,543 ) (11,048 ) (10,681 ) Other employer tax credits (2,814 ) (7,326 ) (5,058 ) Other-net 878 820 289 Total provision for income taxes $ 96,988 $ 77,120 $ 74,298
Schedule of Significant Components of Net Deferred Tax Liability	Significant components of the Company’s net deferred tax liability consisted of the following at: July 28, 2017 July 29, 2016 Deferred tax assets: Compensation and employee benefits $ 10,110 $ 13,937 Deferred rent 18,270 17,183 Accrued liabilities 13,233 12,466 Insurance reserves 12,401 11,444 Inventory 4,411 4,368 Other 2,767 8,718 Deferred tax assets $ 61,192 $ 68,116 Deferred tax liabilities: Property and equipment $ 100,373 $ 97,695 Inventory 10,906 9,803 Other 12,273 12,024 Deferred tax liabilities 123,552 119,522 Net deferred tax liability $ 62,360 $ 51,406
Schedule of Total Gross Liability for Uncertain Tax Positions Exclusive of Interest and Penalties	Summarized below is a tabular reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance of the Company’s total gross liability for uncertain tax positions exclusive of interest and penalties: July 28, 2017 July 29, 2016 July 31, 2015 Balance at beginning of year $ 21,899 $ 25,507 $ 22,832 Tax positions related to the current year: Additions 4,003 4,860 3,994 Reductions -- -- -- Tax positions related to the prior year: Additions 582 2,186 118 Reductions (2,966 ) (6,896 ) (227 ) Settlements (1,027 ) (2,324 ) (204 ) Expiration of statute of limitations (1,760 ) (1,434 ) (1,006 ) Balance at end of year $ 20,731 $ 21,899 $ 25,507
Schedule of Uncertain Tax Positions that, if Recognized, Would Affect Effective Tax Rate	The following table highlights the amount of uncertain tax positions, exclusive of interest and penalties, which, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate for each of the three years: 2017 2016 2015 Uncertain tax positions $ 13,475 $ 14,234 $ 16,579

Net Income Per Share and Weig36

Net Income Per Share and Weighted Average Shares (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2017
Net Income Per Share and Weighted Average Shares [Abstract]
Reconciliation of Components of Diluted Earnings per Share Computations	The following table reconciles the components of diluted earnings per share computations: 2017 2016 2015 Net income per share numerator $ 201,899 $ 189,299 $ 163,903 Net income per share denominator: Basic weighted average shares outstanding 24,031,810 23,945,041 23,918,368 Add potential dilution: Stock options, nonvested stock awards and MSU Grants 86,478 129,232 130,556 Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 24,118,288 24,074,273 24,048,924

Quarterly Financial Data (Una37

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2017
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Data	Quarterly financial data for 2017 and 2016 are summarized as follows: 1 st Quarter 2 nd Quarter 3 rd Quarter 4 th Quarter 2017 Total revenue $ 709,971 $ 772,682 $ 700,410 $ 743,226 Store operating income 109,832 117,513 107,478 119,749 Income before income taxes 72,068 79,058 68,089 79,672 Net income 48,355 52,727 46,924 53,893 Net income per share – basic 2.01 2.19 1.95 2.24 Net income per share – diluted 2.01 2.19 1.95 2.23 2016 Total revenue $ 702,629 $ 764,002 $ 700,136 $ 745,584 Store operating income 99,627 106,032 103,419 114,375 Income before income taxes 61,764 66,956 63,592 74,107 Net income 40,865 48,242 49,169 51,023 Net income per share – basic 1.71 2.02 2.05 2.13 Net income per share – diluted 1.70 2.01 2.04 2.12

Summary of Significant Accoun38

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Jul. 28, 2017USD ($)Segment	Jul. 29, 2016USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2015USD ($)
Property and equipment [Abstract]
Total depreciation expense		$ 85,912	$ 77,816	$ 72,390
Depreciation expense related to store operations	[1]	79,214	71,382	66,754
Derivative instruments and hedging activities [Abstract]
Credit exposure to the counterparty if the company owes the counterparty		$ 0
Segment reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable operating segments | Segment		1
Insurance [Abstract]
Threshold amount for workers' compensation insurance Level 1		$ 250	250	250
Threshold amount for workers' compensation insurance Level 2		750	750	500
Threshold amount for workers' compensation insurance Level 3		1,000	1,000	1,000
Threshold amount for general liability insurance		500
Advertising [Abstract]
Advertising expense		$ 83,623	$ 79,409	$ 68,665
Minimum [Member]
Inventory [Line Items]
Percentage of retail inventories valued using the retail inventory method		75.00%
Maximum [Member]
Inventory [Line Items]
Percentage of retail inventories valued using the retail inventory method		85.00%
Buildings and Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life		30 years
Buildings and Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life		45 years
Buildings under Capital Leases [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life		15 years
Buildings under Capital Leases [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life		25 years
Restaurant and Other Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life		2 years
Restaurant and Other Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life		10 years
Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life		1 year
Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life		35 years
Leases [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life		35 years
[1]	Depreciation expense related to store operations is included in other store operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Fair Value Measurements (Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Jul. 28, 2017	Jul. 29, 2016
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	[1]	$ 82,524	$ 76,084
Interest rate swap asset (see Note 6)		32	0
Deferred compensation plan assets	[2]	31,196	27,764
Total assets at fair value		113,752	103,848
Interest rate swap liability (see Note 6)		6,880	22,250
Total liabilities at fair value		6,880	22,250
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	[1]	82,524	76,084
Interest rate swap asset (see Note 6)		0	0
Deferred compensation plan assets	[2]	31,196	27,764
Total assets at fair value		113,720	103,848
Interest rate swap liability (see Note 6)		0	0
Total liabilities at fair value		0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	[1]	0	0
Interest rate swap asset (see Note 6)		32	0
Deferred compensation plan assets	[2]	0	0
Total assets at fair value		32	0
Interest rate swap liability (see Note 6)		6,880	22,250
Total liabilities at fair value		6,880	22,250
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	[1]	0	0
Interest rate swap asset (see Note 6)		0	0
Deferred compensation plan assets	[2]	0	0
Total assets at fair value		0	0
Interest rate swap liability (see Note 6)		0	0
Total liabilities at fair value		$ 0	$ 0
[1]	Consists of money market fund investments.
[2]	Represents plan assets invested in mutual funds established under a Rabbi Trust for the Company's non-qualified savings plan and is included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as other assets (see Note 12).

Inventories (Details)

Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 28, 2017	Jul. 29, 2016
Inventories [Abstract]
Retail	$ 119,446	$ 114,610
Restaurant	20,252	21,522
Supplies	16,669	16,176
Total	$ 156,367	$ 152,308

Debt (Details)

Debt (Details) - Revolving Credit Facility [Member] $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2017USD ($)	Jul. 29, 2016USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, term	5 years
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 750,000
Outstanding borrowings	400,000	$ 400,000
Amount of standby letters of credit	9,655
Current borrowing capacity	$ 340,345
Weighted average interest rates of swapped debt	3.21%	3.10%
Restrictions on dividends payable	Under the Revolving Credit Facility, provided there is no default existing and the total of the Company’s availability under the Revolving Credit Facility plus the Company’s cash and cash equivalents on hand is at least $100,000 (the “cash availability”), the Company may declare and pay cash dividends on shares of its common stock and repurchase shares of its common stock (1) in an unlimited amount if at the time such dividend or repurchase is made the Company’s consolidated total leverage ratio is 3.00 to 1.00 or less and (2) in an aggregate amount not to exceed $100,000 in any fiscal year if the Company’s consolidated total leverage ratio is greater than 3.00 to 1.00 at the time the dividend or repurchase is made; notwithstanding (1) and (2), so long as immediately after giving effect to the payment of any such dividends, cash availability is at least $100,000, the Company may declare and pay cash dividends on shares of its common stock in an aggregate amount not to exceed in any fiscal year the product of the aggregate amount of dividends declared in the fourth quarter of the immediately preceding fiscal year multiplied by four.
Liquidity requirements	$ 100,000
Dividends threshold	$ 100,000
Leverage ratio, maximum	3
Multiplier used in calculating aggregate amount of cash dividends on shares of common stock in any fiscal year	4

Derivative Instruments and He42

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2017	Jul. 29, 2016
Derivative [Line Items]
Company's credit spread	1.00%	1.25%
Interest Rate Swap March 18, 2013 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Trade date	Mar. 18, 2013
Effective date	May 3, 2015
Term	3 years
Notional amount	$ 50,000
Fixed rate	1.51%
Interest Rate Swap April 22, 2013 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Trade date	Apr. 22, 2013
Effective date	May 3, 2015
Term	3 years
Notional amount	$ 25,000
Fixed rate	1.30%
Interest Rate Swap April 25, 2013 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Trade date	Apr. 25, 2013
Effective date	May 3, 2015
Term	3 years
Notional amount	$ 25,000
Fixed rate	1.29%
Interest Rate Swap June 18, 2014 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Trade date	Jun. 18, 2014
Effective date	May 3, 2015
Term	4 years
Notional amount	$ 120,000
Fixed rate	2.51%
Increase in notional amount each year	$ 40,000
Maximum notional amount	$ 160,000
Interest Rate Swap June 24, 2014 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Trade date	Jun. 24, 2014
Effective date	May 3, 2015
Term	4 years
Notional amount	$ 90,000
Fixed rate	2.51%
Increase in notional amount each year	$ 30,000
Maximum notional amount	$ 120,000
Interest Rate Swap July 1, 2014 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Trade date	Jul. 1, 2014
Effective date	May 5, 2015
Term	4 years
Notional amount	$ 90,000
Fixed rate	2.43%
Increase in notional amount each year	$ 30,000
Maximum notional amount	$ 120,000
Interest Rate Swap One January 30, 2015 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Trade date	Jan. 30, 2015
Effective date	May 3, 2019
Term	2 years
Notional amount	$ 80,000
Fixed rate	2.15%
Interest Rate Swap Two January 30, 2015 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Trade date	Jan. 30, 2015
Effective date	May 3, 2019
Term	2 years
Notional amount	$ 60,000
Fixed rate	2.16%
Interest Rate Swap Three January 30, 2015 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Trade date	Jan. 30, 2015
Effective date	May 4, 2021
Term	3 years
Notional amount	$ 120,000
Fixed rate	2.41%
Interest Rate Swap Four January 30, 2015 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Trade date	Jan. 30, 2015
Effective date	May 3, 2019
Term	2 years
Notional amount	$ 60,000
Fixed rate	2.15%
Interest Rate Swap Five January 30, 2015 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Trade date	Jan. 30, 2015
Effective date	May 4, 2021
Term	3 years
Notional amount	$ 80,000
Fixed rate	2.40%

Derivative Instruments and He43

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, Estimated Fair Values of Derivative Instruments (Details) - Interest Rate Swaps [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Jul. 28, 2017	Jul. 29, 2016
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value, liability	[1]	$ 6,880	$ 22,250
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value, asset	[1]	32	0
Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value, liability	[1]	47	180
Long-term Interest Rate Swap Liability [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value, liability	[1]	$ 6,833	$ 22,070
[1]	These interest rate swap assets and liabilities are recorded at gross at both July 28, 2017 and July 29, 2016 since there were no offsetting assets and liabilities under the Company's master netting agreements.

Derivative Instruments and He44

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, Offsetting of Derivative Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 28, 2017	Jul. 29, 2016
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Estimated pre-tax portion of AOCL that is expected to be reclassified into earnings over the next twelve months	$ 2,538
Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Offsetting assets	0	$ 0
Offsetting liabilities	0	0
Reduction in fair value of interest rate swap assets and liabilities due to adjustment related to non-performance risk	$ 103	$ 1,035

Derivative Instruments and He45

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, Pre-Tax Effects of Derivative Instruments on AOCL and Income (Details) - Interest Rate Swaps [Member] - Cash Flow Hedging [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2017	Jul. 29, 2016	Jul. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of income (loss) recognized in AOCL on derivatives (effective portion)	$ 15,402	$ (16,188)	$ 1,641
Interest Expense [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of loss reclassified from AOCL into income (effective portion)	$ 4,163	$ 5,395	$ 8,052

Derivative Instruments and He46

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, Changes in AOCL, Net of Tax, Related to Interest Rate Swaps (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2017	Jul. 29, 2016	Jul. 31, 2015
Changes in AOCL, net of tax, related to interest rate swaps [Roll Forward]
Balance	$ 526,443	$ 538,268	$ 528,641
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	12,082	(6,683)	5,955
Amounts reclassified from AOCL into earnings	(2,571)	(3,332)	(4,947)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	9,511	(10,015)	1,008
Balance	544,507	526,443	538,268
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]
Changes in AOCL, net of tax, related to interest rate swaps [Roll Forward]
Balance	(13,740)	(3,725)	(4,733)
Balance	$ (4,229)	$ (13,740)	$ (3,725)

Derivative Instruments and He47

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, Amounts Reclassified out of AOCL Related to Interest Rate Swaps (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2017	Apr. 28, 2017	Jan. 27, 2017	Oct. 28, 2016	Jul. 29, 2016	Apr. 29, 2016	Jan. 29, 2016	Oct. 30, 2015	Jul. 28, 2017	Jul. 29, 2016	Jul. 31, 2015
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Interest expense									$ (14,271)	$ (14,052)	$ (16,679)
Provision for income taxes									(96,988)	(77,120)	(74,298)
Net of tax	$ 53,893	$ 46,924	$ 52,727	$ 48,355	$ 51,023	$ 49,169	$ 48,242	$ 40,865	201,899	189,299	163,903
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Provision for income taxes									1,592	2,063	3,105
Net of tax									(2,571)	(3,332)	(4,947)
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Interest expense									$ (4,163)	$ (5,395)	$ (8,052)

Share Repurchases (Details)

Share Repurchases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2017	Jul. 29, 2016	Jul. 31, 2015
Share Repurchases [Abstract]
Maximum aggregate purchase price	$ 25,000	$ 25,000	$ 25,000
Shares of common stock repurchased (in shares)	0	100,000	0
Cost of shares repurchased	$ 0	$ 14,653	$ 0

Segment Information (Details)

Segment Information (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2017USD ($)	Apr. 28, 2017USD ($)	Jan. 27, 2017USD ($)	Oct. 28, 2016USD ($)	Jul. 29, 2016USD ($)	Apr. 29, 2016USD ($)	Jan. 29, 2016USD ($)	Oct. 30, 2015USD ($)	Jul. 28, 2017USD ($)SegmentLine	Jul. 29, 2016USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2015USD ($)
Segment Information [Abstract]
Number of product lines | Line									2
Number of reportable operating segments | Segment									1
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 743,226	$ 700,410	$ 772,682	$ 709,971	$ 745,584	$ 700,136	$ 764,002	$ 702,629	$ 2,926,289	$ 2,912,351	$ 2,842,284
Restaurant [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenue									2,351,212	2,323,199	2,269,610
Retail [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenue									$ 575,077	$ 589,152	$ 572,674

Leases (Details)

Leases (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2017USD ($)Store	Jul. 29, 2016USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2015USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2009Store	Jul. 28, 2000Store
Leases [Abstract]
Number of leased facilities for stores | Store	231
Minimum lease payments	$ 75,000	$ 74,405	$ 72,877
Contingent lease payments	252	263	252
Total lease payments	75,252	$ 74,668	$ 73,129
Future minimum rental payments, operating leases [Abstract]
2,018	65,253
2,019	53,102
2,020	48,298
2,021	29,993
2,022	30,372
Later years	480,140
Total	$ 707,158
Owned Stores [Member]
Sale Leaseback Transaction [Line Items]
Number of owned stores involved in sale-lease back transactions | Store				15	65
Initial lease term				20 years	21 years
Lease renewal option				20 years	20 years
Retail Distribution Center [Member]
Sale Leaseback Transaction [Line Items]
Initial lease term				15 years
Lease renewal option				20 years

Share-Based Compensation (Detai

Share-Based Compensation (Details)	Jul. 28, 2017Planshares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of active compensation plans | Plan	1
Number of other compensation plans | Plan	1
Number of outstanding awards under each plan (in shares)	135,575
2010 Omnibus Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares of the Company's common stock originally authorized for issuance (in shares)	1,500,000
Common stock reserved for future issuance (in shares)	1,044,309
Number of outstanding awards under each plan (in shares)	131,575
2002 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of outstanding awards under each plan (in shares)	4,000

Share-Based Compensation, Nonve

Share-Based Compensation, Nonvested Stock (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2017	Jul. 29, 2016	Jul. 31, 2015
Nonvested Stock Awards [Member]
Nonvested stock, shares [Roll Forward]
Unvested, beginning of period (in shares)	40,437
Granted (in shares)	94,432
Vested (in shares)	(102,852)
Forfeited (in shares)	0
Unvested, end of period (in shares)	32,017	40,437
Nonvested stock, weighted-average grant date fair value [Roll Forward]
Unvested, beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$ 112.52
Granted (in dollars per share)	154.63
Vested (in dollars per share)	142.93
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	0
Unvested, end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 139.04	$ 112.52
Total fair value of nonvested stock	$ 14,700	$ 8,418	$ 8,152
Nonvested Stock Awards [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	1 year
Nonvested Stock Awards [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	5 years
2017 LTPP [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Nonvested stock earned (in shares)	13,704
2017 LTPP [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance period	2,017
Vesting period	2 years
2017 LTPP [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance period	2,018
Vesting period	3 years
2016 LTPP [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Nonvested stock earned (in shares)	28,797
2016 LTPP [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance period	2,016
Vesting period	2 years
2016 LTPP [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance period	2,017
Vesting period	3 years
Omnibus Plan 2010 [Member] | Nonvested Stock Units [Member]
Nonvested stock, weighted-average grant date fair value [Roll Forward]
Award performance period	3 years
Measurement period for average stock prices in consecutive calendar days	60 days
Measurement period for average stock prices prior to first business day of performance period	30 days
Measurement period for average stock prices after first business day of performance period	30 days
Risk-free interest rate for nonvested stock units granted minimum	1.00%
Risk-free interest rate for nonvested stock units granted maximum	1.40%
Nonvested stock units accrued (in shares)	3,025
Omnibus Plan 2010 [Member] | Nonvested Stock Units [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Nonvested stock, weighted-average grant date fair value [Roll Forward]
Percentage of shares of target award that may be awarded	75.00%
Omnibus Plan 2010 [Member] | Nonvested Stock Units [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Nonvested stock, weighted-average grant date fair value [Roll Forward]
Percentage of shares of target award that may be awarded	125.00%

Share-Based Compensation, Perfo

Share-Based Compensation, Performance-Based Market Stock Units (Details) - shares		12 Months Ended
		Jul. 28, 2017	Jul. 29, 2016	Jul. 31, 2015
MSU Grants [Member]
Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]
Dividend yield	[1]		0.00%	0.00%
Expected volatility, minimum			23.00%
Expected volatility				21.00%
Expected volatility, maximum			24.00%
Risk-free interest rate, minimum			0.90%
Risk-free interest rate				1.00%
Risk-free interest rate, maximum			1.00%
2015 MSU Grants [Member]
Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]
Number of shares accrued (in shares)		39,467
2016 MSU Grants [Member]
Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]
Number of shares accrued (in shares)		14,565
Omnibus Plan 2010 [Member] | MSU Grants [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award performance period		3 years
Measurement period for average stock prices in consecutive calendar days		60 days
Measurement period for average stock prices prior to first business day of performance period		30 days
Measurement period for average stock prices after first business day of performance period		30 days
Omnibus Plan 2010 [Member] | MSU Grants [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of shares of target award that may be awarded		150.00%
[1]	Dividends accrue on the 2015 and 2016 MSU Grants. Dividends will be forfeited for any MSU Grants that do not vest. No MSU Grants were awarded in 2017.

Share-Based Compensation, Stock

Share-Based Compensation, Stock Options (Details) - Stock Options [Member] - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Jul. 28, 2017	Jul. 29, 2016	Jul. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Yearly exercisable cumulative rate		33.00%
Number of years to expiration date from grant date		10 years
Fixed options, shares [Roll Forward]
Outstanding, beginning of period (in shares)		12,683
Granted (in shares)		0	0	0
Exercised (in shares)		(8,683)
Forfeited (in shares)		0
Canceled (in shares)		0
Outstanding, end of period (in shares)		4,000	12,683
Exercisable (in shares)		4,000
Fixed options, weighted-average price [Roll Forward]
Outstanding, beginning of period (in dollars per share)		$ 32.71
Granted (in dollars per share)		0
Exercised (in dollars per share)		32.64
Forfeited (in dollars per share)		0
Canceled (in dollars per share)		0
Outstanding, end of period (in dollars per share)		32.86	$ 32.71
Exercisable (in dollars per share)		$ 32.86
Fixed options, weighted-average remaining contractual term [Abstract]
Outstanding		3 months 29 days
Exercisable		3 months 29 days
Fixed options, aggregate intrinsic value [Abstract]
Outstanding		$ 490
Exercisable		490
Total intrinsic values of options exercised	[1]	$ 1,070	$ 917	$ 4,652
[1]	The intrinsic value for stock options is defined as the difference between the current market value and the grant price.

Share-Based Compensation, Compe

Share-Based Compensation, Compensation Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2017	Jul. 29, 2016	Jul. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Total compensation expense	$ 8,458	$ 13,202	$ 16,210
Total income tax benefit recognized [Abstract]
Total income tax benefit	$ 2,740	3,819	5,056
Number of shares issued from vesting of share-based compensation awards and stock option exercises (in shares)	99,548
Tax withholding payment net of cash received from issuance of share based compensation awards	$ (6,896)	(5,779)	(4,816)
Excess tax benefit realized upon exercise of share-based compensation awards	2,636
Nonvested Stock Awards and Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Total compensation expense	6,654	10,277	13,243
Nonvested Stock Awards [Member]
Total unrecognized compensation expense and weighted-average periods over which the expense is expected to be recognized [Abstract]
Total unrecognized compensation	$ 2,692
Weighted average period in years	2 years 1 month 13 days
Nonvested Stock Units [Member]
Total unrecognized compensation expense and weighted-average periods over which the expense is expected to be recognized [Abstract]
Total unrecognized compensation	$ 770
Weighted average period in years	2 years 4 days
MSU Grants [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Total compensation expense	$ 1,804	$ 2,925	$ 2,967
Total unrecognized compensation expense and weighted-average periods over which the expense is expected to be recognized [Abstract]
Total unrecognized compensation	$ 862
Weighted average period in years	1 year 7 days

Shareholder Rights Plan (Detail

Shareholder Rights Plan (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2017Right$ / sharesshares	Jul. 29, 2016$ / shares
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Par value of common share outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Rights Agreement [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Dividend declaration date	Apr. 9, 2015
Number of preferred share purchase right declared as dividend for each share of common stock outstanding | Right	1
Par value of common share outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01
Dividend record date	Apr. 20, 2015
Dividend payment date	Apr. 20, 2015
Rights expiration date	Apr. 9, 2018
Exercise price of each right (in dollars per share)	$ 600
Rights exercisable (in shares) | shares	0
Exercise price of each right, if a person or group becomes an acquiring person (in dollars per share)	$ 600
Exercise price of each right, if the company is later acquired in a merger (in dollars per share)	600
Redemption price of the right (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01
Subsequent offering period	20 days
Number of common stock shares that can be exchanged for each right if rights were extinguished (in shares) | shares	1
Rights Agreement [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Period before rights can be exercised	10 days
Percentage of outstanding common stock ownership required to qualify for an "Acquiring Person"	20.00%
Offering period	60 days
Percentage of an ownership of common stock by an Acquiring Person before board of directors may extinguish right	50.00%
Percentage of adjustment to exercise price	1.00%
Rights Agreement [Member] | Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Common share equivalent for each preferred share portion (in shares) | shares	1
Quarterly dividends payments per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01
Amount entitled to receive per share upon liquidation of preferred share (in dollars per share)	$ 1
2012 Plan [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Rights expiration date	Apr. 9, 2015

Employee Savings Plans (Details

Employee Savings Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2017	Jul. 29, 2016	Jul. 31, 2015
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosures [Line Items]
Percentage of company match to employee contribution	25.00%	25.00%	25.00%
Percentage of company contributions that vests annually	20.00%	20.00%	20.00%
Percentage of company contribution that vests on employee's fifth anniversary of employment	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Maximum [Member]
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosures [Line Items]
Percentage of employee's compensation matched by company	6.00%	6.00%	6.00%
401(k) Savings Plan [Member]
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosures [Line Items]
Requisite service period	90 days
Minimum age of eligible employees required	21 years
Percentage of compensation allowed to be deferred by eligible employees	50.00%
Company contribution to the plan during the period	$ 2,501	$ 2,528	$ 2,364
Non-Qualified Savings Plan [Member]
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosures [Line Items]
Percentage of compensation allowed to be deferred by eligible employees	50.00%
Percentage of eligible bonuses allowed to be deferred	100.00%
Market value of the trust assets	$ 31,196
Liability obligations to participants	31,196
Company contribution to the plan during the period	$ 291	$ 296	$ 234

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2017	Jul. 29, 2016	Jul. 31, 2015
Current [Abstract]
Federal	$ 83,743	$ 62,054	$ 71,386
State	7,567	6,447	6,050
Deferred [Abstract]
Federal	4,696	12,477	(6,178)
State	982	(3,858)	3,040
Total provision for income taxes	$ 96,988	77,120	74,298
U.S. federal statutory rate used	35.00%
Provision computed at federal statutory income tax rate	$ 104,611	93,247	83,370
State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit	5,856	1,427	6,378
Employer tax credits for FICA taxes paid on employee tip income	(11,543)	(11,048)	(10,681)
Other employer tax credits	(2,814)	(7,326)	(5,058)
Other-net	878	820	289
Total provision for income taxes	96,988	77,120	74,298
Deferred tax assets [Abstract]
Compensation and employee benefits	10,110	13,937
Deferred rent	18,270	17,183
Accrued liabilities	13,233	12,466
Insurance reserves	12,401	11,444
Inventory	4,411	4,368
Other	2,767	8,718
Deferred tax assets	61,192	68,116
Deferred tax liabilities [Abstract]
Property and equipment	100,373	97,695
Inventory	10,906	9,803
Other	12,273	12,024
Deferred tax liabilities	123,552	119,522
Net deferred tax liability	62,360	51,406
Reconciliation of gross liability for uncertain tax positions [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	21,899	25,507	22,832
Tax positions related to the current year [Abstract]
Additions	4,003	4,860	3,994
Reductions	0	0	0
Tax positions related to prior year [Abstract]
Additions	582	2,186	118
Reductions	(2,966)	(6,896)	(227)
Settlements	(1,027)	(2,324)	(204)
Expiration of statute of limitations	(1,760)	(1,434)	(1,006)
Balance at end of year	20,731	21,899	25,507
Uncertain tax positions	13,475	14,234	16,579
Potential interest and penalties [Abstract]
Interest and penalties	6,128	5,497	9,754
Interest and penalties [Abstract]
Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions	631	$ (4,256)	$ 1,194
Minimum [Member]
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible [Line Items]
Potential decrease of liabilities for uncertain tax positions within the next twelve months	3,000
Maximum [Member]
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible [Line Items]
Potential decrease of liabilities for uncertain tax positions within the next twelve months	$ 4,000

Net Income Per Share and Weig59

Net Income Per Share and Weighted Average Shares (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2017	Apr. 28, 2017	Jan. 27, 2017	Oct. 28, 2016	Jul. 29, 2016	Apr. 29, 2016	Jan. 29, 2016	Oct. 30, 2015	Jul. 28, 2017	Jul. 29, 2016	Jul. 31, 2015
Net Income Per Share and Weighted Average Shares [Abstract]
Net income per share numerator	$ 53,893	$ 46,924	$ 52,727	$ 48,355	$ 51,023	$ 49,169	$ 48,242	$ 40,865	$ 201,899	$ 189,299	$ 163,903
Net income per share denominator [Abstract]
Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)									24,031,810	23,945,041	23,918,368
Add potential dilution [Abstract]
Stock options, nonvested stock awards and MSU Grants (in shares)									86,478	129,232	130,556
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)									24,118,288	24,074,273	24,048,924

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) $ in Thousands	Jul. 28, 2017USD ($)Property
Standby Letters of Credit [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Letters of credit outstanding | $	$ 9,655
Lease Performance Guarantee [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of properties for which the company is secondarily liable for lease payments | Property	2

Quarterly Financial Data (Una61

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2017	Apr. 28, 2017	Jan. 27, 2017	Oct. 28, 2016	Jul. 29, 2016	Apr. 29, 2016	Jan. 29, 2016	Oct. 30, 2015	Jul. 28, 2017	Jul. 29, 2016	Jul. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Total revenue	$ 743,226	$ 700,410	$ 772,682	$ 709,971	$ 745,584	$ 700,136	$ 764,002	$ 702,629	$ 2,926,289	$ 2,912,351	$ 2,842,284
Store operating income	119,749	107,478	117,513	109,832	114,375	103,419	106,032	99,627	454,572	423,453	402,424
Income before income taxes	79,672	68,089	79,058	72,068	74,107	63,592	66,956	61,764	298,887	266,419	238,201
Net income	$ 53,893	$ 46,924	$ 52,727	$ 48,355	$ 51,023	$ 49,169	$ 48,242	$ 40,865	$ 201,899	$ 189,299	$ 163,903
Net income per share - basic (in dollars per share)	$ 2.24	$ 1.95	$ 2.19	$ 2.01	$ 2.13	$ 2.05	$ 2.02	$ 1.71	$ 8.40	$ 7.91	$ 6.85
Net income per share - diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 2.23	$ 1.95	$ 2.19	$ 2.01	$ 2.12	$ 2.04	$ 2.01	$ 1.70	$ 8.37	$ 7.86	$ 6.82