Ruths Hospitality (RUTH) 10-Q 3 Nov 17 2017 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017	Oct. 31, 2017
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
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 24, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
Common Stock [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares)		31,278,209
Unvested Restricted Stock [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares)		1,184,629

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Current Period Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 24, 2017	Dec. 25, 2016
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 4,862	$ 3,788
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts 2017 - $236; 2016 - $729	9,789	20,790
Inventory	7,247	7,396
Prepaid expenses and other	2,232	2,446
Total current assets	24,130	34,420
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation 2017 - $143,034; 2016 - $132,817	103,518	103,041
Goodwill	24,293	24,293
Deferred income taxes	5,452	9,924
Other assets	643	699
Total assets	193,072	207,472
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	7,642	7,064
Accrued payroll	11,709	14,902
Accrued expenses	6,545	11,672
Deferred revenue	27,483	38,155
Other current liabilities	4,962	7,622
Total current liabilities	58,341	79,415
Long-term debt	30,000	25,000
Deferred rent	22,230	21,737
Other liabilities	2,132	2,311
Total liabilities	112,703	128,463
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock, par value $.01 per share; 100,000,000 shares authorized, 30,093,180 shares issued and outstanding at September 24, 2017, 30,549,283 shares issued and outstanding at December 25, 2016	301	305
Additional paid-in capital	84,643	95,266
Accumulated deficit	(4,575)	(16,562)
Treasury stock, at cost; 71,950 shares at September 24, 2017 and December 25, 2016
Total shareholders' equity	80,369	79,009
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	193,072	207,472
Franchise Rights [Member]
Current assets:
Finite-lived intangible assets	32,200	32,200
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Current assets:
Finite-lived intangible assets	$ 2,836	$ 2,895

Condensed Consolidated Balance3

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Current Period Unaudited) (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 24, 2017	Dec. 25, 2016
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 236	$ 729
Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation	$ 143,034	$ 132,817
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)	30,093,180	30,549,283
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	30,093,180	30,549,283
Treasury stock, shares (in shares)	71,950	71,950
Franchise Rights [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets, accumulated amortization	$ 218	$ 218
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets, accumulated amortization	$ 1,238	$ 1,179

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 25, 2016	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 25, 2016
Revenues:
Restaurant sales	$ 79,442	$ 78,760	$ 273,042	$ 261,941
Franchise income	4,218	3,928	12,865	12,463
Other operating income	1,507	1,086	4,813	3,914
Total revenues	85,167	83,774	290,720	278,318
Costs and expenses:
Food and beverage costs	25,319	23,723	82,012	78,022
Restaurant operating expenses	42,595	40,549	133,046	127,026
Marketing and advertising	3,197	2,546	9,056	7,134
General and administrative costs	7,096	7,346	23,267	22,068
Depreciation and amortization expenses	3,852	3,435	11,089	9,907
Pre-opening costs	121	574	1,473	1,665
Total costs and expenses	82,180	78,173	259,943	245,822
Operating income	2,987	5,601	30,777	32,496
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net	(197)	(333)	(521)	(799)
Other	(6)	(92)	33	60
Income from continuing operations before income tax expense	2,784	5,176	30,289	31,757
Income tax expense	1,017	1,668	9,632	10,410
Income from continuing operations	1,767	3,508	20,657	21,347
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	(71)	75	(101)	(94)
Net income	$ 1,696	$ 3,583	$ 20,556	$ 21,253
Basic earnings (loss) per common share:
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ 0.06	$ 0.11	$ 0.68	$ 0.67
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)			(0.01)
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	0.06	0.11	0.67	0.67
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share:
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	0.06	0.11	0.67	0.66
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	(0.01)		(0.01)
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.05	$ 0.11	$ 0.66	$ 0.66
Shares used in computing net income (loss) per common share:
Basic (in shares)	30,348,180	31,305,952	30,490,554	32,023,814
Diluted (in shares)	30,877,192	31,737,036	31,040,640	32,437,142
Cash dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.09	$ 0.07	$ 0.27	$ 0.21

Condensed Consolidated Stateme5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Deficit [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]
Balance at Dec. 27, 2015	$ 97,902	$ 331	$ 135,403	$ (37,832)
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 27, 2015		33,146			72
Net income	21,253			21,253
Cash dividends	(6,969)			(6,969)
Repurchase of common stock	(39,973)	$ (25)	(39,948)
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)		(2,477)
Shares issued under stock compensation plan net of shares withheld for tax effects	(1,427)	$ 3	(1,430)
Shares issued under stock compensation plan net of shares withheld for tax effects (in shares)		213
Excess tax benefit from stock based compensation	395		395
Stock-based compensation	4,259		4,259
Balance at Sep. 25, 2016	75,440	$ 309	98,679	(23,548)
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 25, 2016		30,882			72
Balance at Dec. 25, 2016	79,009	$ 305	95,266	(16,562)
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 25, 2016		30,549			72
Net income	20,556			20,556
Cash dividends	(8,568)			(8,568)
Repurchase of common stock	(14,543)	$ (7)	(14,536)
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)		(719)
Shares issued under stock compensation plan net of shares withheld for tax effects	(1,164)	$ 3	(1,167)
Shares issued under stock compensation plan net of shares withheld for tax effects (in shares)		263
Stock-based compensation	5,080		5,080
Balance at Sep. 24, 2017	$ 80,369	$ 301	$ 84,643	$ (4,575)
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 24, 2017		30,093			72

Condensed Consolidated Stateme6

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 25, 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 20,556	$ 21,253
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	11,089	9,907
Deferred income taxes	4,472	6,065
Non-cash interest expense	97	315
Debt issuance costs written-off	16
Gain on the disposal of property and equipment, net		(128)
Stock-based compensation expense	5,080	4,259
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	11,002	9,793
Inventories	149	341
Prepaid expenses and other	217	(2,012)
Other assets	356	198
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	(6,064)	(10,731)
Deferred revenue	(10,671)	(11,736)
Deferred rent	493	978
Other liabilities	(1,702)	623
Net cash provided by operating activities	35,090	29,125
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of property and equipment	(14,326)	(19,094)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment		802
Net cash used in investing activities	(14,326)	(18,292)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Principal borrowings on long-term debt	26,000	47,000
Principal repayments on long-term debt	(21,000)	(9,000)
Repurchase of common stock	(14,543)	(39,973)
Cash dividend payments	(8,568)	(6,969)
Tax payments from the vesting of restricted stock and option exercises	(2,079)	(1,503)
Excess tax benefits from stock compensation		395
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	913	76
Deferred financing costs	(413)
Net cash used in financing activities	(19,690)	(9,974)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	1,074	859
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	3,788	3,095
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	4,862	3,954
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Interest, net of capitalized interest	405	461
Income taxes	6,539	2,223
Noncash investing and financing activities:
Accrued acquisition of property and equipment	$ 1,023	$ 389

Note 1 - The Company and Basis

Note 1 - The Company and Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]
The Company and Basis of Presentation	(1) The Company and Basis of Presentation The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, the Company) as of September 24, 2017 and December 25, 2016 and for the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended September 24, 2017 and September 25, 2016 have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC). The condensed consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc. is a restaurant company focused on the upscale dining segment. Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc. operates Company-owned Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurants and sells 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. As of September 24, 2017, there were 153 Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurants, including 70 Company-owned restaurants, two restaurants operating under contractual agreements and 81 franchisee-owned restaurants, including 21 international franchisee-owned restaurants in Aruba, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, Panama, Singapore, Taiwan and the United Arab Emirates. All Company-owned restaurants are located in the United States. New Company-owned Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurants opened in Waltham, MA in January 2017 and Cleveland, OH in March 2017 and a new frachisee-owned Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurant opened in Chengdu, China in September 2017. A new restaurant operated by the Company under a contractual agreement also opened in Tulsa, OK in January 2017. A franchisee-owned Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurant was closed permanently in San Juan, Puerto Rico in September 2017 as a result of severe damage from Hurricane Maria. The information furnished herein reflects all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals and adjustments), which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to fairly present the operating results for the respective periods. The interim results of operations for the periods ended September 24, 2017 and September 25, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved for the full year. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally presented in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the SEC’s rules and regulations. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 25, 2016. The Company operates on a 52- or 53-week fiscal year ending on the last Sunday in December. The fiscal quarters ended September 24, 2017 and September 25, 2016 each contained thirteen weeks and are referred to herein as the third quarter of fiscal year 2017 and the third quarter of fiscal year 2016, respectively. Fiscal year 2017 is a 53-week year. Fiscal year 2016 is a 52-week year. Estimates Management of the Company has made a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reporting of revenue and expenses during the periods to prepare these condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include the carrying amounts of property and equipment, goodwill, franchise rights, and obligations related to gift cards, incentive compensation, workers’ compensation and medical insurance. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Recent Accounting Pronouncements for Future Application In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, (ASU 2014-09), which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers, and will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in GAAP when it becomes effective. The new standard is effective for interim and annual periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, which will require the Company to adopt these provisions in the first quarter of fiscal year 2018. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method and is expected to impact the Company’s recognition of revenue related to franchise development and site specific fees. The Company currently recognizes franchise development and site specific fees when new franchisee-owned restaurants open. Under ASU 2014-09, development and site specific fees will be recognized over the life of the applicable franchise agreements. The Company expects that the new standard will have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements. The Company now expects that the most significant change relates to an increase of approximately $3 million to $4 million to the deferred revenue liability on the consolidated balance sheet for previously recognized franchise development and site specific fees that will be recognized over the life of the applicable franchise agreements under the new standard. In addition, ASU 2014-09 is expected to impact the classification of advertising contributions from franchisees. The Company currently records advertising contributions from franchisees as a liability against which specified advertising and marketing costs are charged. Under the new standard, advertising contributions from franchisees will be classified as franchise income on the consolidated statements of income. The Company recognized advertising contributions from franchisees totaling $1.3 million and $1.4 million during fiscal years 2016 and 2015, respectively, as a reduction to marketing and advertising expense on the consolidated statements of income. The Company is evaluating other potential effects that ASU 2014-09 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. The Company has not yet selected a transition method. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). This update requires a lessee to recognize on the balance sheet a liability to make lease payments and a corresponding right-of-use asset. The guidance also requires certain qualitative and quantitative disclosures about the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. This update is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018, which will require the Company to adopt these provisions in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019 using a modified retrospective approach. The Company’s restaurants operate under facility lease agreements that provide for material future lease payments. The restaurant facility leases comprise the majority of the Company’s material lease agreements. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of the standard on its ongoing financial reporting, but expects that the adoption of ASU 2016-02 will have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements. The Company expects that the most significant changes relate to 1) the recognition of new right–of–use assets and lease liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet for restaurant facility operating leases; and 2) the derecognition of existing lease liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet related to scheduled rent increases. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows: Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (Topic 230). This update was issued to standardize how certain transactions are classified on the statement of cash flows. This update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of ASU 2016-15 is not expected to have a significant impact of the Company’s ongoing financial reporting. In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740). This update addresses the income tax consequences of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory. Current GAAP prohibits the recognition of current and deferred income taxes for an intra-entity asset transfer until the asset has been sold to an outside party. In addition, interpretations of this guidance have developed in practice over the years for transfers of certain intangible and tangible assets. The amendments in the update will require recognition of current and deferred income taxes resulting from an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs. This update is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017, which will require us to adopt these provisions in the first quarter of fiscal year 2018 using a modified retrospective approach. Early adoption is permitted. We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment (Topic 350). This update eliminates the current two-step approach used to test goodwill for impairment and requires an entity to apply a one-step quantitative test and record the amount of goodwill impairment as the excess of a reporting unit’s carrying amount over its fair value, not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. ASU 2017-04 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 (upon the first goodwill impairment test performed during that fiscal year). Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests after January 1, 2017. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2017-04 to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Note 2 - Mitchell's Restaurants

Note 2 - Mitchell's Restaurants	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017
Discontinued Operations	(3) Discontinued Operations The Company accounts for its closed restaurants in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 360-10, “Property, Plant and Equipment.” As of December 29, 2014, the Company adopted ASU 2014-08, “Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity,” which changed the criteria for reporting discontinued operations and requires additional disclosures about discontinued operations. ASU 2014-08 requires that an entity report as a discontinued operation only a disposal that represents a strategic shift in operations that has a major effect on its operations and financial results. Therefore, individual restaurants which are closed after December 28, 2014 will not be classified as discontinued operations. Prior to the Company’s adoption of ASU 2014-08, when a restaurant was closed or the restaurant was either held for sale or abandoned, the restaurant’s operations were eliminated from the ongoing operations. Accordingly, the operations of such restaurants, net of applicable income taxes, are presented as discontinued operations and prior period operations of such restaurants, net of applicable income taxes, were reclassified. For the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended September 24, 2017 and September 25, 2016, all restaurant sales, direct costs and expenses and income taxes attributable to restaurants classified as discontinued operations have been aggregated to a single caption entitled results from discontinued operations, net of income taxes in the condensed consolidated statements of income for all periods presented. Results from discontinued operations, net of income taxes is comprised of the following (in thousands): 13 Weeks Ended 39 Weeks Ended September 24, September 25, September 24, September 25, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Revenues Mitchell's Restaurants $ — $ — $ — $ — Other Restaurants — — — — Total revenues — — — — Costs and expenses Recurring costs and expenses Mitchell's Restaurants 131 (448 ) 220 (408 ) Other Restaurants (17 ) 325 (57 ) 562 Total costs and expenses 114 (123 ) 163 154 (Loss) income before income taxes (114 ) 123 (163 ) (154 ) Income tax (benefit) expense (43 ) 48 (62 ) (60 ) (Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes $ (71 ) $ 75 $ (101 ) $ (94 ) Cash flows from discontinued operations are combined with the cash flows from continuing operations within each of the categories on our condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. We do not anticipate that the sale of the Mitchell’s Restaurants or any of our closed restaurants reported as discontinued operations will have a material impact on the Company’s cash flow during fiscal year 2017.
Mitchells Restaurants [Member]
Discontinued Operations	(2) Mitchell’s Restaurants As of December 28, 2014, the Company operated eighteen Mitchell’s Fish Markets and three Mitchell’s/Cameron’s Steakhouse restaurants (collectively, the Mitchell’s Restaurants). In November 2014, the Company and Landry’s, Inc. and Mitchell’s Entertainment, Inc., an affiliate of Landry’s Inc. (together with Landry’s Inc., Landry’s), entered into an asset purchase agreement (the Agreement). Pursuant to the Agreement, the Company agreed to sell the Mitchell’s Restaurants and related assets to Landry’s for $10 million. The sale of the Mitchell’s Restaurants closed on January 21, 2015. The assets sold consisted primarily of leasehold interests, leasehold improvements, restaurant equipment and furnishings, inventory, and related intangible assets, including brand names and trademarks associated with the 21 Mitchell’s Restaurants. The results of operations have been classified as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of income for all periods presented. No amounts for shared general and administrative costs or interest expense were allocated to discontinued operations. Substantially all direct cash flows related to operating these restaurants were eliminated at the closing date of the sale. The Company’s continuing involvement was limited to transition services up to four months with minimal impact on cash flows. 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 months following the closing date. In the Agreement, the Company and Landry’s made customary representations and warranties and agreed to customary covenants relating to the sale of the Mitchell’s Restaurants. The Company and Landry’s have agreed to indemnify each other for losses arising from certain breaches of the Agreement and for certain other liabilities. The Company guaranteed Landry’s lease obligations aggregating $33.8 million under nine of the Mitchell’s Restaurants’ leases. The Company did not record a financial accounting liability for the lease guarantees, because the likelihood of Landry’s defaulting on the lease agreements was deemed to be remote. Landry’s also indemnified the Company in the event of a default under any of the leases.

Note 3 - Discontinued Operation

Note 3 - Discontinued Operations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Discontinued Operations	(3) Discontinued Operations The Company accounts for its closed restaurants in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 360-10, “Property, Plant and Equipment.” As of December 29, 2014, the Company adopted ASU 2014-08, “Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity,” which changed the criteria for reporting discontinued operations and requires additional disclosures about discontinued operations. ASU 2014-08 requires that an entity report as a discontinued operation only a disposal that represents a strategic shift in operations that has a major effect on its operations and financial results. Therefore, individual restaurants which are closed after December 28, 2014 will not be classified as discontinued operations. Prior to the Company’s adoption of ASU 2014-08, when a restaurant was closed or the restaurant was either held for sale or abandoned, the restaurant’s operations were eliminated from the ongoing operations. Accordingly, the operations of such restaurants, net of applicable income taxes, are presented as discontinued operations and prior period operations of such restaurants, net of applicable income taxes, were reclassified. For the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended September 24, 2017 and September 25, 2016, all restaurant sales, direct costs and expenses and income taxes attributable to restaurants classified as discontinued operations have been aggregated to a single caption entitled results from discontinued operations, net of income taxes in the condensed consolidated statements of income for all periods presented. Results from discontinued operations, net of income taxes is comprised of the following (in thousands): 13 Weeks Ended 39 Weeks Ended September 24, September 25, September 24, September 25, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Revenues Mitchell's Restaurants $ — $ — $ — $ — Other Restaurants — — — — Total revenues — — — — Costs and expenses Recurring costs and expenses Mitchell's Restaurants 131 (448 ) 220 (408 ) Other Restaurants (17 ) 325 (57 ) 562 Total costs and expenses 114 (123 ) 163 154 (Loss) income before income taxes (114 ) 123 (163 ) (154 ) Income tax (benefit) expense (43 ) 48 (62 ) (60 ) (Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes $ (71 ) $ 75 $ (101 ) $ (94 ) Cash flows from discontinued operations are combined with the cash flows from continuing operations within each of the categories on our condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. We do not anticipate that the sale of the Mitchell’s Restaurants or any of our closed restaurants reported as discontinued operations will have a material impact on the Company’s cash flow during fiscal year 2017.

Note 4 - Long-term Debt

Note 4 - Long-term Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term Debt	(4) Long-term Debt Long-term debt consists of the following (in thousands): September 24, December 25, 2017 2016 Senior Credit Facility: Revolving credit facility $ 30,000 $ 25,000 Less current maturities — — $ 30,000 $ 25,000 As of September 24, 2017, the Company had $30.0 million of outstanding indebtedness under its senior credit facility with approximately $55.4 million of borrowings available, net of outstanding letters of credit of approximately $4.6 million. As of September 24, 2017, the weighted average interest rate on the Company’s outstanding debt was 2.7% and the weighted average interest rate on our outstanding letters of credit was 1.6%. In addition, the fee on the Company’s senior credit facility was 0.2%. As of September 24, 2017, the Company was in compliance with all the covenants under its senior credit facility. On February 2, 2017, the Company entered into a credit agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association as administrative agent, and certain other lenders (the Credit Agreement). The Credit Agreement provides for a revolving credit facility of $90.0 million with a $5.0 million subfacility for letters of credit and a $5.0 million subfacility for swingline loans. Subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions and lender consent, the revolving credit facility may be increased up to a maximum of $150.0 million. The Credit Agreement has a maturity date of February 2, 2022. At the Company’s option, revolving loans may bear interest at (i) LIBOR, plus an applicable margin or (ii) the highest of (a) the rate publicly announced by Wells Fargo as its prime rate, (b) the average published federal funds rate in effect on such day plus 0.50% and (c) one month LIBOR plus 1.00%, plus an applicable margin. The applicable margin is based on the Company’s actual leverage ratio, ranging (a) from 1.50% to 2.25% above the applicable LIBOR rate or (b) at the Company’s option, from 0.50% to 1.25% above the applicable base rate. 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 be accelerated by lenders holding a majority of the commitments under the Credit Agreement and the lenders’ commitments may be terminated. The obligations under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by certain of the Company’s subsidiaries (the Guarantors), and are secured by a lien on substantially all of the Company’s personal property assets other than any equity interest in current and future subsidiaries of the Company.

Note 5 - Shareholders' Equity

Note 5 - Shareholders' Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017
Stockholders Equity Note Abstract
Stockholders' Equity	(5) Shareholders’ Equity Subsequent to the end of the third quarter of fiscal year 2017 the Company’s Board of Directors approved a new share repurchase program under which the Company is authorized to repurchase up to $60 million of outstanding common stock from time to time. The new share repurchase program replaces the previous share repurchase program announced in April 2016, which has been terminated. The Company spent $48.0 million to repurchase 2.8 million shares of its common stock, at an average price of $17.05 per share, under its previous share repurchase program. During the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2017, 719,442 shares were repurchased at an aggregate cost of $14.5 million, or an average cost of $20.21 per share. Share repurchases were accounted for under the cost method and all repurchased shares were retired and cancelled. The excess of the purchase price over the par value of the shares was recorded as a reduction in additional paid-in-capital. 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 2017 February 17, 2017 $ 0.09 February 23, 2017 $ 2,862 March 9, 2017 May 5, 2017 $ 0.09 May 18, 2017 $ 2,862 June 1, 2017 July 28, 2017 $ 0.09 August 10, 2017 $ 2,844 August 24, 2017 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 Subsequent to the end of the third quarter of fiscal year 2017, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.09 per common and restricted share, or approximately $2.8 million in the aggregate based on the number of shares currently outstanding, payable on November 22, 2017 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on November 9, 2017. Outstanding unvested restricted stock is not included in common stock outstanding amounts. Restricted stock outstanding as of September 24, 2017 aggregated 1,184,629 shares.

Note 6 - Fair Value Measurement

Note 6 - Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	(6) Fair Value Measurements The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, prepaid expenses, accounts payable and accrued expenses and other current liabilities are reasonable estimates of their fair values due to their short duration. Borrowings classified as long-term debt as of September 24, 2017 and December 25, 2016 have variable interest rates that reflect currently available terms and conditions for similar debt. The carrying amount of this debt is a reasonable estimate of its fair value (Level 2). As of September 24, 2017 and December 25, 2016, the Company had no assets or liabilities measured on a recurring or nonrecurring basis subject to the disclosure requirements of “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” FASB ASC Topic 820.

Note 7 - Segment Information

Note 7 - Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	(7) Segment Information The Company has two reportable segments – the Company-owned steakhouse segment and the franchise operations segment. The Company does not rely on any major customers as a source of revenue. 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 September 24, 2017, (i) the Company-owned steakhouse restaurant segment included 70 Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurants and two Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurants operating under contractual agreements and (ii) the franchise operations segment included 81 franchisee-owned Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurants. Segment profits for the Company-owned steakhouse restaurant segments equal segment revenues less segment expenses. Segment revenues for the Company-owned steakhouse restaurants include restaurant sales, management agreement income and other restaurant income. Gift card breakage revenue is not allocated to operating segments. Not all operating expenses are allocated to operating segments. Segment expenses for the Company-owned steakhouse segment include food and beverage costs and restaurant operating expenses. No other operating costs are allocated to the Company-owned steakhouse segment for the purpose of determining segment profits because such costs are not directly related to the operation of individual restaurants. The accounting policies applicable to each segment are consistent with the policies used to prepare the consolidated financial statements. The profit of the franchise operations segment equals franchise income, which consists of franchise royalty fees and franchise opening fees. No costs are allocated to the franchise operations segment. Segment information related to the Company’s two reportable business segments follows (in thousands): 13 Weeks Ended 39 Weeks Ended September 24, September 25, September 24, September 25, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Revenues: Company-owned steakhouse restaurants $ 80,390 $ 79,360 $ 275,732 $ 263,907 Franchise operations 4,218 3,928 12,865 12,463 Unallocated other revenue and revenue discounts 559 486 2,123 1,948 Total revenues $ 85,167 $ 83,774 $ 290,720 $ 278,318 Segment profits: Company-owned steakhouse restaurants $ 12,476 $ 15,088 $ 60,674 $ 58,859 Franchise operations 4,218 3,928 12,865 12,463 Total segment profit 16,694 19,016 73,539 71,322 Unallocated operating income 559 486 2,123 1,948 Marketing and advertising expenses (3,197 ) (2,546 ) (9,056 ) (7,134 ) General and administrative costs (7,096 ) (7,346 ) (23,267 ) (22,068 ) Depreciation and amortization expenses (3,852 ) (3,435 ) (11,089 ) (9,907 ) Pre-opening costs (121 ) (574 ) (1,473 ) (1,665 ) Interest expense, net (197 ) (333 ) (521 ) (799 ) Other income (6 ) (92 ) 33 60 Income from continuing operations before income tax expense $ 2,784 $ 5,176 $ 30,289 $ 31,757 Capital expenditures: Company-owned steakhouse restaurants $ 3,600 $ 5,238 $ 13,592 $ 18,351 Corporate assets 77 387 734 743 Total capital expenditures $ 3,677 $ 5,625 $ 14,326 $ 19,094 September 24, December 25, 2017 2016 Total assets: Company-owned steakhouse restaurants $ 179,030 $ 185,820 Franchise operations 2,383 2,707 Corporate assets - unallocated 6,207 9,021 Deferred income taxes - unallocated 5,452 9,924 Total assets $ 193,072 $ 207,472

Note 8 - Stock-based Employee C

Note 8 - Stock-based Employee Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Stock-Based Employee Compensation	(8) Stock-Based Employee Compensation As of December 26, 2016 (the first day of fiscal year 2017), the Company adopted ASU 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718), which affects all entities that issue share-based compensation to their employees. The amendments in this ASU cover such areas as the recognition of excess tax benefits and deficiencies, the classification of those excess tax benefits on the statement of cash flows, an accounting policy election for forfeitures, the amount an employer can withhold to cover income taxes and still qualify for equity classification and the classification of those taxes paid on the statement of cash flows. Therefore, for the thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2017, the recognition of excess tax benefits and deficiencies were recognized as income tax benefits or expense on the consolidated statement of income and as an operating activity on the statement of cash flows. Prior to the Company’s adoption of ASU 2016-09, these tax benefits and deficiencies were recognized as additional paid-in capital on the balance sheet and as a financing activity on the statement of cash flows. Under the Amended and Restated 2005 Equity Incentive Plan, at September 24, 2017, there were 19,250 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of currently outstanding options, 1,184,629 currently outstanding unvested restricted stock awards and 1,806,516 shares available for future grants. During the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2017, the Company issued 251,512 restricted stock awards to directors, officers and other employees of the Company. Of the 251,512 restricted stock awards issued during the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal year 2017, 38,220 shares will vest in fiscal year 2018, 135,073 shares will vest in fiscal year 2019, 48,219 shares will vest in fiscal year 2020, 10,000 will vest in 2021, 10,000 will vest in 2022 and 10,000 will vest in 2023. Total stock compensation expense recognized during the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal years 2017 and 2016 was $5.1 million and $4.3 million, respectively.

Note 9 - Income Taxes

Note 9 - Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	(9) Income Taxes 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: 39 Weeks Ended September 24, September 25, 2017 2016 Income tax expense at statutory rates 35.0 % 35.0 % Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting from: State income taxes, net of federal benefit 3.0 % 4.2 % Federal employment tax credits (7.0 %) (7.1 %) Other 0.8 % 0.7 % Effective tax rate 31.8 % 32.8 % The Company utilizes the federal FICA tip credit to reduce its periodic federal income tax expense. A restaurant company employer may claim a credit against the company’s federal income taxes for FICA taxes paid on certain tip wages (the FICA tip credit). The credit against income tax liability is for the full amount of eligible FICA taxes. Employers cannot deduct from taxable income the amount of FICA taxes taken into account in determining the credit. The Company files consolidated and separate income tax returns in the United States federal jurisdiction and many state jurisdictions, respectively. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal or state income tax examinations for years before 2012.

Note 10 - Earnings Per Share

Note 10 - Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	(10) Earnings Per Share The following table sets forth the computation of earnings per share (amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts): 13 Weeks Ended 39 Weeks Ended September 24, September 25, September 24, September 25, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Income from continuing operations $ 1,767 $ 3,508 $ 20,657 $ 21,347 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes (71 ) 75 (101 ) (94 ) Net income $ 1,696 $ 3,583 $ 20,556 $ 21,253 Shares: Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic 30,348,180 31,305,952 30,490,554 32,023,814 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted 30,877,192 31,737,036 31,040,640 32,437,142 Basic earnings (loss) per common share: Continuing operations $ 0.06 $ 0.11 $ 0.68 $ 0.67 Discontinued operations — — (0.01 ) — Basic earnings per common share $ 0.06 $ 0.11 $ 0.67 $ 0.67 Diluted earnings (loss) per common share: Continuing operations $ 0.06 $ 0.11 $ 0.67 $ 0.66 Discontinued operations (0.01 ) — (0.01 ) — Diluted earnings per common share $ 0.05 $ 0.11 $ 0.66 $ 0.66 Diluted earnings per share for the third quarters of fiscal year 2017 and 2016 excludes stock options and restricted shares of 0 and 31,845, respectively, which were outstanding during the period but were anti-dilutive. The weighted average exercise prices of the anti-dilutive stock options for the third quarters of fiscal years 2017 and 2016 were $0 per share and $19.14 per share. Dilutive earnings per share for the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal years 2017 and 2016 excludes stock options and restricted shares of 857 and 24,981, respectively, which were outstanding during the period but were anti-dilutive. The weighted average exercise prices of the anti-dilutive stock options for the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal years 2017 and 2016 were $21.60 per share and $19.04 per share, respectively.

Note 11 - Commitments and Conti

Note 11 - Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	(11) Commitments and Contingencies 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 be asserted, various taxing authorities may challenge certain of the positions taken by the Company which may result in additional liability for taxes and interest. These tax positions are reviewed periodically based on the availability of new information, the lapsing of applicable statutes of limitations, the conclusion of tax audits, the identification of new tax contingencies, or the rendering of relevant court decisions. An unfavorable resolution of assessments by a governmental authority could negatively impact the Company’s results of operations and cash flows in future periods. 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. The Company currently buys a majority of its beef from two suppliers. Although there are a limited number of beef suppliers, management believes that other suppliers could provide similar product on comparable terms. A change in suppliers, however, could cause supply shortages and a possible loss of sales, which would affect operating results adversely.

Note 12 - Subsequent Events

Note 12 - Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	(12) Subsequent Events On November 2, 2017 the Company entered into an asset purchase agreement with Desert Island Restaurants, L.L.C., Honolulu Steak House, LLC, Maui Steak House LLC, Wailea Steak House LLC, Beachwalk Steak House LLC, Lava Coast Steak House, LLC and Kauai Steak House, LLC (collectively, the “Sellers”) to acquire the six franchised Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurants in Hawaii for a cash purchase price of $35 million, subject to certain adjustments. The transaction has been approved by our Board of Directors and is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions and may be terminated by the Company or the Sellers if closing has not occurred on or before 120 days following the date of the asset purchase agreement.

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, the Company) as of September 24, 2017 and December 25, 2016 and for the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended September 24, 2017 and September 25, 2016 have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC). The condensed consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc. is a restaurant company focused on the upscale dining segment. Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc. operates Company-owned Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurants and sells 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. As of September 24, 2017, there were 153 Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurants, including 70 Company-owned restaurants, two restaurants operating under contractual agreements and 81 franchisee-owned restaurants, including 21 international franchisee-owned restaurants in Aruba, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, Panama, Singapore, Taiwan and the United Arab Emirates. All Company-owned restaurants are located in the United States. New Company-owned Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurants opened in Waltham, MA in January 2017 and Cleveland, OH in March 2017 and a new frachisee-owned Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurant opened in Chengdu, China in September 2017. A new restaurant operated by the Company under a contractual agreement also opened in Tulsa, OK in January 2017. A franchisee-owned Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurant was closed permanently in San Juan, Puerto Rico in September 2017 as a result of severe damage from Hurricane Maria. The information furnished herein reflects all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals and adjustments), which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to fairly present the operating results for the respective periods. The interim results of operations for the periods ended September 24, 2017 and September 25, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved for the full year. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally presented in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the SEC’s rules and regulations. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 25, 2016. The Company operates on a 52- or 53-week fiscal year ending on the last Sunday in December. The fiscal quarters ended September 24, 2017 and September 25, 2016 each contained thirteen weeks and are referred to herein as the third quarter of fiscal year 2017 and the third quarter of fiscal year 2016, respectively. Fiscal year 2017 is a 53-week year. Fiscal year 2016 is a 52-week year.
Estimates	Estimates Management of the Company has made a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reporting of revenue and expenses during the periods to prepare these condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include the carrying amounts of property and equipment, goodwill, franchise rights, and obligations related to gift cards, incentive compensation, workers’ compensation and medical insurance. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements for Future Application	Recent Accounting Pronouncements for Future Application In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, (ASU 2014-09), which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers, and will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in GAAP when it becomes effective. The new standard is effective for interim and annual periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, which will require the Company to adopt these provisions in the first quarter of fiscal year 2018. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method and is expected to impact the Company’s recognition of revenue related to franchise development and site specific fees. The Company currently recognizes franchise development and site specific fees when new franchisee-owned restaurants open. Under ASU 2014-09, development and site specific fees will be recognized over the life of the applicable franchise agreements. The Company expects that the new standard will have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements. The Company now expects that the most significant change relates to an increase of approximately $3 million to $4 million to the deferred revenue liability on the consolidated balance sheet for previously recognized franchise development and site specific fees that will be recognized over the life of the applicable franchise agreements under the new standard. In addition, ASU 2014-09 is expected to impact the classification of advertising contributions from franchisees. The Company currently records advertising contributions from franchisees as a liability against which specified advertising and marketing costs are charged. Under the new standard, advertising contributions from franchisees will be classified as franchise income on the consolidated statements of income. The Company recognized advertising contributions from franchisees totaling $1.3 million and $1.4 million during fiscal years 2016 and 2015, respectively, as a reduction to marketing and advertising expense on the consolidated statements of income. The Company is evaluating other potential effects that ASU 2014-09 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. The Company has not yet selected a transition method. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). This update requires a lessee to recognize on the balance sheet a liability to make lease payments and a corresponding right-of-use asset. The guidance also requires certain qualitative and quantitative disclosures about the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. This update is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018, which will require the Company to adopt these provisions in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019 using a modified retrospective approach. The Company’s restaurants operate under facility lease agreements that provide for material future lease payments. The restaurant facility leases comprise the majority of the Company’s material lease agreements. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of the standard on its ongoing financial reporting, but expects that the adoption of ASU 2016-02 will have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements. The Company expects that the most significant changes relate to 1) the recognition of new right–of–use assets and lease liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet for restaurant facility operating leases; and 2) the derecognition of existing lease liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet related to scheduled rent increases. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows: Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (Topic 230). This update was issued to standardize how certain transactions are classified on the statement of cash flows. This update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of ASU 2016-15 is not expected to have a significant impact of the Company’s ongoing financial reporting. In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740). This update addresses the income tax consequences of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory. Current GAAP prohibits the recognition of current and deferred income taxes for an intra-entity asset transfer until the asset has been sold to an outside party. In addition, interpretations of this guidance have developed in practice over the years for transfers of certain intangible and tangible assets. The amendments in the update will require recognition of current and deferred income taxes resulting from an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs. This update is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017, which will require us to adopt these provisions in the first quarter of fiscal year 2018 using a modified retrospective approach. Early adoption is permitted. We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment (Topic 350). This update eliminates the current two-step approach used to test goodwill for impairment and requires an entity to apply a one-step quantitative test and record the amount of goodwill impairment as the excess of a reporting unit’s carrying amount over its fair value, not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. ASU 2017-04 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 (upon the first goodwill impairment test performed during that fiscal year). Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests after January 1, 2017. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2017-04 to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Note 3 - Discontinued Operati20

Note 3 - Discontinued Operations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations	13 Weeks Ended 39 Weeks Ended September 24, September 25, September 24, September 25, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Revenues Mitchell's Restaurants $ — $ — $ — $ — Other Restaurants — — — — Total revenues — — — — Costs and expenses Recurring costs and expenses Mitchell's Restaurants 131 (448 ) 220 (408 ) Other Restaurants (17 ) 325 (57 ) 562 Total costs and expenses 114 (123 ) 163 154 (Loss) income before income taxes (114 ) 123 (163 ) (154 ) Income tax (benefit) expense (43 ) 48 (62 ) (60 ) (Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes $ (71 ) $ 75 $ (101 ) $ (94 )

Note 4 - Long-term Debt (Tables

Note 4 - Long-term Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments	September 24, December 25, 2017 2016 Senior Credit Facility: Revolving credit facility $ 30,000 $ 25,000 Less current maturities — — $ 30,000 $ 25,000

Note 5 - Shareholders' Equity (

Note 5 - Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017
Stockholders Equity Note Abstract
Schedule of Dividends Declared and Payable	Declaration Date Dividend per Share Record Date Total Amount Payment Date Fiscal Year 2017 February 17, 2017 $ 0.09 February 23, 2017 $ 2,862 March 9, 2017 May 5, 2017 $ 0.09 May 18, 2017 $ 2,862 June 1, 2017 July 28, 2017 $ 0.09 August 10, 2017 $ 2,844 August 24, 2017 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

Note 7 - Segment Information (T

Note 7 - Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information, Operating Profit (Loss)	13 Weeks Ended 39 Weeks Ended September 24, September 25, September 24, September 25, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Revenues: Company-owned steakhouse restaurants $ 80,390 $ 79,360 $ 275,732 $ 263,907 Franchise operations 4,218 3,928 12,865 12,463 Unallocated other revenue and revenue discounts 559 486 2,123 1,948 Total revenues $ 85,167 $ 83,774 $ 290,720 $ 278,318 Segment profits: Company-owned steakhouse restaurants $ 12,476 $ 15,088 $ 60,674 $ 58,859 Franchise operations 4,218 3,928 12,865 12,463 Total segment profit 16,694 19,016 73,539 71,322 Unallocated operating income 559 486 2,123 1,948 Marketing and advertising expenses (3,197 ) (2,546 ) (9,056 ) (7,134 ) General and administrative costs (7,096 ) (7,346 ) (23,267 ) (22,068 ) Depreciation and amortization expenses (3,852 ) (3,435 ) (11,089 ) (9,907 ) Pre-opening costs (121 ) (574 ) (1,473 ) (1,665 ) Interest expense, net (197 ) (333 ) (521 ) (799 ) Other income (6 ) (92 ) 33 60 Income from continuing operations before income tax expense $ 2,784 $ 5,176 $ 30,289 $ 31,757 Capital expenditures: Company-owned steakhouse restaurants $ 3,600 $ 5,238 $ 13,592 $ 18,351 Corporate assets 77 387 734 743 Total capital expenditures $ 3,677 $ 5,625 $ 14,326 $ 19,094
Segment Information, Assets	September 24, December 25, 2017 2016 Total assets: Company-owned steakhouse restaurants $ 179,030 $ 185,820 Franchise operations 2,383 2,707 Corporate assets - unallocated 6,207 9,021 Deferred income taxes - unallocated 5,452 9,924 Total assets $ 193,072 $ 207,472

Note 9 - Income Taxes (Tables)

Note 9 - Income Taxes (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	39 Weeks Ended September 24, September 25, 2017 2016 Income tax expense at statutory rates 35.0 % 35.0 % Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting from: State income taxes, net of federal benefit 3.0 % 4.2 % Federal employment tax credits (7.0 %) (7.1 %) Other 0.8 % 0.7 % Effective tax rate 31.8 % 32.8 %

Note 10 - Earnings Per Share (T

Note 10 - Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share	13 Weeks Ended 39 Weeks Ended September 24, September 25, September 24, September 25, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Income from continuing operations $ 1,767 $ 3,508 $ 20,657 $ 21,347 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes (71 ) 75 (101 ) (94 ) Net income $ 1,696 $ 3,583 $ 20,556 $ 21,253 Shares: Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic 30,348,180 31,305,952 30,490,554 32,023,814 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted 30,877,192 31,737,036 31,040,640 32,437,142 Basic earnings (loss) per common share: Continuing operations $ 0.06 $ 0.11 $ 0.68 $ 0.67 Discontinued operations — — (0.01 ) — Basic earnings per common share $ 0.06 $ 0.11 $ 0.67 $ 0.67 Diluted earnings (loss) per common share: Continuing operations $ 0.06 $ 0.11 $ 0.67 $ 0.66 Discontinued operations (0.01 ) — (0.01 ) — Diluted earnings per common share $ 0.05 $ 0.11 $ 0.66 $ 0.66

Note 1 - The Company and Basi26

Note 1 - The Company and Basis of Presentation (Details Textual) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017Restaurant	Jan. 31, 2017Restaurant	Sep. 24, 2017USD ($)Restaurant	Dec. 25, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 27, 2015USD ($)
Organization And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Advertising Contributions from Franchisees | $				$ 1.3	$ 1.4
Minimum [Member] | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member] | Increase in Deferred Revenue Liability [Member]
Organization And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification | $			$ 3
Maximum [Member] | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member] | Increase in Deferred Revenue Liability [Member]
Organization And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification | $			$ 4
Entity Operated Units [Member] | Waltham, MA [Member]
Organization And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Number of Restaurants Opened During Period		1
Entity Operated Units [Member] | Cleveland, OH [Member]
Organization And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Number of Restaurants Opened During Period	1
Operated under Contractual Agreements [Member]
Organization And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Number of Restaurants			2
Franchised Units [Member] | International [Member]
Organization And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Number of Restaurants			21
Contractual Agreement [Member] | Tulsa, OK [Member]
Organization And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Number of Restaurants Opened During Period		1
Ruths Chris Steak House [Member]
Organization And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Number of Restaurants			153
Ruths Chris Steak House [Member] | Entity Operated Units [Member]
Organization And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Number of Restaurants			70
Ruths Chris Steak House [Member] | Franchised Units [Member]
Organization And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Number of Restaurants			81

Note 2 - Mitchell's Restauran27

Note 2 - Mitchell's Restaurants (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017USD ($)	Jan. 21, 2015Restaurant	Dec. 28, 2014Restaurant	Nov. 30, 2014USD ($)
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Lease Obligations Guaranteed	$ 33,800
Mitchells Restaurants [Member]
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of Restaurants | Restaurant		21
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration				$ 10,000
Interest Expense	0
General and Administrative Expense	$ 0
Mitchells Fish Market [Member] | Company-owned Fish Market Restaurants [Member]
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of Restaurants | Restaurant			18
Camerons Mitchell Steak house [Member] | Company-owned Steakhouse Restaurants [Member]
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of Restaurants | Restaurant			3

Note 3 - Discontinued Operati28

Note 3 - Discontinued Operations - Summary of Discontinued Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 25, 2016	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 25, 2016
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Recurring costs and expenses	$ 114	$ (123)	$ 163	$ 154
(Loss) income before income taxes	(114)	123	(163)	(154)
Income tax (benefit) expense	(43)	48	(62)	(60)
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	(71)	75	(101)	(94)
Mitchells Restaurants [Member]
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Recurring costs and expenses	131	(448)	220	(408)
Other Restaurants [Member]
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Recurring costs and expenses	$ (17)	$ 325	$ (57)	$ 562

Note 4 - Long-term Debt - Summa

Note 4 - Long-term Debt - Summary of Long-term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 24, 2017	Dec. 25, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Revolving credit facility	$ 30,000	$ 25,000
Long-term debt	$ 30,000	$ 25,000

Note 4 - Long-term Debt (Detail

Note 4 - Long-term Debt (Details Textual) - USD ($)	Feb. 02, 2017	Sep. 24, 2017
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate, at Point in Time		2.70%
Credit Agreement [Member] | Wells Fargo Bank, National Association and Other Lenders [Member]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date		Feb. 2, 2022
Senior Credit Facility [Member]
Long-term Line of Credit		$ 30,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity		$ 55,400,000
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage		0.20%
Letter of Credit [Member]
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount		$ 4,600,000
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate, at Point in Time		1.60%
Letter of Credit [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member] | Wells Fargo Bank, National Association and Other Lenders [Member]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 5,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member] | Wells Fargo Bank, National Association and Other Lenders [Member]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	90,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity upon Satisfaction of Certain Conditions	$ 150,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Prime Rate [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread Added to Reference Rate to Compute Base Rate	0.50%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread Added to Reference Rate to Compute Base Rate	1.00%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | Minimum [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.50%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | Maximum [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	2.25%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Base Rate | Minimum [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	0.50%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Base Rate | Maximum [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.25%
Swingline Loans [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member] | Wells Fargo Bank, National Association and Other Lenders [Member]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 5,000,000

Note 5 - Shareholders' Equity31

Note 5 - Shareholders' Equity (Details Textual) - USD ($)	Nov. 09, 2017	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 25, 2016	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 25, 2016	Sep. 24, 2017	Nov. 03, 2017
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared		$ 0.09	$ 0.07	$ 0.27	$ 0.21
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number		1,184,629		1,184,629		1,184,629
Dividend Declared 4 [Member]
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividend payable date				Nov. 22, 2017
Dividend record date				Nov. 9, 2017
Subsequent Event [Member] | Dividend Declared 4 [Member]
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$ 0.09
Dividends Payable, Current	$ 2,800,000
The 2016 Share Repurchase Plan [Member]
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value				$ 14,500,000		$ 48,000,000
Share repurchased				719,442		2,800,000
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Average Cost per Share				$ 20.21		$ 17.05
The 2016 Share Repurchase Plan [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount							$ 60,000,000

Note 5 - Shareholders' Equity -

Note 5 - Shareholders' Equity - Dividends Declared (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 25, 2016
Dividend Declared 1 [Member]
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividend Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.09	$ 0.07
Record Date	Feb. 23, 2017	Feb. 25, 2016
Total Amount	$ 2,862	$ 2,350
Payment Date	Mar. 9, 2017	Mar. 10, 2016
Dividend Declared 2 [Member]
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividend Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.09	$ 0.07
Record Date	May 18, 2017	May 12, 2016
Total Amount	$ 2,862	$ 2,338
Payment Date	Jun. 1, 2017	May 26, 2016
Dividend Declared 3 [Member]
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividend Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.09	$ 0.07
Record Date	Aug. 10, 2017	Aug. 11, 2016
Total Amount	$ 2,844	$ 2,282
Payment Date	Aug. 24, 2017	Aug. 25, 2016

Note 6 - Fair Value Measureme33

Note 6 - Fair Value Measurements (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 24, 2017	Dec. 25, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring	$ 0	$ 0
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring	$ 0	$ 0

Note 7 - Segment Information (D

Note 7 - Segment Information (Details Textual)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017RestaurantSegment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of Operating Segments | Segment	2
Ruths Chris Steak House [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of Restaurants	153
Entity Operated Units [Member] | Ruths Chris Steak House [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of Restaurants	70
Operated under Contractual Agreements [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of Restaurants	2
Franchised Units [Member] | Ruths Chris Steak House [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of Restaurants	81

Note 7 - Segment Information -

Note 7 - Segment Information - Segment Information, Operating Profit (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 25, 2016	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 25, 2016
Revenues:
Revenues	$ 85,167	$ 83,774	$ 290,720	$ 278,318
Segment profits:
Gross profit	16,694	19,016	73,539	71,322
Unallocated operating income	559	486	2,123	1,948
Marketing and advertising expenses	(3,197)	(2,546)	(9,056)	(7,134)
General and administrative costs	(7,096)	(7,346)	(23,267)	(22,068)
Depreciation and amortization expenses	(3,852)	(3,435)	(11,089)	(9,907)
Pre-opening costs	(121)	(574)	(1,473)	(1,665)
Interest expense, net	(197)	(333)	(521)	(799)
Other	(6)	(92)	33	60
Income from continuing operations before income tax expense	2,784	5,176	30,289	31,757
Capital expenditures:
Capital expenditure	3,677	5,625	14,326	19,094
Operating Segments [Member] | Company-owned Steakhouse Restaurants [Member]
Revenues:
Revenues	80,390	79,360	275,732	263,907
Segment profits:
Gross profit	12,476	15,088	60,674	58,859
Capital expenditures:
Capital expenditure	3,600	5,238	13,592	18,351
Operating Segments [Member] | Franchise Operations [Member]
Revenues:
Revenues	4,218	3,928	12,865	12,463
Segment profits:
Gross profit	4,218	3,928	12,865	12,463
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]
Revenues:
Revenues	559	486	2,123	1,948
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]
Capital expenditures:
Capital expenditure	$ 77	$ 387	$ 734	$ 743

Note 7 - Segment Information 36

Note 7 - Segment Information - Segment Information, Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 24, 2017	Dec. 25, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	$ 193,072	$ 207,472
Operating Segments [Member] | Company-owned Steakhouse Restaurants [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	179,030	185,820
Operating Segments [Member] | Franchise Operations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	2,383	2,707
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	6,207	9,021
Deferred income taxes - unallocated	$ 5,452	$ 9,924

Note 8 - Stock-based Employee37

Note 8 - Stock-based Employee Compensation (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 25, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	1,184,629
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$ 5.1	$ 4.3
Long-term Equity Incentive Plan 2005 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	19,250
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	1,806,516
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross	251,512
Long-term Equity Incentive Plan 2005 [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche One [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross	38,220
Long-term Equity Incentive Plan 2005 [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Two [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross	135,073
Long-term Equity Incentive Plan 2005 [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Three [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross	48,219
Long-term Equity Incentive Plan 2005 [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Four [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross	10,000
Long-term Equity Incentive Plan 2005 [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Five [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross	10,000
Long-term Equity Incentive Plan 2005 [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Six [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross	10,000
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	1,184,629
Restricted Stock [Member] | Long-term Equity Incentive Plan 2005 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	1,184,629

Note 9 - Income Taxes - Reconci

Note 9 - Income Taxes - Reconciliation of the U.S. Statutory Rate to the Effective Rate (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 25, 2016
Effective Income Tax Rate Continuing Operations Tax Rate Reconciliation [Abstract]
Income tax expense at statutory rates	35.00%	35.00%
Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting from:
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	3.00%	4.20%
Federal employment tax credits	(7.00%)	(7.10%)
Other	0.80%	0.70%
Effective tax rate	31.80%	32.80%

Note 10 - Earnings Per Share -

Note 10 - Earnings Per Share - Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 25, 2016	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 25, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Income from continuing operations	$ 1,767	$ 3,508	$ 20,657	$ 21,347
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	(71)	75	(101)	(94)
Net income	$ 1,696	$ 3,583	$ 20,556	$ 21,253
Shares:
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic	30,348,180	31,305,952	30,490,554	32,023,814
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	30,877,192	31,737,036	31,040,640	32,437,142
Basic earnings (loss) per common share:
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ 0.06	$ 0.11	$ 0.68	$ 0.67
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)			(0.01)
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	0.06	0.11	0.67	0.67
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share:
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	0.06	0.11	0.67	0.66
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	(0.01)		(0.01)
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.05	$ 0.11	$ 0.66	$ 0.66

Note 10 - Earnings Per Share (D

Note 10 - Earnings Per Share (Details Textual) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 25, 2016	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 25, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	0	31,845	857	24,981
Weighted Average Exercise Prices Anti Dilutive Stock Options	$ 0	$ 19.14	$ 21.60	$ 19.04

Note 11 - Commitments and Con41

Note 11 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual)	Sep. 24, 2017Supplier
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Number of Suppliers	2

Note 12 - Subsequent Events (De

Note 12 - Subsequent Events (Details Textual) - Subsequent Event [Member] $ in Millions	Nov. 02, 2017USD ($)Restaurant
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Asset purchase agreement description	The transaction has been approved by our Board of Directors and is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions and may be terminated by the Company or the Sellers if closing has not occurred on or before 120 days following the date of the asset purchase agreement.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House Restaurants [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Asser purchase agreement, cash purchase price | $	$ 35
Number of franchised restaurants to be acquired | Restaurant	6