Dunkin Brands (DNKN) 10-K 26 Feb 18 2017 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Feb. 22, 2018	Jul. 01, 2017
Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 30, 2017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Entity Registrant Name	DUNKIN' BRANDS GROUP, INC.
Entity Central Index Key	1,357,204
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-30
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		82,257,948
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Public Float			$ 4,990
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Trading Symbol	DNKN

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 1,018,317	$ 361,425
Restricted cash	94,047	69,746
Accounts receivable, net	51,442	44,512
Notes and other receivables, net	51,082	40,672
Restricted assets of advertising funds	47,373	40,338
Prepaid income taxes	21,879	20,926
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	32,695	28,739
Total current assets	1,316,835	606,358
Property and equipment, net	169,005	176,662
Equity method investments	140,615	114,738
Goodwill	888,308	888,272
Other intangible assets, net	1,357,157	1,378,720
Other assets	65,464	62,632
Total assets	3,937,384	3,227,382
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt	31,500	25,000
Capital lease obligations	596	589
Accounts payable	16,307	12,682
Liabilities of advertising funds	58,014	52,271
Deferred income	39,395	35,393
Other current liabilities	326,078	298,266
Total current liabilities	471,890	424,201
Long-term debt, net	3,035,857	2,401,998
Capital lease obligations	7,180	7,550
Unfavorable operating leases acquired	9,780	11,378
Deferred income	11,158	12,154
Deferred income taxes, net	315,249	461,810
Other long-term liabilities	77,823	71,549
Total long-term liabilities	3,457,047	2,966,439
Commitments and contingencies (note 17)
Stockholders’ equity (deficit):
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding	0	0
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 475,000,000 shares authorized; 90,404,022 shares issued and 90,377,245 shares outstanding at December 30, 2017; 91,464,229 shares issued and 91,437,452 shares outstanding at December 31, 2016	90	91
Additional paid-in capital	724,114	807,492
Treasury stock, at cost; 26,777 shares at December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016	(1,060)	(1,060)
Accumulated deficit	(705,007)	(945,797)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(9,690)	(23,984)
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)	8,447	(163,258)
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity (deficit)	$ 3,937,384	$ 3,227,382

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value (in usd per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	25,000,000	25,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (in usd per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	475,000,000	475,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	90,404,022	91,464,229
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	90,377,245	91,437,452

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Revenues:
Franchise fees and royalty income	$ 592,689	$ 549,571	$ 513,222
Rental income	104,643	101,020	100,422
Sales of ice cream and other products	110,659	114,857	115,252
Sales at company-operated restaurants	0	11,975	28,340
Other revenues	52,510	51,466	53,697
Total revenues	860,501	828,889	810,933
Operating costs and expenses:
Occupancy expenses—franchised restaurants	60,301	57,409	54,611
Cost of ice cream and other products	77,012	77,608	76,877
Company-operated restaurant expenses	0	13,591	29,900
General and administrative expenses, net	248,975	246,814	243,796
Depreciation	20,084	20,458	20,556
Amortization of other intangible assets	21,335	22,079	24,688
Long-lived asset impairment charges	1,617	149	623
Total operating costs and expenses	429,324	438,108	451,051
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Income Statement [Abstract]
Net income, excluding impairment	15,198	14,552	12,555
Impairment charge	0	0	(54,300)
Net income (loss) of equity method investments	15,198	14,552	(41,745)
Other operating income, net	627	9,381	1,430
Operating income	447,002	414,714	319,567
Other income (expense), net:
Interest income	3,313	582	424
Interest expense	(104,423)	(100,852)	(96,765)
Loss on debt extinguishment and refinancing transactions	(6,996)	0	(20,554)
Other gains (losses), net	391	(1,195)	(1,084)
Total other expense, net	(107,715)	(101,465)	(117,979)
Income before income taxes	339,287	313,249	201,588
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	(11,622)	117,673	96,359
Net income including noncontrolling interests	350,909	195,576	105,229
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	2
Net income attributable to Dunkin’ Brands	$ 350,909	$ 195,576	$ 105,227
Earnings per share:
Common-basic (in dollars per share)	$ 3.86	$ 2.14	$ 1.10
Common-diluted (in dollars per share)	3.80	2.11	1.08
Cash dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.29	$ 1.20	$ 1.06

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income including noncontrolling interests	$ 350,909	$ 195,576	$ 105,229
Other comprehensive income (loss), net:
Effect of foreign currency translation, net of deferred tax expense (benefit) of $621, $(638), and $524 for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2017, December 31, 2016, and December 26, 2015, respectively	14,780	(2,560)	(6,721)
Effect of interest rate swaps, net of deferred tax benefit of $778, $882, and $867 for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2017, December 31, 2016, and December 26, 2015, respectively	(1,144)	(1,299)	(1,273)
Effect of pension plan, net of deferred tax expense of $866 for the fiscal year ended December 26, 2015	0	0	2,874
Other	658	(79)	(949)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net	14,294	(3,938)	(6,069)
Comprehensive income including noncontrolling interests	365,203	191,638	99,160
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	2
Comprehensive income attributable to Dunkin’ Brands	$ 365,203	$ 191,638	$ 99,158

Consolidated Statements of Com6

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation, deferred tax effect	$ 621	$ (638)	$ 524
Unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate swaps, deferred tax effect	(778)	(882)	(867)
Unrealized loss on pension plan, deferred tax effect	$ 0	$ 0	$ 866

Consolidated Statements of Stoc

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common stock	Additional paid-in capital	Treasury stock, at cost	Accumulated deficit	Accumulated other comprehensive loss	Noncontrolling interests
Balance, shares at Dec. 27, 2014		104,454,000
Balance at Dec. 27, 2014	$ 367,959	$ 104	$ 1,093,363	$ 0	$ (711,531)	$ (13,977)	$ 0
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	105,435				105,227
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	(6,069)					(6,069)
Exercise of stock options, shares		816,000
Exercise of stock options	10,353	$ 1	10,352
Purchase of redeemable noncontrolling interests	566		566
Dividends paid on common stock	(100,516)		(100,516)
Share-based compensation expense, shares		33,000
Share-based compensation expense	16,092		16,092
Repurchases of common stock	(625,041)		(25,000)	(600,041)
Retirement of treasury stock (shares)		(12,833,178)
Retirement of treasury stock	0	$ (13)	(129,405)	598,966	(469,548)
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	11,503		11,503
Other	(1,025)	$ 0	(398)		(627)
Balance, shares at Dec. 26, 2015		92,470,000
Balance at Dec. 26, 2015	(220,743)	$ 92	876,557	(1,075)	(1,076,479)	(20,046)	208
Balance at Dec. 27, 2014	6,991
Increase (Decrease) in Temporary Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	(206)
Purchase of redeemable noncontrolling interests	(6,785)
Balance at Dec. 26, 2015	0
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	195,576				195,576		0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	(3,938)					(3,938)
Exercise of stock options, shares		433,000
Exercise of stock options	10,647	$ 1	10,646
Deconsolidation of noncontrolling interest	(208)		0				(208)
Dividends paid on common stock	(109,703)		(109,703)
Share-based compensation expense, shares		68,000
Share-based compensation expense	17,181		17,181
Repurchases of common stock	(55,000)		25,000	(80,000)
Retirement of treasury stock (shares)		(1,707,000)
Retirement of treasury stock	0	$ (2)	(15,874)	80,000	(64,124)
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	2,735		2,735
Other, shares		29,000
Other	$ 195		950	15	(770)
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2016	91,437,452	91,293,000
Balance at Dec. 31, 2016	$ (163,258)	$ 91	807,492	(1,060)	(945,797)	(23,984)	0
Increase (Decrease) in Temporary Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	0
Deconsolidation of noncontrolling interest	0
Balance at Dec. 31, 2016	0
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	350,909				350,909		0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	14,294					14,294
Exercise of stock options, shares		1,158,000
Exercise of stock options	36,495	$ 1	36,494
Dividends paid on common stock	(117,003)		(117,003)
Share-based compensation expense, shares		46,000
Share-based compensation expense	14,926		14,926
Repurchases of common stock	(127,186)		0	(127,186)
Retirement of treasury stock (shares)		(2,271,448)
Retirement of treasury stock	0	$ (2)	(18,861)	127,186	(108,323)
Other, shares		28,000
Other	$ (730)		1,066	0	(1,796)
Balance, shares at Dec. 30, 2017	90,377,245	90,254,000
Balance at Dec. 30, 2017	$ 8,447	$ 90	$ 724,114	$ (1,060)	$ (705,007)	$ (9,690)	$ 0
Increase (Decrease) in Temporary Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	0
Balance at Dec. 30, 2017	$ 0

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income including noncontrolling interests	$ 350,909	$ 195,576	$ 105,229
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	41,419	42,537	45,244
Amortization of debt issuance costs and original issue discount	6,179	6,398	5,969
Loss on debt extinguishment and refinancing transactions	6,996	0	20,554
Deferred income taxes	(144,987)	(12,537)	(21,107)
Provision for bad debt	457	53	3,343
Share-based compensation expense	14,926	17,181	16,092
Net loss (income) of equity method investments	(15,198)	(14,552)	41,745
Dividends received from equity method investments	4,711	5,247	6,671
Gain on sale of real estate and company-operated restaurants	(1)	(9,373)	(1,402)
Other, net	(1,766)	(2,172)	1,083
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts, notes, and other receivables, net	(17,504)	40,535	(26,316)
Prepaid income taxes, net	(2,429)	5,024	12,094
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(3,806)	(3,742)	(6,185)
Accounts payable	2,720	(6,308)	6,514
Other current liabilities	27,272	5,377	40,258
Liabilities of advertising funds, net	(505)	1,233	(1,124)
Deferred income	2,963	393	1,866
Other, net	4,552	5,957	12,214
Net cash provided by operating activities	276,908	276,827	262,742
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property and equipment	(14,606)	(15,174)	(30,246)
Proceeds from sale of real estate and company-operated restaurants	854	20,523	2,693
Other, net	(102)	(4,006)	(7,914)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(13,854)	1,343	(35,467)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	1,400,000		2,500,000
Repayment of long-term debt	(754,375)	(25,000)	(1,837,824)
Payment of debt issuance and other debt-related costs	(18,441)		(41,350)
Repurchases of common stock, including accelerated share repurchases	(127,186)	(55,000)	(625,041)
Dividends paid on common stock	(117,003)	(109,703)	(100,516)
Exercise of stock options	36,344	10,647	10,353
Other, net	(698)	(122)	(7,211)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	418,641	(179,178)	(101,589)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	572	(275)	(929)
Increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	682,267	98,717	124,757
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of year	431,832	333,115	208,358
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of year	1,114,099	431,832	333,115
Supplemental cash flow information:
Cash paid for income taxes	135,927	125,681	106,924
Cash paid for interest	91,606	94,212	90,564
Noncash investing activities:
Property and equipment included in accounts payable and other current liabilities	1,790	920	579
Purchase of leaseholds in exchange for capital lease obligations	449	624	475
Receivable from exercise of stock options included in notes and other receivables, net	$ 151	$ 0	$ 0

Description of business and org

Description of business and organization	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Text Block [Abstract]
Description of business and organization	Description of business and organization Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc. (“DBGI”), together with its consolidated subsidiaries, is one of the world’s leading franchisors of restaurants serving coffee and baked goods, as well as ice cream, within the quick service restaurant segment of the restaurant industry. We franchise and license a system of both traditional and nontraditional quick service restaurants and, in limited circumstances, have owned and operated individual locations. Through our Dunkin’ Donuts brand, we franchise restaurants featuring coffee, donuts, bagels, breakfast sandwiches, and related products. Additionally, we license Dunkin’ Donuts brand products sold in certain retail outlets such as retail packaged coffee, Dunkin’ K-Cup® pods, and ready-to-drink bottled iced coffee. Through our Baskin-Robbins brand, we franchise restaurants featuring ice cream, frozen beverages, and related products. Additionally, we distribute Baskin-Robbins ice cream products to Baskin-Robbins franchisees and licensees in certain international markets. Throughout these consolidated financial statements, “Dunkin’ Brands,” “the Company,” “we,” “us,” “our,” and “management” refer to DBGI and its consolidated subsidiaries taken as a whole.

Summary of significant accounti

Summary of significant accounting policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of significant accounting policies	Summary of significant accounting policies (a) Fiscal year The Company operates and reports financial information on a 52- or 53-week year on a 13-week quarter basis with the fiscal year ending on the last Saturday in December and fiscal quarters ending on the 13th Saturday of each quarter (or 14th Saturday when applicable with respect to the fourth fiscal quarter). The data periods contained within fiscal years 2017 and 2015 reflect the results of operations for the 52-week periods ended December 30, 2017 and December 26, 2015 , respectively, and fiscal year 2016 reflects the results of operations for the 53-week period ended December 31, 2016 . (b) Basis of presentation and consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of DBGI and subsidiaries and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). All significant transactions and balances between subsidiaries and affiliates have been eliminated in consolidation. We consolidate entities in which we have a controlling financial interest, the usual condition of which is ownership of a majority voting interest. We also consider for consolidation an entity, in which we have certain interests, where the controlling financial interest may be achieved through arrangements that do not involve voting interests. Such an entity, known as a variable interest entity (“VIE”), is required to be consolidated by its primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary is the entity that possesses the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact its economic performance and has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that are significant to it. The principal entities in which we possess a variable interest include franchise entities, the advertising funds (see note 4 ), and our equity method investees. We do not possess any ownership interests in franchise entities, except for our investments in various entities that are accounted for under the equity method. Additionally, we generally do not provide financial support to franchise entities in a typical franchise relationship. As our franchise and license arrangements provide our franchisee and licensee entities the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact their economic performance, we do not consider ourselves the primary beneficiary of any such entity that might be a VIE. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss resulting from involvement with potential franchise VIEs is attributable to aged trade and notes receivable balances, outstanding loan guarantees, and future lease payments due from franchisees (see note 11 ). Noncontrolling interests included within total stockholders’ equity (deficit) as of December 26, 2015 represented interests in a franchise entity that was deemed a variable interest entity and for which the Company was the primary beneficiary. During fiscal year 2016, the Company deconsolidated the noncontrolling interests from the Company's consolidated financial statements as it was no longer the primary beneficiary of the franchise entity. The Company previously held a 51% interest in a limited partnership that owned and operated Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants in the Dallas, Texas area. The Company possessed control of this entity and, therefore, consolidated the results of the limited partnership. The partnership agreement contained a redemption feature that was probable to become redeemable in the future, and this interest was therefore classified as temporary equity (between liabilities and stockholders’ deficit) in the consolidated balance sheets. The net income and comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interest are presented separately in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income, respectively. During fiscal year 2015, the Company purchased the remaining interests in the limited partnership. (c) Accounting estimates The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires the use of estimates, judgments, and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and for the period then ended. Significant estimates are made in the calculations and assessments of the following: (a) allowance for doubtful accounts and notes receivables, (b) impairment of tangible and intangible assets, (c) other-than-temporary impairment of equity method investments, (d) income taxes, (e) share-based compensation, (f) lease accounting estimates, (g) gift card/certificate breakage, (h) management fees charged to subsidiaries and affiliates, and (i) contingencies. Estimates are based on historical experience, current conditions, and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. These estimates form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities when they are not readily apparent from other sources. We adjust such estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. (d) Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash The Company continually monitors its positions with, and the credit quality of, the financial institutions in which it maintains its deposits and investments. As of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , we maintained balances in various cash accounts in excess of federally insured limits. All highly liquid instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less are considered cash equivalents. Cash held related to the advertising funds and the Company’s gift card/certificate programs are classified as unrestricted cash as there are no legal restrictions on the use of these funds; however, the Company intends to use these funds solely to support the advertising funds and gift card/certificate programs rather than to fund operations. Total cash balances related to the advertising funds and gift card/certificate programs as of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were $175.7 million and $177.9 million , respectively. In accordance with the Company’s securitized financing facility, certain cash accounts have been established in the name of Citibank, N.A. (the “Trustee”) for the benefit of the Trustee and the noteholders, and are restricted in their use. The Company holds restricted cash which primarily represents (i) cash collections held by the Trustee, (ii) interest, principal, and commitment fee reserves held by the Trustee related to the Company’s Notes (see note 8 ), and (iii) real estate reserves used to pay real estate obligations. Pursuant to new accounting guidance adopted in fiscal year 2017, restricted cash is combined with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning and end of period balances in the consolidated statements of cash flows (see note 2 (v)). Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash within the consolidated balance sheets that are included in the consolidated statements of cash flows as of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were as follows (in thousands): December 30, December 31, Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,018,317 361,425 Restricted cash 94,047 69,746 Restricted cash, included in Other assets 1,735 661 Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $ 1,114,099 431,832 (e) Fair value of financial instruments The carrying amounts of accounts receivable, notes and other receivables, assets and liabilities related to the advertising funds, accounts payable, and other current liabilities approximate fair value because of their short-term nature. For long-term receivables, we review the creditworthiness of the counterparty on a quarterly basis, and adjust the carrying value as necessary. We believe the carrying value of long-term receivables of $4.9 million and $3.1 million as of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively, approximates fair value. Financial assets and liabilities are categorized, based on the inputs to the valuation technique, into a three-level fair value hierarchy. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to the quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities and lowest priority to unobservable inputs. Observable market data, when available, is required to be used in making fair value measurements. When inputs used to measure fair value fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the level within which the fair value measurement is categorized is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are summarized as follows (in thousands): December 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Total Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Total Assets: Company-owned life insurance $ 10,836 10,836 9,271 9,271 Total assets $ 10,836 10,836 9,271 9,271 Liabilities: Deferred compensation liabilities $ 13,543 13,543 11,126 11,126 Total liabilities $ 13,543 13,543 11,126 11,126 The deferred compensation liabilities relate to the Dunkin’ Brands, Inc. non-qualified deferred compensation plans (“NQDC Plans”), which allow for pre-tax deferral of compensation for certain qualifying employees and directors (see note 18 ). Changes in the fair value of the deferred compensation liabilities are derived using quoted prices in active markets of the asset selections made by the participants. The deferred compensation liabilities are classified within Level 2, as defined under U.S. GAAP, because their inputs are derived principally from observable market data by correlation to hypothetical investments. The Company holds company-owned life insurance policies to partially offset the Company’s liabilities under the NQDC Plans. The changes in the fair value of any company-owned life insurance policies are derived using determinable cash surrender value. As such, the company-owned life insurance policies are classified within Level 2, as defined under U.S. GAAP. The carrying value and estimated fair value of long-term debt as of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were as follows (in thousands): December 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Financial liabilities Carrying value Estimated fair value Carrying value Estimated fair value Long-term debt $ 3,067,357 3,156,099 2,426,998 2,460,544 The estimated fair value of our long-term debt is estimated primarily based on current market rates for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities or current bid prices for our long-term debt. Judgment is required to develop these estimates. As such, our long-term debt is classified within Level 2, as defined under U.S. GAAP. (f) Inventories Inventories consist primarily of ice cream products sold to certain international markets that are in-transit from our third-party manufacturer to our international licensees, during which time we hold title to such products. The majority of ice cream products are purchased from one supplier. Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or estimated net realizable value, and cost is generally determined based on the actual cost of the specific inventory sold. Inventories are included within prepaid expenses and other current assets in the consolidated balance sheets. (g) Property and equipment Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the estimated useful life or the remaining lease term of the related asset. Estimated useful lives are as follows: Years Buildings 20 – 35 Leasehold improvements 5 – 20 Store, production, and other equipment 3 – 10 Software 3 – 7 Routine maintenance and repair costs are charged to expense as incurred. Major improvements, additions, or replacements that extend the life, increase capacity, or improve the safety or the efficiency of property are capitalized at cost and depreciated. Major improvements to leased property are capitalized as leasehold improvements and depreciated. Interest costs incurred during the acquisition period of capital assets are capitalized as part of the cost of the asset and depreciated. Long-lived assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less estimated costs to sell. (h) Leases When determining lease terms, we begin with the point at which the Company obtains control and possession of the leased properties. We include option periods for which failure to renew the lease imposes a penalty on the Company in such an amount that the renewal appears, at the inception of the lease, to be reasonably assured, which generally includes option periods through the end of the related franchise agreement term. We also include any rent holidays in the determination of the lease term. We record rent expense and rent income for leases and subleases, respectively, that contain scheduled rent increases on a straight-line basis over the lease term as defined above. In certain cases, contingent rentals are based on sales levels of our franchisees, in excess of stipulated amounts. Contingent rentals are included in rent income and rent expense as they are earned or accrued, respectively. We occasionally provide to our sublessees, or receive from our landlords, tenant improvement dollars. Tenant improvement dollars paid to our sublessees are recorded as a deferred rent asset. For fixed asset and/or leasehold purchases for which we receive tenant improvement dollars from our landlords, we record the property and equipment and/or leasehold improvements gross and establish a deferred rent obligation. The deferred lease assets and obligations are amortized on a straight-line basis over the determined sublease and lease terms, respectively. Management regularly reviews sublease arrangements, where we are the lessor, for losses on sublease arrangements. We recognize a loss, discounted using credit-adjusted risk-free rates, when costs expected to be incurred under an operating prime lease exceed the anticipated future revenue stream of the operating sublease. Furthermore, for properties where we do not currently have an operational franchise or other third-party sublessee and are under long-term lease agreements, the present value of any remaining liability under the lease, discounted using credit-adjusted risk-free rates and net of estimated sublease recovery, is recognized as a liability and recorded as an operating expense at the time we cease use of the property. The value of any equipment and leasehold improvements related to a closed store is assessed for potential impairment (see note 2(i)). (i) Impairment of long-lived assets Long-lived assets that are used in operations are tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable through undiscounted future cash flows. Recognition and measurement of a potential impairment is performed on assets grouped with other assets and liabilities at the lowest level where identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. An impairment loss is the amount by which the carrying amount of a long-lived asset or asset group exceeds its estimated fair value. Fair value is generally estimated by internal specialists based on the present value of anticipated future cash flows or, if required, with the assistance of independent third-party valuation specialists, depending on the nature of the assets or asset group. (j) Equity method investments The Company’s equity method investments consist of interests in B-R 31 Ice Cream Co., Ltd. (“Japan JV”), BR-Korea Co., Ltd. (“South Korea JV”), and Palm Oasis Pty. Ltd. (“Australia JV”), which are accounted for in accordance with the equity method. The Company also previously accounted for an ownership interest in Coffee Alliance, S.L. (“Spain JV”) in accordance with the equity method, which interest was sold during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2016 (see note 6 ). The Company evaluates its equity method investments for impairment whenever an event or change in circumstances occurs that may have a significant adverse impact on the fair value of the investment. If a loss in value has occurred and is deemed to be other than temporary, an impairment loss is recorded. Several factors are reviewed to determine whether a loss has occurred that is other than temporary, including absence of an ability to recover the carrying amount of the investment, the length and extent of the fair value decline, and the financial condition and future prospects of the investee. (k) Goodwill and other intangible assets Goodwill and trade names (“indefinite-lived intangibles”) have been assigned to our reporting units, which are also our operating segments, for purposes of impairment testing. All of our reporting units have indefinite-lived intangibles associated with them. We evaluate the remaining useful life of our trade names to determine whether current events and circumstances continue to support an indefinite useful life. In addition, all of our indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment annually. We first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that a trade name is impaired. In the event we were to determine that the carrying value of a trade name would more likely than not exceed its fair value, quantitative testing would be performed which consists of a comparison of the fair value of each trade name with its carrying value, with any excess of carrying value over fair value being recognized as an impairment loss. For goodwill, we first perform a qualitative assessment to determine if the fair value of the reporting unit is more likely than not greater than the carrying amount. In the event we were to determine that a reporting unit’s carrying value would more likely than not exceed its fair value, quantitative testing would be performed which consists of a comparison of each reporting unit’s fair value to its carrying value. The fair value of a reporting unit is an estimate of the amount for which the unit as a whole could be sold in a current transaction between willing parties. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, goodwill impairment is calculated as the difference between the carrying value of the reporting unit and its fair value, but not exceeding the carrying amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. We have selected the first day of our fiscal third quarter as the date on which to perform our annual impairment test for all indefinite-lived intangible assets. We also test for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the fair value of such indefinite-lived intangibles has been impaired. Other intangible assets consist primarily of franchise and international license rights (“franchise rights”) and operating lease interests acquired related to our prime leases and subleases (“operating leases acquired”). Franchise rights and favorable operating leases acquired recorded in the consolidated balance sheets were valued using an appropriate valuation method as of the date of acquisition. Amortization of franchise rights and favorable operating leases acquired is recorded as amortization expense in the consolidated statements of operations and amortized over the respective franchise and lease terms using the straight-line method. Unfavorable operating leases acquired related to our prime and subleases are recorded in the liability section of the consolidated balance sheets and are amortized into rental expense and rental income, respectively, over the base lease term of the respective leases using the straight-line method. The weighted average amortization period for all unfavorable operating leases acquired is 18 years. Management makes adjustments to the carrying amount of such intangible assets and unfavorable operating leases acquired if they are deemed to be impaired using the methodology for long-lived assets (see note 2 (i)), or when such license or lease agreements are reduced or terminated. (l) Contingencies The Company records reserves for legal and other contingencies when information available to the Company indicates that it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Predicting the outcomes of claims and litigation and estimating the related costs and exposures involve substantial uncertainties that could cause actual costs to vary materially from estimates. Legal costs incurred in connection with legal and other contingencies are expensed as the costs are incurred. (m) Foreign currency translation We translate assets and liabilities of non-U.S. operations into U.S. dollars at rates of exchange in effect at the balance sheet date, and revenues and expenses at the average exchange rates prevailing during the period. Resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a separate component of other comprehensive income (loss) and stockholders’ equity (deficit), net of deferred taxes. Foreign currency translation adjustments primarily result from our equity method investments, as well as subsidiaries located in Canada, the UK, Australia, and other foreign jurisdictions. Transactions resulting in foreign exchange gains and losses are included in the consolidated statements of operations. (n) Revenue recognition Franchise fees and royalty income Domestically, the Company sells individual franchises as well as territory agreements in the form of store development agreements (“SDAs”) that grant the right to develop restaurants in designated areas. Our franchise agreements and SDAs typically require the franchisee to pay an initial nonrefundable fee and continuing fees, or royalty income, based upon a percentage of sales. The franchisee will typically pay us a renewal fee if we approve a renewal of the franchise agreement. Such fees are paid by franchisees to obtain the rights associated with these franchise agreements or SDAs. Initial franchise fee revenue is recognized upon substantial completion of the services required of the Company as stated in the franchise agreement, which is generally upon opening of the respective restaurant. Fees collected in advance are deferred until earned, with deferred amounts expected to be recognized as revenue within one year classified as current deferred income in the consolidated balance sheets. Royalty income is based on a percentage of franchisee gross sales and is recognized when earned, which occurs at the franchisees’ point of sale. Renewal fees are recognized when a renewal agreement with a franchisee becomes effective. Occasionally, the Company offers incentive programs to franchisees in conjunction with a franchise agreement, SDA, or renewal agreement and, when appropriate, records the costs of such programs as reductions of revenue. For our international business, we sell master territory and/or license agreements that typically allow the master licensee to either act as the franchisee or to sub-franchise to other operators. Master license and territory fees are generally recognized upon substantial completion of the services required of the Company as stated in the franchise agreement, which is generally upon opening of the first restaurant or as stores are opened, depending on the specific terms of the agreement. Royalty income is based on a percentage of franchisee gross sales and is recognized when earned, which generally occurs at the franchisees’ point of sale. Renewal fees are recognized when a renewal agreement with a franchisee or licensee becomes effective. Rental income Rental income for base rentals is recorded on a straight-line basis over the lease term, including the amortization of any tenant improvement dollars paid (see note 2 (h)). The differences between the straight-line rent amounts and amounts receivable under the leases are recorded as deferred rent assets in current or long-term assets, as appropriate. Contingent rental income is recognized as earned, and any amounts received from lessees in advance of achieving stipulated thresholds are deferred until such thresholds are actually achieved. Deferred contingent rentals are recorded as deferred income in current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. Sales of ice cream and other products We distribute Baskin-Robbins ice cream products and, in limited cases, Dunkin’ Donuts products to franchisees and licensees in certain international locations. Revenue from the sale of ice cream and other products is recognized when title and risk of loss transfers to the buyer, which is generally upon delivery. Sales at company-operated restaurants Retail store revenues at company-operated restaurants were recognized when payments were tendered at the point of sale, net of sales tax and other sales-related taxes. As of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company did not own or operate any restaurants. Other revenues Other revenues include fees generated by licensing our brand names and other intellectual property, as well as gains, net of losses and transactions costs, from the sales of restaurants that were not company-operated to new or existing franchisees. Licensing fees are recognized when earned, which is generally upon sale of the underlying products by the licensees. Gains on the refranchise or sale of a restaurant are recognized when the sale transaction closes, the franchisee has a minimum amount of the purchase price in at-risk equity, and we are satisfied that the buyer can meet its financial obligations to us. If the criteria for gain recognition are not met, we defer the gain to the extent we have any remaining financial exposure in connection with the sale transaction. Deferred gains are recognized when the gain recognition criteria are met. (o) Allowance for doubtful accounts We monitor the financial condition of our franchisees and licensees and record provisions for estimated losses on receivables when we believe that our franchisees or licensees are unable to make their required payments. While we use the best information available in making our determination, the ultimate recovery of recorded receivables is also dependent upon future economic events and other conditions that may be beyond our control. Included in the allowance for doubtful notes and accounts receivables is a provision for uncollectible royalty, lease, ice cream, and licensing fee receivables. (p) Share-based payments We measure compensation cost at fair value on the date of grant for all share-based awards and recognize compensation expense over the service period that the awards are expected to vest. The Company has elected to recognize compensation cost for graded-vesting awards subject only to a service condition over the requisite service period of the entire award. (q) Income taxes Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded for the expected future tax consequences of items that have been included in our consolidated financial statements or tax returns. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and the respective tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates that are expected to apply in years in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse. The effects of changes in tax rates and changes in apportionment of income between tax jurisdictions on deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations in the year in which the law is enacted or change in apportionment occurs (see note 16 ). Valuation allowances are provided when the Company does not believe it is more likely than not that it will realize the benefit of identified tax assets. A tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return is recognized in the financial statements when it is more likely than not that the position would be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. A recognized tax position is then measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Estimates of interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits are recorded in the provision for income taxes. (r) Comprehensive income Comprehensive income is primarily comprised of net income, foreign currency translation adjustments, and gains and losses on interest rate swaps, and is reported in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income, net of taxes, for all periods presented. Additionally, comprehensive income included pension gains and losses for fiscal year 2015. As a result of the final settlement of the pension plan in fiscal year 2015, no pension gains and losses were recorded in 2017 or 2016 (see note 18 ). (s) Debt issuance costs Debt issuance costs represent capitalizable costs incurred related to the issuance and refinancing of the Company’s long-term debt (see note 8 ). As of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , debt issuance costs of $34.5 million and $29.3 million , respectively, are included in long-term debt, net in the consolidated balance sheets, and are being amortized over the remaining maturities of the debt, based on projected required repayments, using the effective interest rate method. (t) Gift card/certificate breakage The Company and our franchisees sell gift cards that are redeemable for product in our Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins restaurants. The Company manages the gift card program, and therefore collects all funds from the activation of gift cards and reimburses franchisees for the redemption of gift cards in their restaurants. A liability for unredeemed gift cards, as well as historical gift certificates sold, is included in other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. There are no expiration dates on our gift cards, and we do not charge any service fees. While our franchisees continue to honor all gift cards presented for payment, we may determine the likelihood of redemption to be remote for certain cards due to long periods of inactivity. In these circumstances, we may recognize income from unredeemed gift cards (“breakage income”) if they are not subject to unclaimed property laws. For Dunkin’ Donuts gift cards enrolled in the DD Perks® Rewards loyalty program and other cards with expected similar redemption behavior, breakage is estimated and recognized at the point in time when the likelihood of redemption of any remaining card balance becomes remote, generally after a period of sufficient inactivity. Breakage on all other Dunkin’ Donuts gift cards and all Baskin-Robbins gift cards is estimated and recognized over time in proportion to actual gift card redemptions, based on historical redemption rates. The Company recognizes breakage as income only up to the amount of gift card program costs. Any incremental breakage on Dunkin' Donuts gift cards that exceeds gift card program costs is committed to fund future initiatives that will benefit the Dunkin’ Donuts gift card program or to offset future gift card program costs. Any incremental breakage on Baskin-Robbins gift cards that exceeds gift card program costs is committed to fund future sales-driving initiatives for the benefit of Baskin-Robbins franchisees. The incremental breakage in excess of Baskin-Robbins gift card program costs is recorded as a gift card breakage liability within other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets (see note 10 ). As of December 30, 2017, the Company did not have a gift card breakage liability related to the Dunkin' Donuts gift card program. For fiscal years 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , total breakage income recognized on gift cards was $31.7 million , $22.3 million , and $15.9 million , respectively, and is recorded as a reduction to general and administrative expenses, net, to offset the related gift card program costs. (u) Concentration of credit risk The Company is subject to credit risk through its accounts receivable consisting primarily of amounts due from franchisees and licensees for franchise fees, royalty income, and sales of ice cream and other products. In addition, we have note and lease receivables from certain of our franchisees and licensees. The financial condition of

Franchise fees and royalty inco

Franchise fees and royalty income	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Disclosure Franchise Fees And Royalty Income [Abstract]
Franchise fees and royalty income	Franchise fees and royalty income Franchise fees and royalty income consisted of the following (in thousands): Fiscal year ended December 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 December 26, 2015 Royalty income $ 518,572 500,927 463,960 Initial franchise fees and renewal income 74,117 48,644 49,262 Total franchise fees and royalty income $ 592,689 549,571 513,222 The changes in franchised and company-operated points of distribution were as follows: Fiscal year ended December 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 December 26, 2015 Systemwide points of distribution: Franchised points of distribution in operation—beginning of year 20,080 19,308 18,821 Franchised points of distribution—opened 1,339 1,540 1,536 Franchised points of distribution—closed (899 ) (819 ) (1,051 ) Net transfers from company-operated points of distribution — 51 2 Franchised points of distribution in operation—end of year 20,520 20,080 19,308 Company-operated points of distribution—end of year — — 49 Total systemwide points of distribution—end of year 20,520 20,080 19,357 During fiscal year 2016, the Company sold all remaining company-operated restaurants and recognized gains on sales of $7.6 million , which are included in other operating income, net in our consolidated statement of operations. As of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company did not own or operate any restaurants.

Advertising funds

Advertising funds	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Advertising Funds [Abstract]
Advertising funds	Advertising funds On behalf of the Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins domestic advertising funds, the Company collects a percentage, which is generally 5% , of gross retail sales from Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins domestic franchisees to be used for various forms of advertising for each brand. In most of our international markets, franchisees manage their own advertising expenditures, which are not included in the advertising fund results. The Company administers and directs the development of all advertising and promotional programs in the advertising funds for which it collects advertising fees, in accordance with the provisions of our franchise agreements. The Company acts as, in substance, an agent with regard to these advertising contributions. We consolidate and report all assets and liabilities held by these advertising funds as restricted assets of advertising funds and liabilities of advertising funds within current assets and current liabilities, respectively, in the consolidated balance sheets. The assets and liabilities held by these advertising funds consist primarily of receivables, prepaid expenses, payables, accrued expenses, and any cumulative surplus or deficit related specifically to the advertising funds. The revenues, expenses, and cash flows of the advertising funds are not included in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations or consolidated statements of cash flows because the Company does not have complete discretion over the usage of the funds. Contributions to these advertising funds are restricted to advertising, product development, public relations, merchandising, and administrative expenses and programs to increase sales and further enhance the public reputation of each of the brands. At December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the Company had a net payable of $10.6 million and $11.9 million , respectively, to the various advertising funds. To cover administrative expenses of the advertising funds, the Company charges each advertising fund a management fee for items such as facilities, accounting services, information technology, data processing, product development, legal, administrative support services, and other operating expenses, as well as share-based compensation expense for employees that provide services directly to the advertising funds. Management fees totaled $11.3 million , $9.5 million , and $9.7 million for fiscal years 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively. Such management fees are included in the consolidated statements of operations as a reduction in general and administrative expenses, net. Additionally, the Company charged the Dunkin’ Donuts advertising fund $2.9 million of gift card program costs in fiscal year 2017. The Company made discretionary contributions to certain advertising funds for the purpose of supplementing national and regional advertising in certain markets of $7.5 million for fiscal year 2017 and $1.7 million for each of the fiscal years 2016 and 2015 . Additionally, the Company made net contributions to the advertising funds based on retail sales of company-operated restaurants of $596 thousand and $1.3 million for fiscal years 2016 and 2015 , respectively, which are included in company-operated restaurant expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. No such contributions were made during fiscal year 2017, as the Company did not have any company-operated restaurants during this period. During fiscal years 2017 , 2016 , and 2015, the Company also funded advertising fund initiatives of $2.6 million , $3.4 million , and $2.3 million , respectively, which were contributed from the gift card breakage liability included within other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets (see note 2 (t) and note 10 ).

Property and equipment, net

Property and equipment, net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and equipment, net	Property and equipment, net Property and equipment at December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 consisted of the following (in thousands): December 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Land $ 35,673 34,889 Buildings 50,640 50,571 Leasehold improvements 157,310 157,752 Software, store, production, and other equipment 51,954 52,922 Construction in progress 7,270 5,203 Property and equipment, gross 302,847 301,337 Accumulated depreciation (133,842 ) (124,675 ) Property and equipment, net $ 169,005 176,662

Equity method investments

Equity method investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Equity method investments	Equity method investments The Company’s ownership interests in its equity method investments as of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were as follows: Entity Ownership Japan JV 43.3% South Korea JV 33.3% Australia JV 20.0% The Company also had a 33.3% ownership interest in the Spain JV as of December 26, 2015, which was sold during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2016 for nominal consideration. Summary financial information for the equity method investments on an aggregated basis was as follows (in thousands): December 30, December 31, Current assets $ 363,277 300,999 Current liabilities 140,113 120,611 Working capital 223,164 180,388 Property, plant, and equipment, net 165,442 153,038 Other assets 139,958 124,676 Long-term liabilities 48,429 48,460 Equity of equity method investments $ 480,135 409,642 Fiscal year ended December 30, December 31, December 26, Revenues $ 646,269 629,717 622,982 Gross profit 345,302 329,206 327,684 Net income 33,791 32,529 33,650 During fiscal year 2015, the Company assessed if there was an other-than-temporary loss in value of its investment in the Japan JV based on various factors, including continued declines in the operating performance and reduced future expectations of the Baskin-Robbins business in Japan, as well as an announced reconsideration of the amount of semi-annual dividend payments by the Japan JV. Accordingly, the Company engaged a third-party valuation specialist to assist the Company in determining the fair value of its investment in the Japan JV. The valuation of the investment was determined using a combination of market and income approaches to valuation. Based in part on the fair value determined by the independent third-party valuation specialist, the Company concluded that the carrying value of the investment in the Japan JV exceeded fair value by $54.3 million and that this reduction in value was other-than-temporary. As such, the Company recorded an impairment charge for that amount in fiscal year 2015. As the Company had previously recorded a step-up in the basis of our investment in the Japan JV comprising amortizable franchise rights and nonamortizable goodwill, the impairment was first allocated to fully impair these investor-level assets. The remaining impairment was recorded to the underlying assets of the Japan JV by fully impairing the underlying property, plant, and equipment, net of any related tax impact, with any residual impairment allocated ratably to other non-financial long-term assets. The comparison between the carrying value of the Company’s investments in the Japan JV and the South Korea JV and the underlying equity in net assets of those investments is presented in the table below (in thousands): Japan JV South Korea JV December 30, December 31, December 30, December 31, Carrying value of investment $ 13,886 10,789 127,225 104,253 Underlying equity in net assets of investment 35,045 34,312 133,161 109,992 Carrying value less than the underlying equity in net assets (a) $ (21,159 ) (23,523 ) (5,936 ) (5,739 ) (a) The deficits of cost relative to the underlying equity in net assets of the Japan JV and the South Korea JV as of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are primarily comprised of impairments of long-lived assets, net of tax, recorded in fiscal years 2015 and 2011, respectively. The carrying values of our investments in the Australia JV for any period presented were not material.

Goodwill and other intangible a

Goodwill and other intangible assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and other intangible assets	Goodwill and other intangible assets The changes and carrying amounts of goodwill by reporting unit were as follows (in thousands): Dunkin’ Donuts U.S. Dunkin’ Donuts International Baskin-Robbins International Total Goodwill Accumulated impairment charges Net Balance Goodwill Accumulated impairment charges Net Balance Goodwill Accumulated impairment charges Net Balance Goodwill Accumulated impairment charges Net Balance Balances at December 26, 2015 $ 1,149,910 (270,441 ) 879,469 10,119 — 10,119 24,037 (24,037 ) — 1,184,066 (294,478 ) 889,588 Goodwill disposed (1,331 ) — (1,331 ) — — — — — — (1,331 ) — (1,331 ) Effects of foreign currency adjustments — — — 15 — 15 — — — 15 — 15 Balances at December 31, 2016 1,148,579 (270,441 ) 878,138 10,134 — 10,134 24,037 (24,037 ) — 1,182,750 (294,478 ) 888,272 Effects of foreign currency adjustments — — — 36 — 36 — — — 36 — 36 Balances at December 30, 2017 $ 1,148,579 (270,441 ) 878,138 10,170 — 10,170 24,037 (24,037 ) — 1,182,786 (294,478 ) 888,308 The goodwill disposed of during fiscal year 2016 is related to the sale of certain company-operated points of distribution. Other intangible assets at December 30, 2017 consisted of the following (in thousands): Weighted average amortization period (years) Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Net carrying amount Definite-lived intangibles: Franchise rights 20 $ 358,228 (211,892 ) 146,336 Favorable operating leases acquired 18 58,101 (38,250 ) 19,851 Indefinite-lived intangible: Trade names N/A 1,190,970 — 1,190,970 $ 1,607,299 (250,142 ) 1,357,157 Other intangible assets at December 31, 2016 consisted of the following (in thousands): Weighted average amortization period (years) Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Net carrying amount Definite-lived intangibles: Franchise rights 20 $ 358,166 (193,940 ) 164,226 Favorable operating leases acquired 18 59,948 (36,424 ) 23,524 Indefinite-lived intangible: Trade names N/A 1,190,970 — 1,190,970 $ 1,609,084 (230,364 ) 1,378,720 The change in the gross carrying amount of favorable operating leases from December 31, 2016 to December 30, 2017 is primarily due to the impairment of favorable operating leases acquired resulting from lease terminations. Total estimated amortization expense for other intangible assets for fiscal years 2018 through 2022 is as follows (in thousands): Fiscal year: 2018 $ 21,180 2019 20,674 2020 20,240 2021 19,857 2022 19,569

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt Debt at December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 consisted of the following (in thousands): December 30, December 31, 2017 Class A-2 Notes $ 1,400,000 — 2015 Class A-2 Notes 1,701,875 2,456,250 Debt issuance costs, net of amortization (34,518 ) (29,252 ) Total debt 3,067,357 2,426,998 Less current portion of long-term debt 31,500 25,000 Total long-term debt $ 3,035,857 2,401,998 Securitized Financing Facility In January 2015, DB Master Finance LLC (the “Master Issuer”), a limited-purpose, bankruptcy-remote, wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of DBGI, issued Series 2015-1 3.262% Fixed Rate Senior Secured Notes, Class A-2-I (the “2015 Class A-2-I Notes”) with an initial principal amount of $750.0 million and Series 2015-1 3.980% Fixed Rate Senior Secured Notes, Class A-2-II (the “2015 Class A-2-II Notes” and, together with the 2015 Class A-2-I Notes, the “2015 Class A-2 Notes”) with an initial principal amount of $1.75 billion . In addition, the Master Issuer also issued Series 2015-1 Variable Funding Senior Secured Notes, Class A-1 (the “2015 Variable Funding Notes” and, together with the 2015 Class A-2 Notes, the “2015 Notes”), which allowed the Master Issuer to borrow up to $100.0 million on a revolving basis. The 2015 Variable Funding Notes could also be used to issue letters of credit. In October 2017, the Master Issuer issued Series 2017-1 3.629% Fixed Rate Senior Secured Notes, Class A-2-I (the “2017 Class A-2-I Notes”) with an initial principal amount of $600.0 million and Series 2017-1 4.030% Fixed Rate Senior Secured Notes, Class A-2-II (the “2017 Class A-2-II Notes” and, together with the 2017 Class A-2-I Notes, the “2017 Class A-2 Notes”) with an initial principal amount of $800.0 million . In addition, the Master Issuer issued Series 2017-1 Variable Funding Senior Secured Notes, Class A-1 (the “2017 Variable Funding Notes” and, together with the 2017 Class A-2 Notes, the “2017 Notes”), which allows for the issuance of up to $150.0 million of 2017 Variable Funding Notes and certain other credit instruments, including letters of credit. A portion of the proceeds of the 2017 Notes was used to repay the remaining $731.3 million of principal outstanding on the 2015 Class A-2-I Notes and to pay related transaction fees. The additional net proceeds were used for general corporate purposes, which included a return of capital to the Company’s shareholders in 2018 (see note 13 (b)). In connection with the issuance of the 2017 Variable Funding Notes, the Master Issuer terminated the commitments with respect to its existing 2015 Variable Funding Notes. The 2015 Notes and 2017 Notes were each issued in a securitization transaction pursuant to which most of the Company’s domestic and certain of its foreign revenue-generating assets, consisting principally of franchise-related agreements, real estate assets, and intellectual property and license agreements for the use of intellectual property, are held by the Master Issuer and certain other limited-purpose, bankruptcy-remote, wholly-owned indirect subsidiaries of the Company that act as guarantors of the 2015 Notes and 2017 Notes and that have pledged substantially all of their assets to secure the 2015 Notes and 2017 Notes. The 2015 Notes and 2017 Notes were issued pursuant to a base indenture and related supplemental indentures (collectively, the “Indenture”) under which the Master Issuer may issue multiple series of notes. The legal final maturity date of the 2015 Class A-2-II Notes and 2017 Class A-2 Notes is in February 2045 and November 2047 , respectively, but it is anticipated that, unless earlier prepaid to the extent permitted under the Indenture, the 2015 Class A-2-II Notes will be repaid by February 2022 , the 2017 Class A-2-I Notes will be repaid by November 2024 , and the 2017 Class A-2-II Notes will be repaid by November 2027 (the “Anticipated Repayment Dates”). If the 2015 Class A-2-II Notes or the 2017 Class A-2 Notes have not been repaid or refinanced by their respective Anticipated Repayment Dates, a rapid amortization event will occur in which residual net cash flows of the Master Issuer, after making certain required payments, will be applied to the outstanding principal of the 2015 Class A-2-II Notes and the 2017 Class A-2 Notes. Various other events, including failure to maintain a minimum ratio of net cash flows to debt service (“DSCR”), may also cause a rapid amortization event. Borrowings under the 2015 Class A-2-II Notes, 2017 Class A-2-I Notes, and 2017 Class A-2-II Notes bear interest at fixed rates equal to 3.980% , 3.629% , and 4.030% , respectively. If the 2015 Class A-2-II Notes or the 2017 Class A-2 Notes are not repaid or refinanced prior to their respective Anticipated Repayment Dates, incremental interest will accrue. Principal payments are required to be made on the 2015 Class A-2-II Notes, 2017 Class A-2-I Notes, and 2017 Class A-2-II Notes equal to $17.5 million , $6.0 million , and $8.0 million , respectively, per calendar year, payable in quarterly installments. No principal payments are required if a specified leverage ratio, which is a measure of long-term debt, net of cash to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, adjusted for certain items (as specified in the Indenture), is less than or equal to 5.0 to 1.0, though the Company intends to make the scheduled principal payments. Other events and transactions, such as certain asset sales and receipt of various insurance or indemnification proceeds, may trigger additional mandatory prepayments. It is anticipated that the principal and interest on the 2017 Variable Funding Notes will be repaid in full on or prior to November 2022 , subject to two additional one -year extensions. Borrowings under the 2017 Variable Funding Notes bear interest at a rate equal to a LIBOR rate plus 1.50% , or the lenders’ commercial paper funding rate plus 1.50% . If the 2017 Variable Funding Notes are not repaid prior to November 2022 or prior to the end of an extension period, if applicable, incremental interest will accrue. In addition, the Company is required to pay a 1.50% fee for letters of credit amounts outstanding and a commitment fee on the unused portion of the 2017 Variable Funding Notes which ranges from 0.50% to 1.00% based on utilization. Total debt issuance costs incurred and capitalized in connection with the issuance of the 2015 Notes were $41.3 million . During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2017, as a result of the repayment of the remaining $731.3 million of principal outstanding on the 2015 Class A-2-I Notes, the Company recorded a loss on debt extinguishment of $7.0 million , consisting of a $6.3 million write-off of the remaining debt issuance costs related to the 2015 Class A-2-I Notes and $726 thousand of make-whole interest premium costs associated with the early repayment of the 2015 Class A-2-I Notes. Total debt issuance costs incurred and capitalized in connection with the issuance of the 2017 Notes were $17.7 million . The effective interest rate, including the amortization of debt issuance costs, was 4.1% , 3.8% , and 4.2% for the 2015 Class A-2-II Notes, 2017 Class A-2-I Notes, and 2017 Class A-2-II Notes, respectively, at December 30, 2017 . Total amortization of debt issuance costs related to the securitized financing facility was $6.2 million , $6.4 million , and $5.6 million for fiscal years 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively, which is included in interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations. As of December 30, 2017 , $32.3 million of letters of credit were outstanding against the 2017 Variable Funding Notes and as of December 31, 2016 , $25.9 million letters of credit were outstanding against the 2015 Variable Funding Notes, which relate primarily to interest reserves required under the Indenture. There were no amounts drawn down on these letters of credit as of December 30, 2017 or December 31, 2016 . The 2015 Class A-2-II Notes and 2017 Notes are subject to a series of covenants and restrictions customary for transactions of this type, including (i) that the Master Issuer maintains specified reserve accounts to be used to make required payments in respect of the 2015 Class A-2-II Notes and 2017 Notes, (ii) provisions relating to optional and mandatory prepayments, including mandatory prepayments in the event of a change of control as defined in the Indenture and the related payment of specified amounts, including specified make-whole payments in the case of the 2015 Class A-2-II Notes and 2017 Notes under certain circumstances, (iii) certain indemnification payments in the event, among other things, the assets pledged as collateral for the 2015 Class A-2-II Notes and 2017 Notes are in stated ways defective or ineffective, and (iv) covenants relating to recordkeeping, access to information, and similar matters. As noted above, the 2015 Class A-2-II Notes and 2017 Notes are also subject to customary rapid amortization events provided for in the Indenture, including events tied to failure to maintain stated DSCR, failure to maintain an aggregate level of Dunkin’ Donuts U.S. retail sales on certain measurement dates, certain manager termination events, an event of default, and the failure to repay or refinance the 2015 Class A-2-II Notes or the 2017 Notes on the applicable Anticipated Repayment Dates. The 2015 Class A-2-II Notes and 2017 Notes are also subject to certain customary events of default, including events relating to non-payment of required interest, principal, or other amounts due on or with respect to the 2015 Class A-2-II Notes and 2017 Notes, failure to comply with covenants within certain time frames, certain bankruptcy events, breaches of specified representations and warranties, failure of security interests to be effective, and certain judgments. Senior credit facility In January 2015, the proceeds from the issuance of the 2015 Class A-2 Notes were used to repay the remaining principal outstanding on the term loans issued under the senior credit facility. During fiscal year 2015, the Company recorded a loss on debt extinguishment of $20.6 million , consisting primarily of the write-off of the remaining original issuance discount and debt issuance costs related to the term loans. Maturities of long-term debt Based on the Company's intention to make quarterly repayments and assuming repayment by the Anticipated Repayment Dates, the aggregate contractual principal payments of the 2017 Class A-2 Notes and 2015 Class A-2-II Notes for 2018 through 2022 are as follows (in thousands): 2017 Class A-2-I Notes 2017 Class A-2-II Notes 2015 Class A-2-II Notes Total 2018 $ 6,000 8,000 17,500 31,500 2019 6,000 8,000 17,500 31,500 2020 6,000 8,000 17,500 31,500 2021 6,000 8,000 17,500 31,500 2022 6,000 8,000 1,631,875 1,645,875

Derivative instruments and hedg

Derivative instruments and hedging transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative instruments and hedging transactions	Derivative instruments and hedging transactions The Company’s hedging instruments have historically consisted solely of interest rate swaps to hedge the Company’s variable-rate term loans. In September 2012, the Company entered into variable-to-fixed interest rate swap agreements to hedge the risk of increases in cash flows (interest payments) attributable to increases in three-month LIBOR above the designated benchmark interest rate being hedged, through November 2017. As a result of an amendment in February 2014 to the senior credit facility, the Company amended the interest rate swap agreements to align the embedded floors with the amended term loans. As of the date of the amendment, a pre-tax gain of $5.8 million was recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss. Effective December 23, 2014 , the Company terminated all interest rate swap agreements with its counterparties in anticipation of the 2015 securitization transaction and related repayment of the outstanding term loans. In fiscal years 2014 and 2015, the Company received total cash proceeds equivalent to fair value of the interest rate swaps at the termination date of $5.3 million , which was net of accrued interest owed to the counterparties of $1.0 million . Upon termination, cash flow hedge accounting was discontinued and the cumulative pre-tax gain of $1.8 million was recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss. As of December 27, 2014 , a pre-tax gain of $6.2 million was recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss, which included the gain related to both the February 2014 amendment and December 2014 termination. This pre-tax gain was amortized on a straight-line basis to interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations through November 23, 2017, the original maturity date of the swaps. The table below summarizes the effects of derivative instruments in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income for fiscal year 2017 : Derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments Amount of net gain (loss) reclassified into earnings Consolidated statement of operations classification Total effect on other comprehensive income (loss) Interest rate swaps $ 1,922 Interest expense (1,922 ) Income tax effect (778 ) Provision (benefit) for income taxes 778 Net of income taxes $ 1,144 (1,144 ) The table below summarizes the effects of derivative instruments in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income for fiscal year 2016 : Derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments Amount of net gain (loss) reclassified into earnings Consolidated statement of operations classification Total effect on other comprehensive income (loss) Interest rate swaps $ 2,181 Interest expense (2,181 ) Income tax effect (882 ) Provision (benefit) for income taxes 882 Net of income taxes $ 1,299 (1,299 ) The table below summarizes the effects of derivative instruments in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income for fiscal year 2015 : Derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments Amount of net gain (loss) reclassified into earnings Consolidated statement of operations classification Total effect on other comprehensive income (loss) Interest rate swaps $ 2,140 Interest expense (2,140 ) Income tax effect (867 ) Provision (benefit) for income taxes 867 Net of income taxes $ 1,273 (1,273 )

Other current liabilities

Other current liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Other Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Other current liabilities	Other current liabilities Other current liabilities at December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 consisted of the following (in thousands): December 30, December 31, Gift card/certificate liability $ 228,783 207,628 Gift card breakage liabilities 1,079 13,301 Accrued payroll and benefits 30,768 25,071 Accrued legal liabilities (see note 17 (d)) 3,566 5,555 Accrued interest 17,902 10,702 Accrued professional costs 5,527 2,170 Franchisee profit-sharing liability 13,243 11,083 Other 25,210 22,756 Total other current liabilities $ 326,078 298,266 The increase in the gift card/certificate liability is due primarily to an increase in, and timing of, gift card activations. The franchisee profit-sharing liability represents amounts owed to franchisees from the net profits primarily on the sale of Dunkin’ K-Cup® pods, retail packaged coffee, and ready-to-drink bottled iced coffee in certain retail outlets.

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	Leases The Company is the lessee on certain land leases (the Company leases the land and erects a building) or improved leases (lessor owns the land and building) covering restaurants and other properties. In addition, the Company has leased and subleased land and buildings to others. Many of these leases and subleases provide for future rent escalation and renewal options. In addition, contingent rentals, determined as a percentage of annual sales by our franchisees, are stipulated in certain prime lease and sublease agreements. The Company is generally obligated for the cost of property taxes, insurance, and maintenance relating to these leases. Such costs are typically charged to the sublessee based on the terms of the sublease agreements. The Company also leases certain office equipment and a fleet of automobiles under noncancelable operating leases. Included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets are the following amounts related to capital leases (in thousands): December 30, December 31, Leased property under capital leases (included in property and equipment) $ 10,097 10,081 Accumulated depreciation (4,442 ) (4,055 ) Net leased property under capital leases $ 5,655 6,026 Capital lease obligations: Current $ 596 589 Long-term 7,180 7,550 Total capital lease obligations $ 7,776 8,139 Included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets are the following amounts related to assets leased to others under operating leases, where the Company is the lessor (in thousands): December 30, December 31, Land $ 33,430 32,646 Buildings 47,792 47,723 Leasehold improvements 147,743 149,027 Store, production, and other equipment 150 150 Construction in progress 1,741 567 Assets leased to others, gross 230,856 230,113 Accumulated depreciation (94,450 ) (86,957 ) Assets leased to others, net $ 136,406 143,156 Future minimum rental commitments to be paid and received by the Company at December 30, 2017 for all noncancelable leases and subleases are as follows (in thousands): Payments Receipts Net leases Capital leases Operating leases Subleases Fiscal year: 2018 $ 1,633 58,819 (72,068 ) (11,616 ) 2019 1,465 58,169 (70,570 ) (10,936 ) 2020 1,258 55,494 (67,167 ) (10,415 ) 2021 1,291 53,320 (63,460 ) (8,849 ) 2022 1,329 49,627 (57,399 ) (6,443 ) Thereafter 12,265 356,290 (329,887 ) 38,668 Total minimum rental commitments 19,241 $ 631,719 (660,551 ) (9,591 ) Less amount representing interest 11,465 Present value of minimum capital lease obligations $ 7,776 Rental expense under operating leases associated with franchised locations and company-operated locations is included in occupancy expenses—franchised restaurants and company-operated restaurant expenses, respectively, in the consolidated statements of operations. Rental expense under operating leases for all other locations, including corporate facilities, is included in general and administrative expenses, net, in the consolidated statements of operations. Total rental expense for all operating leases consisted of the following (in thousands): Fiscal year ended December 30, December 31, December 26, Base rentals $ 55,019 54,517 54,290 Contingent rentals 6,664 6,182 6,348 Total rental expense $ 61,683 60,699 60,638 Total rental income for all leases and subleases consisted of the following (in thousands): Fiscal year ended December 30, December 31, December 26, Base rentals $ 73,597 70,962 70,033 Contingent rentals 31,046 30,058 30,389 Total rental income $ 104,643 101,020 100,422

Segment information

Segment information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Segment information The Company is strategically aligned into two global brands, Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins, which are further segregated between U.S. operations and international operations. As such, the Company has determined that it has four operating segments, which are its reportable segments: Dunkin’ Donuts U.S., Dunkin’ Donuts International, Baskin-Robbins U.S., and Baskin-Robbins International. Dunkin’ Donuts U.S., Baskin-Robbins U.S., and Dunkin’ Donuts International primarily derive their revenues through royalty income and franchise fees. Baskin-Robbins U.S. also derives revenue through license fees from a third-party license agreement and rental income. Dunkin’ Donuts U.S. also derives revenue through rental income. Prior to the sale of remaining company-operated restaurants in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2016, Dunkin’ Donuts U.S. also derived revenue through retail sales at company-operated restaurants. Baskin-Robbins International primarily derives its revenues from sales of ice cream products, as well as royalty income, franchise fees, and license fees. The operating results of each segment are regularly reviewed and evaluated separately by the Company’s senior management, which includes, but is not limited to, the chief executive officer. Senior management primarily evaluates the performance of its segments and allocates resources to them based on operating income adjusted for amortization of intangible assets, long-lived asset impairment charges, impairment of our joint ventures, and other infrequent or unusual charges, which does not reflect the allocation of any corporate charges. This profitability measure is referred to as segment profit. When senior management reviews a balance sheet, it is at a consolidated level. The accounting policies applicable to each segment are generally consistent with those used in the consolidated financial statements. Revenues for all operating segments include only transactions with unaffiliated customers and include no intersegment revenues. Revenues reported as “Other” include revenues earned through certain licensing arrangements with third parties in which our brand names are used, including the licensing fees earned from the Dunkin’ K-Cup® pod licensing agreement and sales of Dunkin' Donuts branded ready-to-drink bottled iced coffee and retail packaged coffee, revenues generated from online training programs for franchisees, and revenues from the sale of Dunkin’ Donuts products in certain international markets, all of which are not allocated to a specific segment. Revenues by segment were as follows (in thousands): Revenues Fiscal year ended December 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 December 26, 2015 Dunkin’ Donuts U.S. $ 641,896 607,964 591,062 Dunkin’ Donuts International 20,573 22,903 22,973 Baskin-Robbins U.S. 49,204 47,512 47,140 Baskin-Robbins International 114,680 119,015 117,076 Total reportable segment revenues 826,353 797,394 778,251 Other 34,148 31,495 32,682 Total revenues $ 860,501 828,889 810,933 Revenues for foreign countries are represented by the Dunkin’ Donuts International and Baskin-Robbins International segments above. No individual foreign country accounted for more than 10% of total revenues for any fiscal year presented. Amounts included in “Corporate” in the segment profit table below include corporate overhead costs, such as payroll and related benefit costs and professional services, net of “Other” revenues reported above. Segment profit by segment was as follows (in thousands): Segment profit Fiscal year ended December 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 December 26, 2015 Dunkin’ Donuts U.S. $ 501,451 466,976 431,065 Dunkin’ Donuts International 6,970 9,658 10,240 Baskin-Robbins U.S. 34,212 34,240 29,289 Baskin-Robbins International 39,336 38,967 36,218 Total reportable segments 581,969 549,841 506,812 Corporate (112,015 ) (112,899 ) (161,934 ) Interest expense, net (101,110 ) (100,270 ) (96,341 ) Amortization of other intangible assets (21,335 ) (22,079 ) (24,688 ) Long-lived asset impairment charges (1,617 ) (149 ) (623 ) Loss on debt extinguishment and refinancing transactions (6,996 ) — (20,554 ) Other gains (losses), net 391 (1,195 ) (1,084 ) Income before income taxes $ 339,287 313,249 201,588 Net income (loss) of equity method investments, including amortization on investor-level intangible assets, is included in segment profit for the Dunkin’ Donuts International and Baskin-Robbins International reportable segments. Amounts reported as “Other” in the segment profit table below include the impairment charge recorded in fiscal year 2015 related to our investment in the Japan JV and the related reduction in depreciation and amortization, net of tax, as well as the reduction in depreciation and amortization, net of tax, reported by the South Korea JV as a result of the impairment charge recorded in fiscal year 2011 (see note 6 ). Net income (loss) of equity method investments by reportable segment was as follows (in thousands): Net income (loss) of equity method investments Fiscal year ended December 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 December 26, 2015 Dunkin’ Donuts International $ (83 ) 622 1,295 Baskin-Robbins International 11,117 9,803 10,535 Total reportable segments 11,034 10,425 11,830 Other 4,164 4,127 (53,575 ) Total net income (loss) of equity method investments $ 15,198 14,552 (41,745 ) Depreciation is reflected in segment profit for each reportable segment. Depreciation by reportable segments was as follows (in thousands): Depreciation Fiscal year ended December 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 December 26, 2015 Dunkin’ Donuts U.S. $ 11,296 11,378 12,229 Dunkin’ Donuts International 31 27 7 Baskin-Robbins U.S. 320 272 358 Baskin-Robbins International 53 74 60 Total reportable segments 11,700 11,751 12,654 Corporate 8,384 8,707 7,902 Total depreciation $ 20,084 20,458 20,556 Property and equipment, net by geographic region as of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 is based on the physical locations within the indicated geographic regions and are as follows (in thousands): December 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 United States $ 168,933 176,524 International 72 138 Total property and equipment, net $ 169,005 176,662

Stockholders' equity (deficit)

Stockholders' equity (deficit)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' equity (deficit)	Stockholders’ equity (deficit) (a) Common stock Common shares issued and outstanding included in the consolidated balance sheets include vested and unvested restricted shares. Common stock in the consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity (deficit) excludes unvested restricted shares. (b) Treasury stock In February 2015, the Company entered into and completed an accelerated share repurchase agreement (the “February 2015 ASR Agreement”) with a third-party financial institution. Pursuant to the terms of the February 2015 ASR Agreement, the Company paid the financial institution $400.0 million in cash and received a delivery of 8,226,297 shares of the Company’s common stock in fiscal year 2015 based on a weighted average cost per share of $48.62 over the term of the February 2015 ASR Agreement. In October 2015, the Company entered into an accelerated share repurchase agreement (the “October 2015 ASR Agreement”) with a third-party financial institution. Pursuant to the terms of the October 2015 ASR Agreement, the Company paid the financial institution $125.0 million from cash on hand and received an initial delivery of 2,527,167 shares of the Company’s common stock in October 2015, representing an estimate of 80% of the total shares expected to be delivered under the October 2015 ASR Agreement. Upon the final settlement of the October 2015 ASR Agreement in fiscal year 2016, the Company received an additional delivery of 483,913 shares of its common stock based on a weighted average cost per share of $41.51 over the term of the October 2015 ASR Agreement. Additionally, during fiscal year 2015, the Company repurchased a total of 2,106,881 shares of common stock in the open market at a weighted average cost per share of $47.47 from existing stockholders. The Company accounts for treasury stock under the cost method, and as such recorded an increase in treasury stock of $600.0 million during fiscal year 2015 for the shares repurchased under the accelerated share repurchase agreements and in the open market, based on the fair market value of the shares on the dates of repurchase and direct costs incurred. Additionally, the Company recorded a decrease in additional paid-in capital of $25.0 million related to the remaining cash paid under the October 2015 ASR Agreement since the final settlement was not completed as of December 26, 2015, which upon settlement in fiscal year 2016, was reclassified from additional paid-in-capital to treasury stock. During fiscal year 2015 , the Company retired 12,833,178 shares of treasury stock, resulting in decreases in treasury stock and additional paid-in capital of $599.0 million and $129.4 million , respectively, and an increase in accumulated deficit of $469.5 million . During fiscal year 2016, the Company entered into and completed an accelerated share repurchase agreement (the “2016 ASR Agreement”) with a third-party financial institution. Pursuant to the terms of the 2016 ASR Agreement, the Company paid the financial institution $30.0 million in cash and received 702,239 shares of the Company’s common stock in fiscal year 2016 based on a weighted average cost per share of $42.72 over the term of the 2016 ASR Agreement. Additionally, during fiscal year 2016, the Company repurchased a total of 520,631 shares of common stock in the open market at a weighted average cost per share of $48.02 from existing stockholders. The Company recorded an increase in treasury stock of $80.0 million during fiscal year 2016 for the shares repurchased under the October 2015 ASR Agreement, the 2016 ASR Agreement, and in the open market, based on the fair market value of the shares on the dates of repurchase and direct costs incurred. During fiscal year 2016, the Company retired 1,706,783 shares of treasury stock, resulting in decreases in treasury stock and additional paid-in capital of $80.0 million and $15.9 million , respectively, and an increase in accumulated deficit of $64.1 million . During fiscal year 2017, the Company entered into and completed an accelerated share repurchase agreement (the “2017 ASR Agreement”) with a third-party financial institution. Pursuant to the terms of the 2017 ASR Agreement, the Company paid the financial institution $100.0 million in cash and received 1,757,568 shares of the Company’s common stock during fiscal year 2017 based on a weighted average cost per share of $56.90 over the term of the 2017 ASR Agreement. Additionally, during fiscal year 2017, the Company repurchased a total of 513,880 shares of common stock in the open market at a weighted average cost per share of $52.90 from existing stockholders. During fiscal year 2017, the Company retired 2,271,448 shares of treasury stock repurchased under the 2017 ASR Agreement and in the open market, based on the fair market value of the shares on the dates of repurchase and direct costs incurred. The repurchase and retirement of these shares of treasury stock resulted in a decrease in additional paid-in capital of $18.9 million and an increase in accumulated deficit of $108.3 million . In February 2018, the Company entered into two accelerated share repurchase agreements (the “February 2018 ASR Agreements”) with two third-party financial institutions. Pursuant to the terms of the February 2018 ASR Agreements, the Company paid the financial institutions $650.0 million from cash on hand and received an initial delivery of 8,478,722 shares of the Company's common stock on February 16, 2018 , representing an estimate of 80% of the total shares expected to be delivered under the February 2018 ASR Agreements. At settlement, the financial institutions may be required to deliver additional shares of common stock to the Company or, under certain circumstances, the Company may be required to deliver shares of its common stock or may elect to make cash payment to the financial institutions. Final settlement of each of the February 2018 ASR Agreements is expected to be completed in the third quarter of fiscal year 2018, although the settlement may be accelerated at each financial institution’s option. (c) Accumulated other comprehensive loss The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss were as follows (in thousands): Effect of foreign currency translation Unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate swaps Other Accumulated other comprehensive loss Balances at December 31, 2016 $ (23,019 ) 1,144 (2,109 ) (23,984 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) 14,780 (1,144 ) 658 14,294 Balances at December 30, 2017 $ (8,239 ) — (1,451 ) (9,690 ) (d) Dividends During fiscal year 2017 , the Company paid dividends on common stock as follows: Dividend per share Total amount (in thousands) Payment date Fiscal year 2017: First quarter $ 0.3225 $ 29,621 March 22, 2017 Second quarter 0.3225 29,226 June 14, 2017 Third quarter 0.3225 29,064 September 6, 2017 Fourth quarter 0.3225 29,092 December 6, 2017 During fiscal year 2016 , the Company paid dividends on common stock as follows: Dividend per share Total amount (in thousands) Payment date Fiscal year 2016: First quarter $ 0.3000 $ 27,395 March 16, 2016 Second quarter 0.3000 27,456 June 8, 2016 Third quarter 0.3000 27,475 August 31, 2016 Fourth quarter 0.3000 27,377 November 30, 2016 On February 6, 2018 , the Company announced that its board of directors approved an increase to the next quarterly dividend to $0.3475 per share of common stock, payable on March 21, 2018 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on March 12, 2018 .

Equity incentive plans

Equity incentive plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Equity incentive plans	Equity incentive plans The Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc. 2015 Omnibus Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2015 Plan”) was adopted in May 2015, and is the only plan under which the Company currently grants awards. A maximum of 6,200,000 shares of common stock may be delivered in satisfaction of awards under the 2015 Plan. Prior to the 2015 Plan, the Company granted awards under the Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc. 2011 Omnibus Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2011 Plan”) and the 2006 Executive Incentive Plan, as amended (the “2006 Plan”). Total share-based compensation expense, which is included in general and administrative expenses, net, consisted of the following (in thousands): Fiscal year ended December 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 December 26, 2015 Time-vested stock options $ 8,611 10,654 10,519 Restricted stock units 4,337 3,608 3,408 2011 Plan restricted shares 701 1,793 1,967 Performance stock units 1,277 1,086 — Other — 40 198 Total share-based compensation $ 14,926 17,181 16,092 Total related tax benefit $ 8,339 6,955 6,512 The actual tax benefit realized from stock options exercised during fiscal years 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 was $11.1 million , $4.1 million , and $13.1 million , respectively. Time-vested stock options Time-vested stock options granted under the 2011 Plan and 2015 Plan vest in equal annual amounts over a 4 -year period subsequent to the grant date, and as such are subject to a service condition, and also fully vest upon a change of control. The requisite service period over which compensation cost is being recognized is 4 years. The maximum contractual term of the stock options is 7 or 10 years. The fair value of time-vested stock options was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. This model is impacted by the Company’s stock price and certain assumptions related to the Company’s stock and employees’ exercise behavior. The following weighted average assumptions were utilized in determining the fair value of the 2015 Plan options granted during fiscal years 2017 and 2016 and the 2011 Plan options granted during fiscal year 2015 : Fiscal year ended December 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 December 26, 2015 Weighted average grant-date fair value of share options granted $ 9.87 $ 7.41 $ 8.66 Weighted average assumptions: Risk-free interest rate 1.9 % 1.2 % 1.5 % Expected volatility 24.0 % 25.0 % 25.0 % Dividend yield 2.3 % 2.7 % 2.2 % Expected term (years) 4.88 4.90 4.91 The expected term was primarily estimated utilizing the simplified method. We utilized the simplified method because the Company does not have sufficient historical exercise data to provide a reasonable basis upon which to estimate expected term. The risk-free interest rate assumption was based on yields of U.S. Treasury securities in effect at the date of grant with terms similar to the expected term. Expected volatility was estimated based on the Company’s historical volatility, and also considering historical volatility of peer companies over a period equivalent to the expected term. Additionally, the dividend yield was estimated based on dividends currently being paid on the underlying common stock at the date of grant. Estimated and actual forfeitures have not had a material impact on share-based compensation expense. A summary of the status of the time-vested stock options as of December 30, 2017 and changes during fiscal year 2017 is presented below: Number of shares Weighted average exercise price Weighted average remaining contractual term (years) Aggregate intrinsic value (in millions) Share options outstanding at December 31, 2016 4,889,585 $ 44.82 5.3 Granted 1,181,777 55.04 Exercised (880,346 ) 40.37 Forfeited or expired (823,489 ) 49.38 Share options outstanding at December 30, 2017 4,367,527 47.63 4.6 $ 73.6 Share options exercisable at December 30, 2017 2,026,779 44.99 3.9 39.5 The total grant-date fair value of the time-vested options vested during fiscal years 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 was $9.9 million , $10.6 million , and $7.4 million , respectively. The total intrinsic value of the time-vested stock options exercised was $13.0 million , $5.3 million , and $6.7 million for fiscal years 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively. As of December 30, 2017 , there was $12.7 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to the time-vested stock options. Unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.4 years. Restricted stock units The Company typically grants restricted stock units to certain employees and non-employee members of our board of directors. Restricted stock units granted to employees generally vest in three equal installments on each of the first three annual anniversaries of the grant date. Restricted stock units granted to our non-employee members of our board of directors generally vest in one installment on the first anniversary of the grant date. A summary of the changes in the Company’s restricted stock units during fiscal year 2017 is presented below: Number of shares Weighted average grant-date fair value Weighted average remaining contractual term (years) Aggregate intrinsic value (in millions) Nonvested restricted stock units at December 31, 2016 183,676 $ 44.91 1.7 Granted 91,272 52.44 Vested (90,976 ) 45.37 Forfeited (8,546 ) 46.37 Nonvested restricted stock units at December 30, 2017 175,426 48.51 1.5 $ 11.3 The fair value of each restricted stock unit is determined on the date of grant based on our closing stock price, less the present value of expected dividends not received during the vesting period. The weighted average grant-date fair value of restricted stock units granted during fiscal years 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 was $52.44 , $44.34 , and $46.21 , respectively. As of December 30, 2017 , there was $5.2 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock units, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 1.8 years. The total grant-date fair value of restricted stock units vested during fiscal years 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 was $4.1 million , $3.5 million , and $2.6 million , respectively. 2011 Plan restricted shares During fiscal year 2014, the Company granted restricted shares of 27,096 . The restricted shares vested in full during fiscal year 2016 based on a service condition, and had a grant-date fair value of $51.67 per share, which was determined on the date of grant based on the Company ’ s closing stock price. During fiscal year 2015, the Company granted restricted shares of 21,101 . The restricted shares were eligible to vest in equal installments in February 2018 and 2019 based on a service condition, and had a grant-date fair value of $47.39 per share, which was determined on the date of grant based on the Company ’ s closing stock price. As of December 30, 2017 , there was no unrecognized compensation cost related to these restricted shares, as the shares were forfeited during fiscal year 2017. In addition, during fiscal year 2014, the Company granted 150,000 contingently issuable restricted shares. The contingently issuable restricted shares are eligible to vest on December 31, 2018 , subject to a service condition and a market vesting condition linked to the level of total shareholder return received by the Company’s shareholders during the performance period measured against the median total shareholder return of the companies in the S&P 500 Composite Index. The contingently issuable restricted shares were valued based on a Monte Carlo simulation model to reflect the impact of the total shareholder return market condition, resulting in a grant-date fair value of $37.94 per share. As of December 30, 2017 , there was $1.2 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to these restricted shares, which is expected to be recognized over a period of approximately 1.0 year. As of December 30, 2017 , 150,000 2011 Plan restricted shares remained unvested. The total grant-date fair value of restricted shares vested during fiscal year 2016 was $1.4 million . No shares vested during fiscal years 2017 and 2015 . Performance stock units The Company granted 84,705 and 121,030 performance stock units (“PSUs”) to certain employees during fiscal years 2017 and 2016 , respectively, which are generally eligible to cliff-vest approximately three years from the grant date. Of the total PSUs granted in 2017 and 2016 , 37,027 and 39,684 PSUs, respectively, are subject to a service condition and a market vesting condition linked to the level of total shareholder return received by the Company ’ s shareholders during the performance period measured against the companies in the S&P 500 Composite Index (“TSR PSUs”). The remaining 47,678 and 81,346 PSUs granted in 2017 and 2016 , respectively, are subject to a service condition and a performance vesting condition based on the level of adjusted operating income growth achieved over the performance period (“AOI PSUs”). The maximum vesting percentage that could be realized for each of the TSR PSUs and the AOI PSUs is 200% based on the level of performance achieved for the respective awards. All of the PSUs are also subject to a one-year post-vesting holding period. The TSR PSUs were valued based on a Monte Carlo simulation model to reflect the impact of the total shareholder return market condition, resulting in a weighted average grant-date fair value of $67.52 and $55.36 per unit granted in 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The probability of satisfying a market condition is considered in the estimation of the grant-date fair value for TSR PSUs and the compensation cost is not reversed if the market condition is not achieved, provided the requisite service has been provided. The AOI PSUs granted in 2017 and 2016 have a weighted average grant-date fair value of $52.44 and $44.22 per unit, respectively. Total compensation cost for the AOI PSUs is determined based on the most likely outcome of the performance condition and the number of awards expected to vest based on the outcome. A summary of the changes in the Company’s PSUs during fiscal year 2017 is presented below: Number of shares Weighted average grant-date fair value Weighted average remaining contractual term (years) Aggregate intrinsic value (in millions) Nonvested performance stock units at December 31, 2016 113,041 $ 47.90 2.3 Granted 84,705 59.03 Forfeited (49,160 ) 44.89 Nonvested performance stock units at December 30, 2017 148,586 52.72 1.7 $ 9.6 As of December 30, 2017 , there was $4.0 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to PSUs, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 1.9 years.

Earnings per Share

Earnings per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings per Share	Earnings per Share The computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share is as follows (in thousands, except share and per share amounts): Fiscal year ended December 30, December 31, December 26, Net income attributable to Dunkin’ Brands—basic and diluted $ 350,909 195,576 105,227 Weighted average number of common shares: Common—basic 90,857,168 91,568,942 96,045,232 Common—diluted 92,231,436 92,538,282 97,131,674 Earnings per common share: Common—basic $ 3.86 2.14 1.10 Common—diluted 3.80 2.11 1.08 The weighted average number of common shares in the common diluted earnings per share calculation includes the dilutive effect of 1,374,268 , 969,340 , and 1,086,442 equity awards for fiscal years 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively, using the treasury stock method. The weighted average number of common shares in the common diluted earnings per share calculation for all periods excludes all contingently issuable equity awards outstanding for which the contingent vesting criteria were not yet met as of the fiscal period end. As of December 30, 2017 , December 31, 2016 , and December 26, 2015 there were 150,000 restricted shares that were contingently issuable and for which the contingent vesting criteria were not yet met as of the fiscal period end. Additionally, the weighted average number of common shares in the common diluted earnings per share calculation excludes 1,382,486 , 3,498,229 , and 2,985,215 equity awards for fiscal years 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively, as they would be antidilutive.

Income taxes

Income taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income taxes	Income taxes Income before income taxes was attributed to domestic and foreign taxing jurisdictions as follows (in thousands): Fiscal year ended December 30, December 31, December 26, Domestic operations $ 317,720 286,927 234,410 Foreign operations 21,567 26,322 (32,822 ) Income before income taxes $ 339,287 313,249 201,588 The components of the provision (benefit) for income taxes were as follows (in thousands): Fiscal year ended December 30, December 31, December 26, Current: Federal $ 102,349 97,972 90,586 State 27,922 28,430 23,694 Foreign 3,094 3,808 3,186 Current tax provision $ 133,365 130,210 117,466 Deferred: Federal $ (145,903 ) (9,983 ) (19,034 ) State (791 ) (3,152 ) (3,060 ) Foreign 1,707 598 987 Deferred tax benefit (144,987 ) (12,537 ) (21,107 ) Provision for income taxes $ (11,622 ) 117,673 96,359 Tax Reform On December 22, 2017, the U.S. federal government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”). The Tax Act significantly changes U.S. tax law by, among other things, reducing the corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018, establishing a territorial-style system for taxing foreign-source income of domestic multinational corporations, and imposing a one-time mandatory transition tax on deemed repatriated earnings of certain foreign joint ventures and subsidiaries. As a result of the Tax Act, the Company recorded a provisional net tax benefit of $143.4 million during fiscal year 2017. The provisional amount includes a $145.1 million tax benefit for the remeasurement of certain U.S. deferred tax assets and liabilities. In addition, the provisional amount includes a $1.7 million tax expense for the income tax on the deemed repatriation of unremitted foreign earnings, net of estimated foreign tax credits. The provisional net tax benefit was computed based on information currently available to the Company. However, there is still uncertainty as to the application of the Tax Act, including as it relates to state income taxes, because regulations and interpretations have not been released. In addition, certain estimates were used in computing the provisional amount, which will be finalized upon the filing of the Company’s 2017 U.S. federal tax return. As we complete our analysis of U.S. tax reform in fiscal year 2018, we may make adjustments to the provisional amounts, which may impact our provision for income taxes in the period in which the adjustments are made. The Company expects to elect to pay the liability for the deemed repatriation of foreign earnings with our 2017 tax return. Accordingly, as of December 30, 2017, the liability for the transition tax on deemed repatriation of foreign earnings is included as a reduction to prepaid income taxes in the consolidated balance sheets. Tax Rate The provision (benefit) for income taxes differed from the expense computed using the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% due to the following: Fiscal year ended December 30, December 31, December 26, Computed federal income tax expense, at statutory rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % Impairment of investment in Japan JV — — 9.4 State income taxes 5.5 5.1 6.6 Benefits and taxes related to foreign operations (1.4 ) (2.7 ) (4.4 ) Excess tax benefits (2.3 ) — — Change in valuation allowance 2.6 — — Other permanent differences (0.4 ) 0.1 0.6 Impact of Tax Act (42.3 ) — — Other, net (0.1 ) 0.1 0.6 Effective tax rate (3.4 )% 37.6 % 47.8 % In addition to the impact of the Tax Act, the Company’s effective tax rate for fiscal year 2017 was impacted by the adoption of new guidance for employee share-based compensation (see note 2 (v)), which resulted in the Company recording $7.8 million of excess tax benefits related to share-based compensation within the provision for income taxes. The effective tax rate for fiscal year 2015 was increased by the impairment of our investment in the Japan JV as a result of the corresponding reduction in income before income taxes but for which there is no corresponding tax benefit. Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities The components of deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows (in thousands): December 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Deferred tax assets Deferred tax liabilities Deferred tax assets Deferred tax liabilities Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 2,013 — 2,685 — Capital leases 2,158 — 3,295 — Rent 9,452 — 11,905 — Property and equipment 375 — — 1,977 Deferred compensation liabilities 15,033 — 19,900 — Deferred gift cards and certificates 16,676 — 27,874 — Deferred income 9,049 — 12,609 — Real estate reserves 1,153 — 1,264 — Franchise rights and other intangibles — 372,988 — 551,679 Unused net operating losses and foreign tax credits 1,912 — 11,457 — Other current liabilities 4,697 — 5,368 — Other 224 — 1,758 — 62,742 372,988 98,115 553,656 Valuation allowance (899 ) — (1,131 ) — Total $ 61,843 372,988 96,984 553,656 Deferred tax assets for certain foreign jurisdictions totaling $4.1 million and $5.1 million as of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively, are included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. At December 30, 2017 , the Company had net operating loss carryforwards in certain international jurisdictions of approximately $7.5 million , and recorded deferred tax assets of $1.0 million , net of valuation allowance, related to such loss carryforwards. 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, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Based upon the level of historical taxable income, and projections for future taxable income over the periods for which the deferred tax assets are deductible, management believes, as of December 30, 2017 , with the exception of net operating loss carryforwards attributable to certain of our foreign subsidiaries for which valuation allowances have been recorded, it is more likely than not that the Company will realize the benefits of the deferred tax assets. In conjunction with the anticipated closing of the debt refinancing transaction and related issuance of the 2017 Notes (see note 8 ), management assessed the realizability of its unused foreign tax credits as of September 30, 2017 by considering whether it was more likely than not that some portion or all of the unused foreign tax credits would not be realized. The ultimate realization of these unused foreign tax credits is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income available to apply such foreign tax credits prior to their expiration in fiscal years 2021 through 2026. Based upon the level of historical and projected future taxable income over the period prior to expiration, including the incremental interest expense from the 2017 Notes, as of September 30, 2017, management did not believe that it was more likely than not that the Company would realize the benefit of the unused foreign tax credits. As such, a valuation allowance of $8.9 million was recorded to the provision for income taxes during the three months ended September 30, 2017. As a result of the Tax Act, the Company determined it will realize the benefit of the unused foreign tax credits as a reduction to the one-time mandatory transition tax on deemed repatriated earnings. Therefore, the $1.7 million provisional tax expense associated with the one-time mandatory transition tax reflects the reversal of the valuation allowance associated with the unused foreign tax credits. The Company has not recognized a deferred tax liability of $8.6 million for potential withholding taxes on the undistributed earnings of foreign operations, net of foreign tax credits, relating to our foreign joint ventures that arose in fiscal year 2017 and prior years because the Company currently does not expect those unremitted earnings to be distributed and become taxable to the Company in the foreseeable future. In addition, the previously untaxed accumulated earnings and profits of our joint ventures were subject to tax in the one-time mandatory transition tax provision. A deferred tax liability will be recognized when the Company is no longer able to demonstrate that it plans to indefinitely reinvest undistributed earnings. As of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the undistributed earnings of these joint ventures were approximately $147.4 million and $132.9 million , respectively. The Company has not recognized a deferred tax liability for the undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries since the previously untaxed accumulated earnings and profits of those subsidiaries were subject to tax in the one-time mandatory transition tax provision. In addition, such earnings are considered indefinitely reinvested outside the United States. As of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the amount of cash associated with indefinitely reinvested foreign earnings was approximately $21.7 million and $24.5 million , respectively. If in the future we decide to repatriate such foreign earnings, we could incur incremental U.S. federal and state income tax. However, our intention is to keep these funds indefinitely reinvested outside of the United States and our current plans do not demonstrate a need to repatriate them to fund our U.S. operations. Unrecognized Tax Benefits At December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions was $1.5 million and $2.3 million , respectively. At December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the Company had approximately $0.6 million and $1.1 million , respectively, of accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions. The Company did not record a material amount related to potential interest and penalties for uncertain tax positions during fiscal years 2017, 2016, or 2015. As of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , there was $ 1.3 million of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the annual effective tax rate. The Company’s major tax jurisdictions subject to income tax are the United States and Canada. In the United States, the Company has open tax years dating back to tax years ended December 2014. For Canada, the Company has open tax years dating back to tax years ended December 2011. A summary of the changes in the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands): Fiscal year ended December 30, December 31, December 26, Balance at beginning of year $ 2,290 2,653 3,672 Increases related to prior year tax positions 206 267 — Increases related to current year tax positions 65 161 111 Decreases related to prior year tax positions (94 ) (33 ) (301 ) Decreases related to settlements (871 ) (191 ) (636 ) Lapses of statutes of limitations (140 ) (597 ) — Effect of foreign currency adjustments 73 30 (193 ) Balance at end of year $ 1,529 2,290 2,653

Commitments and contingencies

Commitments and contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Text Block [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and contingencies (a) Lease commitments The Company is party to various leases for property, including land and buildings, leased automobiles, and office equipment under noncancelable operating and capital lease arrangements (see note 11). (b) Supply chain guarantees The Company has various supply chain agreements that provide for purchase commitments, the majority of which result in the Company being contingently liable upon early termination of the agreement. As of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the Company was contingently liable under such supply chain agreements for approximately $116.7 million and $136.2 million , respectively. For certain supply chain commitments, as product is purchased by the Company’s franchisees over the term of the agreement, the amount of the guarantee is reduced. The Company assesses the risk of performing under each of these guarantees on a quarterly basis, and, based on various factors including internal forecasts, prior history, and ability to extend contract terms, we accrued an immaterial amount of reserves related to supply chain commitments as of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , which are included in other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. (c) Letters of credit At December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the Company had standby letters of credit outstanding for a total of $32.3 million and $25.9 million , respectively. There were no amounts drawn down on these letters of credit. (d) Legal matters In May 2003, a group of Dunkin’ Donuts franchisees from Quebec, Canada filed a lawsuit against the Company on a variety of claims, including but not limited to, alleging that the Company breached its franchise agreements and provided inadequate management and support to Dunkin’ Donuts franchisees in Quebec (the “Bertico litigation”). In June 2012, the Quebec Superior Court found for the plaintiffs and issued a judgment against the Company in the amount of approximately C$16.4 million , plus costs and interest, representing loss in value of the franchises and lost profits. The Company appealed the decision, and in April 2015, the Quebec Court of Appeals (Montreal) ruled to reduce the damages to approximately C$10.9 million , plus costs and interest. Similar claims have also been made against the Company by other former Dunkin’ Donuts franchisees in Canada. As a result of the Bertico litigation appellate ruling and assessment of similar claims, the Company reduced its aggregate legal reserves for the Bertico litigation and similar claims by approximately $2.8 million during fiscal year 2015, which is recorded within general and administrative expenses, net in the consolidated statements of operations. During fiscal year 2016, the Company reached a final agreement on costs and interest with the plaintiffs in the Bertico litigation, and paid approximately C$17.4 million with respect to this matter, which represented the full amounts owed to the plaintiffs. Additionally, the Company is engaged in several matters of litigation arising in the ordinary course of its business as a franchisor. Such matters include disputes related to compliance with the terms of franchise and development agreements, including claims or threats of claims of breach of contract, negligence, and other alleged violations by the Company. At December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , contingent liabilities totaling $3.6 million and $5.6 million , respectively, were included in other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets to reflect the Company’s estimate of the probable losses which may be incurred in connection with all outstanding litigation.

Retirement plans

Retirement plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Retirement plans	Retirement plans 401(k) Plan Employees of the Company, excluding employees of certain international subsidiaries, are eligible to participate in a defined contribution retirement plan, the Dunkin’ Brands 401(k) Retirement Plan (“401(k) Plan”), under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. Under the 401(k) Plan, employees may contribute up to 80% of their pre-tax eligible compensation, not to exceed the annual limits set by the IRS. The 401(k) Plan allows the Company to match participants’ contributions in an amount determined at the sole discretion of the Company. The Company matched participants’ contributions during fiscal years 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , up to a maximum of 4% of the employee’s eligible compensation. Employer contributions totaled $3.4 million , $3.3 million , and $3.2 million for fiscal years 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively. NQDC Plans The Company also offers certain qualifying individuals, as defined by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”), the ability to participate in the NQDC Plans. The NQDC Plans allow for pre-tax contributions of up to 50% of a participant’s base annual salary and other forms of compensation, as defined. The Company credits the amounts deferred with earnings and holds investments in company-owned life insurance policies to partially offset the Company’s liabilities under the NQDC Plans. The NQDC Plans liability, included in other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets, was $13.5 million and $11.1 million at December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. As of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , total investments held for the NQDC Plans were $10.8 million and $9.3 million , respectively, and are included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. Canadian Pension Plan The Company sponsored a contributory defined benefit pension plan in Canada, The Baskin-Robbins Employees’ Pension Plan (“Canadian Pension Plan”), which provided retirement benefits for the majority of its Canadian employees. During fiscal year 2012, the Company’s board of directors approved a plan to close the Peterborough, Ontario, Canada manufacturing plant, where the majority of the Canadian Pension Plan participants were employed. As a result of the closure, the Company terminated the Canadian Pension Plan in fiscal year 2012, and the Financial Services Commission of Ontario approved the termination of the plan in fiscal year 2014. During fiscal year 2015, the Company completed the final settlement of the plan by funding the plan deficit and distributing substantially all plan assets through lump-sum distributions to participants and the purchase of annuities. The settlement of the Canadian Pension Plan resulted in the recognition of a loss of $4.1 million , which was reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to general and administrative expenses, net during fiscal year 2015.

Related-party transactions

Related-party transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Disclosure Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related-party transactions	Related-party transactions The Company recognized royalty income from its equity method investees as follows (in thousands): Fiscal year ended December 30, December 31, December 26, Japan JV $ 1,745 1,873 1,378 South Korea JV 4,525 4,030 4,288 Spain JV — — 68 $ 6,270 5,903 5,734 At December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the Company had $1.5 million and $1.1 million , respectively, of royalties receivable from its equity method investees, which were recorded in accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts, in the consolidated balance sheets. The Company made net payments to its equity method investees totaling approximately $3.3 million in fiscal year 2017 , and $3.2 million in each of the fiscal years 2016 and 2015 , primarily for the purchase of ice cream products. Upon sale of the Company's ownership interest in the Spain JV in fiscal year 2016 (see note 6 ), the Company recovered approximately $1.0 million in notes receivable repayments. During fiscal years 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , the Company recognized sales of ice cream and other products of $4.2 million , $4.3 million , and $4.0 million , respectively, in the consolidated statements of operations from the sale of ice cream products to the Australia JV. As of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the Company had $3.6 million and $2.6 million , respectively of net receivables from the Australia JV, consisting of accounts and notes receivable, net of current liabilities.

Allowance for doubtful accounts

Allowance for doubtful accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross, Allowance, and Net [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	Allowance for doubtful accounts The changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts were as follows (in thousands): Accounts receivable Short-term notes and other receivables Long-term notes and other Balance at December 27, 2014 $ 3,882 1,278 3,947 Provision for (recovery of) doubtful accounts, net 3,705 (117 ) (245 ) Write-offs and other (1,960 ) (154 ) 373 Balance at December 26, 2015 5,627 1,007 4,075 Provision for (recovery of) doubtful accounts, net 1,202 (189 ) (960 ) Write-offs and other (2,051 ) (479 ) (1,027 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 4,778 339 2,088 Provision for doubtful accounts, net 123 264 70 Write-offs and other (968 ) — (335 ) Balance at December 30, 2017 $ 3,933 603 1,823

Quarterly financial data (unaud

Quarterly financial data (unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Income Statement [Abstract]
Quarterly financial data (unaudited)	Quarterly financial data (unaudited) Three months ended April 1, July 1, September 30, December 30, (In thousands, except per share data) Total revenues $ 190,672 218,522 224,168 227,139 Operating income 91,293 113,550 122,033 120,126 Net income attributable to Dunkin’ Brands 47,467 55,704 52,246 195,492 Earnings per share: Common—basic 0.52 0.61 0.58 2.17 Common—diluted 0.51 0.60 0.57 2.13 Three months ended March 26, June 25, September 24, December 31, (In thousands, except per share data) Total revenues $ 189,776 216,309 207,099 215,705 Operating income 85,333 106,141 109,360 113,880 Net income attributable to Dunkin’ Brands 37,154 49,590 52,712 56,120 Earnings per share: Common—basic 0.41 0.54 0.58 0.61 Common—diluted 0.40 0.54 0.57 0.61

Adoption of new revenue recogni

Adoption of new revenue recognition guidance Adoption of new revenue recognition guidance	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
Adoption of new revenue recognition guidance	Adoption of new revenue recognition guidance In May 2014, the FASB issued new guidance for revenue recognition related to contracts with customers, except for contracts within the scope of other standards, which supersedes nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance. The new guidance provides a single framework in which revenue is required to be recognized to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in amounts that reflect the consideration to which a company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The new guidance is effective for the Company in fiscal year 2018. The Company will adopt this new guidance in fiscal year 2018 using the full retrospective transition method, which will result in restating each prior reporting period presented, fiscal years 2017 and 2016, in the year of adoption. Additionally, a cumulative effect adjustment will be recorded to the opening balance of accumulated deficit as of the first day of fiscal year 2016, the earliest period presented, which we expect to be $163.2 million . The expected impact of the new guidance is summarized below. In addition to these expected impacts to our financial results, the Company continues to evaluate the impact the adoption of this new guidance will have on financial statement disclosures, in addition to evaluating business processes and internal controls related to revenue recognition to assist in the ongoing application of the new guidance. Franchise Fees The adoption of the new guidance will change the timing of recognition of initial franchise fees, including master license and territory fees for our international business, and renewal and transfer fees. Currently, these fees are generally recognized upfront upon either opening of the respective restaurant, when a renewal agreement becomes effective, or upon transfer of a franchise agreement. The new guidance will generally require these fees to be recognized over the term of the related franchise license for the respective restaurant, which will result in a material impact to revenue recognized for initial franchise fees and renewal fees. Additionally, transfer fees have historically been included within other revenues, but will be included within franchise fees and royalty income in the consolidated statements of operations under the new guidance. The new guidance will not materially impact the recognition of royalty income. Advertising The adoption of the new guidance will change the reporting of advertising fund contributions from franchisees and the related advertising fund expenditures, which are not currently included in the consolidated statements of operations. The new guidance requires these advertising fund contributions and expenditures to be reported on a gross basis in the consolidated statements of operations, which will have a material impact to our total revenues and expenses. However, we expect such advertising fund contributions and expenditures will be largely offsetting and therefore do not expect a significant impact on our reported net income. The assets and liabilities held by the advertising funds, which have historically been reported as restricted assets and liabilities of advertising funds, respectively, will be included within the respective balance sheet caption to which the assets and liabilities relate. Additionally, advertising costs that have been incurred by the Company outside of the advertising funds have historically been included within general and administrative expenses, net, but will be included within advertising expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. Historically, breakage from Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins gift cards has been recorded as a reduction to general and administrative expenses, net, to offset the related gift card program costs. In accordance with the new guidance, breakage income will be reported on a gross basis in the consolidated statements of operations within advertising fees and related income, and the related gift card program costs will be included in advertising expenses. Ice Cream Royalty Allocation The adoption of the new guidance will require a portion of sales of ice cream products to be allocated to royalty income as consideration for the use of the franchise license. As such, a portion of sales of ice cream and other products will be reclassified to franchise fees and royalty income in the consolidated statements of operations under the new guidance. This allocation will have no impact on the timing of recognition of the related sales of ice cream products or royalty income. Other Revenue Transactions The adoption of the new guidance will require certain fees generated by licensing of our brand names and other intellectual property to be recognized over the term of the related agreement, including a one-time upfront license fee recognized in connection with the Dunkin’ K-Cup® pod licensing agreement in fiscal year 2015. Additionally, gains associated with the refranchise, sale, or transfer of restaurants that were not company-operated to new or existing franchisees will be recognized over the term of the related agreement under the new guidance, instead of upon closing of the sale transaction or transfer. Impacts to Prior Period Information As noted, the Company will adopt this new guidance in fiscal year 2018 using the full retrospective transition method, which will result in restating fiscal years 2016 and 2017 in the year of adoption. Upon adoption, the new guidance for revenue recognition is expected to impact the Company's reported results as follows: Consolidated Statements of Operations Fiscal Year 2017 (In thousands, except per share data) Adjustments for new revenue recognition guidance As reported Franchise fees Advertising Ice cream royalty allocation Other revenue transactions Restated Revenues: Franchise fees and royalty income $ 592,689 (51,754 ) — 14,271 — 555,206 Advertising fees and related income — — 470,984 — — 470,984 Rental income 104,643 — — — — 104,643 Sales of ice cream and other products 110,659 — — (14,271 ) — 96,388 Other revenues 52,510 (5,838 ) — — 1,658 48,330 Total revenues 860,501 (57,592 ) 470,984 — 1,658 1,275,551 Operating costs and expenses: Occupancy expenses—franchised restaurants 60,301 — — — — 60,301 Cost of ice cream and other products 77,012 — — — — 77,012 Advertising expenses — — 476,157 — — 476,157 General and administrative expenses, net 248,975 — (5,147 ) — — 243,828 Depreciation 20,084 — — — — 20,084 Amortization of other intangible assets 21,335 — — — — 21,335 Long-lived asset impairment charges 1,617 — — — — 1,617 Total operating costs and expenses 429,324 — 471,010 — — 900,334 Net income of equity method investments 15,198 — — — — 15,198 Other operating income, net 627 — — — — 627 Operating income 447,002 (57,592 ) (26 ) — 1,658 391,042 Other income (expense), net: Interest income 3,313 — — — — 3,313 Interest expense (104,423 ) — — — — (104,423 ) Loss on debt extinguishment and refinancing transactions (6,996 ) — — — — (6,996 ) Other gains, net 391 — — — — 391 Total other expense, net (107,715 ) — — — — (107,715 ) Income before income taxes (a) 339,287 (57,592 ) (26 ) — 1,658 283,327 Provision (benefit) for income taxes (11,622 ) 18,656 — — 5,084 12,118 Net income $ 350,909 (76,248 ) (26 ) — (3,426 ) 271,209 Earnings per share—basic $ 3.86 2.99 Earnings per share—diluted 3.80 2.94 (a) Adjustments for "Franchise fees" and "Other revenue transactions" include tax expense of $42.2 million and $4.3 million , respectively, related to the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, consisting of the re-measurement of the related deferred tax balances using the lower enacted corporate tax rate. Consolidated Statements of Operations Fiscal Year 2016 (In thousands, except per share data) Adjustments for new revenue recognition guidance As reported Franchise fees Advertising Ice cream royalty allocation Other revenue transactions Restated Revenues: Franchise fees and royalty income $ 549,571 (27,490 ) — 14,315 — 536,396 Advertising fees and related income — — 453,553 — — 453,553 Rental income 101,020 — — — — 101,020 Sales of ice cream and other products 114,857 — — (14,315 ) — 100,542 Sales at company-operated restaurants 11,975 — — — — 11,975 Other revenues 51,466 (5,072 ) — — (1,525 ) 44,869 Total revenues 828,889 (32,562 ) 453,553 — (1,525 ) 1,248,355 Operating costs and expenses: Occupancy expenses—franchised restaurants 57,409 — — — — 57,409 Cost of ice cream and other products 77,608 — — — — 77,608 Company-operated restaurant expenses 13,591 — — — — 13,591 Advertising expenses — — 458,568 — — 458,568 General and administrative expenses, net 246,814 — (4,990 ) — — 241,824 Depreciation 20,458 — — — — 20,458 Amortization of other intangible assets 22,079 — — — — 22,079 Long-lived asset impairment charges 149 — — — — 149 Total operating costs and expenses 438,108 — 453,578 — — 891,686 Net income of equity method investments 14,552 — — — — 14,552 Other operating income, net 9,381 — — — — 9,381 Operating income 414,714 (32,562 ) (25 ) — (1,525 ) 380,602 Other income (expense), net: Interest income 582 — — — — 582 Interest expense (100,852 ) — — — — (100,852 ) Other losses, net (1,195 ) — — — — (1,195 ) Total other expense, net (101,465 ) — — — — (101,465 ) Income before income taxes 313,249 (32,562 ) (25 ) — (1,525 ) 279,137 Provision (benefit) for income taxes 117,673 (13,205 ) — — (620 ) 103,848 Net income $ 195,576 (19,357 ) (25 ) — (905 ) 175,289 Earnings per share—basic $ 2.14 1.91 Earnings per share—diluted 2.11 1.89 Consolidated Balance Sheets December 30, 2017 (In thousands) Adjustments for new revenue recognition guidance As reported Franchise fees Advertising Other revenue transactions Restated Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,018,317 — — — 1,018,317 Restricted cash 94,047 — — — 94,047 Accounts receivables, net 51,442 — 18,075 — 69,517 Notes and other receivables, net 51,082 — 1,250 — 52,332 Restricted assets of advertising funds 47,373 — (47,373 ) — — Prepaid income taxes 21,879 — 48 — 21,927 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 32,695 — 15,498 — 48,193 Total current assets 1,316,835 — (12,502 ) — 1,304,333 Property and equipment, net 169,005 — 12,537 — 181,542 Equity method investments 140,615 — — — 140,615 Goodwill 888,308 — — — 888,308 Other intangibles assets, net 1,357,157 — — — 1,357,157 Other assets 65,464 — 14 — 65,478 Total assets $ 3,937,384 — 49 — 3,937,433 Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit) Current liabilities: Current portion of long-term debt $ 31,500 — — — 31,500 Capital lease obligations 596 — — — 596 Accounts payable 16,307 — 37,110 — 53,417 Liabilities of advertising funds 58,014 — (58,014 ) — — Deferred income 39,395 1,502 (550 ) 4,529 44,876 Other current liabilities 326,078 — 29,032 — 355,110 Total current liabilities 471,890 1,502 7,578 4,529 485,499 Long-term debt, net 3,035,857 — — — 3,035,857 Capital lease obligations 7,180 — — — 7,180 Unfavorable operating leases acquired 9,780 — — — 9,780 Deferred income 11,158 328,183 (7,518 ) 29,635 361,458 Deferred income taxes, net 315,249 (91,488 ) — (9,416 ) 214,345 Other long-term liabilities 77,823 — 30 — 77,853 Total long-term liabilities 3,457,047 236,695 (7,488 ) 20,219 3,706,473 Stockholders’ equity (deficit) Preferred stock — — — — — Common stock 90 — — — 90 Additional paid-in-capital 724,114 — — — 724,114 Treasury stock, at cost (1,060 ) — — — (1,060 ) Accumulated deficit (705,007 ) (238,197 ) (196 ) (24,748 ) (968,148 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss (9,690 ) — 155 — (9,535 ) Stockholders’ equity (deficit) 8,447 (238,197 ) (41 ) (24,748 ) (254,539 ) Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity (deficit) $ 3,937,384 — 49 — 3,937,433 Consolidated Balance Sheets December 31, 2016 (In thousands) Adjustments for new revenue recognition guidance As reported Franchise fees Advertising Other revenue transactions Restated Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 361,425 — — — 361,425 Restricted cash 69,746 — — — 69,746 Accounts receivables, net 44,512 — 17,741 — 62,253 Notes and other receivables, net 40,672 — 592 — 41,264 Restricted assets of advertising funds 40,338 — (40,338 ) — — Prepaid income taxes 20,926 — 36 — 20,962 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 28,739 — 12,823 — 41,562 Total current assets 606,358 — (9,146 ) — 597,212 Property and equipment, net 176,662 — 9,153 — 185,815 Equity method investments 114,738 — — — 114,738 Goodwill 888,272 — — — 888,272 Other intangibles assets, net 1,378,720 — — — 1,378,720 Other assets 62,632 — 30 — 62,662 Total assets $ 3,227,382 — 37 — 3,227,419 Liabilities and Stockholders’ Deficit Current liabilities: Current portion of long-term debt $ 25,000 — — — 25,000 Capital lease obligations 589 — — — 589 Accounts payable 12,682 — 34,806 — 47,488 Liabilities of advertising funds 52,271 — (52,271 ) — — Deferred income 35,393 2,699 (591 ) 4,812 42,313 Other current liabilities 298,266 — 26,293 — 324,559 Total current liabilities 424,201 2,699 8,237 4,812 439,949 Long-term debt, net 2,401,998 — — — 2,401,998 Capital lease obligations 7,550 — — — 7,550 Unfavorable operating leases acquired 11,378 — — — 11,378 Deferred income 12,154 269,394 (8,186 ) 31,010 304,372 Deferred income taxes, net 461,810 (110,144 ) — (14,500 ) 337,166 Other long-term liabilities 71,549 — 45 — 71,594 Total long-term liabilities 2,966,439 159,250 (8,141 ) 16,510 3,134,058 Stockholders’ deficit: Preferred stock — — — — — Common stock 91 — — — 91 Additional paid-in-capital 807,492 — — — 807,492 Treasury stock, at cost (1,060 ) — — — (1,060 ) Accumulated deficit (945,797 ) (161,949 ) (170 ) (21,322 ) (1,129,238 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss (23,984 ) — 111 — (23,873 ) Stockholders’ deficit (163,258 ) (161,949 ) (59 ) (21,322 ) (346,588 ) Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit $ 3,227,382 — 37 — 3,227,419 Select Cash Flow Information (In thousands) Fiscal year ended December 30, 2017 As reported Adjustments for new revenue recognition guidance (a) Restated Net cash provided by operating activities $ 276,908 6,449 283,357 Net cash used in investing activities (13,854 ) (6,449 ) (20,303 ) Net cash provided by financing activities 418,641 — 418,641 Increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 682,267 — 682,267 Fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 As reported Adjustments for new revenue recognition guidance (a) Restated Net cash provided by operating activities $ 276,827 5,652 282,479 Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 1,343 (5,652 ) (4,309 ) Net cash used in financing activities (179,178 ) — (179,178 ) Increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 98,717 — 98,717 (a) Adjustment results from full consolidation of the advertising funds, and reflects the investing activities, consisting solely of additions to property and equipment, of such funds.

Summary of significant accoun31

Summary of significant accounting policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Fiscal Year	Fiscal year The Company operates and reports financial information on a 52- or 53-week year on a 13-week quarter basis with the fiscal year ending on the last Saturday in December and fiscal quarters ending on the 13th Saturday of each quarter (or 14th Saturday when applicable with respect to the fourth fiscal quarter). The data periods contained within fiscal years 2017 and 2015 reflect the results of operations for the 52-week periods ended December 30, 2017 and December 26, 2015 , respectively, and fiscal year 2016 reflects the results of operations for the 53-week period ended December 31, 2016 .
Basis of Presentation and Consolidation	(b) Basis of presentation and consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of DBGI and subsidiaries and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). All significant transactions and balances between subsidiaries and affiliates have been eliminated in consolidation. We consolidate entities in which we have a controlling financial interest, the usual condition of which is ownership of a majority voting interest. We also consider for consolidation an entity, in which we have certain interests, where the controlling financial interest may be achieved through arrangements that do not involve voting interests. Such an entity, known as a variable interest entity (“VIE”), is required to be consolidated by its primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary is the entity that possesses the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact its economic performance and has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that are significant to it. The principal entities in which we possess a variable interest include franchise entities, the advertising funds (see note 4 ), and our equity method investees. We do not possess any ownership interests in franchise entities, except for our investments in various entities that are accounted for under the equity method. Additionally, we generally do not provide financial support to franchise entities in a typical franchise relationship. As our franchise and license arrangements provide our franchisee and licensee entities the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact their economic performance, we do not consider ourselves the primary beneficiary of any such entity that might be a VIE. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss resulting from involvement with potential franchise VIEs is attributable to aged trade and notes receivable balances, outstanding loan guarantees, and future lease payments due from franchisees (see note 11 ). Noncontrolling interests included within total stockholders’ equity (deficit) as of December 26, 2015 represented interests in a franchise entity that was deemed a variable interest entity and for which the Company was the primary beneficiary. During fiscal year 2016, the Company deconsolidated the noncontrolling interests from the Company's consolidated financial statements as it was no longer the primary beneficiary of the franchise entity. The Company previously held a 51% interest in a limited partnership that owned and operated Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants in the Dallas, Texas area. The Company possessed control of this entity and, therefore, consolidated the results of the limited partnership. The partnership agreement contained a redemption feature that was probable to become redeemable in the future, and this interest was therefore classified as temporary equity (between liabilities and stockholders’ deficit) in the consolidated balance sheets. The net income and comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interest are presented separately in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income, respectively. During fiscal year 2015, the Company purchased the remaining interests in the limited partnership.
Accounting Estimates	Accounting estimates The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires the use of estimates, judgments, and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and for the period then ended. Significant estimates are made in the calculations and assessments of the following: (a) allowance for doubtful accounts and notes receivables, (b) impairment of tangible and intangible assets, (c) other-than-temporary impairment of equity method investments, (d) income taxes, (e) share-based compensation, (f) lease accounting estimates, (g) gift card/certificate breakage, (h) management fees charged to subsidiaries and affiliates, and (i) contingencies. Estimates are based on historical experience, current conditions, and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. These estimates form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities when they are not readily apparent from other sources. We adjust such estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash	Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash The Company continually monitors its positions with, and the credit quality of, the financial institutions in which it maintains its deposits and investments. As of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , we maintained balances in various cash accounts in excess of federally insured limits. All highly liquid instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less are considered cash equivalents. Cash held related to the advertising funds and the Company’s gift card/certificate programs are classified as unrestricted cash as there are no legal restrictions on the use of these funds; however, the Company intends to use these funds solely to support the advertising funds and gift card/certificate programs rather than to fund operations. Total cash balances related to the advertising funds and gift card/certificate programs as of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were $175.7 million and $177.9 million , respectively.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair value of financial instruments The carrying amounts of accounts receivable, notes and other receivables, assets and liabilities related to the advertising funds, accounts payable, and other current liabilities approximate fair value because of their short-term nature. For long-term receivables, we review the creditworthiness of the counterparty on a quarterly basis, and adjust the carrying value as necessary. We believe the carrying value of long-term receivables of $4.9 million and $3.1 million as of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively, approximates fair value. Financial assets and liabilities are categorized, based on the inputs to the valuation technique, into a three-level fair value hierarchy. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to the quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities and lowest priority to unobservable inputs. Observable market data, when available, is required to be used in making fair value measurements. When inputs used to measure fair value fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the level within which the fair value measurement is categorized is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are summarized as follows (in thousands): December 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Total Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Total Assets: Company-owned life insurance $ 10,836 10,836 9,271 9,271 Total assets $ 10,836 10,836 9,271 9,271 Liabilities: Deferred compensation liabilities $ 13,543 13,543 11,126 11,126 Total liabilities $ 13,543 13,543 11,126 11,126 The deferred compensation liabilities relate to the Dunkin’ Brands, Inc. non-qualified deferred compensation plans (“NQDC Plans”), which allow for pre-tax deferral of compensation for certain qualifying employees and directors (see note 18 ). Changes in the fair value of the deferred compensation liabilities are derived using quoted prices in active markets of the asset selections made by the participants. The deferred compensation liabilities are classified within Level 2, as defined under U.S. GAAP, because their inputs are derived principally from observable market data by correlation to hypothetical investments. The Company holds company-owned life insurance policies to partially offset the Company’s liabilities under the NQDC Plans. The changes in the fair value of any company-owned life insurance policies are derived using determinable cash surrender value. As such, the company-owned life insurance policies are classified within Level 2, as defined under U.S. GAAP. The carrying value and estimated fair value of long-term debt as of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were as follows (in thousands): December 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Financial liabilities Carrying value Estimated fair value Carrying value Estimated fair value Long-term debt $ 3,067,357 3,156,099 2,426,998 2,460,544 The estimated fair value of our long-term debt is estimated primarily based on current market rates for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities or current bid prices for our long-term debt. Judgment is required to develop these estimates. As such, our long-term debt is classified within Level 2, as defined under U.S. GAAP.
Inventories	Inventories Inventories consist primarily of ice cream products sold to certain international markets that are in-transit from our third-party manufacturer to our international licensees, during which time we hold title to such products. The majority of ice cream products are purchased from one supplier. Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or estimated net realizable value, and cost is generally determined based on the actual cost of the specific inventory sold. Inventories are included within prepaid expenses and other current assets in the consolidated balance sheets.
Property and Equipment	Property and equipment Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the estimated useful life or the remaining lease term of the related asset. Estimated useful lives are as follows: Years Buildings 20 – 35 Leasehold improvements 5 – 20 Store, production, and other equipment 3 – 10 Software 3 – 7 Routine maintenance and repair costs are charged to expense as incurred. Major improvements, additions, or replacements that extend the life, increase capacity, or improve the safety or the efficiency of property are capitalized at cost and depreciated. Major improvements to leased property are capitalized as leasehold improvements and depreciated. Interest costs incurred during the acquisition period of capital assets are capitalized as part of the cost of the asset and depreciated.
Leases	Leases When determining lease terms, we begin with the point at which the Company obtains control and possession of the leased properties. We include option periods for which failure to renew the lease imposes a penalty on the Company in such an amount that the renewal appears, at the inception of the lease, to be reasonably assured, which generally includes option periods through the end of the related franchise agreement term. We also include any rent holidays in the determination of the lease term. We record rent expense and rent income for leases and subleases, respectively, that contain scheduled rent increases on a straight-line basis over the lease term as defined above. In certain cases, contingent rentals are based on sales levels of our franchisees, in excess of stipulated amounts. Contingent rentals are included in rent income and rent expense as they are earned or accrued, respectively. We occasionally provide to our sublessees, or receive from our landlords, tenant improvement dollars. Tenant improvement dollars paid to our sublessees are recorded as a deferred rent asset. For fixed asset and/or leasehold purchases for which we receive tenant improvement dollars from our landlords, we record the property and equipment and/or leasehold improvements gross and establish a deferred rent obligation. The deferred lease assets and obligations are amortized on a straight-line basis over the determined sublease and lease terms, respectively. Management regularly reviews sublease arrangements, where we are the lessor, for losses on sublease arrangements. We recognize a loss, discounted using credit-adjusted risk-free rates, when costs expected to be incurred under an operating prime lease exceed the anticipated future revenue stream of the operating sublease. Furthermore, for properties where we do not currently have an operational franchise or other third-party sublessee and are under long-term lease agreements, the present value of any remaining liability under the lease, discounted using credit-adjusted risk-free rates and net of estimated sublease recovery, is recognized as a liability and recorded as an operating expense at the time we cease use of the property. The value of any equipment and leasehold improvements related to a closed store is assessed for potential impairment (see note 2(i)).
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets	Impairment of long-lived assets Long-lived assets that are used in operations are tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable through undiscounted future cash flows. Recognition and measurement of a potential impairment is performed on assets grouped with other assets and liabilities at the lowest level where identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. An impairment loss is the amount by which the carrying amount of a long-lived asset or asset group exceeds its estimated fair value. Fair value is generally estimated by internal specialists based on the present value of anticipated future cash flows or, if required, with the assistance of independent third-party valuation specialists, depending on the nature of the assets or asset group.
Equity method investments	Equity method investments The Company’s equity method investments consist of interests in B-R 31 Ice Cream Co., Ltd. (“Japan JV”), BR-Korea Co., Ltd. (“South Korea JV”), and Palm Oasis Pty. Ltd. (“Australia JV”), which are accounted for in accordance with the equity method. The Company also previously accounted for an ownership interest in Coffee Alliance, S.L. (“Spain JV”) in accordance with the equity method, which interest was sold during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2016 (see note 6 ). The Company evaluates its equity method investments for impairment whenever an event or change in circumstances occurs that may have a significant adverse impact on the fair value of the investment. If a loss in value has occurred and is deemed to be other than temporary, an impairment loss is recorded. Several factors are reviewed to determine whether a loss has occurred that is other than temporary, including absence of an ability to recover the carrying amount of the investment, the length and extent of the fair value decline, and the financial condition and future prospects of the investee.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and other intangible assets Goodwill and trade names (“indefinite-lived intangibles”) have been assigned to our reporting units, which are also our operating segments, for purposes of impairment testing. All of our reporting units have indefinite-lived intangibles associated with them. We evaluate the remaining useful life of our trade names to determine whether current events and circumstances continue to support an indefinite useful life. In addition, all of our indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment annually. We first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that a trade name is impaired. In the event we were to determine that the carrying value of a trade name would more likely than not exceed its fair value, quantitative testing would be performed which consists of a comparison of the fair value of each trade name with its carrying value, with any excess of carrying value over fair value being recognized as an impairment loss. For goodwill, we first perform a qualitative assessment to determine if the fair value of the reporting unit is more likely than not greater than the carrying amount. In the event we were to determine that a reporting unit’s carrying value would more likely than not exceed its fair value, quantitative testing would be performed which consists of a comparison of each reporting unit’s fair value to its carrying value. The fair value of a reporting unit is an estimate of the amount for which the unit as a whole could be sold in a current transaction between willing parties. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, goodwill impairment is calculated as the difference between the carrying value of the reporting unit and its fair value, but not exceeding the carrying amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. We have selected the first day of our fiscal third quarter as the date on which to perform our annual impairment test for all indefinite-lived intangible assets. We also test for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the fair value of such indefinite-lived intangibles has been impaired. Other intangible assets consist primarily of franchise and international license rights (“franchise rights”) and operating lease interests acquired related to our prime leases and subleases (“operating leases acquired”). Franchise rights and favorable operating leases acquired recorded in the consolidated balance sheets were valued using an appropriate valuation method as of the date of acquisition. Amortization of franchise rights and favorable operating leases acquired is recorded as amortization expense in the consolidated statements of operations and amortized over the respective franchise and lease terms using the straight-line method. Unfavorable operating leases acquired related to our prime and subleases are recorded in the liability section of the consolidated balance sheets and are amortized into rental expense and rental income, respectively, over the base lease term of the respective leases using the straight-line method. The weighted average amortization period for all unfavorable operating leases acquired is 18 years. Management makes adjustments to the carrying amount of such intangible assets and unfavorable operating leases acquired if they are deemed to be impaired using the methodology for long-lived assets (see note 2 (i)), or when such license or lease agreements are reduced or terminated.
Contingencies	Contingencies The Company records reserves for legal and other contingencies when information available to the Company indicates that it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Predicting the outcomes of claims and litigation and estimating the related costs and exposures involve substantial uncertainties that could cause actual costs to vary materially from estimates. Legal costs incurred in connection with legal and other contingencies are expensed as the costs are incurred.
Foreign Currency Translation	Foreign currency translation We translate assets and liabilities of non-U.S. operations into U.S. dollars at rates of exchange in effect at the balance sheet date, and revenues and expenses at the average exchange rates prevailing during the period. Resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a separate component of other comprehensive income (loss) and stockholders’ equity (deficit), net of deferred taxes. Foreign currency translation adjustments primarily result from our equity method investments, as well as subsidiaries located in Canada, the UK, Australia, and other foreign jurisdictions. Transactions resulting in foreign exchange gains and losses are included in the consolidated statements of operations.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue recognition Franchise fees and royalty income Domestically, the Company sells individual franchises as well as territory agreements in the form of store development agreements (“SDAs”) that grant the right to develop restaurants in designated areas. Our franchise agreements and SDAs typically require the franchisee to pay an initial nonrefundable fee and continuing fees, or royalty income, based upon a percentage of sales. The franchisee will typically pay us a renewal fee if we approve a renewal of the franchise agreement. Such fees are paid by franchisees to obtain the rights associated with these franchise agreements or SDAs. Initial franchise fee revenue is recognized upon substantial completion of the services required of the Company as stated in the franchise agreement, which is generally upon opening of the respective restaurant. Fees collected in advance are deferred until earned, with deferred amounts expected to be recognized as revenue within one year classified as current deferred income in the consolidated balance sheets. Royalty income is based on a percentage of franchisee gross sales and is recognized when earned, which occurs at the franchisees’ point of sale. Renewal fees are recognized when a renewal agreement with a franchisee becomes effective. Occasionally, the Company offers incentive programs to franchisees in conjunction with a franchise agreement, SDA, or renewal agreement and, when appropriate, records the costs of such programs as reductions of revenue. For our international business, we sell master territory and/or license agreements that typically allow the master licensee to either act as the franchisee or to sub-franchise to other operators. Master license and territory fees are generally recognized upon substantial completion of the services required of the Company as stated in the franchise agreement, which is generally upon opening of the first restaurant or as stores are opened, depending on the specific terms of the agreement. Royalty income is based on a percentage of franchisee gross sales and is recognized when earned, which generally occurs at the franchisees’ point of sale. Renewal fees are recognized when a renewal agreement with a franchisee or licensee becomes effective. Rental income Rental income for base rentals is recorded on a straight-line basis over the lease term, including the amortization of any tenant improvement dollars paid (see note 2 (h)). The differences between the straight-line rent amounts and amounts receivable under the leases are recorded as deferred rent assets in current or long-term assets, as appropriate. Contingent rental income is recognized as earned, and any amounts received from lessees in advance of achieving stipulated thresholds are deferred until such thresholds are actually achieved. Deferred contingent rentals are recorded as deferred income in current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. Sales of ice cream and other products We distribute Baskin-Robbins ice cream products and, in limited cases, Dunkin’ Donuts products to franchisees and licensees in certain international locations. Revenue from the sale of ice cream and other products is recognized when title and risk of loss transfers to the buyer, which is generally upon delivery. Sales at company-operated restaurants Retail store revenues at company-operated restaurants were recognized when payments were tendered at the point of sale, net of sales tax and other sales-related taxes. As of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company did not own or operate any restaurants. Other revenues Other revenues include fees generated by licensing our brand names and other intellectual property, as well as gains, net of losses and transactions costs, from the sales of restaurants that were not company-operated to new or existing franchisees. Licensing fees are recognized when earned, which is generally upon sale of the underlying products by the licensees. Gains on the refranchise or sale of a restaurant are recognized when the sale transaction closes, the franchisee has a minimum amount of the purchase price in at-risk equity, and we are satisfied that the buyer can meet its financial obligations to us. If the criteria for gain recognition are not met, we defer the gain to the extent we have any remaining financial exposure in connection with the sale transaction. Deferred gains are recognized when the gain recognition criteria are met.
Allowance for doubtful accounts	Allowance for doubtful accounts We monitor the financial condition of our franchisees and licensees and record provisions for estimated losses on receivables when we believe that our franchisees or licensees are unable to make their required payments. While we use the best information available in making our determination, the ultimate recovery of recorded receivables is also dependent upon future economic events and other conditions that may be beyond our control. Included in the allowance for doubtful notes and accounts receivables is a provision for uncollectible royalty, lease, ice cream, and licensing fee receivables.
Share-Based Payment	Share-based payments We measure compensation cost at fair value on the date of grant for all share-based awards and recognize compensation expense over the service period that the awards are expected to vest. The Company has elected to recognize compensation cost for graded-vesting awards subject only to a service condition over the requisite service period of the entire award.
Income Taxes	Income taxes Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded for the expected future tax consequences of items that have been included in our consolidated financial statements or tax returns. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and the respective tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates that are expected to apply in years in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse. The effects of changes in tax rates and changes in apportionment of income between tax jurisdictions on deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations in the year in which the law is enacted or change in apportionment occurs (see note 16 ). Valuation allowances are provided when the Company does not believe it is more likely than not that it will realize the benefit of identified tax assets. A tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return is recognized in the financial statements when it is more likely than not that the position would be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. A recognized tax position is then measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Estimates of interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits are recorded in the provision for income taxes.
Comprehensive Income	Comprehensive income Comprehensive income is primarily comprised of net income, foreign currency translation adjustments, and gains and losses on interest rate swaps, and is reported in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income, net of taxes, for all periods presented. Additionally, comprehensive income included pension gains and losses for fiscal year 2015. As a result of the final settlement of the pension plan in fiscal year 2015, no pension gains and losses were recorded in 2017 or 2016 (see note 18 ).
Deferred Financing Costs	Debt issuance costs Debt issuance costs represent capitalizable costs incurred related to the issuance and refinancing of the Company’s long-term debt (see note 8 ). As of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , debt issuance costs of $34.5 million and $29.3 million , respectively, are included in long-term debt, net in the consolidated balance sheets, and are being amortized over the remaining maturities of the debt, based on projected required repayments, using the effective interest rate method
Gift Card/Certificate Breakage	Gift card/certificate breakage The Company and our franchisees sell gift cards that are redeemable for product in our Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins restaurants. The Company manages the gift card program, and therefore collects all funds from the activation of gift cards and reimburses franchisees for the redemption of gift cards in their restaurants. A liability for unredeemed gift cards, as well as historical gift certificates sold, is included in other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. There are no expiration dates on our gift cards, and we do not charge any service fees. While our franchisees continue to honor all gift cards presented for payment, we may determine the likelihood of redemption to be remote for certain cards due to long periods of inactivity. In these circumstances, we may recognize income from unredeemed gift cards (“breakage income”) if they are not subject to unclaimed property laws. For Dunkin’ Donuts gift cards enrolled in the DD Perks® Rewards loyalty program and other cards with expected similar redemption behavior, breakage is estimated and recognized at the point in time when the likelihood of redemption of any remaining card balance becomes remote, generally after a period of sufficient inactivity. Breakage on all other Dunkin’ Donuts gift cards and all Baskin-Robbins gift cards is estimated and recognized over time in proportion to actual gift card redemptions, based on historical redemption rates. The Company recognizes breakage as income only up to the amount of gift card program costs. Any incremental breakage on Dunkin' Donuts gift cards that exceeds gift card program costs is committed to fund future initiatives that will benefit the Dunkin’ Donuts gift card program or to offset future gift card program costs. Any incremental breakage on Baskin-Robbins gift cards that exceeds gift card program costs is committed to fund future sales-driving initiatives for the benefit of Baskin-Robbins franchisees. The incremental breakage in excess of Baskin-Robbins gift card program costs is recorded as a gift card breakage liability within other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets (see note 10 ). As of December 30, 2017, the Company did not have a gift card breakage liability related to the Dunkin' Donuts gift card program. For fiscal years 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , total breakage income recognized on gift cards was $31.7 million , $22.3 million , and $15.9 million , respectively, and is recorded as a reduction to general and administrative expenses, net, to offset the related gift card program costs.
Concentration of Credit Risk	Concentration of credit risk The Company is subject to credit risk through its accounts receivable consisting primarily of amounts due from franchisees and licensees for franchise fees, royalty income, and sales of ice cream and other products. In addition, we have note and lease receivables from certain of our franchisees and licensees. The financial condition of these franchisees and licensees is largely dependent upon the underlying business trends of our brands and market conditions within the quick service restaurant industry. This concentration of credit risk is mitigated, in part, by the large number of franchisees and licensees of each brand and the short-term nature of the franchise and license fee and lease receivables. At December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , one master licensee, including its majority-owned subsidiaries, accounted for approximately 13% and 15% , respectively, of total accounts and notes receivable. No individual franchisee or master licensee accounted for more than 10% of total revenues for fiscal years 2017 , 2016 , or 2015 .
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent accounting pronouncements Recently adopted accounting pronouncements In January 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued new guidance for goodwill impairment which requires only a single-step quantitative test to identify and measure impairment and record an impairment charge based on the excess of a reporting unit’s carrying amount over its fair value. The option to perform a qualitative assessment first for a reporting unit to determine if a quantitative impairment test is necessary does not change under the new guidance. The Company early adopted this guidance in fiscal year 2017. The adoption of this guidance had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, and did not impact our annual goodwill impairment test performed as of the first day of the third quarter of fiscal year 2017. In November 2016, the FASB issued new guidance addressing diversity in practice that exists in the classification and presentation of changes in restricted cash in the statements of cash flows. The Company early adopted this guidance retrospectively in fiscal year 2017. Accordingly, changes in restricted cash that have historically been included within operating and financing activities have been eliminated, and restricted cash is combined with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning and end of period balances for all periods presented. The adoption of this guidance resulted in a decrease of $2.1 million and an increase of $65.7 million to net cash provided by operating activities for fiscal years 2016 and 2015 , respectively, and an increase of $106 thousand and a decrease of $6.8 million to net cash used in financing activities for fiscal years 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The adoption of this guidance had no impact on the consolidated statements of operations and balance sheets. In March 2016, the FASB issued new guidance for employee share-based compensation which simplifies several aspects of accounting for share-based payment transactions, including excess tax benefits, forfeiture estimates, statutory tax withholding requirements, and classification in the statements of cash flows. The Company adopted this guidance in fiscal year 2017, which had the following impact on the consolidated financial statements: • Beginning in fiscal year 2017, as required, the Company recorded excess tax benefits of $7.8 million to the provision for income taxes in the consolidated statements of operations for fiscal year 2017 , instead of additional paid-in capital in the consolidated balance sheets. As a result, net income increased $7.8 million for fiscal year 2017 , and basic and diluted earnings per share each increased $0.08 for fiscal year 2017 . • Excess tax benefits are presented as operating cash inflows instead of financing cash inflows in the consolidated statements of cash flows, which the Company elected to apply on a retrospective basis. As a result, the Company classified $7.8 million , $2.7 million , and $11.5 million for fiscal years 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively, of excess tax benefits as operating cash inflows included within the change in prepaid income taxes, net in the consolidated statements of cash flows. The retrospective reclassification resulted in increases in cash provided by operating activities and cash used in financing activities of $2.7 million and $11.5 million for fiscal years 2016 and 2015 , respectively. • Beginning in fiscal year 2017, the Company excluded the excess tax benefits from the assumed proceeds available to repurchase shares in the computation of diluted earnings per share under the treasury stock method, which did not have a material impact on diluted earnings per share for fiscal year 2017. Recent accounting pronouncements not yet adopted In February 2016, the FASB issued new guidance for lease accounting, which replaces existing lease accounting guidance. The new guidance aims to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by requiring lessees to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and requiring disclosure of key information about leasing arrangements. This guidance is effective for the Company in fiscal year 2019 with early adoption permitted, and modified retrospective application is required. The Company expects to adopt this new guidance in fiscal year 2019 and is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of this new guidance will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. The Company expects that substantially all of its operating lease commitments (see note 11 ) will be subject to the new guidance and will be recognized as operating lease liabilities and right-of-use assets upon adoption, thereby having a material impact to its consolidated balance sheet. In May 2014, the FASB issued new guidance for revenue recognition related to contracts with customers, except for contracts within the scope of other standards, which supersedes nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance. The new guidance provides a single framework in which revenue is required to be recognized to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in amounts that reflect the consideration to which a company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The new guidance is effective for the Company in fiscal year 2018.
Subsequent Events	Subsequent events Subsequent events have been evaluated up through the date that these consolidated financial statements were filed.

Summary of significant accoun32

Summary of significant accounting policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash	Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash within the consolidated balance sheets that are included in the consolidated statements of cash flows as of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were as follows (in thousands): December 30, December 31, Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,018,317 361,425 Restricted cash 94,047 69,746 Restricted cash, included in Other assets 1,735 661 Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $ 1,114,099 431,832
Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are summarized as follows (in thousands): December 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Total Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Total Assets: Company-owned life insurance $ 10,836 10,836 9,271 9,271 Total assets $ 10,836 10,836 9,271 9,271 Liabilities: Deferred compensation liabilities $ 13,543 13,543 11,126 11,126 Total liabilities $ 13,543 13,543 11,126 11,126
Schedule of Carrying Values and Fair Values of Debt	The carrying value and estimated fair value of long-term debt as of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were as follows (in thousands): December 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Financial liabilities Carrying value Estimated fair value Carrying value Estimated fair value Long-term debt $ 3,067,357 3,156,099 2,426,998 2,460,544
Property and Equipment	Estimated useful lives are as follows: Years Buildings 20 – 35 Leasehold improvements 5 – 20 Store, production, and other equipment 3 – 10 Software 3 – 7 Property and equipment at December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 consisted of the following (in thousands): December 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Land $ 35,673 34,889 Buildings 50,640 50,571 Leasehold improvements 157,310 157,752 Software, store, production, and other equipment 51,954 52,922 Construction in progress 7,270 5,203 Property and equipment, gross 302,847 301,337 Accumulated depreciation (133,842 ) (124,675 ) Property and equipment, net $ 169,005 176,662

Franchise fees and royalty in33

Franchise fees and royalty income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Disclosure Franchise Fees And Royalty Income [Abstract]
Schedule Of Franchise Revenue Table	Franchise fees and royalty income consisted of the following (in thousands): Fiscal year ended December 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 December 26, 2015 Royalty income $ 518,572 500,927 463,960 Initial franchise fees and renewal income 74,117 48,644 49,262 Total franchise fees and royalty income $ 592,689 549,571 513,222
Points of Distribution by Ownership Type	The changes in franchised and company-operated points of distribution were as follows: Fiscal year ended December 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 December 26, 2015 Systemwide points of distribution: Franchised points of distribution in operation—beginning of year 20,080 19,308 18,821 Franchised points of distribution—opened 1,339 1,540 1,536 Franchised points of distribution—closed (899 ) (819 ) (1,051 ) Net transfers from company-operated points of distribution — 51 2 Franchised points of distribution in operation—end of year 20,520 20,080 19,308 Company-operated points of distribution—end of year — — 49 Total systemwide points of distribution—end of year 20,520 20,080 19,357

Property and equipment, net (Ta

Property and equipment, net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment	Estimated useful lives are as follows: Years Buildings 20 – 35 Leasehold improvements 5 – 20 Store, production, and other equipment 3 – 10 Software 3 – 7 Property and equipment at December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 consisted of the following (in thousands): December 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Land $ 35,673 34,889 Buildings 50,640 50,571 Leasehold improvements 157,310 157,752 Software, store, production, and other equipment 51,954 52,922 Construction in progress 7,270 5,203 Property and equipment, gross 302,847 301,337 Accumulated depreciation (133,842 ) (124,675 ) Property and equipment, net $ 169,005 176,662

Equity method investments (Tabl

Equity method investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments	The Company’s ownership interests in its equity method investments as of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were as follows: Entity Ownership Japan JV 43.3% South Korea JV 33.3% Australia JV 20.0% The comparison between the carrying value of the Company’s investments in the Japan JV and the South Korea JV and the underlying equity in net assets of those investments is presented in the table below (in thousands): Japan JV South Korea JV December 30, December 31, December 30, December 31, Carrying value of investment $ 13,886 10,789 127,225 104,253 Underlying equity in net assets of investment 35,045 34,312 133,161 109,992 Carrying value less than the underlying equity in net assets (a) $ (21,159 ) (23,523 ) (5,936 ) (5,739 ) (a) The deficits of cost relative to the underlying equity in net assets of the Japan JV and the South Korea JV as of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are primarily comprised of impairments of long-lived assets, net of tax, recorded in fiscal years 2015 and 2011, respectively.
Summary Financial Information For Joint Venture Operations	Summary financial information for the equity method investments on an aggregated basis was as follows (in thousands): December 30, December 31, Current assets $ 363,277 300,999 Current liabilities 140,113 120,611 Working capital 223,164 180,388 Property, plant, and equipment, net 165,442 153,038 Other assets 139,958 124,676 Long-term liabilities 48,429 48,460 Equity of equity method investments $ 480,135 409,642 Fiscal year ended December 30, December 31, December 26, Revenues $ 646,269 629,717 622,982 Gross profit 345,302 329,206 327,684 Net income 33,791 32,529 33,650

Goodwill and other intangible36

Goodwill and other intangible assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill	The changes and carrying amounts of goodwill by reporting unit were as follows (in thousands): Dunkin’ Donuts U.S. Dunkin’ Donuts International Baskin-Robbins International Total Goodwill Accumulated impairment charges Net Balance Goodwill Accumulated impairment charges Net Balance Goodwill Accumulated impairment charges Net Balance Goodwill Accumulated impairment charges Net Balance Balances at December 26, 2015 $ 1,149,910 (270,441 ) 879,469 10,119 — 10,119 24,037 (24,037 ) — 1,184,066 (294,478 ) 889,588 Goodwill disposed (1,331 ) — (1,331 ) — — — — — — (1,331 ) — (1,331 ) Effects of foreign currency adjustments — — — 15 — 15 — — — 15 — 15 Balances at December 31, 2016 1,148,579 (270,441 ) 878,138 10,134 — 10,134 24,037 (24,037 ) — 1,182,750 (294,478 ) 888,272 Effects of foreign currency adjustments — — — 36 — 36 — — — 36 — 36 Balances at December 30, 2017 $ 1,148,579 (270,441 ) 878,138 10,170 — 10,170 24,037 (24,037 ) — 1,182,786 (294,478 ) 888,308
Other Intangible Assets	Other intangible assets at December 30, 2017 consisted of the following (in thousands): Weighted average amortization period (years) Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Net carrying amount Definite-lived intangibles: Franchise rights 20 $ 358,228 (211,892 ) 146,336 Favorable operating leases acquired 18 58,101 (38,250 ) 19,851 Indefinite-lived intangible: Trade names N/A 1,190,970 — 1,190,970 $ 1,607,299 (250,142 ) 1,357,157 Other intangible assets at December 31, 2016 consisted of the following (in thousands): Weighted average amortization period (years) Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Net carrying amount Definite-lived intangibles: Franchise rights 20 $ 358,166 (193,940 ) 164,226 Favorable operating leases acquired 18 59,948 (36,424 ) 23,524 Indefinite-lived intangible: Trade names N/A 1,190,970 — 1,190,970 $ 1,609,084 (230,364 ) 1,378,720
Total Estimated Amortization Expense	The change in the gross carrying amount of favorable operating leases from December 31, 2016 to December 30, 2017 is primarily due to the impairment of favor

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments	Debt at December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 consisted of the following (in thousands): December 30, December 31, 2017 Class A-2 Notes $ 1,400,000 — 2015 Class A-2 Notes 1,701,875 2,456,250 Debt issuance costs, net of amortization (34,518 ) (29,252 ) Total debt 3,067,357 2,426,998 Less current portion of long-term debt 31,500 25,000 Total long-term debt $ 3,035,857 2,401,998
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	Maturities of long-term debt Based on the Company's intention to make quarterly repayments and assuming repayment by the Anticipated Repayment Dates, the aggregate contractual principal payments of the 2017 Class A-2 Notes and 2015 Class A-2-II Notes for 2018 through 2022 are as follows (in thousands): 2017 Class A-2-I Notes 2017 Class A-2-II Notes 2015 Class A-2-II Notes Total 2018 $ 6,000 8,000 17,500 31,500 2019 6,000 8,000 17,500 31,500 2020 6,000 8,000 17,500 31,500 2021 6,000 8,000 17,500 31,500 2022 6,000 8,000 1,631,875 1,645,875

Derivative instruments and he38

Derivative instruments and hedging transactions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance	The table below summarizes the effects of derivative instruments in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income for fiscal year 2017 : Derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments Amount of net gain (loss) reclassified into earnings Consolidated statement of operations classification Total effect on other comprehensive income (loss) Interest rate swaps $ 1,922 Interest expense (1,922 ) Income tax effect (778 ) Provision (benefit) for income taxes 778 Net of income taxes $ 1,144 (1,144 ) The table below summarizes the effects of derivative instruments in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income for fiscal year 2016 : Derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments Amount of net gain (loss) reclassified into earnings Consolidated statement of operations classification Total effect on other comprehensive income (loss) Interest rate swaps $ 2,181 Interest expense (2,181 ) Income tax effect (882 ) Provision (benefit) for income taxes 882 Net of income taxes $ 1,299 (1,299 ) The table below summarizes the effects of derivative instruments in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income for fiscal year 2015 : Derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments Amount of net gain (loss) reclassified into earnings Consolidated statement of operations classification Total effect on other comprehensive income (loss) Interest rate swaps $ 2,140 Interest expense (2,140 ) Income tax effect (867 ) Provision (benefit) for income taxes 867 Net of income taxes $ 1,273 (1,273 )

Other current liabilities (Tabl

Other current liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Other Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Other current liabilities	Other current liabilities at December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 consisted of the following (in thousands): December 30, December 31, Gift card/certificate liability $ 228,783 207,628 Gift card breakage liabilities 1,079 13,301 Accrued payroll and benefits 30,768 25,071 Accrued legal liabilities (see note 17 (d)) 3,566 5,555 Accrued interest 17,902 10,702 Accrued professional costs 5,527 2,170 Franchisee profit-sharing liability 13,243 11,083 Other 25,210 22,756 Total other current liabilities $ 326,078 298,266

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Leases [Abstract]
Schedule of Capital Leased Assets	Included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets are the following amounts related to capital leases (in thousands): December 30, December 31, Leased property under capital leases (included in property and equipment) $ 10,097 10,081 Accumulated depreciation (4,442 ) (4,055 ) Net leased property under capital leases $ 5,655 6,026 Capital lease obligations: Current $ 596 589 Long-term 7,180 7,550 Total capital lease obligations $ 7,776 8,139
Leases of Lessor in Balance Sheet	Included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets are the following amounts related to assets leased to others under operating leases, where the Company is the lessor (in thousands): December 30, December 31, Land $ 33,430 32,646 Buildings 47,792 47,723 Leasehold improvements 147,743 149,027 Store, production, and other equipment 150 150 Construction in progress 1,741 567 Assets leased to others, gross 230,856 230,113 Accumulated depreciation (94,450 ) (86,957 ) Assets leased to others, net $ 136,406 143,156
Schedule of Future Minimum Retal Payments and Receipts for Capital and Operating Leases	Future minimum rental commitments to be paid and received by the Company at December 30, 2017 for all noncancelable leases and subleases are as follows (in thousands): Payments Receipts Net leases Capital leases Operating leases Subleases Fiscal year: 2018 $ 1,633 58,819 (72,068 ) (11,616 ) 2019 1,465 58,169 (70,570 ) (10,936 ) 2020 1,258 55,494 (67,167 ) (10,415 ) 2021 1,291 53,320 (63,460 ) (8,849 ) 2022 1,329 49,627 (57,399 ) (6,443 ) Thereafter 12,265 356,290 (329,887 ) 38,668 Total minimum rental commitments 19,241 $ 631,719 (660,551 ) (9,591 ) Less amount representing interest 11,465 Present value of minimum capital lease obligations $ 7,776
Schedule of Rent Expense	Total rental expense for all operating leases consisted of the following (in thousands): Fiscal year ended December 30, December 31, December 26, Base rentals $ 55,019 54,517 54,290 Contingent rentals 6,664 6,182 6,348 Total rental expense $ 61,683 60,699 60,638
Schedule of Rental Income	Total rental income for all leases and subleases consisted of the following (in thousands): Fiscal year ended December 30, December 31, December 26, Base rentals $ 73,597 70,962 70,033 Contingent rentals 31,046 30,058 30,389 Total rental income $ 104,643 101,020 100,422

Segment information (Tables)

Segment information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Information by Segment and Geographical Area	Revenues by segment were as follows (in thousands): Revenues Fiscal year ended December 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 December 26, 2015 Dunkin’ Donuts U.S. $ 641,896 607,964 591,062 Dunkin’ Donuts International 20,573 22,903 22,973 Baskin-Robbins U.S. 49,204 47,512 47,140 Baskin-Robbins International 114,680 119,015 117,076 Total reportable segment revenues 826,353 797,394 778,251 Other 34,148 31,495 32,682 Total revenues $ 860,501 828,889 810,933 Revenues for foreign countries are represented by the Dunkin’ Donuts International and Baskin-Robbins International segments above. No individual foreign country accounted for more than 10% of total revenues for any fiscal year presented. Amounts included in “Corporate” in the segment profit table below include corporate overhead costs, such as payroll and related benefit costs and professional services, net of “Other” revenues reported above. Segment profit by segment was as follows (in thousands): Segment profit Fiscal year ended December 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 December 26, 2015 Dunkin’ Donuts U.S. $ 501,451 466,976 431,065 Dunkin’ Donuts International 6,970 9,658 10,240 Baskin-Robbins U.S. 34,212 34,240 29,289 Baskin-Robbins International 39,336 38,967 36,218 Total reportable segments 581,969 549,841 506,812 Corporate (112,015 ) (112,899 ) (161,934 ) Interest expense, net (101,110 ) (100,270 ) (96,341 ) Amortization of other intangible assets (21,335 ) (22,079 ) (24,688 ) Long-lived asset impairment charges (1,617 ) (149 ) (623 ) Loss on debt extinguishment and refinancing transactions (6,996 ) — (20,554 ) Other gains (losses), net 391 (1,195 ) (1,084 ) Income before income taxes $ 339,287 313,249 201,588 Net income (loss) of equity method investments, including amortization on investor-level intangible assets, is included in segment profit for the Dunkin’ Donuts International and Baskin-Robbins International reportable segments. Amounts reported as “Other” in the segment profit table below include the impairment charge recorded in fiscal year 2015 related to our investment in the Japan JV and the related reduction in depreciation and amortization, net of tax, as well as the reduction in depreciation and amortization, net of tax, reported by the South Korea JV as a result of the impairment charge recorded in fiscal year 2011 (see note 6 ). Net income (loss) of equity method investments by reportable segment was as follows (in thousands): Net income (loss) of equity method investments Fiscal year ended December 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 December 26, 2015 Dunkin’ Donuts International $ (83 ) 622 1,295 Baskin-Robbins International 11,117 9,803 10,535 Total reportable segments 11,034 10,425 11,830 Other 4,164 4,127 (53,575 ) Total net income (loss) of equity method investments $ 15,198 14,552 (41,745 ) Depreciation is reflected in segment profit for each reportable segment. Depreciation by reportable segments was as follows (in thousands): Depreciation Fiscal year ended December 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 December 26, 2015 Dunkin’ Donuts U.S. $ 11,296 11,378 12,229 Dunkin’ Donuts International 31 27 7 Baskin-Robbins U.S. 320 272 358 Baskin-Robbins International 53 74 60 Total reportable segments 11,700 11,751 12,654 Corporate 8,384 8,707 7,902 Total depreciation $ 20,084 20,458 20,556 Property and equipment, net by geographic region as of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 is based on the physical locations within the indicated geographic regions and are as follows (in thousands): December 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 United States $ 168,933 176,524 International 72 138 Total property and equipment, net $ 169,005 176,662

Stockholders' equity (deficit)

Stockholders' equity (deficit) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Changes in Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss were as follows (in thousands): Effect of foreign currency translation Unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate swaps Other Accumulated other comprehensive loss Balances at December 31, 2016 $ (23,019 ) 1,144 (2,109 ) (23,984 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) 14,780 (1,144 ) 658 14,294 Balances at December 30, 2017 $ (8,239 ) — (1,451 ) (9,690 )
Schedule of Dividends Paid	During fiscal year 2017 , the Company paid dividends on common stock as follows: Dividend per share Total amount (in thousands) Payment date Fiscal year 2017: First quarter $ 0.3225 $ 29,621 March 22, 2017 Second quarter 0.3225 29,226 June 14, 2017 Third quarter 0.3225 29,064 September 6, 2017 Fourth quarter 0.3225 29,092 December 6, 2017 During fiscal year 2016 , the Company paid dividends on common stock as follows: Dividend per share Total amount (in thousands) Payment date Fiscal year 2016: First quarter $ 0.3000 $ 27,395 March 16, 2016 Second quarter 0.3000 27,456 June 8, 2016 Third quarter 0.3000 27,475 August 31, 2016 Fourth quarter 0.3000 27,377 November 30, 2016

Equity incentive plans (Tables)

Equity incentive plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total share based compensation expense	Total share-based compensation expense, which is included in general and administrative expenses, net, consisted of the following (in thousands): Fiscal year ended December 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 December 26, 2015 Time-vested stock options $ 8,611 10,654 10,519 Restricted stock units 4,337 3,608 3,408 2011 Plan restricted shares 701 1,793 1,967 Performance stock units 1,277 1,086 — Other — 40 198 Total share-based compensation $ 14,926 17,181 16,092 Total related tax benefit $ 8,339 6,955 6,512
Summary of valuation assumptions	The following weighted average assumptions were utilized in determining the fair value of the 2015 Plan options granted during fiscal years 2017 and 2016 and the 2011 Plan options granted during fiscal year 2015 : Fiscal year ended December 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 December 26, 2015 Weighted average grant-date fair value of share options granted $ 9.87 $ 7.41 $ 8.66 Weighted average assumptions: Risk-free interest rate 1.9 % 1.2 % 1.5 % Expected volatility 24.0 % 25.0 % 25.0 % Dividend yield 2.3 % 2.7 % 2.2 % Expected term (years) 4.88 4.90 4.91
Summary of status of nonexecutive and 2011 Plan options	A summary of the status of the time-vested stock options as of December 30, 2017 and changes during fiscal year 2017 is presented below: Number of shares Weighted average exercise price Weighted average remaining contractual term (years) Aggregate intrinsic value (in millions) Share options outstanding at December 31, 2016 4,889,585 $ 44.82 5.3 Granted 1,181,777 55.04 Exercised (880,346 ) 40.37 Forfeited or expired (823,489 ) 49.38 Share options outstanding at December 30, 2017 4,367,527 47.63 4.6 $ 73.6 Share options exercisable at December 30, 2017 2,026,779 44.99 3.9 39.5
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Summary of changes in resticted shares	A summary of the changes in the Company’s restricted stock units during fiscal year 2017 is presented below: Number of shares Weighted average grant-date fair value Weighted average remaining contractual term (years) Aggregate intrinsic value (in millions) Nonvested restricted stock units at December 31, 2016 183,676 $ 44.91 1.7 Granted 91,272 52.44 Vested (90,976 ) 45.37 Forfeited (8,546 ) 46.37 Nonvested restricted stock units at December 30, 2017 175,426 48.51 1.5 $ 11.3
Performance shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule of share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, performance-based units, vested and expected to vest	A summary of the changes in the Company’s PSUs during fiscal year 2017 is presented below: Number of shares Weighted average grant-date fair value Weighted average remaining contractual term (years) Aggregate intrinsic value (in millions) Nonvested performance stock units at December 31, 2016 113,041 $ 47.90 2.3 Granted 84,705 59.03 Forfeited (49,160 ) 44.89 Nonvested performance stock units at December 30, 2017 148,586 52.72 1.7 $ 9.6

Earnings per Share (Tables)

Earnings per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share	The computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share is as follows (in thousands, except share and per share amounts): Fiscal year ended December 30, December 31, December 26, Net income attributable to Dunkin’ Brands—basic and diluted $ 350,909 195,576 105,227 Weighted average number of common shares: Common—basic 90,857,168 91,568,942 96,045,232 Common—diluted 92,231,436 92,538,282 97,131,674 Earnings per common share: Common—basic $ 3.86 2.14 1.10 Common—diluted 3.80 2.11 1.08

Income taxes (Tables)

Income taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign	Income before income taxes was attributed to domestic and foreign taxing jurisdictions as follows (in thousands): Fiscal year ended December 30, December 31, December 26, Domestic operations $ 317,720 286,927 234,410 Foreign operations 21,567 26,322 (32,822 ) Income before income taxes $ 339,287 313,249 201,588
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	The components of the provision (benefit) for income taxes were as follows (in thousands): Fiscal year ended December 30, December 31, December 26, Current: Federal $ 102,349 97,972 90,586 State 27,922 28,430 23,694 Foreign 3,094 3,808 3,186 Current tax provision $ 133,365 130,210 117,466 Deferred: Federal $ (145,903 ) (9,983 ) (19,034 ) State (791 ) (3,152 ) (3,060 ) Foreign 1,707 598 987 Deferred tax benefit (144,987 ) (12,537 ) (21,107 ) Provision for income taxes $ (11,622 ) 117,673 96,359
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	The provision (benefit) for income taxes differed from the expense computed using the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% due to the following: Fiscal year ended December 30, December 31, December 26, Computed federal income tax expense, at statutory rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % Impairment of investment in Japan JV — — 9.4 State income taxes 5.5 5.1 6.6 Benefits and taxes related to foreign operations (1.4 ) (2.7 ) (4.4 ) Excess tax benefits (2.3 ) — — Change in valuation allowance 2.6 — — Other permanent differences (0.4 ) 0.1 0.6 Impact of Tax Act (42.3 ) — — Other, net (0.1 ) 0.1 0.6 Effective tax rate (3.4 )% 37.6 % 47.8 %
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	The components of deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows (in thousands): December 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Deferred tax assets Deferred tax liabilities Deferred tax assets Deferred tax liabilities Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 2,013 — 2,685 — Capital leases 2,158 — 3,295 — Rent 9,452 — 11,905 — Property and equipment 375 — — 1,977 Deferred compensation liabilities 15,033 — 19,900 — Deferred gift cards and certificates 16,676 — 27,874 — Deferred income 9,049 — 12,609 — Real estate reserves 1,153 — 1,264 — Franchise rights and other intangibles — 372,988 — 551,679 Unused net operating losses and foreign tax credits 1,912 — 11,457 — Other current liabilities 4,697 — 5,368 — Other 224 — 1,758 — 62,742 372,988 98,115 553,656 Valuation allowance (899 ) — (1,131 ) — Total $ 61,843 372,988 96,984 553,656
Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward	The Company’s major tax jurisdictions subject to income tax are the United States and Canada. In the United States, the Company has open tax years dating back to tax years ended December 2014. For Canada, the Company has open tax years dating back to tax years ended December 2011. A summary of the changes in the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands): Fiscal year ended December 30, December 31, December 26, Balance at beginning of year $ 2,290 2,653 3,672 Increases related to prior year tax positions 206 267 — Increases related to current year tax positions 65 161 111 Decreases related to prior year tax positions (94 ) (33 ) (301 ) Decreases related to settlements (871 ) (191 ) (636 ) Lapses of statutes of limitations (140 ) (597 ) — Effect of foreign currency adjustments 73 30 (193 ) Balance at end of year $ 1,529 2,290 2,653

Related-party transactions (Tab

Related-party transactions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Disclosure Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	The Company recognized royalty income from its equity method investees as follows (in thousands): Fiscal year ended December 30, December 31, December 26, Japan JV $ 1,745 1,873 1,378 South Korea JV 4,525 4,030 4,288 Spain JV — — 68 $ 6,270 5,903 5,734

Allowance for doubtful accoun47

Allowance for doubtful accounts (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross, Allowance, and Net [Abstract]
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	The changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts were as follows (in thousands): Accounts receivable Short-term notes and other receivables Long-term notes and other Balance at December 27, 2014 $ 3,882 1,278 3,947 Provision for (recovery of) doubtful accounts, net 3,705 (117 ) (245 ) Write-offs and other (1,960 ) (154 ) 373 Balance at December 26, 2015 5,627 1,007 4,075 Provision for (recovery of) doubtful accounts, net 1,202 (189 ) (960 ) Write-offs and other (2,051 ) (479 ) (1,027 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 4,778 339 2,088 Provision for doubtful accounts, net 123 264 70 Write-offs and other (968 ) — (335 ) Balance at December 30, 2017 $ 3,933 603 1,823

Quarterly financial data (una48

Quarterly financial data (unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Income Statement [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Data	Three months ended April 1, July 1, September 30, December 30, (In thousands, except per share data) Total revenues $ 190,672 218,522 224,168 227,139 Operating income 91,293 113,550 122,033 120,126 Net income attributable to Dunkin’ Brands 47,467 55,704 52,246 195,492 Earnings per share: Common—basic 0.52 0.61 0.58 2.17 Common—diluted 0.51 0.60 0.57 2.13 Three months ended March 26, June 25, September 24, December 31, (In thousands, except per share data) Total revenues $ 189,776 216,309 207,099 215,705 Operating income 85,333 106,141 109,360 113,880 Net income attributable to Dunkin’ Brands 37,154 49,590 52,712 56,120 Earnings per share: Common—basic 0.41 0.54 0.58 0.61 Common—diluted 0.40 0.54 0.57 0.61

Adoption of new revenue recog49

Adoption of new revenue recognition guidance (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
Impacts to prior period	As noted, the Company will adopt this new guidance in fiscal year 2018 using the full retrospective transition method, which will result in restating fiscal years 2016 and 2017 in the year of adoption. Upon adoption, the new guidance for revenue recognition is expected to impact the Company's reported results as follows: Consolidated Statements of Operations Fiscal Year 2017 (In thousands, except per share data) Adjustments for new revenue recognition guidance As reported Franchise fees Advertising Ice cream royalty allocation Other revenue transactions Restated Revenues: Franchise fees and royalty income $ 592,689 (51,754 ) — 14,271 — 555,206 Advertising fees and related income — — 470,984 — — 470,984 Rental income 104,643 — — — — 104,643 Sales of ice cream and other products 110,659 — — (14,271 ) — 96,388 Other revenues 52,510 (5,838 ) — — 1,658 48,330 Total revenues 860,501 (57,592 ) 470,984 — 1,658 1,275,551 Operating costs and expenses: Occupancy expenses—franchised restaurants 60,301 — — — — 60,301 Cost of ice cream and other products 77,012 — — — — 77,012 Advertising expenses — — 476,157 — — 476,157 General and administrative expenses, net 248,975 — (5,147 ) — — 243,828 Depreciation 20,084 — — — — 20,084 Amortization of other intangible assets 21,335 — — — — 21,335 Long-lived asset impairment charges 1,617 — — — — 1,617 Total operating costs and expenses 429,324 — 471,010 — — 900,334 Net income of equity method investments 15,198 — — — — 15,198 Other operating income, net 627 — — — — 627 Operating income 447,002 (57,592 ) (26 ) — 1,658 391,042 Other income (expense), net: Interest income 3,313 — — — — 3,313 Interest expense (104,423 ) — — — — (104,423 ) Loss on debt extinguishment and refinancing transactions (6,996 ) — — — — (6,996 ) Other gains, net 391 — — — — 391 Total other expense, net (107,715 ) — — — — (107,715 ) Income before income taxes (a) 339,287 (57,592 ) (26 ) — 1,658 283,327 Provision (benefit) for income taxes (11,622 ) 18,656 — — 5,084 12,118 Net income $ 350,909 (76,248 ) (26 ) — (3,426 ) 271,209 Earnings per share—basic $ 3.86 2.99 Earnings per share—diluted 3.80 2.94 (a) Adjustments for "Franchise fees" and "Other revenue transactions" include tax expense of $42.2 million and $4.3 million , respectively, related to the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, consisting of the re-measurement of the related deferred tax balances using the lower enacted corporate tax rate. Consolidated Statements of Operations Fiscal Year 2016 (In thousands, except per share data) Adjustments for new revenue recognition guidance As reported Franchise fees Advertising Ice cream royalty allocation Other revenue transactions Restated Revenues: Franchise fees and royalty income $ 549,571 (27,490 ) — 14,315 — 536,396 Advertising fees and related income — — 453,553 — — 453,553 Rental income 101,020 — — — — 101,020 Sales of ice cream and other products 114,857 — — (14,315 ) — 100,542 Sales at company-operated restaurants 11,975 — — — — 11,975 Other revenues 51,466 (5,072 ) — — (1,525 ) 44,869 Total revenues 828,889 (32,562 ) 453,553 — (1,525 ) 1,248,355 Operating costs and expenses: Occupancy expenses—franchised restaurants 57,409 — — — — 57,409 Cost of ice cream and other products 77,608 — — — — 77,608 Company-operated restaurant expenses 13,591 — — — — 13,591 Advertising expenses — — 458,568 — — 458,568 General and administrative expenses, net 246,814 — (4,990 ) — — 241,824 Depreciation 20,458 — — — — 20,458 Amortization of other intangible assets 22,079 — — — — 22,079 Long-lived asset impairment charges 149 — — — — 149 Total operating costs and expenses 438,108 — 453,578 — — 891,686 Net income of equity method investments 14,552 — — — — 14,552 Other operating income, net 9,381 — — — — 9,381 Operating income 414,714 (32,562 ) (25 ) — (1,525 ) 380,602 Other income (expense), net: Interest income 582 — — — — 582 Interest expense (100,852 ) — — — — (100,852 ) Other losses, net (1,195 ) — — — — (1,195 ) Total other expense, net (101,465 ) — — — — (101,465 ) Income before income taxes 313,249 (32,562 ) (25 ) — (1,525 ) 279,137 Provision (benefit) for income taxes 117,673 (13,205 ) — — (620 ) 103,848 Net income $ 195,576 (19,357 ) (25 ) — (905 ) 175,289 Earnings per share—basic $ 2.14 1.91 Earnings per share—diluted 2.11 1.89 Consolidated Balance Sheets December 30, 2017 (In thousands) Adjustments for new revenue recognition guidance As reported Franchise fees Advertising Other revenue transactions Restated Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,018,317 — — — 1,018,317 Restricted cash 94,047 — — — 94,047 Accounts receivables, net 51,442 — 18,075 — 69,517 Notes and other receivables, net 51,082 — 1,250 — 52,332 Restricted assets of advertising funds 47,373 — (47,373 ) — — Prepaid income taxes 21,879 — 48 — 21,927 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 32,695 — 15,498 — 48,193 Total current assets 1,316,835 — (12,502 ) — 1,304,333 Property and equipment, net 169,005 — 12,537 — 181,542 Equity method investments 140,615 — — — 140,615 Goodwill 888,308 — — — 888,308 Other intangibles assets, net 1,357,157 — — — 1,357,157 Other assets 65,464 — 14 — 65,478 Total assets $ 3,937,384 — 49 — 3,937,433 Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit) Current liabilities: Current portion of long-term debt $ 31,500 — — — 31,500 Capital lease obligations 596 — — — 596 Accounts payable 16,307 — 37,110 — 53,417 Liabilities of advertising funds 58,014 — (58,014 ) — — Deferred income 39,395 1,502 (550 ) 4,529 44,876 Other current liabilities 326,078 — 29,032 — 355,110 Total current liabilities 471,890 1,502 7,578 4,529 485,499 Long-term debt, net 3,035,857 — — — 3,035,857 Capital lease obligations 7,180 — — — 7,180 Unfavorable operating leases acquired 9,780 — — — 9,780 Deferred income 11,158 328,183 (7,518 ) 29,635 361,458 Deferred income taxes, net 315,249 (91,488 ) — (9,416 ) 214,345 Other long-term liabilities 77,823 — 30 — 77,853 Total long-term liabilities 3,457,047 236,695 (7,488 ) 20,219 3,706,473 Stockholders’ equity (deficit) Preferred stock — — — — — Common stock 90 — — — 90 Additional paid-in-capital 724,114 — — — 724,114 Treasury stock, at cost (1,060 ) — — — (1,060 ) Accumulated deficit (705,007 ) (238,197 ) (196 ) (24,748 ) (968,148 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss (9,690 ) — 155 — (9,535 ) Stockholders’ equity (deficit) 8,447 (238,197 ) (41 ) (24,748 ) (254,539 ) Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity (deficit) $ 3,937,384 — 49 — 3,937,433 Consolidated Balance Sheets December 31, 2016 (In thousands) Adjustments for new revenue recognition guidance As reported Franchise fees Advertising Other revenue transactions Restated Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 361,425 — — — 361,425 Restricted cash 69,746 — — — 69,746 Accounts receivables, net 44,512 — 17,741 — 62,253 Notes and other receivables, net 40,672 — 592 — 41,264 Restricted assets of advertising funds 40,338 — (40,338 ) — — Prepaid income taxes 20,926 — 36 — 20,962 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 28,739 — 12,823 — 41,562 Total current assets 606,358 — (9,146 ) — 597,212 Property and equipment, net 176,662 — 9,153 — 185,815 Equity method investments 114,738 — — — 114,738 Goodwill 888,272 — — — 888,272 Other intangibles assets, net 1,378,720 — — — 1,378,720 Other assets 62,632 — 30 — 62,662 Total assets $ 3,227,382 — 37 — 3,227,419 Liabilities and Stockholders’ Deficit Current liabilities: Current portion of long-term debt $ 25,000 — — — 25,000 Capital lease obligations 589 — — — 589 Accounts payable 12,682 — 34,806 — 47,488 Liabilities of advertising funds 52,271 — (52,271 ) — — Deferred income 35,393 2,699 (591 ) 4,812 42,313 Other current liabilities 298,266 — 26,293 — 324,559 Total current liabilities 424,201 2,699 8,237 4,812 439,949 Long-term debt, net 2,401,998 — — — 2,401,998 Capital lease obligations 7,550 — — — 7,550 Unfavorable operating leases acquired 11,378 — — — 11,378 Deferred income 12,154 269,394 (8,186 ) 31,010 304,372 Deferred income taxes, net 461,810 (110,144 ) — (14,500 ) 337,166 Other long-term liabilities 71,549 — 45 — 71,594 Total long-term liabilities 2,966,439 159,250 (8,141 ) 16,510 3,134,058 Stockholders’ deficit: Preferred stock — — — — — Common stock 91 — — — 91 Additional paid-in-capital 807,492 — — — 807,492 Treasury stock, at cost (1,060 ) — — — (1,060 ) Accumulated deficit (945,797 ) (161,949 ) (170 ) (21,322 ) (1,129,238 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss (23,984 ) — 111 — (23,873 ) Stockholders’ deficit (163,258 ) (161,949 ) (59 ) (21,322 ) (346,588 ) Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit $ 3,227,382 — 37 — 3,227,419 Select Cash Flow Information (In thousands) Fiscal year ended December 30, 2017 As reported Adjustments for new revenue recognition guidance (a) Restated Net cash provided by operating activities $ 276,908 6,449 283,357 Net cash used in investing activities (13,854 ) (6,449 ) (20,303 ) Net cash provided by financing activities 418,641 — 418,641 Increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 682,267 — 682,267 Fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 As reported Adjustments for new revenue recognition guidance (a) Restated Net cash provided by operating activities $ 276,827 5,652 282,479 Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 1,343 (5,652 ) (4,309 ) Net cash used in financing activities (179,178 ) — (179,178 ) Increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 98,717 — 98,717 (a) Adjustment results from full consolidation of the advertising funds, and reflects the investing activities, consisting solely of additions to property and equipment, of such funds.

Summary of significant accoun50

Summary of significant accounting policies - Additional Information (Detail) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017USD ($)customer$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)customer	Dec. 26, 2015USD ($)customer
Significant Accounting Policies Additional Disclosures [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership			51000.00%
Cash held, advertising funds and gift card/certificate program	$ 175,700	$ 177,900
Carrying value of long term receivables	4,900	3,100
Long-term debt	3,067,357	2,426,998
Fair value of long term debt	$ 3,156,099	2,460,544
Amortization period of unfavorable operating leases	18 years
Deferred financing costs	$ 34,500	29,300
Income recognized on gift cards and gift ceritificate breakage	$ 31,700	$ 22,300	$ 15,900
Number of customer that accounted for more than 10% of accounts and notes receivable | customer	1	1
Number of customer that accounted for more than 10% of revenue | customer	0	0	0
Net cash provided by operating activities	$ 276,908	$ 276,827	$ 262,742
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	$ 418,641	$ (179,178)	$ (101,589)
Buildings | Minimum
Significant Accounting Policies Additional Disclosures [Line Items]
Useful life of property plant and equipment	20 years
Buildings | Maximum
Significant Accounting Policies Additional Disclosures [Line Items]
Useful life of property plant and equipment	35 years
Leasehold improvements | Minimum
Significant Accounting Policies Additional Disclosures [Line Items]
Useful life of property plant and equipment	5 years
Leasehold improvements | Maximum
Significant Accounting Policies Additional Disclosures [Line Items]
Useful life of property plant and equipment	20 years
Software, store, production, and other equipment | Minimum
Significant Accounting Policies Additional Disclosures [Line Items]
Useful life of property plant and equipment	3 years
Software, store, production, and other equipment | Maximum
Significant Accounting Policies Additional Disclosures [Line Items]
Useful life of property plant and equipment	10 years
Software Development | Minimum
Significant Accounting Policies Additional Disclosures [Line Items]
Useful life of property plant and equipment	3 years
Software Development | Maximum
Significant Accounting Policies Additional Disclosures [Line Items]
Useful life of property plant and equipment	7 years
Customer Concentration Risk
Significant Accounting Policies Additional Disclosures [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	13.00%	15.00%
Sales Revenue, Net
Significant Accounting Policies Additional Disclosures [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	10.00%	10.00%	10.00%
Accounting Standards Update 2016-18
Significant Accounting Policies Additional Disclosures [Line Items]
Net cash provided by operating activities		$ 2,100	$ 65,700
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		106	(6,800)
Accounting Standards Update 2016-09
Significant Accounting Policies Additional Disclosures [Line Items]
New accounting pronouncement, effect of adoption	$ 7,800
New accounting pronouncement, effect of adoption on earnings per share, diluted | $ / shares	$ 0.08
Excess tax benefits, operating activities	$ 7,800	2,700	11,500
Retrospective reclassification, increase operating and financing activities		$ 2,700	$ 11,500

Summary of significant accoun51

Summary of significant accounting policies - Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 1,018,317	$ 361,425
Restricted cash	94,047	69,746
Restricted cash, included in Other assets	1,735	661
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	$ 1,114,099	$ 431,832	$ 333,115	$ 208,358

Summary of significant accoun52

Summary of significant accounting policies - Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Assets	$ 10,836	$ 9,271
Liabilities	13,543	11,126
Company-owned Life Insurance [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Assets	10,836	9,271
Deferred compensation liabilities
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Liabilities	13,543	11,126
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Assets	10,836	9,271
Liabilities	13,543	11,126
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Company-owned Life Insurance [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Assets	10,836	9,271
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Deferred compensation liabilities
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Liabilities	$ 13,543	$ 11,126

Summary of significant accoun53

Summary of significant accounting policies - Property, Plant and Equipment (Detail) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Buildings | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life of property plant and equipment	20 years
Buildings | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life of property plant and equipment	35 years
Leasehold improvements | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life of property plant and equipment	5 years
Leasehold improvements | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life of property plant and equipment	20 years
Equipment | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life of property plant and equipment	3 years
Equipment | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life of property plant and equipment	10 years
Software Development | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life of property plant and equipment	3 years
Software Development | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life of property plant and equipment	7 years

Franchise fees and royalty in54

Franchise fees and royalty income (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Disclosure Franchise Fees And Royalty Income [Abstract]
Royalty income	$ 518,572	$ 500,927	$ 463,960
Initial franchise fees and renewal income	74,117	48,644	49,262
Total franchise fees and royalty income	$ 592,689	$ 549,571	$ 513,222

Franchise fees and royalty in55

Franchise fees and royalty income - Changes in Franchised and Company-Owned Points of Distribution (Detail) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017USD ($)distributor	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)distributor	Dec. 26, 2015USD ($)distributor
Number of Franchises [Roll Forward]
Franchised points of distribution-beginning of period	20,080	19,308	18,821
Franchises opened	1,339	1,540	1,536
Franchises closed	(899)	(819)	(1,051)
Net transfers (to) from company-owned points of distribution	0	51	2
Franchised points of distribution in operation-end of period	20,520	20,080	19,308
Company-owned points of distribution-end of period	0	0	49
Total systemwide points of distribution-end of period	20,520	20,080	19,357
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Other operating income, net | $	$ 627	$ 9,381	$ 1,430
Entity Operated Units [Member]
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Other operating income, net | $		$ 7,600

Advertising funds (Details)

Advertising funds (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Advertising Funds [Abstract]
Percentage of franchisees gross retail sales, collected for advertising unds	5.00%
Accrued advertising	$ 10,600	$ 11,900
Advertising management fee	11,300	9,500	$ 9,700
Advertising expense	2,900
Advertising expense, national and regional advertising	7,500	1,700
Advertising expense, based on retail Sales as owner and operator of company-owned restaurants		600	1,300
Advertising fund contribution	$ 2,600	$ 3,400	$ 2,300

Property and equipment, net (De

Property and equipment, net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 302,847	$ 301,337
Accumulated depreciation	(133,842)	(124,675)
Property and equipment, net	169,005	176,662
Land
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	35,673	34,889
Buildings
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	50,640	50,571
Leasehold improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	157,310	157,752
Software, store, production, and other equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	51,954	52,922
Construction in progress
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 7,270	$ 5,203

Equity method investments Owner

Equity method investments Ownership Percentage (Details)	Dec. 30, 2017
Japan JV
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest	43.30%
South Korea JV
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest	33.30%
Australia JV
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest	20.00%
Spain JV
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest	33.30%

Equity method investments Summa

Equity method investments Summarized Financial Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Current assets	$ 363,277	$ 300,999
Current liabilities	140,113	120,611
Working capital	223,164	180,388
Property, plant, and equipment, net	165,442	153,038
Other assets	139,958	124,676
Long-term liabilities	48,429	48,460
Equity of equity method investments	480,135	409,642
Equity method, revenues	646,269	629,717	$ 622,982
Equity method, gross profit	345,302	329,206	327,684
Equity method, net income	$ 33,791	$ 32,529	$ 33,650

Equity method investments Compa

Equity method investments Comparison of Carrying Value of Investmetn and Underlying Equity in Net Assets of Investment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments	$ 140,615	$ 114,738
Japan JV
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments	13,886	10,789
Equity Method Investment, Underlying Equity in Net Assets	35,045	34,312
Equity Method Investment, Difference Between Carrying Amount and Underlying Equity	(21,159)	(23,523)
South Korea JV
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments	127,225	104,253
Equity Method Investment, Underlying Equity in Net Assets	133,161	109,992
Equity Method Investment, Difference Between Carrying Amount and Underlying Equity	$ (5,936)	$ (5,739)

Equity method investments Textu

Equity method investments Textuals (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Impairment charge related to equity method investments	$ 0	$ 0	$ 54,300

Goodwill and other intangible62

Goodwill and other intangible assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	$ 1,182,786	$ 1,182,750	$ 1,184,066
Accumulated impairment charges	(294,478)	(294,478)	(294,478)
Goodwill disposed		(1,331)
Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments	36	15
Net Balance	888,308	888,272	889,588
Dunkin’ Donuts U.S.
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	1,148,579	1,148,579	1,149,910
Accumulated impairment charges	(270,441)	(270,441)	(270,441)
Goodwill disposed		(1,331)
Effects of foreign currency adjustments	0	0
Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments	0	0
Net Balance	878,138	878,138	879,469
Dunkin’ Donuts International
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	10,170	10,134	10,119
Accumulated impairment charges	0	0	0
Goodwill disposed		0
Effects of foreign currency adjustments	36	15
Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments	36	15
Net Balance	10,170	10,134	10,119
Baskin-Robbins International
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	24,037	24,037	24,037
Accumulated impairment charges	(24,037)	(24,037)	(24,037)
Goodwill disposed		0
Effects of foreign currency adjustments	0	0
Net Balance	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Goodwill and other intangible63

Goodwill and other intangible assets Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	$ 1,607,299	$ 1,609,084
Accumulated amortization	(250,142)	(230,364)
Net carrying amount	1,357,157	1,378,720
Trade names | Indefinite-lived intangible:
Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	1,190,970	1,190,970
Net carrying amount	$ 1,190,970	$ 1,190,970
Franchise rights | Definite-lived intangibles:
Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Line Items]
Weighted average amortization period (years)	20 years	20 years
Gross carrying amount	$ 358,228	$ 358,166
Accumulated amortization	(211,892)	(193,940)
Net carrying amount	$ 146,336	$ 164,226
Favorable operating leases acquired | Definite-lived intangibles:
Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Line Items]
Weighted average amortization period (years)	18 years	18 years
Gross carrying amount	$ 58,101	$ 59,948
Accumulated amortization	(38,250)	(36,424)
Net carrying amount	$ 19,851	$ 23,524

Total Estimated Amortization Ex

Total Estimated Amortization Expense (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2017USD ($)
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
2,018	$ 21,180
2,019	20,674
2,020	20,240
2,021	19,857
2,022	$ 19,569

Debt Debt - Disclosure (Details

Debt Debt - Disclosure (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loans	$ 3,067,357	$ 2,426,998
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense	(34,518)	(29,252)
Less current portion of long-term debt	31,500	25,000
Total long-term debt	3,035,857	2,401,998
2017 Class A-2 Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loans	1,400,000	0
2015 Class A-2 Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loans	$ 1,701,875	$ 2,456,250

Debt - Securitized Financing Fa

Debt - Securitized Financing Facility (Details)	Jan. 26, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 26, 2015USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2017USD ($)	Oct. 23, 2017USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, number of extensions	2
Debt instrument, extension period	1 year
Loss on debt extinguishment and refinancing transactions		$ (6,996,000)	$ 0	$ (20,554,000)
Standby letters of credit		32,300,000	25,900,000
Amounts drawn on letters of credit		0	0
3.62% Fixed Rate Senior Secured Noted, Class A-2-I
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, principal	$ 750,000,000
2015 Class A-2-I Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, stated percent					3.98%
Repayments of debt		731,300,000
Annual principal payments, quarterly installments		17,500,000
Loss on debt extinguishment and refinancing transactions		(6,996,000)
Write off of Deferred Debt Issuance Cost		6,300,000
Make-whole interest premium		726,000
3.90% Fixed Rate Senior Secured Notes, Class A-2-II
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, principal	1,750,000,000
Variable funding notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, principal	$ 100,000,000					$ 150,000,000
2017 Class A-2-I Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, stated percent					3.629%
Debt instrument, principal					$ 600,000,000
Annual principal payments, quarterly installments		$ 6,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage		3.80%
2017 Class A-2-II Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, stated percent					4.03%
Debt instrument, principal					$ 800,000,000
Annual principal payments, quarterly installments		$ 8,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage		4.20%
2017 Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt issuance costs		$ 17,700,000
2015 Class A-2-II Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage		4.10%
Line of credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt issuance costs			41,300,000
Amortization of Debt Discount (Premium)		$ 6,200,000	$ 6,400,000	$ 5,600,000
Revolving credit facility | Term loan | LIBOR rate loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate		1.50%
Revolving credit facility | Term loan | LIBOR rate loans | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate		1.50%
Revolving credit facility | Term loan | LIBOR rate loans | Base rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate		1.50%
Minimum | Revolving credit facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility, unused capacity, commitment fee percentage		0.50%
Maximum | Revolving credit facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility, unused capacity, commitment fee percentage		1.00%

Debt - Senior Credit Facility (

Debt - Senior Credit Facility (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Disclosure Debt Additional Information [Abstract]
Loss on debt extinguishment and refinancing transactions	$ 6,996	$ 0	$ 20,554

Debt - Future Maturities (Detai

Debt - Future Maturities (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2017USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2,018	$ 31,500
2,019	31,500
2,020	31,500
2,022	31,500
2,021	1,645,875
2017 Class A-2-I Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2,018	6,000
2,019	6,000
2,020	6,000
2,022	6,000
2,021	6,000
2017 Class A-2-II Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2,018	8,000
2,019	8,000
2,020	8,000
2,022	8,000
2,021	8,000
2015 Class A-2-II Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2,018	17,500
2,019	17,500
2,020	17,500
2,022	17,500
2,021	$ 1,631,875

Derivative instruments and he69

Derivative instruments and hedging transactions - Textuals (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Feb. 28, 2014	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014
Derivative [Line Items]
Other comprehensive income (loss), unrealized gain (loss), before tax	$ 5.8
Derivative, gain			$ 6.2
Interest rate swap
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, fair value		$ 5.3
Derivative, gain		1.8
Other current liabilities
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest payable		$ 1

Derivative instruments and he70

Derivative instruments and hedging transactions - Derivative Effects (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Amount of net gain (loss) reclassified into earnings, interest rate swaps	$ 1,922	$ 2,181	$ (2,140)
Amount of net gain (loss) reclassified into earnings, income tax effect	(778)	(882)	867
Amount of net gain (loss) reclassified into earnings, net of income taxes	1,144	1,299	(1,273)
Total effect on other comprehensive income (loss), interest expense	(1,922)	(2,181)	(2,140)
Total effect on other comprehensive income (loss), provision (benefit) for income taxes	778	882	867
Total effect on other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	$ (1,144)	$ (1,299)	$ (1,273)

Other current liabilities (Deta

Other current liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Other Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Gift card/certificate liability	$ 228,783	$ 207,628
Gift card breakage liabilities	1,079	13,301
Accrued payroll and benefits	30,768	25,071
Accrued legal liabilities (see note 17(d))	3,566	5,555
Accrued interest	17,902	10,702
Accrued professional costs	5,527	2,170
Franchisee profit-sharing liability	13,243	11,083
Other	25,210	22,756
Total other current liabilities	$ 326,078	$ 298,266

Leases - Capital Leases Include

Leases - Capital Leases Included in Company's Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Leases [Abstract]
Leased property under capital leases (included in property and equipment)	$ 10,097	$ 10,081
Accumulated depreciation	(4,442)	(4,055)
Net leased property under capital leases	5,655	6,026
Current	596	589
Long-term	7,180	7,550
Total capital lease obligations	$ 7,776	$ 8,139

Leases - Operating Leases Inclu

Leases - Operating Leases Included in Company's Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Assets leased to others, gross	$ 230,856	$ 230,113
Accumulated depreciation	(94,450)	(86,957)
Assets leased to others, net	136,406	143,156
Land
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Assets leased to others, gross	33,430	32,646
Buildings
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Assets leased to others, gross	47,792	47,723
Leasehold improvements
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Assets leased to others, gross	147,743	149,027
Store, production, and other equipment
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Assets leased to others, gross	150	150
Construction in progress
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Assets leased to others, gross	$ 1,741	$ 567

Leases - Future Minimum Rental

Leases - Future Minimum Rental Commitments to be Paid and Received (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2017USD ($)
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, 2018	$ 1,633
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, 2019	1,465
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, 2020	1,258
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, 2021	1,291
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, 2022	1,329
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Thereafter	12,265
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	19,241
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Interest Included in Payments	11,465
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Present Value of Net Minimum Payments	7,776
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, 2018	58,819
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, 2019	58,169
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, 2020	55,494
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, 2021	53,320
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, 2022	49,627
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Thereafter	356,290
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	631,719
Subleases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Subleases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, 2018	(72,068)
Subleases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, 2019	(70,570)
Subleases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, 2020	(67,167)
Subleases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, 2021	(63,460)
Subleases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, 2022	(57,399)
Subleases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Thereafter	(329,887)
Subleases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable	(660,551)
Net Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due (Receivable), Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Net of Subleases, 2018	(11,616)
Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Net of Subleases, 2019	(10,936)
Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Net of Subleases, 2020	(10,415)
Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Net of Subleases, 2021	(8,849)
Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Net of Subleases, 2022	(6,443)
Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Net of Subleases, Thereafter	38,668
Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Net of Subleases	$ (9,591)

Leases - Rent Expense, Operatin

Leases - Rent Expense, Operating (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Leases [Abstract]
Base rentals	$ 55,019	$ 54,517	$ 54,290
Contingent rentals	6,664	6,182	6,348
Total rental expense	$ 61,683	$ 60,699	$ 60,638

Leases - Rent Income (Details)

Leases - Rent Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Leases [Abstract]
Base rentals	$ 73,597	$ 70,962	$ 70,033
Contingent rentals	31,046	30,058	30,389
Total rental income	$ 104,643	$ 101,020	$ 100,422

Segment information - Additiona

Segment information - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017customerbrandsegment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of brands | brand	2
Number of reportable segments | segment	4
Number of Customers Accounted for More than 10% of Total Revenues | customer	0

Segment information - Revenues

Segment information - Revenues by Segment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jul. 01, 2017	Apr. 01, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 24, 2016	Jun. 25, 2016	Mar. 26, 2016	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 227,139	$ 224,168	$ 218,522	$ 190,672	$ 215,705	$ 207,099	$ 216,309	$ 189,776	$ 860,501	$ 828,889	$ 810,933
Other									34,148	31,495	32,682
Operating segments
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total revenues									826,353	797,394	778,251
Operating segments | Dunkin Donuts | United States
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total revenues									641,896	607,964	591,062
Operating segments | Dunkin’ Donuts International | United States
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total revenues									20,573	22,903	22,973
Operating segments | Baskin Robbins | United States
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total revenues									49,204	47,512	47,140
Operating segments | Baskin-Robbins International | United States
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total revenues									$ 114,680	$ 119,015	$ 117,076

Segment information - Segment P

Segment information - Segment Profit by Segment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Total reportable segments	$ 350,909	$ 195,576	$ 105,229
Corporate and other	(112,015)	(112,899)	(161,934)
Interest expense, net	(101,110)	(100,270)	(96,341)
Depreciation and amortization	(21,335)	(22,079)	(24,688)
Long-lived asset impairment charges	(1,617)	(149)	(623)
Loss on debt extinguishment and refinancing transactions	(6,996)	0	(20,554)
Other gains, net	391	(1,195)	(1,084)
Income before income taxes	339,287	313,249	201,588
Operating segments
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Total reportable segments	581,969	549,841	506,812
Operating segments | Dunkin Donuts | United States
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Total reportable segments	501,451	466,976	431,065
Operating segments | Dunkin Donuts | International
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Total reportable segments	6,970	9,658	10,240
Operating segments | Baskin Robbins | United States
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Total reportable segments	34,212	34,240	29,289
Operating segments | Baskin Robbins | International
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Total reportable segments	$ 39,336	$ 38,967	$ 36,218

Segment information - Equity in

Segment information - Equity in Net Income of Joint Ventures Reportable Segment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Net income (loss) of equity method investments	$ 15,198	$ 14,552	$ (41,745)
Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Other	4,164	4,127	(53,575)
Operating segments
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Net income (loss) of equity method investments	11,034	10,425	11,830
Operating segments | Dunkin Donuts | International
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Net income (loss) of equity method investments	(83)	622	1,295
Operating segments | Baskin Robbins | International
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Net income (loss) of equity method investments	$ 11,117	$ 9,803	$ 10,535

Segment information - Depreciat

Segment information - Depreciation and Amortization by Segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total depreciation and amortization	$ 20,084	$ 20,458	$ 20,556
Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total depreciation and amortization	8,384	8,707	7,902
Operating segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total depreciation and amortization	11,700	11,751	12,654
Operating segments | Dunkin Donuts | United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total depreciation and amortization	11,296	11,378	12,229
Operating segments | Dunkin Donuts | International
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total depreciation and amortization	31	27	7
Operating segments | Baskin Robbins | United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total depreciation and amortization	320	272	358
Operating segments | Baskin Robbins | International
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total depreciation and amortization	$ 53	$ 74	$ 60

Segment information - Property

Segment information - Property and Equipment, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, net	$ 169,005	$ 176,662
United States
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, net	168,933	176,524
International
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, net	$ 72	$ 138

Stockholders' equity (deficit83

Stockholders' equity (deficit) Share Repurchase (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015	Feb. 01, 2018	Feb. 29, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Common stock share repurchase program amount						$ 30,000
Number of shares authorized to be repurchased						702,239
Weighted average price per share (in dollars per share)			$ 42.72
Increase in treasury stock		$ 127,186	$ 55,000	$ 625,041
Accumulated deficit
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchased and retired during period		$ 108,300		469,500
Common stock
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchased and retired during period				$ 599,000
Retirement of treasury stock (shares)		2,271,448	1,707,000	12,833,178
Additional paid-in capital
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Increase in treasury stock		$ 0	$ (25,000)	$ 25,000
Adjustments to additional paid in capital, other				25,000
Stock repurchased and retired during period		18,900		129,400
Treasury stock, at cost
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Increase in treasury stock		$ 127,186	$ 80,000	$ 600,041
Common stock
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Repurchased stock		513,880	520,631	2,106,881,000
Average cost per share		$ 52.90	$ 48.02	$ 47.47
February 2015 ASR Agreement
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Common stock share repurchase program amount				$ 400,000
Number of shares authorized to be repurchased				8,226,297
Weighted average price per share (in dollars per share)	$ 48.62
October 2015 ASR Agreement
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Common stock share repurchase program amount							$ 125,000
Number of shares authorized to be repurchased			483,913				2,527,167
Weighted average price per share (in dollars per share)			$ 41.51
Percentage of total shares expected to be repurchased							80.00%
October 2015 ASR Agreement | Accumulated deficit
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchased and retired during period			$ 64,100
October 2015 ASR Agreement | Common stock
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Retirement of treasury stock (shares)			1,706,783
October 2015 ASR Agreement | Additional paid-in capital
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchased and retired during period			$ 15,900
October 2015 ASR Agreement | Treasury stock, at cost
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Increase in treasury stock			$ 80,000
May 2017 ASR Agreement
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Common stock share repurchase program amount		$ 100,000
Number of shares authorized to be repurchased		1,757,568
Weighted average price per share (in dollars per share)		$ 56.90
Subsequent event | February 2018 ASR Agreement
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Common stock share repurchase program amount					$ 650,000
Number of shares authorized to be repurchased					8,478,722
Percentage of total shares expected to be repurchased					80.00%

Stockholders' equity (deficit84

Stockholders' equity (deficit) Changes in Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Detail) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017USD ($)
Movement in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ (23,984)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	14,294
Balance at end of period	(9,690)
Other
Movement in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	(2,109)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	658
Balance at end of period	(1,451)
Effect of foreign currency translation
Movement in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	(23,019)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	14,780
Balance at end of period	(8,239)
Unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate swaps
Movement in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	1,144
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(1,144)
Balance at end of period	$ 0

Stockholders' equity (deficit85

Stockholders' equity (deficit) Dividends (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jul. 01, 2017	Apr. 01, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 24, 2016	Jun. 25, 2016	Mar. 26, 2016	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Dividend per share of common stock paid (in dollars per share)	$ 0.32	$ 0.32	$ 0.32	$ 0.32	$ 0.30	$ 0.30	$ 0.30	$ 0.30
Dividends paid on common stock	$ 29,092	$ 29,064	$ 29,226	$ 29,621	$ 27,377	$ 27,475	$ 27,456	$ 27,395	$ 117,003	$ 109,703	$ 100,516
Dividend declared, payment date	Dec. 6, 2017	Sep. 6, 2017	Jun. 14, 2017	Mar. 22, 2017	Nov. 30, 2016	Aug. 31, 2016	Jun. 8, 2016	Mar. 16, 2016

Stockholders' deficit - Additio

Stockholders' deficit - Additional Information (Detail) - $ / shares	Feb. 06, 2018	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Dividend per share of common stock declared (in dollars per share)		$ 1.29	$ 1.20	$ 1.06
Subsequent event
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Dividend per share of common stock declared (in dollars per share)	$ 0.3475

Equity incentive plans - Textua

Equity incentive plans - Textuals (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Tax benefit realized from stock options exercised	$ 11,100,000	$ 4,100,000	$ 13,100,000
Grant-date fair value, vested	9,900,000	10,600,000	7,400,000
Intrinsic value of options exercised in period	13,000,000	5,300,000	6,700,000
Unrecognized compensation costs related to stock options	12,700,000
Allocated Share-based compensation expense	$ 14,926,000	17,181,000	16,092,000
Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation, vesting period	4 years
Restricted shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based compensation expense	$ 0	40,000	198,000
Employee stock option
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation costs, weighed average period	2 years 4 months 24 days
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grant-date fair value, vested	$ 4,100,000	$ 3,500,000	$ 2,600,000
Unrecognized compensation costs related to stock options	$ 5,200,000
Unrecognized compensation costs, weighed average period	1 year 9 months
Granted, weighted average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share)	$ 52.44	$ 44.34	$ 46.21
Granted	91,272
Allocated Share-based compensation expense	$ 4,337,000	$ 3,608,000	$ 3,408,000
Performance shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation costs, weighed average period	1 year 11 months 8 days
Granted, weighted average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share)	$ 59.03
Granted	84,705	121,030
Unrecognized compensation cost, nonvested awards	$ 4,000,000
Allocated Share-based compensation expense	$ 1,277,000	$ 1,086,000	$ 0
Award vesting rights, percentage	200.00%
Equity Incentive Plan 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted, weighted average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share)		$ 47.39	$ 51.67
Granted		21,101	27,096
Unrecognized compensation cost, nonvested awards	$ 0
Allocated Share-based compensation expense	$ 150,000
Grant-date fair value, vested		$ 1,400,000
Equity Incentive Plan 2011 | Employee stock option
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares, Granted	1,181,777
Allocated Share-based compensation expense	$ 8,611,000	$ 10,654,000	$ 10,519,000
Equity Incentive Plan 2011 | Employee stock option | Common stock | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award requisite service period	4 years
Maximum contractual term	7 years
Equity Incentive Plan 2011 | Employee stock option | Common stock | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum contractual term	10 years
Equity Incentive Plan 2011 | Performance shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation costs, weighed average period	1 year
Granted, weighted average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share)			$ 37.94
Granted			150,000
Unrecognized compensation cost, nonvested awards	$ 1,200,000
Performance based shares based on shareholder return | Performance shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted, weighted average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share)	$ 67.52	$ 55.36
Granted	37,027	39,684
Performance based shares subject to service condition and performance vesting condition | Performance shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted, weighted average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share)	$ 52.44	$ 44.22
Granted	47,678	81,346
Nonexecutive | Stock Incentive Plan 2006 | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum shares of common stock that may be delivered in satisfaction of awards (in shares)			6,200,000

Equity incentive plans Equity i

Equity incentive plans Equity incentive plans - Schedule of Share-Based Compensation (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based compensation expense	$ 14,926,000	$ 17,181,000	$ 16,092,000
Total related tax benefit	8,339,000	6,955,000	6,512,000
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based compensation expense	4,337,000	3,608,000	3,408,000
Performance shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based compensation expense	1,277,000	1,086,000	0
Restricted shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based compensation expense	0	40,000	198,000
Equity Incentive Plan 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based compensation expense	150,000
Equity Incentive Plan 2011 | Employee stock option
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based compensation expense	8,611,000	10,654,000	10,519,000
Equity 2011 plan restricted shares | Employee stock option
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based compensation expense	$ 701,000	$ 1,793,000	$ 1,967,000

Equity incentive plans - Assump

Equity incentive plans - Assumptions In Determining Fair Value of Stock Options (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Compensation Related Costs [Abstract]
Weighted average grant-date fair value of share options granted	$ 9.87	$ 7.41	$ 8.66
Weighted average assumptions: Risk-free interest rate	1.90%	1.20%	1.50%
Weighted average assumptions: Expected Volatility	24.00%	25.00%	25.00%
Weighted average assumptions: Dividend yield	2.30%	2.70%	0.00%
Weighted average assumptions: Expected term (years)	4 years 10 months 17 days	4 years 10 months 25 days	4 years 10 months 28 days

Equity incentive plans - Status

Equity incentive plans - Status of Company Stock Options (Details) - Equity Incentive Plan 2011 - Employee stock option - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Number of shares, Share options outstanding, beginning balance	4,889,585
Number of shares, Granted	1,181,777
Number of Shares, Exercised	(880,346)
Number of shares, Forfeited or expired	(823,489)
Number of shares, Share options outstanding, ending balance	4,367,527	4,889,585
Number of shares, Share options exercisable	2,026,779
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]
Weighted average exercise price, Share options outstanding, beginning balance	$ 44.82
Weighted average exercise price, Granted	55.04
Weighted average exercise price, Exercised	40.37
Weighted average exercise price, Forfeited or expired	49.38
Weighted average exercise price, Share options outstanding, ending balance	47.63	$ 44.82
Weighted average exercise price, Share options exercisable	$ 44.99
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Weighted average remaining contractual term (years), Share options outstanding	4 years 7 months 6 days	5 years 3 months 19 days
Weighted average remaining contractual term (years), Share options exercisable	3 years 10 months 25 days
Aggregate intrinsic value (in millions), Share options outstanding	$ 73.6
Aggregate intrinsic value (in millions), Share options exercisable	$ 39.5

Equity incentive plans - Restic

Equity incentive plans - Resticted Shares Rollforward (Details) - Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Number of shares, beginning balance	183,676
Granted	91,272
Vested	(90,976)
Forfeited	(8,546)
Number of shares, ending balance	175,426	183,676
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Number of shares, beginning balance (usd per share)	$ 44.91
Granted, weighted average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share)	52.44	$ 44.34	$ 46.21
Vested (usd per share)	45.37
Forfeited, weighted average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share)	46.37
Number of shares, ending balance (usd per share)	$ 48.51	$ 44.91
Weighted average remaining contractual term (years)	1 year 6 months	1 year 8 months 12 days
Aggregate intrinsic value (in millions)	$ 11.3

Equity incentive plans - Summar

Equity incentive plans - Summary of Changes in Company's PSUs (Details) - Performance shares - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Number of shares, beginning balance	113,041
Granted (in shares)	84,705	121,030
Forfeited (in shares)	(49,160)
Number of shares, ending balance	148,586	113,041
Nonvested performance stock units, weighted average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share)	$ 52.72	$ 47.90
Granted, weighted average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share)	59.03
Forfeited, weighted average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share)	$ 44.89
Weighted average remaining contractual term (years)	1 year 8 months 12 days	2 years 3 months 19 days
Aggregate intrinsic value (in millions)	$ 9.6

Earnings per Share Computation

Earnings per Share Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jul. 01, 2017	Apr. 01, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 24, 2016	Jun. 25, 2016	Mar. 26, 2016	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Dunkin' Brands-basic and diluted	$ 195,492	$ 52,246	$ 55,704	$ 47,467	$ 56,120	$ 52,712	$ 49,590	$ 37,154	$ 350,909	$ 195,576	$ 105,227
Weighted average number of common shares - basic and diluted:
Common-basic (in shares)									90,857,168	91,568,942	96,045,232
Common-diluted (in shares)									92,231,436	92,538,282	97,131,674
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract]
Common-basic (in dollars per share)	$ 2.17	$ 0.58	$ 0.61	$ 0.52	$ 0.61	$ 0.58	$ 0.54	$ 0.41	$ 3.86	$ 2.14	$ 1.10
Common-diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 2.13	$ 0.57	$ 0.60	$ 0.51	$ 0.61	$ 0.57	$ 0.54	$ 0.40	$ 3.80	$ 2.11	$ 1.08

Earnings Per Shares - Additiona

Earnings Per Shares - Additional Information (Detail) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Weighted average number of common shares, dilutive effect (in shares)	1,374,268	969,340	1,086,442
Anti-dilutive security excluded from calculation, restricted stock awards (in shares)	150,000	150,000	150,000
Out-of-the-money-stock-options excluded from calculation, common diluted earnings per share (in shares)	1,382,486	3,498,229	2,985,215

Income taxes - Additional Infor

Income taxes - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Income tax benefit provision	$ 143,400
Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, incomplete accounting, change in tax rate, deferred tax asset, provisional income tax expense	145,100
Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, incomplete accounting, transition tax for accumulated foreign earnings, provisional liability	1,700
Excess tax benefits, related to share-based compensation	7,800
DTA, foreign jurisdiction	4,100		$ 5,100
Operating loss carryforwards	7,500
DTA, operating loss carryforwards	1,000
Provision for income taxes, valuation allowance		$ 8,900
Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, incomplete accounting, transition tax for accumulated foreign earnings, provisional income tax expense	1,700
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Undistributed earnings of foreign operations	147,400		132,900
Indefinitely reinvested foreign earnings, cash	21,700		24,500
Unrecognized tax benefits	1,529		2,290	$ 2,653	$ 3,672
Unrecognized tax benefits, accrued interest and income tax penalties	600		1,100
Unrecognized tax benefits, would impact effective tax rate	1,300		$ 1,300
Joint Ventures
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Deferred tax liability	$ 8,600

Income taxes - Income Before Ta

Income taxes - Income Before Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Domestic operations	$ 317,720	$ 286,927	$ 234,410
Foreign operations	21,567	26,322	(32,822)
Income before income taxes	$ 339,287	$ 313,249	$ 201,588

Income taxes - Components of Pr

Income taxes - Components of Provision (Benefit) For Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Current:
Federal	$ 102,349	$ 97,972	$ 90,586
State	27,922	28,430	23,694
Foreign	3,094	3,808	3,186
Current tax provision	133,365	130,210	117,466
Deferred:
Federal	(145,903)	(9,983)	(19,034)
State	(791)	(3,152)	(3,060)
Foreign	1,707	598	987
Deferred tax benefit	(144,987)	(12,537)	(21,107)
Provision for income taxes	$ (11,622)	$ 117,673	$ 96,359

Income taxes - Income Tax Rate

Income taxes - Income Tax Rate Reconciliation (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Computed federal income tax expense, at statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Impairment of investment in Japan JV	0.00%	0.00%	9.40%
State income taxes	5.50%	5.10%	6.60%
Benefits and taxes related to foreign operations	(1.40%)	(2.70%)	(4.40%)
Excess tax benefits	(2.30%)	0.00%	0.00%
Change in valuation allowance	2.60%	0.00%	0.00%
Other permanent differences	(0.40%)	0.10%	0.60%
Impact of Tax Act	(42.30%)	0.00%	0.00%
Other, net	(0.10%)	0.10%	0.60%
Effective tax rate	(3.40%)	37.60%	47.80%

Income taxes - Components of De

Income taxes - Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	$ 2,013	$ 2,685
Deferred tax assets, Capital leases	2,158	3,295
Deferred tax assets, Rent, Noncurrent	9,452	11,905
Deferred Tax Assets, Property, Plant and Equipment	375	0
Deferred tax liabilities, Property and equipment	0	1,977
Deferred tax assets, Deferred compensation and long-term incentive accrual	15,033	19,900
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Other	16,676	27,874
Deferred tax assets, Deferred revenue, Noncurrent	9,049	12,609
Deferred tax assets, Real estate rserves, Noncurrent	1,153	1,264
Deferred tax liabilities, Franchise rights and other intangibles	372,988	551,679
Deferred tax assets, Unused foreign tax credits	1,912	11,457
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Accrued Liabilities	4,697	5,368
Deferred tax assets, Other, Noncurrent	224	1,758
Deferred tax liabilities, Other, Noncurrent	0	0
Deferred tax assets, Gross, Noncurrent	62,742	98,115
Deferred tax liabilities, Net, Noncurrent	372,988	553,656
Deferred tax assets, Valuation allowance, Noncurrent	(899)	(1,131)
Deferred tax assets, Total noncurrent	$ 61,843	$ 96,984

Income taxes - Change in Unreco

Income taxes - Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	$ 2,290	$ 2,653	$ 3,672
Increases related to prior year tax positions	206	267	0
Increases related to current year tax positions	65	161	111
Decreases related to prior year tax positions	(94)	(33)	(301)
Decreases related to settlements	(871)	(191)	(636)
Lapses of statutes of limitations	(140)	(597)	0
Effect of foreign currency adjustments, increase	73	30
Effect of foreign currency adjustments, decrease			(193)
Balance at end of year	$ 1,529	$ 2,290	$ 2,653

Commitments and contingencies -

Commitments and contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands, CAD in Millions	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015CAD	Jun. 22, 2012CAD	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 26, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2017USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Standby letters of credit			$ 25,900		$ 32,300
Amounts drawn on letters of credit			0		0
Increase in estimated liability related to litigation				$ 2,800
Payments for legal settlements			17,400
Contingent liabilities related to legal matters			5,600		3,600
Bertico litigation
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Litigation judgment | CAD	CAD 10.9	CAD 16.4
Performance guarantee
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Accrued liabilities					1,200
Supply commitment
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Guarantee obligation, maximum exposure			$ 136,200		$ 116,700

Retirement plans - Textual (Det

Retirement plans - Textual (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum annual contribution percentage, 401(k)	80.00%
Employer contributions 401(k)	$ 3.4	$ 3.3	$ 3.2
NQDC maximum pretax contribution percentage	50.00%
NQDC plan liability	$ 13.5	11.1
NQDC investments held	$ 10.8	$ 9.3
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of Settlements and Curtailments on Accumulated Benefit Obligation			$ 4.1
Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employer match percentage 401(k)	4.00%	4.00%	4.00%

Related-party transactions - Ad

Related-party transactions - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Royalties receivable from joint ventures	$ 1,500	$ 1,100
Japan JV
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Royalty received from joint venture	1,745	1,873	$ 1,378
South Korea JV
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Royalty received from joint venture	4,525	4,030	4,288
Spain JV
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Royalty received from joint venture	0	0	68
Recovery of note receivables	1,000
Related Party
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Royalty received from joint venture	6,270	5,903	5,734
Joint Ventures
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party transaction, purchases from related party	3,300	3,200	3,200
Australia Joint Venture
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revenue from related parties	4,200	4,300	$ 4,000
Due from joint ventures	$ 3,600	$ 2,600

Allowance for doubtful accou104

Allowance for doubtful accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward]
Provision for (recovery of) doubtful accounts, net	$ (457)	$ (53)	$ (3,343)
Accounts receivable
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	4,778	5,627	3,882
Provision for (recovery of) doubtful accounts, net	(123)	1,202	3,705
Write-offs and other	968	2,051	1,960
Ending balance	3,933	4,778	5,627
Short-term notes and other receivables
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	339	1,007	1,278
Provision for (recovery of) doubtful accounts, net	(264)	(189)	(117)
Write-offs and other	0	479	154
Ending balance	603	339	1,007
Long-term notes and other receivables
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	2,088	4,075	3,947
Provision for (recovery of) doubtful accounts, net	(70)	(960)	(245)
Write-offs and other	335	1,027	373
Ending balance	$ 1,823	$ 2,088	$ 4,075

Quarterly financial data (un105

Quarterly financial data (unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jul. 01, 2017	Apr. 01, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 24, 2016	Jun. 25, 2016	Mar. 26, 2016	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Income Statement [Abstract]
Total revenues	$ 227,139	$ 224,168	$ 218,522	$ 190,672	$ 215,705	$ 207,099	$ 216,309	$ 189,776	$ 860,501	$ 828,889	$ 810,933
Operating income	120,126	122,033	113,550	91,293	113,880	109,360	106,141	85,333	447,002	414,714	319,567
Net income (loss)	$ 195,492	$ 52,246	$ 55,704	$ 47,467	$ 56,120	$ 52,712	$ 49,590	$ 37,154	$ 350,909	$ 195,576	$ 105,227
Common-basic (in dollars per share)	$ 2.17	$ 0.58	$ 0.61	$ 0.52	$ 0.61	$ 0.58	$ 0.54	$ 0.41	$ 3.86	$ 2.14	$ 1.10
Common-diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 2.13	$ 0.57	$ 0.60	$ 0.51	$ 0.61	$ 0.57	$ 0.54	$ 0.40	$ 3.80	$ 2.11	$ 1.08

Adoption of new revenue reco106

Adoption of new revenue recognition guidance - Consolidated Statements of Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jul. 01, 2017	Apr. 01, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 24, 2016	Jun. 25, 2016	Mar. 26, 2016	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Revenues:
Franchise fees and royalty income									$ 592,689	$ 549,571	$ 513,222
Rental income									104,643	101,020	100,422
Sales of ice cream and other products									110,659	114,857	115,252
Sales at company-operated restaurants									0	11,975	28,340
Other revenues									52,510	51,466	53,697
Total revenues	$ 227,139	$ 224,168	$ 218,522	$ 190,672	$ 215,705	$ 207,099	$ 216,309	$ 189,776	860,501	828,889	810,933
Operating costs and expenses:
Occupancy expenses—franchised restaurants									60,301	57,409	54,611
Cost of ice cream and other products									77,012	77,608	76,877
Company-operated restaurant expenses									0	13,591	29,900
General and administrative expenses, net									248,975	246,814	243,796
Depreciation									20,084	20,458	20,556
Amortization of other intangible assets									21,335	22,079	24,688
Long-lived asset impairment charges									1,617	149	623
Total operating costs and expenses									429,324	438,108	451,051
Net income (loss) of equity method investments									15,198	14,552	(41,745)
Other operating income, net									627	9,381	1,430
Operating income	120,126	122,033	113,550	91,293	113,880	109,360	106,141	85,333	447,002	414,714	319,567
Other income (expense), net:
Interest income									3,313	582	424
Interest expense									(104,423)	(100,852)	(96,765)
Loss on debt extinguishment and refinancing transactions									(6,996)	0	(20,554)
Other gains (losses), net									391	(1,195)	(1,084)
Total other expense, net									(107,715)	(101,465)	(117,979)
Income before income taxes									339,287	313,249	201,588
Provision (benefit) for income taxes									(11,622)	117,673	96,359
Net income attributable to Dunkin’ Brands	$ 195,492	$ 52,246	$ 55,704	$ 47,467	$ 56,120	$ 52,712	$ 49,590	$ 37,154	$ 350,909	$ 195,576	$ 105,227
Earnings per share:
Common-basic (in dollars per share)	$ 2.17	$ 0.58	$ 0.61	$ 0.52	$ 0.61	$ 0.58	$ 0.54	$ 0.41	$ 3.86	$ 2.14	$ 1.10
Common-diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 2.13	$ 0.57	$ 0.60	$ 0.51	$ 0.61	$ 0.57	$ 0.54	$ 0.40	$ 3.80	$ 2.11	$ 1.08
Royalty income									$ 518,572	$ 500,927	$ 463,960
Other franchise fees									74,117	48,644	$ 49,262
Restatement Adjustment
Revenues:
Franchise fees and royalty income									42,200
Other revenues									4,300
Restatement Adjustment, Franchise Fees
Revenues:
Franchise fees and royalty income									(51,754)	(27,490)
Other revenues									(5,838)	(5,072)
Total revenues									(57,592)	(32,562)
Operating costs and expenses:
Operating income									(57,592)	(32,562)
Other income (expense), net:
Income before income taxes									(57,592)	(32,562)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes									18,656	(13,205)
Net income attributable to Dunkin’ Brands									$ (76,248)	$ (19,357)
Earnings per share:
Common-basic (in dollars per share)
Common-diluted (in dollars per share)
Restatement Adjustment, Advertising
Revenues:
Advertising fees and related income									$ 470,984	$ 453,553
Total revenues									470,984	453,553
Operating costs and expenses:
Advertising expenses									476,157	458,568
General and administrative expenses, net									(5,147)	(4,990)
Total operating costs and expenses									471,010	453,578
Operating income									(26)	(25)
Other income (expense), net:
Income before income taxes									(26)	(25)
Net income attributable to Dunkin’ Brands									(26)	(25)
Restatement Adjustment, Ice Cream Royalty Allocation
Revenues:
Franchise fees and royalty income									14,271	14,315
Sales of ice cream and other products									(14,271)	(14,315)
Restatement Adjustment, Other Revenue Transactions
Revenues:
Other revenues									1,658	(1,525)
Total revenues									1,658	(1,525)
Operating costs and expenses:
Operating income									1,658	(1,525)
Other income (expense), net:
Income before income taxes									1,658	(1,525)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes									5,084	(620)
Net income attributable to Dunkin’ Brands									$ (3,426)	$ (905)
Earnings per share:
Common-basic (in dollars per share)
Common-diluted (in dollars per share)
Restated
Revenues:
Franchise fees and royalty income									$ 555,206	$ 536,396
Advertising fees and related income									470,984	453,553
Rental income									104,643	101,020
Sales of ice cream and other products									96,388	100,542
Sales at company-operated restaurants										11,975
Other revenues									48,330	44,869
Total revenues									1,275,551	1,248,355
Operating costs and expenses:
Occupancy expenses—franchised restaurants									60,301	57,409
Cost of ice cream and other products									77,012	77,608
Company-operated restaurant expenses										13,591
Advertising expenses									476,157	458,568
General and administrative expenses, net									243,828	241,824
Depreciation									20,084	20,458
Amortization of other intangible assets									21,335	22,079
Long-lived asset impairment charges									1,617	149
Total operating costs and expenses									900,334	891,686
Net income (loss) of equity method investments									15,198	14,552
Other operating income, net									627	9,381
Operating income									391,042	380,602
Other income (expense), net:
Interest income									3,313	582
Interest expense									(104,423)	(100,852)
Loss on debt extinguishment and refinancing transactions									(6,996)
Other gains (losses), net									391	(1,195)
Total other expense, net									(107,715)	(101,465)
Income before income taxes									283,327	279,137
Provision (benefit) for income taxes									12,118	103,848
Net income attributable to Dunkin’ Brands									$ 271,209	$ 175,289
Earnings per share:
Common-basic (in dollars per share)									$ 2.99	$ 1.91
Common-diluted (in dollars per share)									$ 2.94	$ 1.89
Accumulated deficit | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Line Items]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption					$ 163,200					$ 163,200

Adoption of new revenue reco107

Adoption of new revenue recognition guidance - Consolidated Balance Sheets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 1,018,317	$ 361,425
Restricted cash	94,047	69,746
Accounts receivable, net	51,442	44,512
Notes and other receivables, net	51,082	40,672
Restricted assets of advertising funds	47,373	40,338
Prepaid income taxes	21,879	20,926
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	32,695	28,739
Total current assets	1,316,835	606,358
Property and equipment, net	169,005	176,662
Equity method investments	140,615	114,738
Goodwill	888,308	888,272	$ 889,588
Other intangible assets, net	1,357,157	1,378,720
Other assets	65,464	62,632
Total assets	3,937,384	3,227,382
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt	31,500	25,000
Capital lease obligations	596	589
Accounts payable	16,307	12,682
Liabilities of advertising funds	58,014	52,271
Deferred income	39,395	35,393
Other current liabilities	326,078	298,266
Total current liabilities	471,890	424,201
Long-term debt, net	3,035,857	2,401,998
Capital lease obligations	7,180	7,550
Unfavorable operating leases acquired	9,780	11,378
Deferred income	11,158	12,154
Deferred income taxes, net	315,249	461,810
Other long-term liabilities	77,823	71,549
Total long-term liabilities	3,457,047	2,966,439
Stockholders’ equity (deficit):
Preferred stock	0	0
Common stock	90	91
Additional paid-in capital	724,114	807,492
Treasury stock, at cost	(1,060)	(1,060)
Accumulated deficit	(705,007)	(945,797)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(9,690)	(23,984)
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)	8,447	(163,258)	$ (220,743)	$ 367,959
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity (deficit)	3,937,384	3,227,382
Restatement Adjustment, Franchise Fees
Current liabilities:
Deferred income	1,502	2,699
Total current liabilities	1,502	2,699
Deferred income	328,183	269,394
Deferred income taxes, net	(91,488)	(110,144)
Total long-term liabilities	236,695	159,250
Stockholders’ equity (deficit):
Accumulated deficit	(238,197)	(161,949)
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)	(238,197)	(161,949)
Restatement Adjustment, Advertising
Current assets:
Accounts receivable, net	18,075	17,741
Notes and other receivables, net	1,250	592
Restricted assets of advertising funds	(47,373)	(40,338)
Prepaid income taxes	48	36
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	15,498	12,823
Total current assets	(12,502)	(9,146)
Property and equipment, net	12,537	9,153
Other assets	14	30
Total assets	49	37
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	37,110	34,806
Liabilities of advertising funds	(58,014)	(52,271)
Deferred income	(550)	(591)
Other current liabilities	29,032	26,293
Total current liabilities	7,578	8,237
Deferred income	(7,518)	(8,186)
Other long-term liabilities	30	45
Total long-term liabilities	(7,488)	(8,141)
Stockholders’ equity (deficit):
Accumulated deficit	(196)	(170)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	155	111
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)	(41)	(59)
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity (deficit)	49	37
Restatement Adjustment, Other Revenue Transactions
Current liabilities:
Deferred income	4,529	4,812
Total current liabilities	4,529	4,812
Deferred income	29,635	31,010
Deferred income taxes, net	(9,416)	(14,500)
Total long-term liabilities	20,219	16,510
Stockholders’ equity (deficit):
Accumulated deficit	(24,748)	(21,322)
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)	(24,748)	(21,322)
Restated
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	1,018,317	361,425
Restricted cash	94,047	69,746
Accounts receivable, net	69,517	62,253
Notes and other receivables, net	52,332	41,264
Restricted assets of advertising funds	0	0
Prepaid income taxes	21,927	20,962
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	48,193	41,562
Total current assets	1,304,333	597,212
Property and equipment, net	181,542	185,815
Equity method investments	140,615	114,738
Goodwill	888,308	888,272
Other intangible assets, net	1,357,157	1,378,720
Other assets	65,478	62,662
Total assets	3,937,433	3,227,419
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt	31,500	25,000
Capital lease obligations	596	589
Accounts payable	53,417	47,488
Liabilities of advertising funds	0	0
Deferred income	44,876	42,313
Other current liabilities	355,110	324,559
Total current liabilities	485,499	439,949
Long-term debt, net	3,035,857	2,401,998
Capital lease obligations	7,180	7,550
Unfavorable operating leases acquired	9,780	11,378
Deferred income	361,458	304,372
Deferred income taxes, net	214,345	337,166
Other long-term liabilities	77,853	71,594
Total long-term liabilities	3,706,473	3,134,058
Stockholders’ equity (deficit):
Preferred stock	0	0
Common stock	90	91
Additional paid-in capital	724,114	807,492
Treasury stock, at cost	(1,060)	(1,060)
Accumulated deficit	(968,148)	(1,129,238)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(9,535)	(23,873)
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)	(254,539)	(346,588)
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity (deficit)	$ 3,937,433	$ 3,227,419

Adoption of new revenue reco108

Adoption of new revenue recognition guidance - Cash Flow Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Line Items]
Net cash provided by operating activities	$ 276,908	$ 276,827	$ 262,742
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(13,854)	1,343	(35,467)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	418,641	(179,178)	(101,589)
Increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	682,267	98,717	$ 124,757
Restated
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Line Items]
Net cash provided by operating activities	283,357	282,479
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(20,303)	(4,309)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	418,641	(179,178)
Increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	682,267	98,717
Restatement Adjustment
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Line Items]
Net cash provided by operating activities	6,449	5,652
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	$ (6,449)	$ (5,652)

Uncategorized Items - dnkn-2017

Label	Element	Value
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest	us-gaap_NetIncomeLossIncludingPortionAttributableToNonredeemableNoncontrollingInterest	$ 0
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest	us-gaap_NetIncomeLossIncludingPortionAttributableToNonredeemableNoncontrollingInterest	0
Treasury Stock [Member]
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest	us-gaap_NetIncomeLossIncludingPortionAttributableToNonredeemableNoncontrollingInterest	0
Common Stock [Member]
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest	us-gaap_NetIncomeLossIncludingPortionAttributableToNonredeemableNoncontrollingInterest	0
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest	us-gaap_NetIncomeLossIncludingPortionAttributableToNonredeemableNoncontrollingInterest	$ 208,000