Ruths Hospitality (RUTH) 10-K 8 Mar 17 2016 FY Annual report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Feb. 28, 2017	Jun. 26, 2016
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	Ruths Hospitality Group, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1,324,272
Trading Symbol	ruth
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-25
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Public Float			$ 526,216,672
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 25, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Common Stock [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares)		31,801,598
Unvested Restricted Stock [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares)		1,249,315

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 3,788	$ 3,095
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts 2016 - $729; 2015 - $732	20,790	18,501
Inventory	7,396	7,479
Assets held for sale		250
Prepaid expenses and other	2,446	1,259
Total current assets	34,420	30,584
	103,041	87,984
Goodwill	24,293	24,293
Deferred income taxes	9,924	19,309
Other assets	699	1,216
Total assets	207,472	198,597
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	7,064	10,018
Accrued payroll	14,902	17,064
Accrued expenses	11,672	9,280
Deferred revenue	38,155	35,202
Other current liabilities	7,622	6,308
Total current liabilities	79,415	77,872
Long-term debt	25,000
Deferred rent	21,737	20,275
Other liabilities	2,311	2,548
Total liabilities	128,463	100,695
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock, par value $.01 per share; 100,000,000 shares authorized, 30,549,283 shares issued and outstanding at December 25, 2016, 33,145,687 shares issued and outstanding at December 27, 2015	305	331
Additional paid-in capital	95,266	135,403
Accumulated deficit	(16,562)	(37,832)
Treasury stock, at cost; 71,950 shares at December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015
Total shareholders' equity	79,009	97,902
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	207,472	198,597
Franchise Rights [Member]
Current assets:
Finite-lived intangible assets	32,200	32,200
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Current assets:
Finite-lived intangible assets	$ 2,895	$ 3,011

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 729	$ 732
Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation	$ 132,817	$ 125,362
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	30,549,283	33,145,687
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	30,549,283	33,145,687
Treasury stock, shares (in shares)	71,950	71,950
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets, accumulated amortization	$ 1,179	$ 1,090

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Revenues:
Restaurant sales	$ 363,147	$ 351,875	$ 325,437
Franchise income	17,301	16,661	15,763
Other operating income	5,499	4,897	4,897
Total revenues	385,947	373,433	346,097
Costs and expenses:
Food and beverage costs	107,075	108,101	103,259
Restaurant operating expenses	172,999	165,847	156,242
Marketing and advertising	11,406	10,925	10,076
General and administrative costs	31,488	30,242	24,311
Depreciation and amortization expenses	13,434	12,520	10,917
Pre-opening costs	1,986	1,032	1,630
Total costs and expenses	338,388	328,667	306,435
Operating income	47,559	44,766	39,662
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net	(1,154)	(790)	(1,159)
Other	10	358	37
Income from continuing operations before income tax expense	46,415	44,334	38,540
Income from continuing operations	15,660	14,168	11,830
Income from continuing operations	30,755	30,166	26,710
Discontinued operations:
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income tax benefit: 2016-($186); 2015-($869); 2014-($7,472)	(290)	(162)	(10,255)
Net income	$ 30,465	$ 30,004	$ 16,455
Basic earnings (loss) per common share:
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ 0.97	$ 0.88	$ 0.76
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	(0.01)	0	(0.29)
Basic earnings (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	0.96	0.88	0.47
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share:
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	0.96	0.87	0.75
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	(0.01)	0	(0.29)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.95	$ 0.87	$ 0.46
Shares used in computing earnings (loss) per common share:
Basic (in shares)	31,670,189	34,018,582	34,955,760
Diluted (in shares)	32,108,965	34,434,407	35,415,483
Dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.28	$ 0.24	$ 0.20

Consolidated Statements of Inc5

Consolidated Statements of Income (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Income tax benefit	$ (186)	$ (869)	$ (7,472)

Consolidated Statements of Shar

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Total
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 29, 2013	34,990			72
Balance at Dec. 29, 2013	$ 350	$ 169,107	$ (68,804)		$ 100,653
Net income			16,455		16,455
Cash dividends			(7,138)		(7,138)
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)	(1,244)
Repurchase of common stock	$ (12)	(15,397)			(15,409)
Shares issued under stock compensation plan net of shares withheld for tax effects (in shares)	588
Shares issued under stock compensation plan net of shares withheld for tax effects	$ 6	(2,945)			(2,939)
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation		1,868			1,868
Stock-based compensation		2,821			2,821
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 28, 2014	34,334			72
Balance at Dec. 28, 2014	$ 343	155,455	(59,487)		96,311
Net income			30,004		30,004
Cash dividends			(8,349)		(8,349)
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)	(1,483)
Repurchase of common stock	$ (15)	(23,737)			(23,752)
Shares issued under stock compensation plan net of shares withheld for tax effects (in shares)	295
Shares issued under stock compensation plan net of shares withheld for tax effects	$ 3	(1,145)			(1,142)
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation		743			743
Stock-based compensation		4,087			4,087
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 27, 2015	33,146			72
Balance at Dec. 27, 2015	$ 331	135,403	(37,832)		97,902
Net income			30,465		30,465
Cash dividends			(9,195)		(9,195)
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)	(2,824)
Repurchase of common stock	$ (28)	(45,048)			(45,076)
Shares issued under stock compensation plan net of shares withheld for tax effects (in shares)	227
Shares issued under stock compensation plan net of shares withheld for tax effects	$ 2	(1,301)			(1,299)
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation		378			378
Stock-based compensation		5,834			5,834
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 25, 2016	30,549			72
Balance at Dec. 25, 2016	$ 305	$ 95,266	$ (16,562)		$ 79,009

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 30,465	$ 30,004	$ 16,455
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	13,434	12,520	13,185
Deferred income taxes	9,384	9,519	753
Non-cash interest expense	421	421	421
(Gain) loss on impairment and asset disposals	(108)		15,805
Amortization of below market lease			129
Stock-based compensation expense	5,834	4,087	2,821
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivables	(2,259)	1,957	(7,049)
Inventories	83	(273)	(151)
Prepaid expenses and other	(1,187)	32	1,193
Other assets	96	92	200
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	(5,213)	(3,763)	(2,669)
Deferred revenue	2,953	650	2,717
Deferred rent	1,463	285	50
Other liabilities	928	(944)	(512)
Net cash provided by operating activities	56,294	54,587	43,348
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of property and equipment	(26,211)	(20,292)	(17,365)
Acquisition of franchise restaurant, net of cash acquired			(2,800)
Proceeds from sale of the Mitchell's Restaurants		10,000
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	802		149
Net cash used in investing activities	(25,409)	(10,292)	(20,016)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Principal repayments on long-term debt	(23,000)	(48,000)	(32,000)
Principal borrowings on long-term debt	48,000	35,000	26,000
Repurchase of common stock	(45,076)	(23,752)	(15,409)
Cash dividend payments	(9,195)	(8,349)	(7,138)
Excess tax benefits from stock compensation	378	743	1,868
Tax payments from the vesting of restricted stock and option exercises	(1,518)	(1,393)	(3,121)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	219	250	183
Net cash used in financing activities	(30,192)	(45,501)	(29,617)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	693	(1,206)	(6,285)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	3,095	4,301	10,586
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	3,788	3,095	4,301
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Interest, net of capitalized interest	729	428	709
Income taxes	3,625	410	2,135
Noncash investing and financing activities:
Excess accrual-based acquisition of property and equipment	$ 3,962	$ 1,608	$ 1,243

Note 1 - The Company, Organizat

Note 1 - The Company, Organization and Description of Business	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block]	(1) Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the Company) operate Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurants and sell franchise rights to Ruth’s Chris Steak House franchisees giving the franchisees the exclusive right to operate similar restaurants in a particular area designated in the franchise agreement. At December 25, 2016, 150 68 81 one 20 Two 2016, two 2016, 2016, 2016, one one As of December 28, 2014, eighteen three January 21, 2015, third 3, 4 5 The following table summarizes the changes in the number of Company-owned Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurants and franchisee-owned restaurants during the thirteen fifty two December 25, 2016. 13 Weeks Ending 52 Weeks Ending December 25, 2016 December 25, 2016 Ruth's Chris Steak House Company Franchised Managed Total Company Franchised Managed Total Beginning of period 68 80 1 149 67 80 1 148 Acquired 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Sold 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 New 0 1 0 1 2 2 0 4 Closed 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 2 End of period 68 81 1 150 68 81 1 150 % of total 45 % 54 % 1 % 100 % 45 % 54 % 1 % 100 %

Note 2 - Summary of Significant

Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	(2) (a) Basis of Presentation The Company utilizes a 52 53 December. December 25, 2016 2016) December 27, 2015 2015) December 28, 2014 2014) 52 The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. Most significantly, the results of the Mitchell’s Restaurants have been reclassified as a discontinued operation. (b) Recent Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, 2014 09, 2014 09), December 15, 2017, first 2018. 2014 09, $3 $6 2014 09 $1.3 $1.4 $1.2 2016, 2015 2014, 2014 09 In July 2015, 2015 11, 330). December 15, 2016. 2015 11 In February 2016, 2016 02, 842). December 15, 2018, first 2019 9). 2016 02 1) 2) In March 2016, 2016 09, 718). December 15, 2016, first 2017. first 2017. $378 $743 $1.9 2016, 2015 2014, In August 2016 2016 15, 230). December 15, 2017. 2016 15 ( c ) Contingencies The Company recognizes liabilities for contingencies when there is an exposure that indicates it is both probable that an asset has been impaired or that a liability has been incurred and that the amount of impairment or loss can be reasonably estimated. (d) Cash Equivalents For purposes of the consolidated financial statements, the Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three $4.5 December 27, 2015 ( e ) Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable consists primarily of bank credit cards receivable, landlord contributions, franchise royalty payments receivable, receivables from gift card sales, banquet billings receivable and other miscellaneous receivables. (f) Allowance for Doubtful Accounts The Company performs a specific review of account balances and applies historical collection experience to the various aging categories of receivable balances in establishing an allowance. ( g ) Inventories Inventories consist of food, beverages and supplies and are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the first first ( h ) Property and Equipment, net Property and equipment are stated at cost. Expenditures for improvements and replacements are capitalized and maintenance and repairs are charged to expense. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized on the straight-line basis over the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful lives of the assets. The estimated useful lives for assets are as follows: Building and Building Improvements, 20 40 5 5 7 3 5 5 20 ( i ) Goodwill and Franchise Rights Goodwill acquired in a business combination that is determined to have an indefinite useful life is not amortized, but tested for impairment at least annually in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 350, Franchise rights acquired prior to 2008 2008 2007 350. ( j ) Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 360 10, 360 10), may We account for exit or disposal activities, including restaurant closures, in accordance with Topic 360 10. 420, ( k ) Deferred Financing Costs Deferred financing costs represent fees paid in connection with obtaining bank and other long-term financing. The Company paid no 2016, 2015 2014. $421 2016, 2015 2014 ( l ) Revenues Revenues are derived principally from food and beverage sales. The Company does not rely on any major customers as a source of revenue. Revenue from restaurant sales is recognized when food and beverage products are sold. Restaurant sales are presented net of sales taxes and discounts. Gratuities remitted by customers for the benefit of restaurant staff are not included in either revenues or operating expenses. Deferred revenue primarily represents the Company’s liability for gift cards that have been sold but not yet redeemed. When the gift cards are redeemed, the Company recognizes restaurant sales and reduces the deferred revenue liability. Company issued gift cards redeemed at franchisee-owned restaurants reduce the deferred revenue liability but do not result in Company restaurant sales. Gift card transactions involving franchisees are settled on a monthly basis through the Company’s third $2.6 $2.4 $2.6 2016, 2015 2014, (m) International Revenues The Company currently has 20 $2.9 $3.0 $3.2 2016, 2015 2014, ( n ) Rent Certain of the Company’s operating leases contain predetermined fixed escalations of the minimum rent during the term of the lease. For these leases, the Company recognizes the related rent expense on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease and records the difference between amounts charged to operations and amounts paid as deferred rent. Additionally, certain of the Company’s operating leases contain clauses that provide additional contingent rent based on a percentage of sales greater than certain specified target amounts. The Company recognizes contingent rent expense prior to the achievement of the specified target that triggers the contingent rent, provided achievement of that target is considered probable. ( o ) Marketing and Advertising Marketing and advertising expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income include advertising expenses of $6.6 $6.5 $6.1 2016, 2015 2014, ( p ) Insurance Liability The Company maintains various policies for workers’ compensation, employee health, general liability and property damage. Pursuant to those policies, the Company is responsible for losses up to certain limits. The Company records liabilities for the estimated exposure for aggregate losses below those limits. The recorded liabilities are based on estimates of the ultimate costs to be incurred to settle known claims and claims incurred but not reported as of the balance sheet date. The estimated liabilities are not discounted and are based on a number of assumptions and factors, including historical trends, actuarial assumptions and economic conditions. Independent actuaries are used to develop estimates of the workers’ compensation, general and employee health care liabilities. (q) Stock-Based Compensation The Company recognizes stock-based compensation in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, 718). 718. ( r ) Pre -Opening Costs Pre-opening costs incurred with the opening of new restaurants are expensed as incurred. These costs include rent expense, wages, benefits, travel and lodging for the training and opening management teams, and food, beverage and other restaurant operating expenses incurred prior to a restaurant opening for business. ( s ) Income Taxes Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company applies the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 740, 740). 740 50% ( t ) Earnings Per Share Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each period. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding during each period. Potentially dilutive securities include shares of non-vested stock awards. Diluted earnings per share considers the impact of potentially dilutive securities except in periods in which there is a loss because the inclusion of the potential common shares would have an antidilutive effect. Stock awards are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share in the event they are antidilutive. ( u ) Restaurant Acquisition In February 2014, $2.8

Note 3 - Mitchell's Restaurants

Note 3 - Mitchell's Restaurants	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block]	(4) The Company accounts for its closed restaurants in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 360, December 29, 2014, 2014 08, 2014 08 December 28, 2014 2014 08, 2016, 2015 2014, Fiscal Year 2016 2015 2014 Revenues Mitchell's Restaurants $ - $ 4,343 $ 73,974 Other Restaurants - (3 ) 3,386 Total revenues - 4,340 77,360 Costs and expenses Recurring costs and expenses Mitchell's Restaurants (351 ) 5,196 73,852 Other Restaurants 827 175 4,115 Impairment losses Mitchell's Restaurants - - 15,295 Other Restaurants - - - Loss on pending sale of Mitchell's Restaurants - - 1,825 Total costs and expenses 476 5,371 95,087 Loss before income taxes (476 ) (1,031 ) (17,727 ) Income tax benefit (186 ) (869 ) (7,472 ) Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes $ (290 ) $ (162 ) $ (10,255 ) Cash flows from discontinued operations are combined with the cash flows from continuing operations within each of the categories on our consolidated statements of cash flows. The income from the Mitchell’s Restaurants in 2016 $466 2016, 2015 2014
Mitchells Restaurants [Member]
Notes to Financial Statements
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block]	(3) As of December 28, 2014, eighteen three During the third 2014, 360 third 2014, $15.3 $7.3 $8.0 September 28, 2014 In November 2014, $10 January 21, 2015. 21 $1.8 fourth 2014. No four Under the terms of the Agreement, Landry’s assumed the Mitchell’s Restaurants’ facility lease obligations and the Company reimbursed Landry’s for gift cards that were sold prior to the closing date and used at the Mitchell’s Restaurants during the eighteen The Company guaranteed Landry’s lease obligations aggregating $35.3 nine

Note 4 - Discontinued Operation

Note 4 - Discontinued Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block]	(4) The Company accounts for its closed restaurants in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 360, December 29, 2014, 2014 08, 2014 08 December 28, 2014 2014 08, 2016, 2015 2014, Fiscal Year 2016 2015 2014 Revenues Mitchell's Restaurants $ - $ 4,343 $ 73,974 Other Restaurants - (3 ) 3,386 Total revenues - 4,340 77,360 Costs and expenses Recurring costs and expenses Mitchell's Restaurants (351 ) 5,196 73,852 Other Restaurants 827 175 4,115 Impairment losses Mitchell's Restaurants - - 15,295 Other Restaurants - - - Loss on pending sale of Mitchell's Restaurants - - 1,825 Total costs and expenses 476 5,371 95,087 Loss before income taxes (476 ) (1,031 ) (17,727 ) Income tax benefit (186 ) (869 ) (7,472 ) Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes $ (290 ) $ (162 ) $ (10,255 ) Cash flows from discontinued operations are combined with the cash flows from continuing operations within each of the categories on our consolidated statements of cash flows. The income from the Mitchell’s Restaurants in 2016 $466 2016, 2015 2014
Mitchells Restaurants [Member]
Notes to Financial Statements
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block]	(3) As of December 28, 2014, eighteen three During the third 2014, 360 third 2014, $15.3 $7.3 $8.0 September 28, 2014 In November 2014, $10 January 21, 2015. 21 $1.8 fourth 2014. No four Under the terms of the Agreement, Landry’s assumed the Mitchell’s Restaurants’ facility lease obligations and the Company reimbursed Landry’s for gift cards that were sold prior to the closing date and used at the Mitchell’s Restaurants during the eighteen The Company guaranteed Landry’s lease obligations aggregating $35.3 nine

Note 5 - Fair Value Measurement

Note 5 - Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure [Text Block]	(5) Fair value is defined under FASB ASC Topic 820, 820), 820 three The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability on the measurement date. The three • Level 1—quoted • Level 2—quoted • Level 3—unobservable The following were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments: • The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, prepaid expenses, accounts payable and accrued expenses and other current liabilities are a reasonable estimate of their fair values due to their short duration. • Borrowings under the senior credit facility as of December 25, 2016 December 27, 2015 2). The Company did not 2016 2015. See Notes 6 7

Note 6 - Franchise Rights and G

Note 6 - Franchise Rights and Goodwill	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]	(6) During the fourth fourth 2015, 48 th 2016 November 27, 2016. Franchise Rights In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 350, No 2016, 2015 2014. To determine the fair value of acquired franchise rights, the Company used a multi-period excess earnings approach. This approach involves projecting after-royalty future earnings, discounting those earnings using an appropriate market discount rate and subtracting a contributory charge for net working capital, property and equipment, assembled workforce and customer relationships to arrive at excess earnings attributable to these franchise rights. The Company calculated the present value of cash flows generated from future excess earnings and determined that the fair values exceeded the financial statement carrying value as of December 25, 2016. Goodwill No 2016, 2015 2014. In performing the fiscal year 2016 350 20, 1 November 27, 2016, If a reporting unit’s fair value did not exceed its carrying value as the balance sheet date, the Company would have completed Step 2 The financial statement carrying values of the Company’s franchise rights and goodwill were as follows (amounts in thousands): Franchise Rights Gross Goodwill Accumulated Goodwill Impairment Losses Net Carrying Value of Goodwill Balance as of December 27, 2015 $ 32,200 $ 34,851 $ (10,558 ) $ 24,293 Balance as of December 25, 2016 $ 32,200 $ 34,851 $ (10,558 ) $ 24,293

Note 7 - Property and Equipment

Note 7 - Property and Equipment, Net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]	(7) Property and equipment consists of the following (amounts in thousands): December 25, December 27, 2016 2015 Land $ 616 $ 917 Building and building improvements 23,880 24,451 Equipment 36,741 33,931 Computer equipment 9,680 10,069 Furniture and fixtures 20,261 17,970 Leasehold improvements 130,345 117,364 Construction-in-progress 14,335 8,644 235,858 213,346 Less accumulated depreciation (132,817 ) (125,362 ) $ 103,041 $ 87,984 As discussed in Note (3), third 2014, $8.0 fourth 2014, $1.8

Note 8 - Long-term Debt

Note 8 - Long-term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	(8) Debt Long-term debt consists of the following (amounts in thousands): December 25, December 27, 2016 2015 Senior Credit Facility: Revolving credit facility $ 25,000 $ - Less current maturities - - $ 25,000 $ - As of December 25, 2016, $25.0 $70.9 $4.1 December 25, 2016, 2.7% 2.13%. 0.2%. On February 14, 2012, $100.0 February 14, 2017. 2.00% 2.75% 1.00% 1.75% February 2, 2017. On February 2, 2017, $90.0 $5.0 $5.0 may $150.0 February 2, 2022. may 0.50% one 1.00%, 1.50% 2.25% 0.50% 1.25% The Credit Agreement contains customary representations and affirmative and negative covenants (including limitations on indebtedness and liens) as well as financial covenants requiring a minimum fixed coverage charge ratio and limiting the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio. The Credit Agreement also contains events of default customary for credit facilities of this type (with customary grace periods, as applicable), including nonpayment of principal or interest when due; material incorrectness of representations and warranties when made; breach of covenants; bankruptcy and insolvency; unsatisfied ERISA obligations; unstayed material judgment beyond specified periods; default under other material indebtedness; and certain changes of control of the Company. If any event of default occurs and is not cured within the applicable grace period, or waived, the outstanding loans may may

Note 9 - Leases

Note 9 - Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Leases of Lessee Disclosure [Text Block]	(9) At December 25, 2016, December 25, 2016 December 27, 2015 $21.7 $20.3 $1.8 $1.9 The Company also leases certain restaurant-related equipment under non-cancellable operating lease agreements with third Future minimum annual rental commitments under operating leases as of December 25, 2016 Company Total 2017 $ 21,806 2018 20,755 2019 19,840 2020 17,982 2021 15,828 Thereafter 118,356 $ 214,567 Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, upon closing of the sale of the Mitchell’s Restaurants, Landry’s assumed the lease obligations of the Mitchell’s Restaurants. However, the Company has guaranteed Landry’s lease obligations aggregating $35.3 nine $250 one Rental expense consists of the following and is included in restaurant operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income (in thousands): Fiscal Year 2016 2015 2014 Minimum rentals $ 20,300 $ 18,846 $ 17,647 Contingent rentals 2,659 2,877 2,558 $ 22,959 $ 21,723 $ 20,205

Note 10 - Franchise Operations

Note 10 - Franchise Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Franchise Income [Text Block]	(10) The Company franchises Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurants. The Company executes franchise agreements for each franchisee-owned restaurant, which sets out the terms of its arrangement with the franchisee. The franchise agreements typically require the franchisee to pay an initial, non-refundable fee and continuing fees based upon a percentage of sales. The Company collects ongoing royalties of 5% 1% 1% The Company executes an area development agreement with franchisees that gives each franchisee exclusive rights to develop a specific number of restaurants within a specified area. The Company receives a development fee at the time that an area development agreement is executed. The development fee is recognized as revenue as franchisee-owned restaurants are opened. The Company also executes separate, site-specific franchise agreements for each restaurant developed by a franchisee under an area development agreement. The Company charges a site-specific fee at the time the franchise agreement is executed. This fee is related to construction assistance and consulting regarding operating procedures and purchasing. These services are performed prior to the restaurant opening. The Company recognizes the site-specific franchise fee when the related restaurant opens. The Company currently has 81 20 Two 2016 February second October. Three 2015 May one November. During fiscal year 2014 three one February, one September one December. January 2016. February 2014, 2016 2015. Fiscal Year 2016 2015 2014 Franchise income: Income from existing franchise locations $ 17,001 $ 16,361 $ 15,598 Opening and development fee income 300 300 165 Total franchise income: $ 17,301 $ 16,661 $ 15,763

Note 11 - Commitments and Conti

Note 11 - Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	(11) The Company is subject to various claims, possible legal actions and other matters arising in the normal course of business. Management does not expect disposition of these other matters to have a material adverse effect on the financial position, results of operations or liquidity of the Company. The Company expenses legal fees as incurred. The legislation and regulations related to tax and unclaimed property matters are complex and subject to varying interpretations by both government authorities and taxpayers. The Company remits a variety of taxes and fees to various governmental authorities, including excise taxes, property taxes, sales and use taxes, and payroll taxes. The taxes and fees remitted by the Company are subject to review and audit by the applicable governmental authorities which could assert claims for additional assessments. Although management believes that the tax positions are reasonable and consequently there are no accrued liabilities for claims which may may may The Company is subject to unclaimed or abandoned property (escheat) laws which require the Company to turn over to certain state governmental authorities the property of others held by the Company that has been unclaimed for specified periods of time. The Company is subject to audit by individual U.S. states with regard to its escheatment practices. Prior to fiscal year 2014 2014, The Company sells a considerable number of gift cards, which are issued and administered by a third third third June 2013 $30 March 2014, August 2016, October 2016. May 2017. The Company currently buys a majority of its beef from two

Note 12 - Shareholders' Equity

Note 12 - Shareholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]	(12) The holders of the Company’s common stock are entitled to one On November 17, 2014, $50 2016, 731,645 $11.7 $15.95 In April 2016, $60 November 2014, 2016, 2,092,677 $33.4 $15.97 December 25, 2016, $26.6 The Company repurchased 2,824,322, 1,483,085 1,244,065 2016, 2015 2014, The Company’s Board of Directors declared the following dividends during the periods presented (amounts in thousands, except per share amounts): Declaration Date Dividend per Share Record Date Total Amount Payment Date Fiscal Year 2014: February 21, 2014 $ 0.05 March 13, 2014 $ 1,798 March 27, 2014 April 22, 2014 $ 0.05 May 15, 2014 $ 1,798 May 29, 2014 July 23, 2014 $ 0.05 August 14, 2014 $ 1,778 August 28, 2014 October 29, 2014 $ 0.05 November 20, 2014 $ 1,764 December 4, 2014 Fiscal Year 2015: February 13, 2015 $ 0.06 February 26, 2015 $ 2,082 March 12, 2015 April 21, 2015 $ 0.06 May 14, 2015 $ 2,090 May 28, 2015 July 22, 2015 $ 0.06 August 13, 2015 $ 2,108 August 27, 2015 October 30, 2015 $ 0.06 November 19, 2015 $ 2,069 December 3, 2015 Fiscal Year 2016: February 12, 2016 $ 0.07 February 25, 2016 $ 2,350 March 10, 2016 April 28, 2016 $ 0.07 May 12, 2016 $ 2,338 May 26, 2016 July 29, 2016 $ 0.07 August 11, 2016 $ 2,282 August 25, 2016 October 28, 2016 $ 0.07 November 10, 2016 $ 2,226 November 23, 2016 Subsequent to the end of fiscal year 2016, $0.09 ($2.9 March 9, 2017.

Note 13 - Employee Benefit Plan

Note 13 - Employee Benefit Plan	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block]	(13) In 2000, 401(k) may may $318 $305 $307 2016, 2015 2014,

Note 14 - Incentive Stock Optio

Note 14 - Incentive Stock Option Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]	(14) As of December 25, 2016, 2005 In connection with the initial public offering, the Company adopted the Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Inc. 2005 2005 2.4 2005 2005 one five May 22, 2008, 2005 1.5 2005 October 26, 2012, 2005 2.0 2013 2005 1.4 December 25, 2016, 1.9 During fiscal year 2014, 275,794 2005 275,794 2014, 125,932 second one third three During fiscal year 2015, 893,662 2005 893,662 2015, 54,095 second 214,567 one third three 300,000 25% first 2017 2020 325,000 25% first 2018 2021. During fiscal year 2016, 376,423 2005 376,423 2016, 95,792 second 135,631 one third three 45,000 third 100,000 50% first 2018 2019. The Company recorded $5.8 $4.1 $2.8 2016, 2015 2014, $378 $743 $1.9 2016, 2015 2014, December 25, 2016, $8.3 A summary of the status of non-vested restricted stock as of December 25, 2016 2016 2016 Shares Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Per Share Non-vested shares at beginning of year 1,150,085 $ 14.93 Granted 376,423 16.74 Vested (278,005 ) 12.93 Forfeited (2,667 ) 11.67 Non-vested shares at end of year 1,245,836 $ 15.93 As of December 25, 2016, $13.5 1,245,836 3.27 2016, 2015 2014 $3.6 $2.8 $1.9 The following table summarizes stock option activity for fiscal year 2016: 2016 Shares Weighted- Average Exercise Price Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term Aggregate Intrinsic Value ($000's) Outstanding at beginning of year 262,748 $ 13.88 Granted - - Exercised (38,534 ) 5.70 Forfeited (100,060 ) 18.75 Outstanding at end of year 124,154 $ 12.50 1.06 $ 799,024 Options exercisable at year end 124,154 $ 12.50 1.06 $ 799,024 As of December 25, 2016, 2016, 2015 2014 $444 $863 $6.3 During fiscal years 2016, 2015 2014, $219 $250 $183 2005

Note 15 - Income Taxes

Note 15 - Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	(15) Total income tax expense (benefit) for fiscal years 2016, 2015 2014 2016 2015 2014 Income from continuing operations $ 15,660 $ 14,168 $ 11,830 Loss from discontinued operations (186 ) (869 ) (7,472 ) Total consolidated income tax expense $ 15,474 $ 13,299 $ 4,358 Income tax expense from continuing operations consists of the following: Current Deferred Total Year ended December 25, 2016 U.S. Federal $ 3,987 $ 8,165 $ 12,152 State 1,951 1,231 3,182 Foreign 326 - 326 $ 6,264 $ 9,396 $ 15,660 Year ended December 27, 2015 U.S. Federal $ 14,692 $ (3,445 ) $ 11,247 State 2,697 (120 ) 2,577 Foreign 344 - 344 $ 17,733 $ (3,565 ) $ 14,168 Year ended December 28, 2014 U.S. Federal $ 3,475 $ 6,447 $ 9,922 State 562 961 1,523 Foreign 385 - 385 $ 4,422 $ 7,408 $ 11,830 Income tax expense differs from amounts computed by applying the federal statutory income tax rate to income from continuing operations before income taxes as follows (in thousands): 2016 2015 2014 Income tax expense at statutory rates $ 16,245 $ 15,517 $ 13,489 Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting from: State income taxes, net of federal benefit 2,193 1,787 1,609 Federal FICA tip credit net benefit (3,179 ) (3,124 ) (2,814 ) Other 401 (12 ) (454 ) $ 15,660 $ 14,168 $ 11,830 Effective tax rate 33.7 % 32.0 % 30.7 % The Company utilizes the federal FICA tip credit to reduce its periodic federal income tax expense. A restaurant company employer may 2016 2014. Income taxes applicable to discontinued operations are comprised of (a) taxes calculated at the composite federal and state statutory tax rate times the pre-tax loss plus (b) the FICA tip credit benefit attributable to the restaurant sales of the Mitchell’s Restaurants. A reconciliation of the U.S. statutory tax rate to the effective tax rate applicable to discontinued operations for fiscal years 2016, 2015 2014 2016 2015 2014 Income tax benefit at statutory rates $ (167 ) $ (361 ) $ (6,204 ) Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting from: State income taxes at state statutory rate, net of federal impact (19 ) (411 ) (701 ) Other, primarily federal FICA tip credit net benefit - (97 ) (567 ) $ (186 ) $ (869 ) $ (7,472 ) Effective tax rate 39.0 % 84.3 % 42.2 % The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets are presented below (in thousands): 2016 2015 Deferred tax assets: Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 8,699 $ 8,222 Deferred rent 8,953 8,655 Net state operating loss carryforwards 2,317 3,281 Tax credit carryforwards 1,889 9,339 Property and equipment 4,080 5,098 Other 199 209 Total gross deferred tax assets 26,137 34,804 Less valuation allowance (762 ) (979 ) Net deferred tax assets 25,375 33,825 Deferred tax liabilities: Intangible assets (15,451 ) (14,516 ) Total gross deferred tax liabilities (15,451 ) (14,516 ) Net deferred tax assets $ 9,924 $ 19,309 In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities and projected future taxable income in making this assessment. Gross deferred assets were reduced by a valuation allowance of $762 $979 2016 2015, As of December 25, 2016, $59.8 $1.9 2036 . As of December 25, 2016, $579 $380 12 A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits follows (amounts in thousands): Unrecognized tax benefits balance at December 27, 2015 $ 607 Gross increases for tax positions of prior years 91 Reductions due to settlements with taxing authorities (108 ) Reductions to tax positions due to statute expiration (11 ) Unrecognized tax benefits balance at December 25, 2016 $ 579 The Company files consolidated and separate income tax returns in the United States Federal jurisdiction and many state jurisdictions. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. Federal or state and local income tax examinations for fiscal years before 2012.

Note 16 - Earnings Per Share

Note 16 - Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	(16) Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each period. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding during each period. Potentially dilutive securities include shares of non-vested stock awards. Diluted earnings per share considers the impact of potentially dilutive securities except in periods in which there is a loss because the inclusion of the potential common shares would have an antidilutive effect. Stock awards are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share in the event they are antidilutive. The following table sets forth the computation of basic earnings per common share (amounts in thousands, except share and per share data): Fiscal Year 2016 2015 2014 Income from continuing operations $ 30,755 $ 30,166 $ 26,710 Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes (290 ) (162 ) (10,255 ) Net income $ 30,465 $ 30,004 $ 16,455 Shares: Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic 31,670,189 34,018,582 34,955,760 Basic earnings per common share: Continuing operations $ 0.97 $ 0.88 $ 0.76 Discontinued operations (0.01 ) 0.00 (0.29 ) Basic earnings per common share $ 0.96 $ 0.88 $ 0.47 Diluted earnings (loss) per share for fiscal years 2016, 2015 2014 22,349 $19.04, 46,117 $18.84 153,613 $18.70, The following table sets forth the computation of diluted earnings per share (amounts in thousands, except share and per share data): Fiscal Year 2016 2015 2014 Income from continuing operations $ 30,755 $ 30,166 $ 26,710 Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes (290 ) (162 ) (10,255 ) Net income $ 30,465 $ 30,004 $ 16,455 Shares: Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic 31,670,189 34,018,582 34,955,760 Dilutive shares 438,776 415,825 459,723 Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding - diluted 32,108,965 34,434,407 35,415,483 Diluted earnings per common share: Continuing operations $ 0.96 $ 0.87 $ 0.75 Discontinued operations (0.01 ) 0.00 (0.29 ) Diluted earnings per common share $ 0.95 $ 0.87 $ 0.46

Note 17 - Segment Information

Note 17 - Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	(17) The Company has two The Company-owned Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurants, all of which are located in North America, operate within the full-service dining industry, providing similar products to similar customers. Revenues are derived principally from food and beverage sales. As of December 25, 2016, 68 one 81 two Fiscal Year 2016 2015 2014 (Dollar amounts in thousands) Revenues: Company-owned steakhouse restaurants $ 366,054 $ 354,398 $ 327,731 Franchise operations 17,301 16,661 15,763 Unallocated other revenue and revenue discounts 2,592 2,374 2,603 Total revenues $ 385,947 $ 373,433 $ 346,097 Segment profits: Company-owned steakhouse restaurants $ 85,980 $ 80,450 $ 68,230 Franchise operations 17,301 16,661 15,763 Total segment profit 103,281 97,111 83,993 Unallocated operating income 2,592 2,374 2,603 Marketing and advertising expenses (11,406 ) (10,925 ) (10,076 ) General and administrative costs (31,488 ) (30,242 ) (24,311 ) Depreciation and amortization expenses (13,434 ) (12,520 ) (10,917 ) Pre-opening costs (1,986 ) (1,032 ) (1,630 ) Interest expense, net (1,154 ) (790 ) (1,159 ) Other income (expense) 10 358 37 Income from continuing operations before income tax expense $ 46,415 $ 44,334 $ 38,540 Capital expenditures: Company-owned steakhouse restaurants $ 24,991 $ 18,934 $ 14,867 Corporate assets 1,220 1,133 1,097 Mitchell's Restaurants - 225 1,401 Total capital expenditures $ 26,211 $ 20,292 $ 17,365 December 25, 2016 December 27, 2015 December 28, 2014 (Dollar amounts in thousands) Total assets: Company-owned steakhouse restaurants $ 185,820 $ 168,766 $ 155,757 Franchise operations 2,707 2,444 2,151 Corporate assets - unallocated 9,021 7,828 16,711 Deferred income taxes - unallocated 9,924 19,309 28,829 Mitchell's Restaurants - 250 15,119 Total assets $ 207,472 $ 198,597 $ 218,567

Note 18 - Supplemental Consolid

Note 18 - Supplemental Consolidated Financial Statement Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Additional Financial Information Disclosure [Text Block]	(18) (a) Accounts Receivable, net Accounts receivable, net consists of the following (amounts in thousands): December 25, 2016 December 27, 2015 Bank credit card receivables $ 10,992 $ 11,417 Landlord contributions 704 396 Franchise fees 2,456 2,306 Trade 463 751 Insurance receivable 446 - Receivable from gift card issuances 4,743 2,935 Other 1,715 1,428 Allowance for doubtful accounts (729 ) (732 ) $ 20,790 $ 18,501 (b) Other Assets Other assets consist of the following (amounts in thousands): December 25, December 27, 2016 2015 Deposits $ 611 $ 702 Deferred financing costs, net 60 481 Other 28 33 $ 699 $ 1,216

Note 19 - Quarterly Financial D

Note 19 - Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]	(19) Summarized unaudited quarterly financial data (amounts in thousands, except per share information): Quarter Ended March 27, 2016 June 26, 2016 September 25, 2016 December 25, 2016 Total Total revenues $ 101,890 $ 92,654 $ 83,774 $ 107,629 $ 385,947 Cost and expenses (85,456 ) (82,193 ) (78,173 ) (92,566 ) (338,388 ) Operating income 16,434 10,461 5,601 15,063 47,559 Interest expense, net (213 ) (253 ) (333 ) (355 ) (1,154 ) Other 7 144 (92 ) (50 ) 10 Income from continuing operations before income tax expense 16,228 10,352 5,176 14,658 46,415 Income tax expense 5,346 3,396 1,668 5,250 15,660 Income from continuing operations 10,882 6,956 3,508 9,408 30,755 Discontinued operations, net of income tax (120 ) (48 ) 75 (197 ) (290 ) Net income (loss) $ 10,762 $ 6,908 $ 3,583 $ 9,211 $ 30,465 Basic earnings per share: Continuing operations $ 0.33 $ 0.22 $ 0.11 $ 0.31 $ 0.97 Discontinued operations 0.00 0.00 0.00 (0.01 ) (0.01 ) Basic earnings per share $ 0.33 $ 0.22 $ 0.11 $ 0.30 $ 0.96 Diluted earnings per share: Continuing operations $ 0.33 $ 0.21 $ 0.11 $ 0.31 $ 0.96 Discontinued operations 0.00 0.00 0.00 (0.01 ) (0.01 ) Diluted earnings per share $ 0.33 $ 0.21 $ 0.11 $ 0.30 $ 0.95 Dividends declared per common share $ 0.07 $ 0.07 $ 0.07 $ 0.07 $ 0.28 Quarter Ended March 29, 2015 June 28, 2015 September 27, 2015 December 27, 2015 Total Total revenues $ 97,344 $ 91,049 $ 80,292 $ 104,747 $ 373,433 Cost and expenses (81,136 ) (79,645 ) (76,137 ) (91,750 ) (328,667 ) Operating income 16,208 11,404 4,155 12,997 44,766 Interest expense, net (226 ) (174 ) (188 ) (202 ) (790 ) Debt issuance costs written off 15 16 9 318 358 Income from continuing operations before income tax expense 15,997 11,246 3,976 13,113 44,334 Income tax expense 5,229 3,577 1,338 4,023 14,168 Income from continuing operations 10,768 7,669 2,638 9,090 30,166 Discontinued operations, net of income tax (357 ) (153 ) (73 ) 420 (162 ) Net income $ 10,411 $ 7,516 $ 2,565 $ 9,510 $ 30,004 Basic earnings per share: Continuing operations $ 0.31 $ 0.22 $ 0.08 $ 0.27 $ 0.88 Discontinued operations (0.01 ) 0.00 0.00 0.01 0.00 Basic earnings per share $ 0.30 $ 0.22 $ 0.08 $ 0.28 $ 0.88 Diluted earnings per share: Continuing operations $ 0.31 $ 0.22 $ 0.08 $ 0.27 $ 0.87 Discontinued operations (0.01 ) 0.00 0.00 0.01 0.00 Diluted earnings per share $ 0.30 $ 0.22 $ 0.08 $ 0.28 $ 0.87 Dividends declared per common share $ 0.06 $ 0.06 $ 0.06 $ 0.06 $ 0.24

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block]	(a) Basis of Presentation The Company utilizes a 52 53 December. December 25, 2016 2016) December 27, 2015 2015) December 28, 2014 2014) 52 The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. Most significantly, the results of the Mitchell’s Restaurants have been reclassified as a discontinued operation.
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	(b) Recent Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, 2014 09, 2014 09), December 15, 2017, first 2018. 2014 09, $3 $6 2014 09 $1.3 $1.4 $1.2 2016, 2015 2014, 2014 09 In July 2015, 2015 11, 330). December 15, 2016. 2015 11 In February 2016, 2016 02, 842). December 15, 2018, first 2019 9). 2016 02 1) 2) In March 2016, 2016 09, 718). December 15, 2016, first 2017. first 2017. $378 $743 $1.9 2016, 2015 2014, In August 2016 2016 15, 230). December 15, 2017. 2016 15
Commitments and Contingencies, Policy [Policy Text Block]	( c ) Contingencies The Company recognizes liabilities for contingencies when there is an exposure that indicates it is both probable that an asset has been impaired or that a liability has been incurred and that the amount of impairment or loss can be reasonably estimated.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]	(d) Cash Equivalents For purposes of the consolidated financial statements, the Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three $4.5 December 27, 2015
Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block]	( e ) Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable consists primarily of bank credit cards receivable, landlord contributions, franchise royalty payments receivable, receivables from gift card sales, banquet billings receivable and other miscellaneous receivables.
Receivables, Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Policy [Policy Text Block]	(f) Allowance for Doubtful Accounts The Company performs a specific review of account balances and applies historical collection experience to the various aging categories of receivable balances in establishing an allowance.
Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]	( g ) Inventories Inventories consist of food, beverages and supplies and are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the first first
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	( h ) Property and Equipment, net Property and equipment are stated at cost. Expenditures for improvements and replacements are capitalized and maintenance and repairs are charged to expense. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized on the straight-line basis over the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful lives of the assets. The estimated useful lives for assets are as follows: Building and Building Improvements, 20 40 5 5 7 3 5 5 20
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]	( i ) Goodwill and Franchise Rights Goodwill acquired in a business combination that is determined to have an indefinite useful life is not amortized, but tested for impairment at least annually in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 350, Franchise rights acquired prior to 2008 2008 2007 350.
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]	( j ) Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 360 10, 360 10), may We account for exit or disposal activities, including restaurant closures, in accordance with Topic 360 10. 420,
Deferred Charges, Policy [Policy Text Block]	( k ) Deferred Financing Costs Deferred financing costs represent fees paid in connection with obtaining bank and other long-term financing. The Company paid no 2016, 2015 2014. $421 2016, 2015 2014
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]	( l ) Revenues Revenues are derived principally from food and beverage sales. The Company does not rely on any major customers as a source of revenue. Revenue from restaurant sales is recognized when food and beverage products are sold. Restaurant sales are presented net of sales taxes and discounts. Gratuities remitted by customers for the benefit of restaurant staff are not included in either revenues or operating expenses. Deferred revenue primarily represents the Company’s liability for gift cards that have been sold but not yet redeemed. When the gift cards are redeemed, the Company recognizes restaurant sales and reduces the deferred revenue liability. Company issued gift cards redeemed at franchisee-owned restaurants reduce the deferred revenue liability but do not result in Company restaurant sales. Gift card transactions involving franchisees are settled on a monthly basis through the Company’s third $2.6 $2.4 $2.6 2016, 2015 2014,
Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block]	(m) International Revenues The Company currently has 20 $2.9 $3.0 $3.2 2016, 2015 2014,
Lease, Policy [Policy Text Block]	( n ) Rent Certain of the Company’s operating leases contain predetermined fixed escalations of the minimum rent during the term of the lease. For these leases, the Company recognizes the related rent expense on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease and records the difference between amounts charged to operations and amounts paid as deferred rent. Additionally, certain of the Company’s operating leases contain clauses that provide additional contingent rent based on a percentage of sales greater than certain specified target amounts. The Company recognizes contingent rent expense prior to the achievement of the specified target that triggers the contingent rent, provided achievement of that target is considered probable.
Advertising Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]	( o ) Marketing and Advertising Marketing and advertising expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income include advertising expenses of $6.6 $6.5 $6.1 2016, 2015 2014,
Self Insurance Reserve [Policy Text Block]	( p ) Insurance Liability The Company maintains various policies for workers’ compensation, employee health, general liability and property damage. Pursuant to those policies, the Company is responsible for losses up to certain limits. The Company records liabilities for the estimated exposure for aggregate losses below those limits. The recorded liabilities are based on estimates of the ultimate costs to be incurred to settle known claims and claims incurred but not reported as of the balance sheet date. The estimated liabilities are not discounted and are based on a number of assumptions and factors, including historical trends, actuarial assumptions and economic conditions. Independent actuaries are used to develop estimates of the workers’ compensation, general and employee health care liabilities.
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]	(q) Stock-Based Compensation The Company recognizes stock-based compensation in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, 718). 718.
Pre-opening Costs [Policy Text Block]	( r ) Pre -Opening Costs Pre-opening costs incurred with the opening of new restaurants are expensed as incurred. These costs include rent expense, wages, benefits, travel and lodging for the training and opening management teams, and food, beverage and other restaurant operating expenses incurred prior to a restaurant opening for business.
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]	( s ) Income Taxes Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company applies the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 740, 740). 740 50%
Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]	( t ) Earnings Per Share Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each period. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding during each period. Potentially dilutive securities include shares of non-vested stock awards. Diluted earnings per share considers the impact of potentially dilutive securities except in periods in which there is a loss because the inclusion of the potential common shares would have an antidilutive effect. Stock awards are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share in the event they are antidilutive.
Business Combinations Policy [Policy Text Block]	( u ) Restaurant Acquisition In February 2014, $2.8

Note 1 - The Company, Organiz28

Note 1 - The Company, Organization and Description of Business (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Notes Tables
Schedule of Franchisor Disclosure [Table Text Block]	13 Weeks Ending 52 Weeks Ending December 25, 2016 December 25, 2016 Ruth's Chris Steak House Company Franchised Managed Total Company Franchised Managed Total Beginning of period 68 80 1 149 67 80 1 148 Acquired 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Sold 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 New 0 1 0 1 2 2 0 4 Closed 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 2 End of period 68 81 1 150 68 81 1 150 % of total 45 % 54 % 1 % 100 % 45 % 54 % 1 % 100 %

Note 4 - Discontinued Operati29

Note 4 - Discontinued Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Notes Tables
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block]	Fiscal Year 2016 2015 2014 Revenues Mitchell's Restaurants $ - $ 4,343 $ 73,974 Other Restaurants - (3 ) 3,386 Total revenues - 4,340 77,360 Costs and expenses Recurring costs and expenses Mitchell's Restaurants (351 ) 5,196 73,852 Other Restaurants 827 175 4,115 Impairment losses Mitchell's Restaurants - - 15,295 Other Restaurants - - - Loss on pending sale of Mitchell's Restaurants - - 1,825 Total costs and expenses 476 5,371 95,087 Loss before income taxes (476 ) (1,031 ) (17,727 ) Income tax benefit (186 ) (869 ) (7,472 ) Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes $ (290 ) $ (162 ) $ (10,255 )

Note 6 - Franchise Rights and30

Note 6 - Franchise Rights and Goodwill (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Notes Tables
Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill [Table Text Block]	Franchise Rights Gross Goodwill Accumulated Goodwill Impairment Losses Net Carrying Value of Goodwill Balance as of December 27, 2015 $ 32,200 $ 34,851 $ (10,558 ) $ 24,293 Balance as of December 25, 2016 $ 32,200 $ 34,851 $ (10,558 ) $ 24,293

Note 7 - Property and Equipme31

Note 7 - Property and Equipment, Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Notes Tables
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]	December 25, December 27, 2016 2015 Land $ 616 $ 917 Building and building improvements 23,880 24,451 Equipment 36,741 33,931 Computer equipment 9,680 10,069 Furniture and fixtures 20,261 17,970 Leasehold improvements 130,345 117,364 Construction-in-progress 14,335 8,644 235,858 213,346 Less accumulated depreciation (132,817 ) (125,362 ) $ 103,041 $ 87,984

Note 8 - Long-term Debt (Tables

Note 8 - Long-term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Notes Tables
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]	December 25, December 27, 2016 2015 Senior Credit Facility: Revolving credit facility $ 25,000 $ - Less current maturities - - $ 25,000 $ -

Note 9 - Leases (Tables)

Note 9 - Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Notes Tables
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]	Company Total 2017 $ 21,806 2018 20,755 2019 19,840 2020 17,982 2021 15,828 Thereafter 118,356 $ 214,567
Schedule of Rent Expense [Table Text Block]	Fiscal Year 2016 2015 2014 Minimum rentals $ 20,300 $ 18,846 $ 17,647 Contingent rentals 2,659 2,877 2,558 $ 22,959 $ 21,723 $ 20,205

Note 10 - Franchise Operations

Note 10 - Franchise Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Notes Tables
Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block]	Fiscal Year 2016 2015 2014 Franchise income: Income from existing franchise locations $ 17,001 $ 16,361 $ 15,598 Opening and development fee income 300 300 165 Total franchise income: $ 17,301 $ 16,661 $ 15,763

Note 12 - Shareholders' Equity

Note 12 - Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Notes Tables
Schedule of Dividends Payable [Table Text Block]	Declaration Date Dividend per Share Record Date Total Amount Payment Date Fiscal Year 2014: February 21, 2014 $ 0.05 March 13, 2014 $ 1,798 March 27, 2014 April 22, 2014 $ 0.05 May 15, 2014 $ 1,798 May 29, 2014 July 23, 2014 $ 0.05 August 14, 2014 $ 1,778 August 28, 2014 October 29, 2014 $ 0.05 November 20, 2014 $ 1,764 December 4, 2014 Fiscal Year 2015: February 13, 2015 $ 0.06 February 26, 2015 $ 2,082 March 12, 2015 April 21, 2015 $ 0.06 May 14, 2015 $ 2,090 May 28, 2015 July 22, 2015 $ 0.06 August 13, 2015 $ 2,108 August 27, 2015 October 30, 2015 $ 0.06 November 19, 2015 $ 2,069 December 3, 2015 Fiscal Year 2016: February 12, 2016 $ 0.07 February 25, 2016 $ 2,350 March 10, 2016 April 28, 2016 $ 0.07 May 12, 2016 $ 2,338 May 26, 2016 July 29, 2016 $ 0.07 August 11, 2016 $ 2,282 August 25, 2016 October 28, 2016 $ 0.07 November 10, 2016 $ 2,226 November 23, 2016

Note 14 - Incentive Stock Opt36

Note 14 - Incentive Stock Option Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Notes Tables
Schedule of Nonvested Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block]	2016 Shares Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Per Share Non-vested shares at beginning of year 1,150,085 $ 14.93 Granted 376,423 16.74 Vested (278,005 ) 12.93 Forfeited (2,667 ) 11.67 Non-vested shares at end of year 1,245,836 $ 15.93
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]	2016 Shares Weighted- Average Exercise Price Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term Aggregate Intrinsic Value ($000's) Outstanding at beginning of year 262,748 $ 13.88 Granted - - Exercised (38,534 ) 5.70 Forfeited (100,060 ) 18.75 Outstanding at end of year 124,154 $ 12.50 1.06 $ 799,024 Options exercisable at year end 124,154 $ 12.50 1.06 $ 799,024

Note 15 - Income Taxes (Tables)

Note 15 - Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Notes Tables
Schedule of Consolidated Income Tax Expense [Table Text Block]	2016 2015 2014 Income from continuing operations $ 15,660 $ 14,168 $ 11,830 Loss from discontinued operations (186 ) (869 ) (7,472 ) Total consolidated income tax expense $ 15,474 $ 13,299 $ 4,358
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]	Current Deferred Total Year ended December 25, 2016 U.S. Federal $ 3,987 $ 8,165 $ 12,152 State 1,951 1,231 3,182 Foreign 326 - 326 $ 6,264 $ 9,396 $ 15,660 Year ended December 27, 2015 U.S. Federal $ 14,692 $ (3,445 ) $ 11,247 State 2,697 (120 ) 2,577 Foreign 344 - 344 $ 17,733 $ (3,565 ) $ 14,168 Year ended December 28, 2014 U.S. Federal $ 3,475 $ 6,447 $ 9,922 State 562 961 1,523 Foreign 385 - 385 $ 4,422 $ 7,408 $ 11,830
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	2016 2015 2014 Income tax expense at statutory rates $ 16,245 $ 15,517 $ 13,489 Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting from: State income taxes, net of federal benefit 2,193 1,787 1,609 Federal FICA tip credit net benefit (3,179 ) (3,124 ) (2,814 ) Other 401 (12 ) (454 ) $ 15,660 $ 14,168 $ 11,830 Effective tax rate 33.7 % 32.0 % 30.7 %
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	2016 2015 Deferred tax assets: Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 8,699 $ 8,222 Deferred rent 8,953 8,655 Net state operating loss carryforwards 2,317 3,281 Tax credit carryforwards 1,889 9,339 Property and equipment 4,080 5,098 Other 199 209 Total gross deferred tax assets 26,137 34,804 Less valuation allowance (762 ) (979 ) Net deferred tax assets 25,375 33,825 Deferred tax liabilities: Intangible assets (15,451 ) (14,516 ) Total gross deferred tax liabilities (15,451 ) (14,516 ) Net deferred tax assets $ 9,924 $ 19,309
Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward [Table Text Block]	Unrecognized tax benefits balance at December 27, 2015 $ 607 Gross increases for tax positions of prior years 91 Reductions due to settlements with taxing authorities (108 ) Reductions to tax positions due to statute expiration (11 ) Unrecognized tax benefits balance at December 25, 2016 $ 579
Discontinued Operations [Member]
Notes Tables
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	2016 2015 2014 Income tax benefit at statutory rates $ (167 ) $ (361 ) $ (6,204 ) Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting from: State income taxes at state statutory rate, net of federal impact (19 ) (411 ) (701 ) Other, primarily federal FICA tip credit net benefit - (97 ) (567 ) $ (186 ) $ (869 ) $ (7,472 ) Effective tax rate 39.0 % 84.3 % 42.2 %

Note 16 - Earnings Per Share (T

Note 16 - Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Notes Tables
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	Fiscal Year 2016 2015 2014 Income from continuing operations $ 30,755 $ 30,166 $ 26,710 Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes (290 ) (162 ) (10,255 ) Net income $ 30,465 $ 30,004 $ 16,455 Shares: Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic 31,670,189 34,018,582 34,955,760 Basic earnings per common share: Continuing operations $ 0.97 $ 0.88 $ 0.76 Discontinued operations (0.01 ) 0.00 (0.29 ) Basic earnings per common share $ 0.96 $ 0.88 $ 0.47 Fiscal Year 2016 2015 2014 Income from continuing operations $ 30,755 $ 30,166 $ 26,710 Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes (290 ) (162 ) (10,255 ) Net income $ 30,465 $ 30,004 $ 16,455 Shares: Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic 31,670,189 34,018,582 34,955,760 Dilutive shares 438,776 415,825 459,723 Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding - diluted 32,108,965 34,434,407 35,415,483 Diluted earnings per common share: Continuing operations $ 0.96 $ 0.87 $ 0.75 Discontinued operations (0.01 ) 0.00 (0.29 ) Diluted earnings per common share $ 0.95 $ 0.87 $ 0.46

Note 17 - Segment Information (

Note 17 - Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Notes Tables
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]	Fiscal Year 2016 2015 2014 (Dollar amounts in thousands) Revenues: Company-owned steakhouse restaurants $ 366,054 $ 354,398 $ 327,731 Franchise operations 17,301 16,661 15,763 Unallocated other revenue and revenue discounts 2,592 2,374 2,603 Total revenues $ 385,947 $ 373,433 $ 346,097 Segment profits: Company-owned steakhouse restaurants $ 85,980 $ 80,450 $ 68,230 Franchise operations 17,301 16,661 15,763 Total segment profit 103,281 97,111 83,993 Unallocated operating income 2,592 2,374 2,603 Marketing and advertising expenses (11,406 ) (10,925 ) (10,076 ) General and administrative costs (31,488 ) (30,242 ) (24,311 ) Depreciation and amortization expenses (13,434 ) (12,520 ) (10,917 ) Pre-opening costs (1,986 ) (1,032 ) (1,630 ) Interest expense, net (1,154 ) (790 ) (1,159 ) Other income (expense) 10 358 37 Income from continuing operations before income tax expense $ 46,415 $ 44,334 $ 38,540 Capital expenditures: Company-owned steakhouse restaurants $ 24,991 $ 18,934 $ 14,867 Corporate assets 1,220 1,133 1,097 Mitchell's Restaurants - 225 1,401 Total capital expenditures $ 26,211 $ 20,292 $ 17,365
Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated [Table Text Block]	December 25, 2016 December 27, 2015 December 28, 2014 (Dollar amounts in thousands) Total assets: Company-owned steakhouse restaurants $ 185,820 $ 168,766 $ 155,757 Franchise operations 2,707 2,444 2,151 Corporate assets - unallocated 9,021 7,828 16,711 Deferred income taxes - unallocated 9,924 19,309 28,829 Mitchell's Restaurants - 250 15,119 Total assets $ 207,472 $ 198,597 $ 218,567

Note 18 - Supplemental Consol40

Note 18 - Supplemental Consolidated Financial Statement Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Notes Tables
Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block]	December 25, 2016 December 27, 2015 Bank credit card receivables $ 10,992 $ 11,417 Landlord contributions 704 396 Franchise fees 2,456 2,306 Trade 463 751 Insurance receivable 446 - Receivable from gift card issuances 4,743 2,935 Other 1,715 1,428 Allowance for doubtful accounts (729 ) (732 ) $ 20,790 $ 18,501
Schedule of Other Assets [Table Text Block]	December 25, December 27, 2016 2015 Deposits $ 611 $ 702 Deferred financing costs, net 60 481 Other 28 33 $ 699 $ 1,216

Note 19 - Quarterly Financial41

Note 19 - Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Notes Tables
Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]	Quarter Ended March 27, 2016 June 26, 2016 September 25, 2016 December 25, 2016 Total Total revenues $ 101,890 $ 92,654 $ 83,774 $ 107,629 $ 385,947 Cost and expenses (85,456 ) (82,193 ) (78,173 ) (92,566 ) (338,388 ) Operating income 16,434 10,461 5,601 15,063 47,559 Interest expense, net (213 ) (253 ) (333 ) (355 ) (1,154 ) Other 7 144 (92 ) (50 ) 10 Income from continuing operations before income tax expense 16,228 10,352 5,176 14,658 46,415 Income tax expense 5,346 3,396 1,668 5,250 15,660 Income from continuing operations 10,882 6,956 3,508 9,408 30,755 Discontinued operations, net of income tax (120 ) (48 ) 75 (197 ) (290 ) Net income (loss) $ 10,762 $ 6,908 $ 3,583 $ 9,211 $ 30,465 Basic earnings per share: Continuing operations $ 0.33 $ 0.22 $ 0.11 $ 0.31 $ 0.97 Discontinued operations 0.00 0.00 0.00 (0.01 ) (0.01 ) Basic earnings per share $ 0.33 $ 0.22 $ 0.11 $ 0.30 $ 0.96 Diluted earnings per share: Continuing operations $ 0.33 $ 0.21 $ 0.11 $ 0.31 $ 0.96 Discontinued operations 0.00 0.00 0.00 (0.01 ) (0.01 ) Diluted earnings per share $ 0.33 $ 0.21 $ 0.11 $ 0.30 $ 0.95 Dividends declared per common share $ 0.07 $ 0.07 $ 0.07 $ 0.07 $ 0.28 Quarter Ended March 29, 2015 June 28, 2015 September 27, 2015 December 27, 2015 Total Total revenues $ 97,344 $ 91,049 $ 80,292 $ 104,747 $ 373,433 Cost and expenses (81,136 ) (79,645 ) (76,137 ) (91,750 ) (328,667 ) Operating income 16,208 11,404 4,155 12,997 44,766 Interest expense, net (226 ) (174 ) (188 ) (202 ) (790 ) Debt issuance costs written off 15 16 9 318 358 Income from continuing operations before income tax expense 15,997 11,246 3,976 13,113 44,334 Income tax expense 5,229 3,577 1,338 4,023 14,168 Income from continuing operations 10,768 7,669 2,638 9,090 30,166 Discontinued operations, net of income tax (357 ) (153 ) (73 ) 420 (162 ) Net income $ 10,411 $ 7,516 $ 2,565 $ 9,510 $ 30,004 Basic earnings per share: Continuing operations $ 0.31 $ 0.22 $ 0.08 $ 0.27 $ 0.88 Discontinued operations (0.01 ) 0.00 0.00 0.01 0.00 Basic earnings per share $ 0.30 $ 0.22 $ 0.08 $ 0.28 $ 0.88 Diluted earnings per share: Continuing operations $ 0.31 $ 0.22 $ 0.08 $ 0.27 $ 0.87 Discontinued operations (0.01 ) 0.00 0.00 0.01 0.00 Diluted earnings per share $ 0.30 $ 0.22 $ 0.08 $ 0.28 $ 0.87 Dividends declared per common share $ 0.06 $ 0.06 $ 0.06 $ 0.06 $ 0.24

Note 1 - The Company, Organiz42

Note 1 - The Company, Organization and Description of Business (Details Textual)	Mar. 26, 2017	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 25, 2016	Sep. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Franchised Units [Member] | International [Member]
Number of Restaurants		20	20
Ruths Chris Steak House [Member]
Number of Restaurants		150	150	149	148
Number of Restaurants Opened During Period		1	4
Ruths Chris Steak House [Member] | Entity Operated Units [Member]
Number of Restaurants		68	68	68	67
Number of Restaurants Opened During Period		0	2
Ruths Chris Steak House [Member] | Entity Operated Units [Member] | Albuquerque, NM and EI Paso, TX [Member]
Number of Restaurants Opened During Period			2
Ruths Chris Steak House [Member] | Entity Operated Units [Member] | Waltham, MA [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Number of Restaurants Opened During Period	1
Ruths Chris Steak House [Member] | Entity Operated Units [Member] | Tulsa, OK [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Number of Restaurants Opened During Period	1
Ruths Chris Steak House [Member] | Franchised Units [Member]
Number of Restaurants		81	81	80	80
Number of Restaurants Opened During Period		1	2
Ruths Chris Steak House [Member] | Franchised Units [Member] | International [Member]
Number of Restaurants		20	20
Ruths Chris Steak House [Member] | Franchised Units [Member] | Jakarta, Indonesia and Greenville, SC [Member]
Number of Restaurants Opened During Period			2
Ruths Chris Steak House [Member] | Managed [Member]
Number of Restaurants		1	1
Mitchells Fish Market [Member] | Company-owned Fish Market Restaurants [Member]
Number of Restaurants						18
Camerons Mitchell Steak house [Member] | Company-owned Steakhouse Restaurants [Member]
Number of Restaurants						3

Note 1 - The Company, Organiz43

Note 1 - The Company, Organization and Description of Business - Summary of Restaurants (Details) - Ruths Chris Steak House [Member]	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 25, 2016
Number of Restaurants	149	148
Acquired	0	0
Sold	0	0
New	1	4
Closed	0	2
Number of Restaurants	150	150
% of total	100.00%	100.00%
Entity Operated Units [Member]
Number of Restaurants	68	67
Acquired	0	0
Sold	0	0
New	0	2
Closed	0	1
Number of Restaurants	68	68
% of total	45.00%	45.00%
Franchised Units [Member]
Number of Restaurants	80	80
Acquired	0	0
Sold	0	0
New	1	2
Closed	0	1
Number of Restaurants	81	81
% of total	54.00%	54.00%
Entity Managed Units [Member]
Number of Restaurants	1	1
Acquired	0	0
Sold	0	0
New	0	0
Closed	0	0
Number of Restaurants	1	1
% of total	1.00%	1.00%

Note 2 - Summary of Significa44

Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014USD ($)	Mar. 25, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 25, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 27, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 28, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 29, 2013USD ($)
Advertising Contributions from Franchisees			$ 1,300	$ 1,400	$ 1,200
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation			378	743	1,868
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value			3,788	3,095	4,301	$ 10,586
Payments of Financing Costs			0	0	0
Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs			421	421	421
Revenue Recognition, Gift Cards, Breakage			2,600	2,400	2,600
Franchise Revenue			17,301	16,661	15,763
Advertising Expense			6,600	6,500	6,100
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross					2,800
Ruths Chris Steak House [Member]
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross	$ 2,800
Franchised Units [Member] | International [Member]
Number of Restaurants			20
Franchise Operations [Member] | International [Member]
Franchise Revenue			$ 2,900	3,000	$ 3,200
Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			5 years
Accounts Payable and Accrued Payroll [Member] | Outstanding Checks [Member]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value				$ 4,500
Minimum [Member] | Building and Building Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			20 years
Minimum [Member] | Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			5 years
Minimum [Member] | Computer Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			3 years
Minimum [Member] | Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			5 years
Minimum [Member] | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Increase in Deferred Revenue Liability [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification		$ 3,000
Maximum [Member] | Building and Building Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			40 years
Maximum [Member] | Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			7 years
Maximum [Member] | Computer Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			5 years
Maximum [Member] | Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			20 years
Maximum [Member] | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Increase in Deferred Revenue Liability [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification		$ 6,000

Note 3 - Mitchell's Restauran45

Note 3 - Mitchell's Restaurants (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended										12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 25, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 26, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 27, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 27, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 27, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 28, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 29, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 28, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 28, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 25, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 27, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 28, 2014USD ($)	Jan. 21, 2015	Nov. 30, 2014USD ($)
General and Administrative Expense											$ 31,488	$ 30,242	$ 24,311
Lease Obligations Guaranteed	$ 35,300										35,300
Interest Expense	$ 355	$ 333	$ 253	$ 213	$ 202	$ 188	$ 174	$ 226			1,154	790	1,159
Mitchells Restaurants [Member]
Number of Restaurants														21
Asset Impairment Charges													15,295
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration															$ 10,000
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) From Disposal Of Discontinued Operation, Pending Sale, Before Income Tax													$ (1,825)
General and Administrative Expense												0
Interest Expense												$ 0
Mitchell's Fish Market and Cameron's Steakhouse [Member]
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of										$ 8,000
Mitchells Restaurants [Member]
Asset Impairment Charges										15,300
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) From Disposal Of Discontinued Operation, Pending Sale, Before Income Tax									$ (1,800)
Mitchells Restaurants [Member] | Trademarks [Member]
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Indefinite-lived (Excluding Goodwill)										$ 7,300
Mitchells Fish Market [Member] | Company-owned Fish Market Restaurants [Member]
Number of Restaurants									18				18
Camerons Mitchell Steak house [Member] | Company-owned Steakhouse Restaurants [Member]
Number of Restaurants									3				3

Note 4 - Discontinued Operati46

Note 4 - Discontinued Operations (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016USD ($)
Mitchells Restaurants [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Gift Card Liability	$ (466)

Note 4 - Discontinued Operati47

Note 4 - Discontinued Operations - Summary of Discontinued Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Sep. 25, 2016	Jun. 26, 2016	Mar. 27, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Sep. 27, 2015	Jun. 28, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Revenues										$ 4,340	$ 77,360
Recurring costs and expenses									476	5,371	95,087
Loss before income taxes									(476)	(1,031)	(17,727)
Income tax benefit									(186)	(869)	(7,472)
Discontinued operations, net of income tax	$ (197)	$ 75	$ (48)	$ (120)	$ 420	$ (73)	$ (153)	$ (357)	(290)	(162)	(10,255)
Mitchells Restaurants [Member]
Revenues										4,343	73,974
Recurring costs and expenses									(351)	5,196	73,852
Asset Impairment Charges											15,295
Loss on pending sale of Mitchell's Restaurants											1,825
Other Restaurants [Member]
Revenues										(3)	3,386
Recurring costs and expenses									827	175	4,115
Asset Impairment Charges

Note 5 - Fair Value Measureme48

Note 5 - Fair Value Measurements (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring	$ 0	$ 0

Note 6 - Franchise Rights and49

Note 6 - Franchise Rights and Goodwill (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Franchise Rights [Member]
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Indefinite-lived (Excluding Goodwill)	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Note 6 - Franchise Rights and50

Note 6 - Franchise Rights and Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015
Franchise Rights	$ 32,200	$ 32,200
Gross Goodwill	34,851	34,851
Accumulated Goodwill Impairment Losses	(10,558)	(10,558)
Net Carrying Value of Goodwill	$ 24,293	$ 24,293

Note 7 - Property and Equipme51

Note 7 - Property and Equipment, Net (Details Textual) - Mitchells Restaurants [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2014	Sep. 28, 2014
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use		$ 8
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) From Disposal Of Discontinued Operation, Pending Sale, Before Income Tax	$ (1.8)

Note 7 - Property and Equipme52

Note 7 - Property and Equipment, Net - Summary of Property and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015
Property and equipment, gross	$ 235,858	$ 213,346
Less accumulated depreciation	(132,817)	(125,362)
	103,041	87,984
Land [Member]
Property and equipment, gross	616	917
Building and Building Improvements [Member]
Property and equipment, gross	23,880	24,451
Equipment [Member]
Property and equipment, gross	36,741	33,931
Computer Equipment [Member]
Property and equipment, gross	9,680	10,069
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Property and equipment, gross	20,261	17,970
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property and equipment, gross	130,345	117,364
Construction in Progress [Member]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 14,335	$ 8,644

Note 8 - Long-term Debt (Detail

Note 8 - Long-term Debt (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Feb. 02, 2017	Feb. 14, 2012	Dec. 25, 2016
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate			2.70%
Senior Credit Facility [Member]
Long-term Line of Credit			$ 25
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity			$ 70.9
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage			0.20%
Senior Credit Facility [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Amended And Restated Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate		2.00%
Senior Credit Facility [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Amended And Restated Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate		2.75%
Senior Credit Facility [Member] | Base Rate [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Amended And Restated Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate		1.00%
Senior Credit Facility [Member] | Base Rate [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Amended And Restated Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate		1.75%
Letter of Credit [Member]
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount			$ 4.1
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate			2.13%
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity		$ 100
Letter of Credit [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member] | Wells Fargo Bank, National Association and Other Lenders [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 5
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member] | Wells Fargo Bank, National Association and Other Lenders [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	90
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity upon Satisfaction of Certain Conditions	$ 150
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread Added to Reference Rate to Compute Base Rate	1.00%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.50%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	2.25%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Base Rate [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	0.50%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Base Rate [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.25%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Prime Rate [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread Added to Reference Rate to Compute Base Rate	0.50%
Swingline Loans [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member] | Wells Fargo Bank, National Association and Other Lenders [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 5

Note 8 - Long-term Debt - Summa

Note 8 - Long-term Debt - Summary of Long-term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015
Revolving credit facility	$ 25,000
Less current maturities
	$ 25,000

Note 9 - Leases (Details Textua

Note 9 - Leases (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015
Deferred Rent Credit	$ 21,700	$ 20,300
Deferred Rent Credit, Current	1,800	$ 1,900
Lease Obligations Guaranteed	35,300
One of the Leases [Member]
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	$ 250

Note 9 - Leases - Future Minimu

Note 9 - Leases - Future Minimum Lease Payments (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 25, 2016USD ($)
2,017	$ 21,806
2,018	20,755
2,019	19,840
2,020	17,982
2,021	15,828
Thereafter	118,356
	$ 214,567

Note 9 - Leases - Summary of Re

Note 9 - Leases - Summary of Rent Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Minimum rentals	$ 20,300	$ 18,846	$ 17,647
Contingent rentals	2,659	2,877	2,558
	$ 22,959	$ 21,723	$ 20,205

Note 10 - Franchise Operation58

Note 10 - Franchise Operations (Details Textual)	Nov. 30, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Sep. 25, 2016
Franchised Units [Member] | International [Member]
Number of Restaurants					20
Ruths Chris Steak House [Member]
Royalty of Sales Percentage					5.00%
Advertising Fee Percentage					1.00%
Number of Restaurants					150	148		149
Ruths Chris Steak House [Member] | Franchised Units [Member]
Number of Restaurants					81	80		80
Number of Franchise Restaurants Opened During Period							3
Ruths Chris Steak House [Member] | Franchised Units [Member] | International [Member]
Number of Restaurants					20
Ruths Chris Steak House [Member] | Franchised Units [Member] | Jakarta, Indonesia and Greenville, SC [Member]
Number of Franchise Restaurants Opened During Period					2
Ruths Chris Steak House [Member] | Franchised Units [Member] | Ann Arbor, MI, Charleston, SC and San Antonio, TX [Member]
Number of Franchise Restaurants Opened During Period						3
Ruths Chris Steak House [Member] | Franchised Units [Member] | San Antonio, TX [Member]
Number of Franchise Restaurants Opened During Period	1
Ruths Chris Steak House [Member] | Franchised Units [Member] | Boise, ID [Member]
Number of Franchise Restaurants Opened During Period				1
Ruths Chris Steak House [Member] | Franchised Units [Member] | Panama City, Panama [Member]
Number of Franchise Restaurants Opened During Period			1
Ruths Chris Steak House [Member] | Franchised Units [Member] | Taipei, Taiwan [Member]
Number of Franchise Restaurants Opened During Period		1

Note 10 - Franchise Operation59

Note 10 - Franchise Operations - Franchise Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Income from existing franchise locations	$ 17,001	$ 16,361	$ 15,598
Opening and development fee income	300	300	165
Total franchise income:	$ 17,301	$ 16,661	$ 15,763

Note 11 - Commitments and Con60

Note 11 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual)	Dec. 25, 2016
Number of Suppliers	2

Note 12 - Shareholders' Equit61

Note 12 - Shareholders' Equity (Details Textual) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Mar. 07, 2017USD ($)$ / shares	Dec. 25, 2016USD ($)$ / shares	Sep. 25, 2016$ / shares	Jun. 26, 2016$ / shares	Mar. 27, 2016$ / shares	Dec. 27, 2015$ / shares	Sep. 27, 2015$ / shares	Jun. 28, 2015$ / shares	Mar. 29, 2015$ / shares	Dec. 25, 2016USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 27, 2015$ / sharesshares	Dec. 28, 2014$ / sharesshares	Apr. 30, 2016USD ($)	Nov. 17, 2014USD ($)
Common Stock, Number of Voting Rights Per Share										1
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares | shares										2,824,322	1,483,085	1,244,065
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared | $ / shares		$ 0.07	$ 0.07	$ 0.07	$ 0.07	$ 0.06	$ 0.06	$ 0.06	$ 0.06	$ 0.28	$ 0.24	$ 0.20
Subsequent Event [Member]
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared | $ / shares	$ 0.09
Dividends Payable, Current	$ 2.9
The 2014 Share Repurchase Plan [Member]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount														$ 50
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares | shares										731,645
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value										$ 11.7
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Average Cost per Share | $ / shares										$ 15.95
The 2016 Share Repurchase Plan [Member]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount													$ 60
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares | shares										2,092,677
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value										$ 33.4
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Average Cost per Share | $ / shares										$ 15.97
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount		$ 26.6								$ 26.6

Note 12 - Shareholders' Equit62

Note 12 - Shareholders' Equity - Dividends Declared (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Dividend Declared 1 [Member]
Dividend Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.07	$ 0.06	$ 0.05
Record Date	Feb. 25, 2016	Feb. 26, 2015	Mar. 13, 2014
Total Amount	$ 2,350	$ 2,082	$ 1,798
Payment Date	Mar. 10, 2016	Mar. 12, 2015	Mar. 27, 2014
Dividends Declared 2 [Member]
Dividend Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.07	$ 0.06	$ 0.05
Record Date	May 12, 2016	May 14, 2015	May 15, 2014
Total Amount	$ 2,338	$ 2,090	$ 1,798
Payment Date	May 26, 2016	May 28, 2015	May 29, 2014
Dividends Declared 3 [Member]
Dividend Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.07	$ 0.06	$ 0.05
Record Date	Aug. 11, 2016	Aug. 13, 2015	Aug. 14, 2014
Total Amount	$ 2,282	$ 2,108	$ 1,778
Payment Date	Aug. 25, 2016	Aug. 27, 2015	Aug. 28, 2014
Dividends Declared 4 [Member]
Dividend Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.07	$ 0.06	$ 0.05
Record Date	Nov. 10, 2016	Nov. 19, 2015	Nov. 20, 2014
Total Amount	$ 2,226	$ 2,069	$ 1,764
Payment Date	Nov. 23, 2016	Dec. 3, 2015	Dec. 4, 2014

Note 13 - Employee Benefit Pl63

Note 13 - Employee Benefit Plan (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	$ 318	$ 305	$ 307

Note 14 - Incentive Stock Opt64

Note 14 - Incentive Stock Option Plans (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May 22, 2008	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 25, 2005
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense		$ 5,800	$ 4,100	$ 2,800
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense		378	743	1,900
Adjustment to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Effect from Share-based Compensation, Net		8,300
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Share-based Awards Other than Options		13,500
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value		444	863	6,300
Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised		$ 219	$ 250	183
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number		1,245,836	1,150,085
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition		3 years 98 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value		$ 3,600	$ 2,800	$ 1,900
Long-term Equity Incentive Plan 2005 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized						2,400,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Additional Shares Authorized	1,500,000				2,000,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Shares Issuable		1,400,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant		1,900,000
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross		376,423	893,662	275,794
Long-term Equity Incentive Plan 2005 [Member] | Second Anniversary [Member]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross		95,792	54,095	125,932
Long-term Equity Incentive Plan 2005 [Member] | After Grant Date [Member]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross		135,631	214,567
Long-term Equity Incentive Plan 2005 [Member] | Between 2017 Anniversary Date and 2020 Anniversary Date [Member]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross			300,000
Long-term Equity Incentive Plan 2005 [Member] | Between 2017 Anniversary Date and 2020 Anniversary Date [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage			25.00%
Long-term Equity Incentive Plan 2005 [Member] | Between the 2018 Anniversary Date and the 2021 Anniversary Date [Member]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross			325,000
Long-term Equity Incentive Plan 2005 [Member] | Between the 2018 Anniversary Date and the 2021 Anniversary Date [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage			25.00%
Long-term Equity Incentive Plan 2005 [Member] | Third Anniversary [Member]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross		45,000
Long-term Equity Incentive Plan 2005 [Member] | Between the 2018 Anniversary Date and the 2019 Anniversary Date [Member]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross		100,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage		50.00%
Long-term Equity Incentive Plan 2005 [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period						1 year
Long-term Equity Incentive Plan 2005 [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period						5 years

Note 14 - Incentive Stock Opt65

Note 14 - Incentive Stock Option Plans - Summary of Non-vested Restricted Stock (Details) - Restricted Stock [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016$ / sharesshares
Non-vested, Shares (in shares) | shares	1,150,085
Non-vested, Weighted average grant-date fair value per share (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 14.93
Granted, Shares (in shares) | shares	376,423
Granted, Weighted average grant-date fair value per share (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 16.74
Vested, Shares (in shares) | shares	(278,005)
Vested, Weighted average grant-date fair value per share (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 12.93
Forfeited, Shares (in shares) | shares	(2,667)
Forfeited, Weighted average grant-date fair value per share (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 11.67
Non-vested, Shares (in shares) | shares	1,245,836
Non-vested, Weighted average grant-date fair value per share (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 15.93

Note 14 - Incentive Stock Opt66

Note 14 - Incentive Stock Option Plans - Summary of Stock Option Activity (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Outstanding, Shares (in shares) | shares	262,748
Outstanding, Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 13.88
Granted, Shares (in shares) | shares
Granted, Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares
Exercised, Shares (in shares) | shares	(38,534)
Exercised, Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 5.70
Forfeited, Shares (in shares) | shares	(100,060)
Forfeited, Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 18.75
Outstanding, Shares (in shares) | shares	124,154
Outstanding, Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 12.50
Outstanding, Weighted remaining contractual term (Year)	1 year 21 days
Outstanding, Aggregate intrinsic value | $	$ 799,024
Options exercisable, Shares (in shares) | shares	124,154
Options exercisable, Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 12.50
Options exercisable, Weighted remaining contractual term (Year)	1 year 21 days
Options exercisable, Aggregate intrinsic value | $	$ 799,024

Note 15 - Income Taxes (Details

Note 15 - Income Taxes (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	$ 762	$ 979
Operating Loss Carryforwards	59,800
Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount	1,900
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	579	$ 607
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate	$ 380

Note 15 - Income Taxes - Income

Note 15 - Income Taxes - Income Tax Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Sep. 25, 2016	Jun. 26, 2016	Mar. 27, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Sep. 27, 2015	Jun. 28, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Income from continuing operations	$ 5,250	$ 1,668	$ 3,396	$ 5,346	$ 4,023	$ 1,338	$ 3,577	$ 5,229	$ 15,660	$ 14,168	$ 11,830
Income tax benefit									(186)	(869)	(7,472)
Total consolidated income tax expense									$ 15,474	$ 13,299	$ 4,358

Note 15 - Income Taxes - Inco69

Note 15 - Income Taxes - Income Tax Expense From Continuing Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Sep. 25, 2016	Jun. 26, 2016	Mar. 27, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Sep. 27, 2015	Jun. 28, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
U.S. Federal, Current									$ 3,987	$ 14,692	$ 3,475
U.S. Federal, Deferred									8,165	(3,445)	6,447
U.S. Federal, Total									12,152	11,247	9,922
State, Current									1,951	2,697	562
State, Deferred									1,231	(120)	961
State, Total									3,182	2,577	1,523
Foreign, Current									326	344	385
Foreign, Deferred
Foreign, Total									326	344	385
Current									6,264	17,733	4,422
Deferred									9,396	(3,565)	7,408
	$ 5,250	$ 1,668	$ 3,396	$ 5,346	$ 4,023	$ 1,338	$ 3,577	$ 5,229	15,660	14,168	11,830
Income from continuing operations	$ 5,250	$ 1,668	$ 3,396	$ 5,346	$ 4,023	$ 1,338	$ 3,577	$ 5,229	$ 15,660	$ 14,168	$ 11,830

Note 15 - Income Taxes - Reconc

Note 15 - Income Taxes - Reconciliation of the U.S. Statutory Rate to the Effective Rate (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Sep. 25, 2016	Jun. 26, 2016	Mar. 27, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Sep. 27, 2015	Jun. 28, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Income tax expense at statutory rates									$ 16,245	$ 15,517	$ 13,489
State income taxes, net of federal benefit									2,193	1,787	1,609
Federal FICA tip credit net benefit									(3,179)	(3,124)	(2,814)
Other									401	(12)	(454)
	$ 5,250	$ 1,668	$ 3,396	$ 5,346	$ 4,023	$ 1,338	$ 3,577	$ 5,229	$ 15,660	$ 14,168	$ 11,830
Effective tax rate									33.70%	32.00%	30.70%

Note 15 - Income Taxes - Inco71

Note 15 - Income Taxes - Income Tax Reconciliation Applicable to Discontinued Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Sep. 25, 2016	Jun. 26, 2016	Mar. 27, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Sep. 27, 2015	Jun. 28, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Income tax benefit at statutory rates									$ 16,245	$ 15,517	$ 13,489
Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting from:
State income taxes at state statutory rate, net of federal impact									2,193	1,787	1,609
Other, primarily federal FICA tip credit net benefit									(3,179)	(3,124)	(2,814)
	$ 5,250	$ 1,668	$ 3,396	$ 5,346	$ 4,023	$ 1,338	$ 3,577	$ 5,229	$ 15,660	$ 14,168	$ 11,830
Effective tax rate									33.70%	32.00%	30.70%
Discontinued Operations [Member]
Income tax benefit at statutory rates									$ (167)	$ (361)	$ (6,204)
Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting from:
State income taxes at state statutory rate, net of federal impact									(19)	(411)	(701)
Other, primarily federal FICA tip credit net benefit										(97)	(567)
									$ (186)	$ (869)	$ (7,472)
Effective tax rate									39.00%	84.30%	42.20%

Note 15 - Income Taxes - Deferr

Note 15 - Income Taxes - Deferred Tax Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$ 8,699	$ 8,222
Deferred rent	8,953	8,655
Net state operating loss carryforwards	2,317	3,281
Tax credit carryforwards	1,889	9,339
Property and equipment	4,080	5,098
Other	199	209
Total gross deferred tax assets	26,137	34,804
Less valuation allowance	(762)	(979)
Net deferred tax assets	25,375	33,825
Intangible assets	(15,451)	(14,516)
Total gross deferred tax liabilities	(15,451)	(14,516)
Net deferred tax assets	$ 9,924	$ 19,309

Note 15 - Income Taxes - Unreco

Note 15 - Income Taxes - Unrecognized Tax Benefit Reconciliation (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016USD ($)
Unrecognized tax benefits balance	$ 607
Gross increases for tax positions of prior years	91
Reductions due to settlements with taxing authorities	(108)
Reductions to tax positions due to statute expiration	(11)
Unrecognized tax benefits balance	$ 579

Note 16 - Earnings Per Share (D

Note 16 - Earnings Per Share (Details Textual) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	22,349	46,117	153,613
Weighted Average Exercise Prices Anti Dilutive Stock Options	$ 19.04	$ 18.84	$ 18.70

Note 16 - Earnings Per Share -

Note 16 - Earnings Per Share - Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Sep. 25, 2016	Jun. 26, 2016	Mar. 27, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Sep. 27, 2015	Jun. 28, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Income from continuing operations	$ 9,408	$ 3,508	$ 6,956	$ 10,882	$ 9,090	$ 2,638	$ 7,669	$ 10,768	$ 30,755	$ 30,166	$ 26,710
Discontinued operations, net of income tax	(197)	75	(48)	(120)	420	(73)	(153)	(357)	(290)	(162)	(10,255)
Net income (loss)	$ 9,211	$ 3,583	$ 6,908	$ 10,762	$ 9,510	$ 2,565	$ 7,516	$ 10,411	$ 30,465	$ 30,004	$ 16,455
Basic (in shares)									31,670,189	34,018,582	34,955,760
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ 0.31	$ 0.11	$ 0.22	$ 0.33	$ 0.27	$ 0.08	$ 0.22	$ 0.31	$ 0.97	$ 0.88	$ 0.76
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	(0.01)	0	0	0	0.01	0	0	(0.01)	(0.01)	0	(0.29)
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	0.30	0.11	0.22	0.33	0.28	0.08	0.22	0.30	$ 0.96	$ 0.88	$ 0.47
Shares used in computing earnings (loss) per common share:
Basic (in shares)									31,670,189	34,018,582	34,955,760
Dilutive shares (in shares)									438,776	415,825	459,723
Diluted (in shares)									32,108,965	34,434,407	35,415,483
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share:
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	0.31	0.11	0.21	0.33	0.27	0.08	0.22	0.31	$ 0.96	$ 0.87	$ 0.75
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	(0.01)	0	0	0	0.01	0	0	(0.01)	(0.01)	0	(0.29)
Diluted earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.30	$ 0.11	$ 0.21	$ 0.33	$ 0.28	$ 0.08	$ 0.22	$ 0.30	$ 0.95	$ 0.87	$ 0.46

Note 17 - Segment Information76

Note 17 - Segment Information (Details Textual)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Sep. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015
Number of Operating Segments	2
Ruths Chris Steak House [Member]
Number of Restaurants	150	149	148
Entity Operated Units [Member] | Ruths Chris Steak House [Member]
Number of Restaurants	68	68	67
Entity Managed Units [Member] | Ruths Chris Steak House [Member]
Number of Restaurants	1	1	1
Franchised Units [Member] | Ruths Chris Steak House [Member]
Number of Restaurants	81	80	80

Note 17 - Segment Information -

Note 17 - Segment Information - Segment Information, Operating Profit (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Sep. 25, 2016	Jun. 26, 2016	Mar. 27, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Sep. 27, 2015	Jun. 28, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Revenues:
Total revenues	$ 107,629	$ 83,774	$ 92,654	$ 101,890	$ 104,747	$ 80,292	$ 91,049	$ 97,344	$ 385,947	$ 373,433	$ 346,097
Segment profits:
Gross profit									103,281	97,111	83,993
Unallocated operating income									2,592	2,374	2,603
Marketing and advertising expenses									(11,406)	(10,925)	(10,076)
General and administrative costs									(31,488)	(30,242)	(24,311)
Depreciation and amortization expenses									(13,434)	(12,520)	(10,917)
Pre-opening costs									(1,986)	(1,032)	(1,630)
Interest expense, net	(355)	(333)	(253)	(213)	(202)	(188)	(174)	(226)	(1,154)	(790)	(1,159)
Other	(50)	(92)	144	7					10	358	37
Income from continuing operations before income tax expense	$ 14,658	$ 5,176	$ 10,352	$ 16,228	$ 13,113	$ 3,976	$ 11,246	$ 15,997	46,415	44,334	38,540
Capital expenditures:
Capital expenditure									26,211	20,292	17,365
Mitchells Restaurants [Member]
Capital expenditures:
Capital expenditure										225	1,401
Operating Segments [Member] | Company-owned Steakhouse Restaurants [Member]
Revenues:
Total revenues									366,054	354,398	327,731
Segment profits:
Gross profit									85,980	80,450	68,230
Capital expenditures:
Capital expenditure									24,991	18,934	14,867
Operating Segments [Member] | Franchise Operations [Member]
Revenues:
Total revenues									17,301	16,661	15,763
Segment profits:
Gross profit									17,301	16,661	15,763
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]
Revenues:
Total revenues									2,592	2,374	2,603
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]
Capital expenditures:
Capital expenditure									$ 1,220	$ 1,133	$ 1,097

Note 17 - Segment Information78

Note 17 - Segment Information - Segment Information, Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Assets	$ 207,472	$ 198,597	$ 218,567
Deferred income taxes - unallocated	9,924	19,309
Mitchells Restaurants [Member]
Assets		250	15,119
Operating Segments [Member] | Company-owned Steakhouse Restaurants [Member]
Assets	185,820	168,766	155,757
Operating Segments [Member] | Franchise Operations [Member]
Assets	2,707	2,444	2,151
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]
Assets	9,021	7,828	16,711
Deferred income taxes - unallocated	$ 9,924	$ 19,309	$ 28,829

Note 18 - Supplemental Consol79

Note 18 - Supplemental Consolidated Financial Statement Information - Summary of Accounts Receivable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015
Bank credit card receivables	$ 10,992	$ 11,417
Landlord contributions	704	396
Franchise fees	2,456	2,306
Trade	463	751
Insurance receivable	446
Receivable from gift card issuances	4,743	2,935
Other	1,715	1,428
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(729)	(732)
	$ 20,790	$ 18,501

Note 18 - Supplemental Consol80

Note 18 - Supplemental Consolidated Financial Statement Information - Summary of Other Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015
Deposits	$ 611	$ 702
Deferred financing costs, net	60	481
Other	28	33
	$ 699	$ 1,216

Note 19 - Quarterly Financial81

Note 19 - Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) - Quarterly Results of Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Sep. 25, 2016	Jun. 26, 2016	Mar. 27, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Sep. 27, 2015	Jun. 28, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Total revenues	$ 107,629	$ 83,774	$ 92,654	$ 101,890	$ 104,747	$ 80,292	$ 91,049	$ 97,344	$ 385,947	$ 373,433	$ 346,097
Cost and expenses	(92,566)	(78,173)	(82,193)	(85,456)	(91,750)	(76,137)	(79,645)	(81,136)	(338,388)	(328,667)	(306,435)
Operating income	15,063	5,601	10,461	16,434	12,997	4,155	11,404	16,208	47,559	44,766	39,662
Interest expense, net	(355)	(333)	(253)	(213)	(202)	(188)	(174)	(226)	(1,154)	(790)	(1,159)
Other	(50)	(92)	144	7					10	358	37
Income from continuing operations before income tax expense	14,658	5,176	10,352	16,228	13,113	3,976	11,246	15,997	46,415	44,334	38,540
Income from continuing operations	5,250	1,668	3,396	5,346	4,023	1,338	3,577	5,229	15,660	14,168	11,830
Income from continuing operations	9,408	3,508	6,956	10,882	9,090	2,638	7,669	10,768	30,755	30,166	26,710
Discontinued operations, net of income tax	(197)	75	(48)	(120)	420	(73)	(153)	(357)	(290)	(162)	(10,255)
Net income (loss)	$ 9,211	$ 3,583	$ 6,908	$ 10,762	$ 9,510	$ 2,565	$ 7,516	$ 10,411	$ 30,465	$ 30,004	$ 16,455
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ 0.31	$ 0.11	$ 0.22	$ 0.33	$ 0.27	$ 0.08	$ 0.22	$ 0.31	$ 0.97	$ 0.88	$ 0.76
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	(0.01)	0	0	0	0.01	0	0	(0.01)	(0.01)	0	(0.29)
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	0.30	0.11	0.22	0.33	0.28	0.08	0.22	0.30	0.96	0.88	0.47
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	0.31	0.11	0.21	0.33	0.27	0.08	0.22	0.31	0.96	0.87	0.75
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	(0.01)	0	0	0	0.01	0	0	(0.01)	(0.01)	0	(0.29)
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	0.30	0.11	0.21	0.33	0.28	0.08	0.22	0.30	0.95	0.87	0.46
Dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.07	$ 0.07	$ 0.07	$ 0.07	$ 0.06	$ 0.06	$ 0.06	$ 0.06	$ 0.28	$ 0.24	$ 0.20
Debt issuance costs written off					$ 318	$ 9	$ 16	$ 15		$ 358