Del Frisco's Restaurant (DFRG) 10-K 28 Feb 17 2016 FY Annual report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2016	Feb. 27, 2017	Jun. 14, 2016
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 27, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	DFRG
Entity Registrant Name	Del Frisco's Restaurant Group, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1,415,301
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-27
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		23,406,042
Entity Public Float			$ 364,070,370

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2016	Dec. 29, 2015
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 14,622	$ 5,176
Inventory	16,400	17,308
Income taxes receivable	3,599	5,487
Lease incentives receivable	4,025	2,252
Prepaid expenses	5,199	4,270
Other current assets	2,835	2,504
Total current assets	46,680	36,997
Property and equipment:
Land	6,477	8,295
Buildings	9,460	11,162
Leasehold improvements	200,122	173,545
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment	68,123	60,948
Less accumulated depreciation	(88,190)	(70,759)
Property and equipment, net	195,992	183,191
Deferred compensation plan investments	15,054	13,955
Goodwill	75,365	75,365
Intangible assets, net	37,409	36,865
Other assets	282	282
Total assets	370,782	346,655
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	12,791	16,486
Sales tax payable	2,531	2,548
Accrued payroll	7,359	5,538
Deferred revenue	18,735	17,635
Other current liabilities	9,660	5,180
Total current liabilities	51,076	47,387
Long-term debt		4,500
Deferred compensation plan liabilities	15,212	14,083
Deferred rent obligations	37,697	34,336
Deferred income taxes	18,189	16,550
Other noncurrent liabilities	2,242	2,100
Total liabilities	124,416	118,956
Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding at December 27, 2016 or December 29, 2015
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 190,000,000 shares authorized, 24,226,173 shares issued and 23,268,463 shares outstanding at December 27, 2016 and 23,967,692 shares issued and 23,313,169 shares outstanding at December 29, 2015	24	24
Treasury stock at cost: 957,710 shares and 654,523 shares at December 27, 2016 and December 29, 2015, respectively	(17,823)	(13,000)
Additional paid in capital	143,325	137,601
Retained earnings	120,840	103,074
Total stockholders' equity	246,366	227,699
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 370,782	$ 346,655

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2016	Dec. 29, 2015
Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation	$ 88,190	$ 70,759
Preferred stock, par value per share	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value per share	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock, shares authorized	190,000,000	190,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	24,234,909	23,967,692
Common stock, shares outstanding	23,272,274	23,313,169
Treasury stock, shares	962,635	654,523

Consolidated Statements Of Inco

Consolidated Statements Of Income And Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2016	Dec. 29, 2015	Dec. 30, 2014
Consolidated Statements Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 351,681	$ 331,612	$ 301,805
Costs and expenses:
Costs of sales	99,181	95,963	90,990
Restaurant operating expenses	169,300	156,337	137,695
Marketing and advertising costs	8,260	7,745	6,169
Pre-opening costs	3,446	5,228	4,735
General and administrative costs	25,924	23,111	20,537
Lease termination and closing costs	1,031	1,386
Secondary public offering costs			5
Impairment charges	598	3,248	3,536
Depreciation and amortization	18,865	16,776	13,598
Operating income	25,076	21,818	24,540
Other income (expense), net:
Interest, net of capitalized interest	(70)	(77)	(113)
Other	(432)	(236)	(107)
Income before income taxes	24,574	21,505	24,320
Income tax expense	6,808	5,507	7,723
Net income	$ 17,766	$ 15,998	$ 16,597
Basic earnings per common share	$ 0.76	$ 0.68	$ 0.71
Diluted earnings per common share	$ 0.76	$ 0.68	$ 0.70
Shares used in computing earnings (loss) per common share:
Basic	23,322,344	23,380,085	23,517,883
Diluted	23,435,275	23,517,288	23,740,318
Comprehensive income	$ 17,766	$ 15,998	$ 16,597

Consolidated Statement Of Chang

Consolidated Statement Of Changes In Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Common Stock Outstanding [Member]	Additional Paid In Capital [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Total
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$ 24	$ 129,961	$ (3,681)	$ 70,479	$ 196,783
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2013	23,626,642
Net income				16,597	16,597
Share-based compensation costs		2,567			2,567
Stock option exercises, including tax effects		1,355			1,355
Stock option exercises, including tax effects, shares	85,400
Treasury stock purchases			(6,319)		(6,319)
Treasury stock purchases, shares	(268,996)
Balance at Dec. 30, 2014	$ 24	133,883	(10,000)	87,076	210,983
Balance, shares at Dec. 30, 2014	23,443,046
Net income				15,998	15,998
Share-based compensation costs		2,900			2,900
Stock option exercises, including tax effects		818			818
Stock option exercises, including tax effects, shares	59,150
Treasury stock purchases			(3,000)		(3,000)
Treasury stock purchases, shares	(189,027)
Balance at Dec. 29, 2015	$ 24	137,601	(13,000)	103,074	227,699
Balance, shares at Dec. 29, 2015	23,313,169
Net income				17,766	17,766
Share-based compensation costs		2,602			2,602
Stock option exercises, including tax effects		3,207			$ 3,207
Stock option exercises, including tax effects, shares	228,800				228,800
Shares issued under stock compensation plan, net of shares withheld for tax effects		(85)			$ (85)
Shares issued under stock compensation plan, net of shares withheld for tax effects, shares	33,492
Treasury stock purchases			(4,823)		(4,823)
Treasury stock purchases, shares	(303,187)
Balance at Dec. 27, 2016	$ 24	$ 143,325	$ (17,823)	$ 120,840	$ 246,366
Balance, shares at Dec. 27, 2016	23,272,274

Consolidated Statements Of Cash

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2016	Dec. 29, 2015	Dec. 30, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 17,766	$ 15,998	$ 16,597
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	18,865	16,776	13,598
Loss on disposal of restaurant property	429	27	108
Loan cost amortization	2	8	18
Equity based compensation	2,666	2,900	2,567
Impairment charges	598	3,248	3,536
Deferred income taxes	1,575	3,495	653
Amortization of deferred lease incentives	(1,140)	(666)	(852)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Restricted cash		215
Inventory	908	(716)	(2,498)
Lease incentives receivable	2,692	5,760	3,767
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(1,497)	(2,282)	(2,154)
Accounts payable	(2,666)	2,801	3,209
Income taxes	1,888	(4,287)	(3,050)
Deferred rent obligations	2,307	(1,094)	1,970
Deferred revenue	1,100	1,919	2,733
Other liabilities	4,322	1,766	2,564
Net cash provided by operating activities	49,815	45,868	42,766
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	3,078	1	13
Purchase of trade name	(546)
Purchases of property and equipment	(36,698)	(46,150)	(47,491)
Other investing activities	(2)	(381)	(478)
Net cash used in investing activities	(34,168)	(46,530)	(47,956)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net (payments on) proceeds from revolving credit facility	(4,500)	4,500
Purchases of treasury stock	(4,823)	(3,000)	(6,319)
Cash settlement for share-based awards	(85)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	3,207	818	1,355
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(6,201)	2,318	(4,964)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	9,446	1,656	(10,154)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	5,176	3,520	13,674
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	14,622	5,176	3,520
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Interest	87	175	129
Income taxes	3,756	6,626	10,225
Non cash operating and investing activities:
Capital expenditures included in accounts payable at end of period	968	$ 1,998	$ 511
Acquisition of trade name financed by current liabilities	$ 100

Organization, Business And Basi

Organization, Business And Basis Of Presentation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2016
Organization, Business And Basis Of Presentation [Abstract]
Organization, Business And Basis Of Presentation	(1) Organization , Business and Basis of Presentation  Description of Business Del Frisco’s Restaurant Group, Inc., or the Company, is incorporated in Delaware as a corporation. We own and operate restaurants under the brand names of Del Fris co’s Double Eagle Steak House, Sullivan’s Steakhouse, and Del Frisco’s Grille . As of December 27 , 201 6, we owned and operated 12 Del Frisco’s, 18 Sullivan’s and 23 Grille restaurants. During fiscal 201 6 , we relocated one Del Frisco’s in Dallas, Texas and opened Grilles in Long Island, New York , Nashville, Tennessee and Brentwood, Tennessee . 

Summary Of Significant Accounti

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2016
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	(2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.  Fiscal Year We operate on a 52- or 53-week fiscal year ending the last Tuesday in December. Fiscal 2016, 201 5 and 2014 included 52 weeks of operations.  Concentrations We have certain financial instruments exposed to a concentration of credit risk, which consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents. We place cash with high-credit-quality financial institutions, and, at times, such cash may be in excess of the federal depository insurance limit.  Additionally, we purchased a significant amount of total beef purchases from one supplier during fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014 . Due to the nature of the beef purchases, there are alternative sources of supply available; however, a change in suppliers could potentially cause increased costs.  Use of Estimates The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.  Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include currency on hand, demand deposits with banks or other financial institutions, credit card receivables, and short-term investments with maturities of three months or less when purchased. Cash and cash equivalents are carried at cost, which approximates fair value.  Financial Instruments We consider the carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, receivables and accounts payable to approximate fair value based on the short-term nature of these items. Borrowings available under t he credit facility at December 27 , 201 6 have variable interest rates that reflect currently available terms and conditions for similar debt.  Inventories Inventories, which primarily consist of food and beverages, are valued at the lower of cost, using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method, or market.  Property and Equipment Property and equipment are stated at cost. Maintenance, repairs, and renewals that do not enhance the value of or increase the lives of the assets are expensed as incurred. Buildings are depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives of 20 to 25 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the lesser of the estimated useful lives of the assets of 20 years or the expected term of the lease, including cancelable optional renewal periods when failure to exercise such renewal options would result in an economic penalty to us . Furniture, fixtures, and equipment are depreciated using the straight-line method over three to seven years, which are the estimated useful lives of the assets.  Interest is capitalized in connection with the construction of restaurant facilities. The capitalized interest is recorded as part of the asset to which it relates and is amortized over the asset’s estimated useful life. Capitalized interest was $ 19,000 , $ 115,000 and $ 0 for the fiscal years ended December 27, 2016, December 29, 2015 and December 30, 2014 , respectively.  Operating Leases We lease all but one of our restaurants under operating leases. The majority of our leases provide for rent escalation clauses, contingent rental expense, and/or tenant improvement allowances.  Rent expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the expected term of the lease, which includes cancelable optional renewal periods that are reasonably assured to be exercised and where failure to exercise such renewal options would result in an economic penalty to us .  Certain of our operating leases contain clauses that provide additional contingent rent based on a percentage of sales greater than certain specified target amounts. We recognize contingent rent expense prior to the achievement of the specified target that triggers the contingent rent, provided achievement of that target is considered probable.  We record tenant improvement allowances and other landlord incentives as a component of deferred rent which is amortized on a straight-line basis over the expected term of the lease.  Pre - opening Costs Pre - opening costs, including rent, labor costs, costs of hiring and training personnel, and certain other costs related to opening new restaurants, are expensed when the costs are incurred.  Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Our intangible assets primarily include goodwill, trade names and licensing agreements. Our trade names include “Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House” and “Sullivan’s Steakhouse,” both of which have indefinite lives and, accordingly, are not subject to amortization. The trade names are used in the advertising and marketing of the restaurants and are widely recognized and accepted by consumers in their respective markets for providing its customers an enjoyable fine-dining experience. Goodwill represents the excess of costs over the fair value of the net assets acquired.  Goodwill and intangible assets that have indefinite useful lives are not amortized. However, both goodwill and trade names are subject to annual impairment testing , or more frequently if an event or other circumstance indicates that goodwill or the trade names may be impaired . We amortize our finite-lived intangible assets on a straight-line basis over the estimated period of benefit, generally 7 to 17 years. See Note 3 for additional information.  The impairment evaluation for goodwill is conducted annually using a two-step process. In the first step, the fair value of each reporting unit is compared to the carrying amount of the reporting unit, including goodwill. The estimated fair value of the reporting unit is generally determined using discounted cash flows and a market-based approach. If the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying amount of the reporting unit, then a second step must be completed in order to determine the amount of the goodwill impairment that should be recorded. In the second step, the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill is determined by allocating the reporting unit’s fair value to all of its assets and liabilities, other than goodwill, in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation. If the resulting implied fair value of the goodwill that results from the application of this second step is less than the carrying amount of the goodwill, an impairment charge is recorded for the difference. Currently, we define the reporting units as the Del Frisco’s and Sullivan’s concepts. We perform its annual impairment test as of its year-end.  The evaluation of the carrying amount of other intangible assets with indefinite lives is made annually by comparing the carrying amount of these assets to their estimated fair value. The estimated fair value is determined on the basis of existing market-based conditions as well as discounted future cash flow or the royalty-relief method for trade names. If the estimated fair value is less than the carrying amount, an impairment charge is recorded to reduce the asset to its estimated fair value.  The valuation approaches used to determine fair value of each reporting unit and other intangible assets are subject to key judgments and assumptions about revenue growth rates, operating margins, weighted average cost of capital and comparable company and acquisition market multiples. When developing these key judgments and assumptions, which are sensitive to change, management considers economic, operational and market conditions that could impact the fair value. The judgments and assumptions used are consistent with what management believes hypothetical market participants would use. However, estimates are inherently uncertain and represent only reasonable expectations regarding future developments.  Loan Costs Loan costs are stated at cost and amortized using the effective interest method over the life of the related loan.  Deferred Compensation Plan In connection with our deferred-compensation plan, we ha ve created a grantor trust to which we contribute amounts equal to employee participants’ qualified deferrals and our matching portion. The plan is informally funded using life insurance policies and mutual funds held by the grantor trust. All assets held by the grantor trust remain the property of us ; however, we do not currently intend to use such assets for any purpose other than to fund payments to the participants , pursuant to the terms of the deferred-compensation plan. The assets of the plan consist principally of cash surrender values of the life insurance policies. Because the investment assets of the deferred-compensation plan are our assets and would be subject to general claims by creditors in the event of our insolvency, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets reflect such investments as assets, with a liability for deferred compensation reflected in long-term liabilities for amounts owed to employees.  Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Property and equipment and finite-life intangibles are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. We review applicable finite-lived intangible assets and long-lived assets related to each restaurant on a periodic basis. Our assessment of recoverability of property and equipment and finite-lived intangible assets is performed at the component level, which is generally an individual restaurant. When events or changes in circumstances indicate an asset may not be recoverable, we estimate the future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset. If the sum of the expected undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying value of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized. The impairment loss is recognized by measuring the difference between the carrying value of the assets and the estimated fair value of the assets. Our estimates of fair values are based on the best information available and require the use of estimates, judgments, and projections. The actual results may vary significantly from the estimates.  During fiscal 2016 , we determined that the carrying amount of two of our Sullivan’s restaurants w ere most likely not recoverable. Therefore, we recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $ 0.6 million , which represents the difference between the carrying value of the restaurant assets and the estimated value of leasehold improvements, furniture and restaurant equipment that may be transferred to other restaurant locations. This amount is included in impairment charges in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.  During fiscal 2015 , we determined that the carrying amount of one of our Grille restaurants was most likely not recoverable. Therefore, we recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $3 .2 million , which represents the difference between the carrying value of the restaurant assets and the estimated value of furniture and restaurant equipment that may be transferred to future Grille locations. This amount is included in impairment charges in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.  During fiscal 2014, we determined that the carrying amount of one of our Grille restaurants was most likely not recoverable. Therefore, we recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $ 3 .5 million, which represents the difference between the carrying value of the restaurant assets and the estimated value of furniture and restaurant equipment that may be transferred to future Grille locations. This amount is included in impairment charges in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.  Self-Insurance Reserves We maintain self-insurance programs for our workers’ compensation and general liability insurance programs. In order to minimize the exposure under the self-insurance programs, we have purchased stop-loss coverage both on a per-occurrence and on an aggregate basis. The self-insured losses under the programs are accrued based on our estimate of the ultimate expected liability for both claims incurred and on an incurred but not reported basis. The establishment of such accruals for self-insurance involves certain management judgments and assumptions regarding the frequency or severity of claims, the historical patterns of claim development, and our experience with claim-reserve management and settlement practices. To the extent actual results differ from the assumptions used to develop the accruals, such unanticipated changes may produce significantly different amounts of expense than those estimated under the self-insurance programs.  Income Taxes We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. We regularly evalu ate the likelihood of realization of tax benefits derived from positions we ha ve taken in various federal and state filings after consideration of all relevant facts, circumstances, and available information. For those tax benefits deemed more likely than not that will be sustained, we recognize the benefit we believe is cumulatively greater than 50% likely to be realized. To the extent we were to prevail in matters for which accruals have been established or be required to pay amounts in excess of recorded reserves, the effective tax rate in a given financial statement period could be materially impacted.  Advertising Costs Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense for th e fiscal years ended December 27, 2016, December 29, 2015 and December 30, 2014 was $ 8.3 million, $ 7 .7 million , and $6.2 million, respectively.  Revenue Recognition Revenue from restaurant sales is recognized when food and beverage products are sold. Proceeds from the sale of gift cards are recorded as deferred revenue at the time of sale and recognized as revenue when the gift card is redeemed by the holder or the likelihood of redemption becomes remote (gift card breakage) and we determine there is no legal obligation to remit the value of the unredeemed gift cards to governmental agencies. We determine the gift card breakage rate based upon historical redemption patterns. Certain of our gift cards are sold at a discount and the net value (face value to be redeemed less the proceeds received ) is deferred until redeemed or breakage is deemed appropriate. We have deemed gift card breakage income immaterial for fiscal years 201 6, 2015 and 201 4 , and it is included in revenues in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income . Additionally, revenues are net of the cost of loyalty points earned associated with sales made to customers in our loyalty program. We exclude from revenue any taxes assessed by governmental agencies that are directly imposed on revenue-producing transactions between us and a customer.  Stock-Based Compensation In 2012 , we adopted the Del Frisco’s Restaurant Group, Inc. 2012 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan (2012 Plan), which allows our Board of Directors or a committee thereof to grant stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, deferred stock units and other equity-based awards to directors, officers, key employees and other key individuals performing services for us . We recognize stock-based c ompensation in accordance with Compensation—Stock Compensation ( ASC Topic 718). Stock-based compensation cost includes compensation cost for all share-based payments granted based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of Topic 718. Compensation cost is recognized on a straight-line basis, net of estimated forfeitures, over the requisite service period of each award.  Reclassifications Certain amounts from the prior years have been reclassified to conform with the fiscal 201 6 presentation.  Recently Issued Accounting Standards In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers which will supersede ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition. In August 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date of this new standard by one year. The FASB later issued ASU No. 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) – Principal versus Agent Considerations, in March 2016, ASU No. 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) – Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing, in April 2016, ASU 2016-12, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) – Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients, in May 2016, and ASU 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, in December 2016, all of which further clarified aspects of Topic 606. A core principle of the new guidance is that an entity should measure revenue in connection with its sale of goods and services to a customer based on an amount that depicts the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for each of those goods and services. For a contract that involves more than one performance obligation, the entity must (a) determine or, if necessary, estimate the standalone selling price at inception of the contract for the distinct goods or services underlying each performance obligation and (b) allocate the transaction price to each performance obligation on the basis of the relative standalone selling prices. In addition, under the new guidance, an entity should recognize revenue when (or as) it satisfies each performance obligation under the contract by transferring the promised good or service to the customer. A good or service is deemed transferred when (or as) the customer obtains control of that good or service. The new standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. For public companies, this amendment is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early application is permitted, but no earlier than fiscal years beginning after December 16, 2016. While we have not yet selected a transition method nor determined the effect of the new standard on our consolidated financial statements, through our assessment of these ASUs, we have identified that the primary items affected by these ASUs are our loyalty program liability and the breakage income associated with our gift card program. See the revenue recognition section of this footnote for a description of the accounting policy related to our gift card and loyalty programs. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (ASU 2016-02). ASU 2016-0 2 is intended to improve the reporting of leasing transactions to provide users of financial statements with more decision-useful information. ASU 2016-02 will require organizations that lease assets to recognize on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by those leases. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently assessing the potential impact of ASU 2016-02 on our consolidated financial statements. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718) – Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. The FASB is issuing this ASU as part of its Simplification Initiative. The amendments in this ASU affect all entities that issue share-based payment awards to their employees. The areas for simplification in this ASU involve several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liability and classification on the statement of cash flows. Specifically, all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies should be recognized as income tax expense or benefit in the income statement. The tax effects of exercised or vested awards should be treated as discrete items in the reporting period in which they occur. An entity also should recognize excess tax benefits regardless of whether the benefit reduces taxes payable in the current period. Excess tax benefits should be classified along with other income tax cash flows as an operating activity. An entity can make an entity-wide accounting policy election to either estimate the number of awards that are expected to vest or account for forfeitures when they occur. The threshold to qualify for equity classifications permits withholding up to the maximum statutory tax rates in the applicable jurisdiction. Cash paid by an employer when directly withholding shares for tax-withholding purposes should be classified as a financing activity. For public business entities, the amendments in this ASU are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted for any entity in any interim or annual period. Amendments related to the timing of when excess tax benefits are recognized, minimum statutory withholding requirements, forfeitures and intrinsic value should be applied using a modified retrospective transition method by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to equity as of the beginning of the period in which the guidance is adopted. Amendments related to the presentation of employee taxes paid on the statement of cash flows when an employer withholds shares to meet the minimum statutory withholding requirement should be applied retrospectively. Amendments requiring recognition of excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies in the income statement and the practical expedient for estimating expected term should be applied prospectively. An entity may elect to apply the amendments related to the presentation of excess tax benefits on the statement of cash flows using either a prospective transition method or a retrospective transition method. We are adopting this ASU on December 28, 2016 . While we do not expect this ASU to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements, it will introduce an additional element of volatility in our effective tax rate. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) – Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. This ASU is intended to clarify the presentation of cash receipts and payments in specific situations. The amendments in this update are effective for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those annual periods, and early application is permitted. We currently assessing the impact of this ASU on our consolidated financial statements. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) - Restricted Cash, which outlines that a statement of cash flows explains the change during the period in total cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. ASU 2016-18 is effective for public business entities for annual periods, including interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2017, and early application is permitted. We are currently assessing the impact of the adoption of this ASU on our consolidated financial statements. In January 2017 , the FASB issued ASU 201 7 - 04 , Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment , which removes the second step of the goodwill impairment test and requires an entity to perform its annual or interim goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, and recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value, not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit . ASU 201 7 - 04 is effective for public business entities for annual periods, including interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after Dece mber 15, 2019 , and early application is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017 . We are currently assessing the impact of the adoption of this ASU on our consolidated financial statements.

Intangible Assets And Goodwill

Intangible Assets And Goodwill	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2016
Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Abstract]
Intangible Assets And Goodwill	 (3) Intangible Assets and Goodwill  T he components of intangible assets and goodwill consist of the following:    December 27, December 29,  2016 2015  (in thousands)  Amortized intangible assets:  Gross carrying amount:  Favorable leasehold interests $ 848 $ 848  Licensing and development rights 1,077 1,077  Other 540 494  2,465 2,419  Accumulated amortization:  Favorable leasehold interests (848) (840)  Licensing and development rights (663) (597)  Other (133) (105)  (1,644) (1,542)  Net amortized intangible assets 821 877  Unamortized intangible assets:  Goodwill 75,365 75,365  Trade names 35,493 34,893  Liquor license permits 1,095 1,095  $ 111,953 $ 111,353  Licensing contract rights and favorable lease rights are being amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated lives of the related contracts and agreements, which are 7 to 9 years for favorable leasehold interest and 17 years for licensing contract rights. Liquor licenses that are transferable are carried at cost. Such licenses are reviewed for impairment on an annual basis.  Goodwill is allocated to the Del Frisco’s and Sullivan’s reporting units, as follows: $43.9 million and $31.4 million at December 27 , 201 6 and December 29 , 201 5, respectively .  We have estimated that annual amortization expense will amount to approximately $0.1 million for 2017, $0.1 million for 2018, $0.1 million for 2019, $0.1 million for 2020 , and $0.1 million for 2021 .  Amortization expense was $ 0.1 million, $0.1 million, and $0.2 million for the years ended December 27, 2016, December 29, 2015 and December 30, 2014 , respectively.  We performed the annual test for impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets and concluded that no imp airment existed as of December 27, 2016, December 29, 2015 or December 30, 2014 , and accordingly, no impairment losses were recorded.  On February 1, 2012, we entered into an agreement to terminate a license agreement with the licensee operating a Del Frisco’s in Orlando, Florida effective June 1, 2013. The original licensing agreement has been amortized over the expected term of the agreement, and has a remaining book value of $0.5 million as of December 27 , 201 6 . Under the agreement, in exchange for us surrendering our right to receive licensing fees from Ja nuary 1, 2012 through June 1, 2013 and making a one-time $25,000 payment to the licensee, we received the rights to open and operate any of our restaurants in the three counties that make up the Orlando metropolitan area no earlier than January 1, 2015. We accounted for this as an exchange of non-monetary assets, for which we ha ve concluded that the fair value of the asset surrendered approximates its book value and therefore no gain or loss has been recorded on the exchange. To determine the fair value of the asset surrendered, we utilized a discounted cash flow method that applied a discount rate of 11.5 %, our weighted-average cost of capital, to the future estimated cash flows to be received over the remaining term, including expected renewal, of the license agreement.  On March 17 , 2016, we entered into an agreement to obtain and clarify ownership of all naming rights for Del Frisco’s in certain counties of Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio for aggregate consideration of $0.6 million . Under the terms of the agreement, we made a payment s totaling $0.5 million in 2016, with the remaining $0.1 million to be paid on August 1, 2017. This intangible asset has been recorded as a trade name with an indefinite life.

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2016
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	(4 ) Leases  We lease certain facilities under noncancelable operating leases with terms expiring between 201 7 and 2036 . The leases have renewal options ranging from 5 to 20 years, which are exercisable at our option. In addition, certain leases contain escalation clauses based on a fixed percentage increase and provisions for contingent rentals based on a percentage of gross revenues, as defined. Total rental expense amounted to $ 22.9 million, $ 21 .1 million, and $ 18.7 million, including contingent rentals of approximately $3 .6 million, $ 3 . 6 million, and $3.9 million for the fiscal years ended December 27, 2016, December 29, 2015 and December 30, 2014 , respectively.  Future minimum lease payments under noncancelable operating leases include renewal option periods for certain leases when such option periods are included for purposes of calculating straight-line rents. At December 2 7 , 201 6 , future minimum rentals for each of the next five years and thereafter, and in total , are as follows:        (in thousands)  2017 $ 20,771  2018 21,431  2019 21,535  2020 20,751  2021 20,271  Thereafter 225,440  Total minimum lease payments $ 330,199  

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2016
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes	 (5 ) Income Taxes  T he components of income tax expense consist of the following:     Fiscal Year Ended  December 27, December 29, December 30,  2016 2015 2014  (in thousands)  Current tax expense (benefit):  Federal $ 2,768 $ 894 $ 3,689  State 2,465 1,117 3,381  Total current tax expense 5,233 2,011 7,070  Deferred tax expense (benefit):  Federal 1,381 1,722 932  State 194 1,774 (279)  Total deferred tax expense (benefit) 1,575 3,496 653  Total income tax expense $ 6,808 $ 5,507 $ 7,723  The difference between the reported income tax expense and taxes determined by applying the applicable U.S. federal statutory income tax rate to income before taxes is reconciled as follows:      Fiscal Year Ended  December 27, December 29, December 30,  2016 2015 2014  (dollars in thousands)  Income tax expense at federal statutory rate $ 8,602 35% $ 7,527 35% $ 8,486 35%  State tax expense, net 1,835 7% 1,215 6% 1,872 8%  FICA tip and work opportunity credits (3,519) -14% (3,428) -16% (3,007) -12%  Other items, net (110) 0% 193 1% 372 1%  Total income tax expense $ 6,808 28% $ 5,507 26% $ 7,723 32%  Deferred income taxes reflect the net effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities are presented below:     December 27, December 29,  2016 2015  (in thousands)  Deferred tax assets:  Equity-based compensation $ 1,507 $ 1,471  Accrued liabilities 5,212 4,333  Deferred compensation 5,620 5,643  Deferred rent liabilities 14,480 11,986  Tax Credits carryover — 819  Intangible Assets – Pre-opening Costs 3,073 3,413  Other 172 105  Total deferred tax assets 30,064 27,770  Deferred tax liabilities:  Property and equipment 32,001 28,048  Intangible assets 15,968 15,988  Other 284 284  Total deferred tax liabilities 48,253 44,320  Net deferred tax liabilities $ (18,189) $ (16,550)  We may, from time to time, be assessed interest or penalties by major tax jurisdictions, although any such assessments historically have been minimal and immaterial to our financial results. In the event we receive an assessment for interest and penalties, it has been classified in the consolidated financial statements as income tax expense. Generally, our federal, state, and local tax returns for years subsequent to 2012 remain open to examination by the major taxing jurisdictions to which we is subject.  A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:     Fiscal Year Ended  December 27, December 29, December 30,  2016 2015 2014  (in thousands)  Balance at beginning of year $ 40 $ 1,386 $ 1,386  Additions resulting from current year positions — — —  Additions for positions taken in prior years — — —  Payments made for settlements — (944) —  Expiration of statute of limitations (24) (402) —  Balance at end of year $ 16 $ 40 $ 1,386  We do not believe our uncertain tax positions will change materially during the next 12 months. As of December 29 , 201 5 and December 27, 2016 , accrued interest and penalties included in the consolidated balance sheets totaled $ 0.3 million . The change in interest and penalties associated with our unrecognized tax benefits is included as a component of the Other, net line of the effective tax rate reconciliation.

Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2016
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt	(6 ) Long-Term Debt On October 15, 2012, we entered into a credit facility that provides for a three -year unsecured revolving credit facility of up to $25 million . Borrowings under the credit facility bear interest at LIBOR plus 1.50% . We are required to pay a commitment fee equal to 0.25% per annum on the available but unused revolving loan facility. The credit facility is guaranteed by certain of our subsidiaries. The credit facility contains various financial covenants, including a maximum leverage ratio of total indebtedness to EBITDA, as defined in the credit agreement, and minimum fixed charge coverage ratio , as defined in the credit agreement. The credit facility also contains covenants restricting certain corporate actions, including asset dispositions, acquisitions, the payment of dividends, changes of control, the incurrence of indebtedness and providing financing or other transactions with affiliates. On June 30, 2015, we entered into a Second Amendment to the credit facility. The amendment, among other things, extended the termination date of the credit facility to October 15, 2017 and modified the revolving credit commitment to $15 million , with such amount subject to increases in increments of $5 million at our request, up to a maximum amount of $30 million . All other major terms remain unchanged. On December 21, 2016, we entered into a Third Amendment to the credit facility. The amendment, among other things, extended the termination date of the credit facility to October 15, 2019 and modified the revolving credit commitment to $10 million, with such amount subject to increases in increments of $5 million at our request, up to a maximum amount of $30 million. We were in compliance with the financial deb t covenants as of December 27 , 201 6. As of December 27 , 201 6 , the re was no outstanding balance on our revolving credit facility . Under the revolving loan commitment, we had approximately $28.8 million of borrowings available, net of $1.2 million in letter of credit commitments. 

Retirement Plans

Retirement Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2016
Retirement Plans [Abstract]
Retirement Plans	(7 ) Retirement Plans We provide two retirement benefit plans to participants. The salary-reduction plans are provided through a qualified 401(k) plan and a nonqualified deferred compensation plan (the Plans). Under the Plans, employees who meet minimum service requirements and elect to participate may make contributions of up to 15% of their annual salaries under the 401(k) plan and up to 80% under the deferred-compensation plan. We may make additional contributions at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Expenses related to the Plan s for the fiscal years ended December 27, 2016, December 29, 2015 and December 30, 2014 totaled $ 1 .3 million, $ 2 .2 million, and $1.7 million, respectively. 

Litigation

Litigation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2016
Litigation [Abstract]
Litigation	(8 ) Litigation We are involved, from time to time, in litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. We believe the outcome of such matters will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations. 

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2016
Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	(9 ) Stockholders’ Equity On October 14, 2014 , our B oard of Directors approved a stock repurchase program authorizing us to repurchase up to $ 25 million of our common stock over the next three years. On February 15, 2017, our Board of Directors increased this authorization to $50 million. Under this program, we can from time to time purchase outstanding common stock in the open market at management’s discretion, subject to share price, market conditions and other factors. The common stock repurchase program does not obligate us to repurchase any dollar amount or number of sh ares. As of December 27 , 201 6 , we ha d repurchased 492,214 shares of our common stock at an aggregate cost of approximately $ 7.8 million under this program . 

Commitments And Contingencies

Commitments And Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2016
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments And Contingencies	(1 0 ) Commitments and Contingencies  At December 27 , 201 6 , we had outstanding letters of credit of $ 1 .2 million on our revolving credit facility. The letters of credit typically act as guarantee of payment to certain third parties in accordance with specified terms and conditions. 

Fair Value Measurement

Fair Value Measurement	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2016
Fair Value Measurement [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurement	(1 1 ) Fair Value Measurement Under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, we are required to measure certain assets and liabilities at fair value, or to disclose the fair value of certain assets and liabilities recorded at cost. Pursuant to these fair value measurement and disclosure requirements, fair value is defined as the price that would be received upon sale of an asset or paid upon transfer of a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date and in the principal or most advantageous market for that asset or liability. The fair value is calculated based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, not on assumptions specific to the entity. In addition, the fair value of liabilities includes consideration of non-performance risk, including our own credit risk. Each fair value measurement is reported in one of the following three levels:   • Level 1—valuation inputs are based upon unadjusted quoted prices for identical instruments traded in active markets.    • Level 2—valuation inputs are based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.    • Level 3—valuation inputs are unobservable and typically reflect management’s estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. The fair values are therefore determined using model-based techniques that include option pricing models, discounted cash flow models, and similar techniques.  The following tables present our financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 27 , 201 6 and December 29, 2015 :     Fair Value Measurements  Level December 27, 2016 December 29, 2015  (in thousands)  Deferred compensation plan investments 2 $ 15,054 $ 13,955  Deferred compensation plan liabilities 2 $ (15,212) $ (14,083)  There were no transfers among levels within the fair value hierarchy during the years ended December 27 , 201 6 or December 29, 2015 . The carrying value of our cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash approximate fair value because of their short term nature, and are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. The carrying value of our accounts payable approximate fair value because of their short term nature, and are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of the credit facility at December 27, 2016 approximated its carrying value since it is a variable rate credit facility (Level 2).  We ha d no derivative instruments at December 27 , 201 6 or December 29, 2015 .

Segment Reporting

Segment Reporting	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting	(1 2 ) Segment Reporting  We operate the Del Frisco’s, Sullivan’s, and Del Frisco’s Grille brands as operating segments. The concepts operate solely in the U.S. within the full-service dining industry, providing similar products to similar customers. Sales to external customers are derived principally from food and beverage sales, and we do not rely on any major customers as a source of sales. The concepts also possess similar economic characteristics, resulting in similar long-term expected financial performance characteristics. However, as Del Frisco’s restaurants typically have higher revenues, driven by their larger physical presence and higher check average, the Del Frisco’s, Sullivan’s, and Del Frisco’s Grille operating segments have varying operating income and restaurant-level EBITDA margins due to the leveraging of higher revenues on certain fixed operating costs such as management labor, rent, utilities, and building maintenance.  The following table presents information about reportable segments for fiscal years 2016, 201 5, and 201 4 :      Fiscal Year Ended December 27, 2016  Del Frisco's Sullivan's Grille Corporate Consolidated  (in thousands)  Revenues $ 166,885 $ 77,797 $ 106,999 $ — $ 351,681  Restaurant-level EBITDA $ 46,877 $ 12,182 $ 15,881 $ — $ 74,940  Capital expenditures $ 17,284 $ 2,489 $ 17,080 $ 97 $ 36,950  Property and equipment $ 115,889 $ 49,416 $ 116,451 $ 2,426 $ 284,182   Fiscal Year Ended December 29, 2015  Del Frisco's Sullivan's Grille Corporate Consolidated  (in thousands)  Revenues $ 161,809 $ 78,983 $ 90,820 $ — $ 331,612  Restaurant-level EBITDA $ 45,837 $ 13,070 $ 12,660 $ — $ 71,567  Capital expenditures $ 11,646 $ 3,644 $ 32,717 $ 102 $ 48,109  Property and equipment $ 104,508 $ 47,578 $ 99,371 $ 2,493 $ 253,950   Fiscal Year Ended December 30, 2014  Del Frisco's Sullivan's Grille Corporate Consolidated  (in thousands)  Revenues $ 151,142 $ 80,911 $ 69,752 $ — $ 301,805  Restaurant-level EBITDA $ 42,946 $ 13,449 $ 10,556 $ — $ 66,951  Capital expenditures $ 19,839 $ 3,452 $ 24,219 $ 492 $ 48,002  Property and equipment $ 93,267 $ 45,848 $ 72,066 $ 2,261 $ 213,442  In addition to using consolidated results in evaluating our performance and allocating our resources, our chief operating decision maker uses restaurant-level EBITDA, which is not a measure defined by GAAP . Restaurant-level EBITDA is defined as net income before interest expense, income taxes, other expense, net, pre-opening costs, general and administrative expenses, lease termination and closing costs , secondary public offering costs, impairment charges and depreciation and amortization. Pre-opening costs are excluded because they vary in timing and magnitude and are not related to the health of ongoing operations. General and administrative expenses are excluded as they are generally not specifically identifiable to individual operating segments as these costs relate to supporting all of our restaurant operations and the extension of our concepts into new markets. Lease termination and closing costs, impairment charges and d epreciation and amortization are excluded because they are not ongoing controllable cash expense s and they are not related to the health of ongoing operations. Property and equipment is the only balance sheet measure used by our chief operating decision maker in allocating resources. See the table below for a reconciliation of net income to restaurant-level EBITDA.      Fiscal Year Ended  December 27, 2016 December 29, 2015 December 30, 2014  (in thousands)  Net income $ 17,766 $ 15,998 $ 16,597  Income tax expense 6,808 5,507 7,723  Net income before income taxes 24,574 21,505 24,320  Interest expense, net of capitalized interest 70 77 113  Other 432 236 107  Operating income 25,076 21,818 24,540  Pre-opening costs 3,446 5,228 4,735  General and administrative costs 25,924 23,111 20,537  Lease termination and closing costs 1,031 1,386 —  Secondary public offering costs — — 5  Impairment charges 598 3,248 3,536  Depreciation and amortization 18,865 16,776 13,598  Restaurant-level EBITDA $ 74,940 $ 71,567 $ 66,951 

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	(1 3 ) Earnings Per Share  Basic earnings per share (EPS) data is computed based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS data is computed based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding, including all potentially issuable shares of common stock. Diluted earnings per share for fiscal 2016, 2015, and 2014 exclude stock options of 632,565 , 728,604 and 716,335 , respectively, which were outstanding during the period, but were anti-dilutive. Diluted earnings per share for fiscal 2016 exclude restricted stock shares of 106,726 , which were outstanding during the period, but were anti-dilutive.        Fiscal Year Ended  December 27, December 29, December 30,  2016 2015 2014  (dollars in thousands, except per share data)  Net income $ 17,766 $ 15,998 $ 16,597  Shares:  Weighted average number of common shares outstanding 23,322,344 23,380,085 23,517,883  Dilutive shares 112,931 137,203 222,435  Total Diluted Shares 23,435,275 23,517,288 23,740,318   Basic earnings per common share $ 0.76 $ 0.68 $ 0.71  Diluted earnings per common share $ 0.76 $ 0.68 $ 0.70 

Stock-Based Employee Compensati

Stock-Based Employee Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2016
Stock-Based Employee Compensation [Abstract]
Stock-Based Employee Compensation	(1 4 ) Stock-Based Employee Compensation 2012 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan In connection with the IPO, we adopted the 2012 Plan, which allows our Board of Directors or a committee thereof to grant stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, deferred stock units and other equity-based awards to directors, officers, key employees and other key individuals performing services for us . The 2012 Plan provides for granting of options to purchase shares of common stock at an exercise price not less than the fair value of the stock on the date of grant. O utstanding stock o ptions vest at various periods ranging from one to four years from date of grant. Outstanding shares of restricted stock vest over periods ranging from one to four years. The 2012 Plan has 2,232,800 shares authorized for issuance under the plan. There are 927,675 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of currently o utstanding options, 145,519 outstanding shares of restricted stock, and 200,000 outstanding performance stock units at December 27 , 201 6. There are 519 , 080 shares available for future grants.  The following table details our total stock based compensation costs during the fiscal years ended December 27, 2016, December 29, 2015 and December 30, 2014 , as well as where the costs were expensed:      Fiscal Year Ended  December 27, December 29, December 30,  2016 2015 2014  (in thousands)  Restaurant operating expenses $ 361 $ 468 $ 442  General and administrative costs 2,305 2,432 2,125  Total stock compensation cost $ 2,666 $ 2,900 $ 2,567  The following table summarizes restricted stock activity during fiscal 201 6 :      Fiscal Year Ended December 27, 2016  Shares Weighted average grant date fair value Aggregate intrinsic value ($000's)  Outstanding at beginning of period 90,379 $ 19.96  Granted 154,957 16.54  Vested (38,701) 19.72  Forfeited (61,116) 17.22  Outstanding at end of period 145,519 $ 17.55 $ 2,539  As of December 27, 2016, there was $ 1.7 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested restricted stock. This cost is expected to be recognized over a period of approximately 2. 7 years.  The following table summarizes stock option activity during fiscal 201 6 :      Fiscal Year Ended December 27, 2016  Shares Weighted average exercise price Weighted average remaining contractual term Aggregate intrinsic value ($000's)  Outstanding at beginning of period 1,221,100 $ 17.44  Exercised (228,800) 13.00  Forfeited (64,625) 20.50  Outstanding at end of period 927,675 $ 18.33 6.2 years $ 1,455  Options exercisable at end of period 776,050 $ 17.76 6.1 years $ 1,448  The intrinsic value of options exercised during fiscal 201 6 wa s $ 1.1 million . A summary of the status of no n-vested stock options as of December 27 , 201 6 and changes during fiscal 201 6 is presented below:     Fiscal Year Ended  December 27, 2016  Shares Weighted average grant-date fair value  Non-vested stock options at beginning of period 506,500 $ 7.25  Vested (316,250) 6.60  Forfeited (38,625) 7.92  Non-vested stock options at end of period 151,625 $ 8.44  As of December 27 , 201 6 , there was $0.7 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options. This cost is expected to be recognized over a period of approximately 0.7 years. The total fair value of stock options vested during fiscal 201 6 was $2 .1 million .  W e issue performance share units, or PSUs, to certain employees that represent shares potentially issuable in the future. During fiscal 2016, we granted 200,000 PSUs to our CEO. The issuance of these shares i s based upon our stock price reaching $28.00 per share for five consecutive days and is subject to post vesting holding periods. The fair value of performance share units wa s calculated using a Monte Carlo simulation model, which requires the use of highly subjective and complex assumptions, including the expected life of the award, the price volatility of the underlying stock and a blended illiquidity discount of 16.9% . The following table summarizes performance stock unit activity during fiscal 201 6 :      Fiscal Year Ended December 27, 2016  Shares Weighted average grant date fair value Aggregate intrinsic value ($000's)  Outstanding at beginning of period — $ —  Granted 200,000 8.98  Outstanding at end of period 200,000 $ 8.98 $ 1,892  The expense recognized each period is dependent on our estimate of the number of shares that will ultimately be issued. As of December 27, 2016 there was $1.7 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested performance stock units . This cost is expected to be recognized over a period of approximately 2. 1 years.  The following table details the values from and assumptions for the Monte Carlo PSU pricing model for PSUs granted during the fiscal 2016.      2016  Weighted average grant date fair value $8.98  Weighted average risk-free interest rate 1.98%  Derived service period 2.2 years  Weighted average volatility 34.41%  Expected dividend — 

Quarterly Financial Information

Quarterly Financial Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2016
Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Information	(1 5 ) Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) The following tables set forth certain unaudited consolidated financial information for each of the four quarters in fiscal 201 6 and fiscal 201 5 .      Fiscal Year Ended December 27, 2016  First Second Third Fourth  Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Total Year  (in thousands, except per share data)  Revenues $ 81,194 $ 79,916 $ 71,407 $ 119,164 $ 351,681  Operating income $ 7,879 $ 6,325 $ 1,118 $ 9,754 $ 25,076  Net income $ 5,411 $ 4,444 $ 786 $ 7,125 $ 17,766  Basic income per common share $ 0.23 $ 0.19 $ 0.03 $ 0.31 $ 0.76  Basic weighted average shares outstanding 23,315 23,350 23,354 23,282 23,322   Diluted income per common share $ 0.23 $ 0.19 $ 0.03 $ 0.30 $ 0.76  Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 23,398 23,437 23,431 23,415 23,435   Fiscal Year Ended December 29, 2015  First Second Third Fourth  Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Total Year  (in thousands, except per share data)  Revenues $ 75,102 $ 73,776 $ 68,629 $ 114,105 $ 331,612  Operating income (loss) $ 7,800 $ 5,494 $ (2,080) $ 10,604 $ 21,818  Net income (loss) $ 5,394 $ 3,713 $ (1,035) $ 7,926 $ 15,998  Basic income (loss) per common share $ 0.23 $ 0.16 $ (0.04) $ 0.34 $ 0.68  Basic weighted average shares outstanding 23,443 23,446 23,361 23,298 23,380   Diluted income (loss) per common share $ 0.23 $ 0.16 $ (0.04) $ 0.34 $ 0.68  Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 23,596 23,672 23,361 23,308 23,517  During the fourth fiscal quarter of 201 6 , we incurred $0.6 in million impairment charges related to two Sullivan’s locations, $0.9 million in lease termination costs associated with one Sullivan’s location and $0.8 million in reorganization severance costs. In the third fiscal quarter of 2016, we incurred $0.4 million in expenses to settle an easement claim related to the sale of the previous Dallas, Texas Del Frisco’s location.  During the third fiscal quarter of 201 5 , we incurred a $3 .2 million impairment charge related to one Grille location . During the fourth fiscal quarter of 201 5 , we incurred a $1 .4 million charge related to the lease termination and closing costs associated with the closure of two Grille locations .  In management’s opinion, the unaudited quarterly information shown above has been prepared on the same basis as the audited consolidated financial statements and includes all necessary adjustments that management considers necessary for a fair presentation of the unaudited quarterly results when read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes. We believe that quarter-to-quarter comparisons of our financial results are not necessarily indicative of future performance.

Summary Of Significant Accoun22

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2016
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles Of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Fiscal Year	Fiscal Year We operate on a 52- or 53-week fiscal year ending the last Tuesday in December. Fiscal 2016, 201 5 and 2014 included 52 weeks of operations.
Concentrations	Concentrations We have certain financial instruments exposed to a concentration of credit risk, which consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents. We place cash with high-credit-quality financial institutions, and, at times, such cash may be in excess of the federal depository insurance limit.  Additionally, we purchased a significant amount of total beef purchases from one supplier during fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014 . Due to the nature of the beef purchases, there are alternative sources of supply available; however, a change in suppliers could potentially cause increased costs.
Use Of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash And Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include currency on hand, demand deposits with banks or other financial institutions, credit card receivables, and short-term investments with maturities of three months or less when purchased. Cash and cash equivalents are carried at cost, which approximates fair value.
Financial Instruments	Financial Instruments We consider the carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, receivables and accounts payable to approximate fair value based on the short-term nature of these items. Borrowings available under t he credit facility at December 27 , 201 6 have variable interest rates that reflect currently available terms and conditions for similar debt.
Inventories	Inventories Inventories, which primarily consist of food and beverages, are valued at the lower of cost, using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method, or market.
Property And Equipment	Property and Equipment Property and equipment are stated at cost. Maintenance, repairs, and renewals that do not enhance the value of or increase the lives of the assets are expensed as incurred. Buildings are depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives of 20 to 25 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the lesser of the estimated useful lives of the assets of 20 years or the expected term of the lease, including cancelable optional renewal periods when failure to exercise such renewal options would result in an economic penalty to us . Furniture, fixtures, and equipment are depreciated using the straight-line method over three to seven years, which are the estimated useful lives of the assets.  Interest is capitalized in connection with the construction of restaurant facilities. The capitalized interest is recorded as part of the asset to which it relates and is amortized over the asset’s estimated useful life. Capitalized interest was $ 19,000 , $ 115,000 and $ 0 for the fiscal years ended December 27, 2016, December 29, 2015 and December 30, 2014 , respectively.
Operating Leases	Operating Leases We lease all but one of our restaurants under operating leases. The majority of our leases provide for rent escalation clauses, contingent rental expense, and/or tenant improvement allowances.  Rent expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the expected term of the lease, which includes cancelable optional renewal periods that are reasonably assured to be exercised and where failure to exercise such renewal options would result in an economic penalty to us .  Certain of our operating leases contain clauses that provide additional contingent rent based on a percentage of sales greater than certain specified target amounts. We recognize contingent rent expense prior to the achievement of the specified target that triggers the contingent rent, provided achievement of that target is considered probable.  We record tenant improvement allowances and other landlord incentives as a component of deferred rent which is amortized on a straight-line basis over the expected term of the lease.
Pre-opening Costs	Pre - opening Costs Pre - opening costs, including rent, labor costs, costs of hiring and training personnel, and certain other costs related to opening new restaurants, are expensed when the costs are incurred.
Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Our intangible assets primarily include goodwill, trade names and licensing agreements. Our trade names include “Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House” and “Sullivan’s Steakhouse,” both of which have indefinite lives and, accordingly, are not subject to amortization. The trade names are used in the advertising and marketing of the restaurants and are widely recognized and accepted by consumers in their respective markets for providing its customers an enjoyable fine-dining experience. Goodwill represents the excess of costs over the fair value of the net assets acquired.  Goodwill and intangible assets that have indefinite useful lives are not amortized. However, both goodwill and trade names are subject to annual impairment testing , or more frequently if an event or other circumstance indicates that goodwill or the trade names may be impaired . We amortize our finite-lived intangible assets on a straight-line basis over the estimated period of benefit, generally 7 to 17 years. See Note 3 for additional information.  The impairment evaluation for goodwill is conducted annually using a two-step process. In the first step, the fair value of each reporting unit is compared to the carrying amount of the reporting unit, including goodwill. The estimated fair value of the reporting unit is generally determined using discounted cash flows and a market-based approach. If the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying amount of the reporting unit, then a second step must be completed in order to determine the amount of the goodwill impairment that should be recorded. In the second step, the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill is determined by allocating the reporting unit’s fair value to all of its assets and liabilities, other than goodwill, in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation. If the resulting implied fair value of the goodwill that results from the application of this second step is less than the carrying amount of the goodwill, an impairment charge is recorded for the difference. Currently, we define the reporting units as the Del Frisco’s and Sullivan’s concepts. We perform its annual impairment test as of its year-end.  The evaluation of the carrying amount of other intangible assets with indefinite lives is made annually by comparing the carrying amount of these assets to their estimated fair value. The estimated fair value is determined on the basis of existing market-based conditions as well as discounted future cash flow or the royalty-relief method for trade names. If the estimated fair value is less than the carrying amount, an impairment charge is recorded to reduce the asset to its estimated fair value.  The valuation approaches used to determine fair value of each reporting unit and other intangible assets are subject to key judgments and assumptions about revenue growth rates, operating margins, weighted average cost of capital and comparable company and acquisition market multiples. When developing these key judgments and assumptions, which are sensitive to change, management considers economic, operational and market conditions that could impact the fair value. The judgments and assumptions used are consistent with what management believes hypothetical market participants would use. However, estimates are inherently uncertain and represent only reasonable expectations regarding future developments.
Loan Costs	Loan Costs Loan costs are stated at cost and amortized using the effective interest method over the life of the related loan.
Deferred Compensation Plan	Deferred Compensation Plan In connection with our deferred-compensation plan, we ha ve created a grantor trust to which we contribute amounts equal to employee participants’ qualified deferrals and our matching portion. The plan is informally funded using life insurance policies and mutual funds held by the grantor trust. All assets held by the grantor trust remain the property of us ; however, we do not currently intend to use such assets for any purpose other than to fund payments to the participants , pursuant to the terms of the deferred-compensation plan. The assets of the plan consist principally of cash surrender values of the life insurance policies. Because the investment assets of the deferred-compensation plan are our assets and would be subject to general claims by creditors in the event of our insolvency, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets reflect such investments as assets, with a liability for deferred compensation reflected in long-term liabilities for amounts owed to employees.
Impairment Of Long-Lived Assets	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Property and equipment and finite-life intangibles are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. We review applicable finite-lived intangible assets and long-lived assets related to each restaurant on a periodic basis. Our assessment of recoverability of property and equipment and finite-lived intangible assets is performed at the component level, which is generally an individual restaurant. When events or changes in circumstances indicate an asset may not be recoverable, we estimate the future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset. If the sum of the expected undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying value of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized. The impairment loss is recognized by measuring the difference between the carrying value of the assets and the estimated fair value of the assets. Our estimates of fair values are based on the best information available and require the use of estimates, judgments, and projections. The actual results may vary significantly from the estimates.  During fiscal 2016 , we determined that the carrying amount of two of our Sullivan’s restaurants w ere most likely not recoverable. Therefore, we recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $ 0.6 million , which represents the difference between the carrying value of the restaurant assets and the estimated value of leasehold improvements, furniture and restaurant equipment that may be transferred to other restaurant locations. This amount is included in impairment charges in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.  During fiscal 2015 , we determined that the carrying amount of one of our Grille restaurants was most likely not recoverable. Therefore, we recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $3 .2 million , which represents the difference between the carrying value of the restaurant assets and the estimated value of furniture and restaurant equipment that may be transferred to future Grille locations. This amount is included in impairment charges in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.  During fiscal 2014, we determined that the carrying amount of one of our Grille restaurants was most likely not recoverable. Therefore, we recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $ 3 .5 million, which represents the difference between the carrying value of the restaurant assets and the estimated value of furniture and restaurant equipment that may be transferred to future Grille locations. This amount is included in impairment charges in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.
Self-Insurance Reserves	Self-Insurance Reserves We maintain self-insurance programs for our workers’ compensation and general liability insurance programs. In order to minimize the exposure under the self-insurance programs, we have purchased stop-loss coverage both on a per-occurrence and on an aggregate basis. The self-insured losses under the programs are accrued based on our estimate of the ultimate expected liability for both claims incurred and on an incurred but not reported basis. The establishment of such accruals for self-insurance involves certain management judgments and assumptions regarding the frequency or severity of claims, the historical patterns of claim development, and our experience with claim-reserve management and settlement practices. To the extent actual results differ from the assumptions used to develop the accruals, such unanticipated changes may produce significantly different amounts of expense than those estimated under the self-insurance programs.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. We regularly evalu ate the likelihood of realization of tax benefits derived from positions we ha ve taken in various federal and state filings after consideration of all relevant facts, circumstances, and available information. For those tax benefits deemed more likely than not that will be sustained, we recognize the benefit we believe is cumulatively greater than 50% likely to be realized. To the extent we were to prevail in matters for which accruals have been established or be required to pay amounts in excess of recorded reserves, the effective tax rate in a given financial statement period could be materially impacted.
Advertising Costs	Advertising Costs Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense for th e fiscal years ended December 27, 2016, December 29, 2015 and December 30, 2014 was $ 8.3 million, $ 7 .7 million , and $6.2 million, respectively. 
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition Revenue from restaurant sales is recognized when food and beverage products are sold. Proceeds from the sale of gift cards are recorded as deferred revenue at the time of sale and recognized as revenue when the gift card is redeemed by the holder or the likelihood of redemption becomes remote (gift card breakage) and we determine there is no legal obligation to remit the value of the unredeemed gift cards to governmental agencies. We determine the gift card breakage rate based upon historical redemption patterns. Certain of our gift cards are sold at a discount and the net value (face value to be redeemed less the proceeds received ) is deferred until redeemed or breakage is deemed appropriate. We have deemed gift card breakage income immaterial for fiscal years 201 6, 2015 and 201 4 , and it is included in revenues in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income . Additionally, revenues are net of the cost of loyalty points earned associated with sales made to customers in our loyalty program. We exclude from revenue any taxes assessed by governmental agencies that are directly imposed on revenue-producing transactions between us and a customer.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation In 2012 , we adopted the Del Frisco’s Restaurant Group, Inc. 2012 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan (2012 Plan), which allows our Board of Directors or a committee thereof to grant stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, deferred stock units and other equity-based awards to directors, officers, key employees and other key individuals performing services for us . We recognize stock-based c ompensation in accordance with Compensation—Stock Compensation ( ASC Topic 718). Stock-based compensation cost includes compensation cost for all share-based payments granted based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of Topic 718. Compensation cost is recognized on a straight-line basis, net of estimated forfeitures, over the requisite service period of each award.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications Certain amounts from the prior years have been reclassified to conform with the fiscal 201 6 presentation.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards	Recently Issued Accounting Standards In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers which will supersede ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition. In August 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date of this new standard by one year. The FASB later issued ASU No. 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) – Principal versus Agent Considerations, in March 2016, ASU No. 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) – Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing, in April 2016, ASU 2016-12, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) – Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients, in May 2016, and ASU 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, in December 2016, all of which further clarified aspects of Topic 606. A core principle of the new guidance is that an entity should measure revenue in connection with its sale of goods and services to a customer based on an amount that depicts the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for each of those goods and services. For a contract that involves more than one performance obligation, the entity must (a) determine or, if necessary, estimate the standalone selling price at inception of the contract for the distinct goods or services underlying each performance obligation and (b) allocate the transaction price to each performance obligation on the basis of the relative standalone selling prices. In addition, under the new guidance, an entity should recognize revenue when (or as) it satisfies each performance obligation under the contract by transferring the promised good or service to the customer. A good or service is deemed transferred when (or as) the customer obtains control of that good or service. The new standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. For public companies, this amendment is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early application is permitted, but no earlier than fiscal years beginning after December 16, 2016. While we have not yet selected a transition method nor determined the effect of the new standard on our consolidated financial statements, through our assessment of these ASUs, we have identified that the primary items affected by these ASUs are our loyalty program liability and the breakage income associated with our gift card program. See the revenue recognition section of this footnote for a description of the accounting policy related to our gift card and loyalty programs. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (ASU 2016-02). ASU 2016-0 2 is intended to improve the reporting of leasing transactions to provide users of financial statements with more decision-useful information. ASU 2016-02 will require organizations that lease assets to recognize on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by those leases. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently assessing the potential impact of ASU 2016-02 on our consolidated financial statements. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718) – Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. The FASB is issuing this ASU as part of its Simplification Initiative. The amendments in this ASU affect all entities that issue share-based payment awards to their employees. The areas for simplification in this ASU involve several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liability and classification on the statement of cash flows. Specifically, all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies should be recognized as income tax expense or benefit in the income statement. The tax effects of exercised or vested awards should be treated as discrete items in the reporting period in which they occur. An entity also should recognize excess tax benefits regardless of whether the benefit reduces taxes payable in the current period. Excess tax benefits should be classified along with other income tax cash flows as an operating activity. An entity can make an entity-wide accounting policy election to either estimate the number of awards that are expected to vest or account for forfeitures when they occur. The threshold to qualify for equity classifications permits withholding up to the maximum statutory tax rates in the applicable jurisdiction. Cash paid by an employer when directly withholding shares for tax-withholding purposes should be classified as a financing activity. For public business entities, the amendments in this ASU are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted for any entity in any interim or annual period. Amendments related to the timing of when excess tax benefits are recognized, minimum statutory withholding requirements, forfeitures and intrinsic value should be applied using a modified retrospective transition method by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to equity as of the beginning of the period in which the guidance is adopted. Amendments related to the presentation of employee taxes paid on the statement of cash flows when an employer withholds shares to meet the minimum statutory withholding requirement should be applied retrospectively. Amendments requiring recognition of excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies in the income statement and the practical expedient for estimating expected term should be applied prospectively. An entity may elect to apply the amendments related to the presentation of excess tax benefits on the statement of cash flows using either a prospective transition method or a retrospective transition method. We are adopting this ASU on December 28, 2016 . While we do not expect this ASU to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements, it will introduce an additional element of volatility in our effective tax rate. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) – Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. This ASU is intended to clarify the presentation of cash receipts and payments in specific situations. The amendments in this update are effective for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those annual periods, and early application is permitted. We currently assessing the impact of this ASU on our consolidated financial statements. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) - Restricted Cash, which outlines that a statement of cash flows explains the change during the period in total cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. ASU 2016-18 is effective for public business entities for annual periods, including interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2017, and early application is permitted. We are currently assessing the impact of the adoption of this ASU on our consolidated financial statements. In January 2017 , the FASB issued ASU 201 7 - 04 , Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment , which removes the second step of the goodwill impairment test and requires an entity to perform its annual or interim goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, and recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value, not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit . ASU 201 7 - 04 is effective for public business entities for annual periods, including interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after Dece mber 15, 2019 , and early application is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017 . We are currently assessing the impact of the adoption of this ASU on our consolidated financial statements.

Intangible Assets And Goodwill

Intangible Assets And Goodwill (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2016
Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Abstract]
Intangible Assets And Goodwill	   December 27, December 29,  2016 2015  (in thousands)  Amortized intangible assets:  Gross carrying amount:  Favorable leasehold interests $ 848 $ 848  Licensing and development rights 1,077 1,077  Other 540 494  2,465 2,419  Accumulated amortization:  Favorable leasehold interests (848) (840)  Licensing and development rights (663) (597)  Other (133) (105)  (1,644) (1,542)  Net amortized intangible assets 821 877  Unamortized intangible assets:  Goodwill 75,365 75,365  Trade names 35,493 34,893  Liquor license permits 1,095 1,095  $ 111,953 $ 111,353 

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2016
Leases [Abstract]
Future Minimum Rentals For Each Of The Next Five Years	   (in thousands)  2017 $ 20,771  2018 21,431  2019 21,535  2020 20,751  2021 20,271  Thereafter 225,440  Total minimum lease payments $ 330,199 

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2016
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Schedule Of Components Of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) From Continuing Operations	   Fiscal Year Ended  December 27, December 29, December 30,  2016 2015 2014  (in thousands)  Current tax expense (benefit):  Federal $ 2,768 $ 894 $ 3,689  State 2,465 1,117 3,381  Total current tax expense 5,233 2,011 7,070  Deferred tax expense (benefit):  Federal 1,381 1,722 932  State 194 1,774 (279)  Total deferred tax expense (benefit) 1,575 3,496 653  Total income tax expense $ 6,808 $ 5,507 $ 7,723 
Reconciliation Of Income Tax Rate To Income Before Taxes From Continuing Operations	   Fiscal Year Ended  December 27, December 29, December 30,  2016 2015 2014  (dollars in thousands)  Income tax expense at federal statutory rate $ 8,602 35% $ 7,527 35% $ 8,486 35%  State tax expense, net 1,835 7% 1,215 6% 1,872 8%  FICA tip and work opportunity credits (3,519) -14% (3,428) -16% (3,007) -12%  Other items, net (110) 0% 193 1% 372 1%  Total income tax expense $ 6,808 28% $ 5,507 26% $ 7,723 32% 
Schedule Of Components Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities	   December 27, December 29,  2016 2015  (in thousands)  Deferred tax assets:  Equity-based compensation $ 1,507 $ 1,471  Accrued liabilities 5,212 4,333  Deferred compensation 5,620 5,643  Deferred rent liabilities 14,480 11,986  Tax Credits carryover — 819  Intangible Assets – Pre-opening Costs 3,073 3,413  Other 172 105  Total deferred tax assets 30,064 27,770  Deferred tax liabilities:  Property and equipment 32,001 28,048  Intangible assets 15,968 15,988  Other 284 284  Total deferred tax liabilities 48,253 44,320  Net deferred tax liabilities $ (18,189) $ (16,550) 
Reconciliation Of Beginning And Ending Amount Of Unrecognized Tax Benefits	   Fiscal Year Ended  December 27, December 29, December 30,  2016 2015 2014  (in thousands)  Balance at beginning of year $ 40 $ 1,386 $ 1,386  Additions resulting from current year positions — — —  Additions for positions taken in prior years — — —  Payments made for settlements — (944) —  Expiration of statute of limitations (24) (402) —  Balance at end of year $ 16 $ 40 $ 1,386 

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2016
Fair Value Measurement [Abstract]
Schedule Of Financial Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis	   Fair Value Measurements  Level December 27, 2016 December 29, 2015  (in thousands)  Deferred compensation plan investments 2 $ 15,054 $ 13,955  Deferred compensation plan liabilities 2 $ (15,212) $ (14,083) 

Segment Reporting (Tables)

Segment Reporting (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule Of Segment Reporting Information By Segment	   Fiscal Year Ended December 27, 2016  Del Frisco's Sullivan's Grille Corporate Consolidated  (in thousands)  Revenues $ 166,885 $ 77,797 $ 106,999 $ — $ 351,681  Restaurant-level EBITDA $ 46,877 $ 12,182 $ 15,881 $ — $ 74,940  Capital expenditures $ 17,284 $ 2,489 $ 17,080 $ 97 $ 36,950  Property and equipment $ 115,889 $ 49,416 $ 116,451 $ 2,426 $ 284,182   Fiscal Year Ended December 29, 2015  Del Frisco's Sullivan's Grille Corporate Consolidated  (in thousands)  Revenues $ 161,809 $ 78,983 $ 90,820 $ — $ 331,612  Restaurant-level EBITDA $ 45,837 $ 13,070 $ 12,660 $ — $ 71,567  Capital expenditures $ 11,646 $ 3,644 $ 32,717 $ 102 $ 48,109  Property and equipment $ 104,508 $ 47,578 $ 99,371 $ 2,493 $ 253,950   Fiscal Year Ended December 30, 2014  Del Frisco's Sullivan's Grille Corporate Consolidated  (in thousands)  Revenues $ 151,142 $ 80,911 $ 69,752 $ — $ 301,805  Restaurant-level EBITDA $ 42,946 $ 13,449 $ 10,556 $ — $ 66,951  Capital expenditures $ 19,839 $ 3,452 $ 24,219 $ 492 $ 48,002  Property and equipment $ 93,267 $ 45,848 $ 72,066 $ 2,261 $ 213,442 
Reconciliation Of Restaurant-Level EBITDA To Operating Income (Loss)	   Fiscal Year Ended  December 27, 2016 December 29, 2015 December 30, 2014  (in thousands)  Net income $ 17,766 $ 15,998 $ 16,597  Income tax expense 6,808 5,507 7,723  Net income before income taxes 24,574 21,505 24,320  Interest expense, net of capitalized interest 70 77 113  Other 432 236 107  Operating income 25,076 21,818 24,540  Pre-opening costs 3,446 5,228 4,735  General and administrative costs 25,924 23,111 20,537  Lease termination and closing costs 1,031 1,386 —  Secondary public offering costs — — 5  Impairment charges 598 3,248 3,536  Depreciation and amortization 18,865 16,776 13,598  Restaurant-level EBITDA $ 74,940 $ 71,567 $ 66,951 

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Computation Of Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Share	   Fiscal Year Ended  December 27, December 29, December 30,  2016 2015 2014  (dollars in thousands, except per share data)  Net income $ 17,766 $ 15,998 $ 16,597  Shares:  Weighted average number of common shares outstanding 23,322,344 23,380,085 23,517,883  Dilutive shares 112,931 137,203 222,435  Total Diluted Shares 23,435,275 23,517,288 23,740,318   Basic earnings per common share $ 0.76 $ 0.68 $ 0.71  Diluted earnings per common share $ 0.76 $ 0.68 $ 0.70 

Stock-Based Employee Compensa29

Stock-Based Employee Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2016
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock Compensation Cost	   Fiscal Year Ended  December 27, December 29, December 30,  2016 2015 2014  (in thousands)  Restaurant operating expenses $ 361 $ 468 $ 442  General and administrative costs 2,305 2,432 2,125  Total stock compensation cost $ 2,666 $ 2,900 $ 2,567 
Summary Of Stock Option Activity	   Fiscal Year Ended December 27, 2016  Shares Weighted average exercise price Weighted average remaining contractual term Aggregate intrinsic value ($000's)  Outstanding at beginning of period 1,221,100 $ 17.44  Exercised (228,800) 13.00  Forfeited (64,625) 20.50  Outstanding at end of period 927,675 $ 18.33 6.2 years $ 1,455  Options exercisable at end of period 776,050 $ 17.76 6.1 years $ 1,448 
Summary Of Non-Vested Shares - Stock Options	   Fiscal Year Ended  December 27, 2016  Shares Weighted average grant-date fair value  Non-vested stock options at beginning of period 506,500 $ 7.25  Vested (316,250) 6.60  Forfeited (38,625) 7.92  Non-vested stock options at end of period 151,625 $ 8.44 
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Summary Of Restricted Stock Activity	   Fiscal Year Ended December 27, 2016  Shares Weighted average grant date fair value Aggregate intrinsic value ($000's)  Outstanding at beginning of period 90,379 $ 19.96  Granted 154,957 16.54  Vested (38,701) 19.72  Forfeited (61,116) 17.22  Outstanding at end of period 145,519 $ 17.55 $ 2,539 
Performance Target [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Summary Of Performance Stock Unit Activity	   Fiscal Year Ended December 27, 2016  Shares Weighted average grant date fair value Aggregate intrinsic value ($000's)  Outstanding at beginning of period — $ —  Granted 200,000 8.98  Outstanding at end of period 200,000 $ 8.98 $ 1,892 

Quarterly Financial Informati30

Quarterly Financial Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2016
Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]
Consolidated Financial Information	   Fiscal Year Ended December 27, 2016  First Second Third Fourth  Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Total Year  (in thousands, except per share data)  Revenues $ 81,194 $ 79,916 $ 71,407 $ 119,164 $ 351,681  Operating income $ 7,879 $ 6,325 $ 1,118 $ 9,754 $ 25,076  Net income $ 5,411 $ 4,444 $ 786 $ 7,125 $ 17,766  Basic income per common share $ 0.23 $ 0.19 $ 0.03 $ 0.31 $ 0.76  Basic weighted average shares outstanding 23,315 23,350 23,354 23,282 23,322   Diluted income per common share $ 0.23 $ 0.19 $ 0.03 $ 0.30 $ 0.76  Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 23,398 23,437 23,431 23,415 23,435   Fiscal Year Ended December 29, 2015  First Second Third Fourth  Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Total Year  (in thousands, except per share data)  Revenues $ 75,102 $ 73,776 $ 68,629 $ 114,105 $ 331,612  Operating income (loss) $ 7,800 $ 5,494 $ (2,080) $ 10,604 $ 21,818  Net income (loss) $ 5,394 $ 3,713 $ (1,035) $ 7,926 $ 15,998  Basic income (loss) per common share $ 0.23 $ 0.16 $ (0.04) $ 0.34 $ 0.68  Basic weighted average shares outstanding 23,443 23,446 23,361 23,298 23,380   Diluted income (loss) per common share $ 0.23 $ 0.16 $ (0.04) $ 0.34 $ 0.68  Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 23,596 23,672 23,361 23,308 23,517 

Organization, Business And Ba31

Organization, Business And Basis of Presentation (Details)	Dec. 27, 2016store
Del Frisco's [Member]
Organization And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Number of restaurants owned and operated	12
Number of restaurants opened	1
Sullivan's [Member]
Organization And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Number of restaurants owned and operated	18
Grille [Member]
Organization And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Number of restaurants owned and operated	23

Summary Of Significant Accoun32

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2016USD ($)customerstore	Dec. 29, 2015USD ($)customerstore	Dec. 30, 2014USD ($)customerstore	Sep. 08, 2015store
Organization And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Number of beef suppliers | customer	1	1	1
Interest capitalized | $	$ 19	$ 115	$ 0
Non-cash impairment charges | $	600	3,200	3,500
Advertising costs | $	$ 8,300	$ 7,700	$ 6,200
Locations with impairment charges [Member]
Organization And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Number of restaurants	2			1
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Organization And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of assets	20 years
Minimum [Member]
Organization And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Finite lived intangible assets useful life	7 years
Tax benefit cummulatively likely to be realized	50.00%
Minimum [Member] | Building [Member]
Organization And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of assets	20 years
Minimum [Member] | Furniture Fixtures And Equipment [Member]
Organization And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of assets	3 years
Maximum [Member]
Organization And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Finite lived intangible assets useful life	17 years
Maximum [Member] | Building [Member]
Organization And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of assets	25 years
Maximum [Member] | Furniture Fixtures And Equipment [Member]
Organization And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of assets	7 years
Del Frisco's [Member]
Organization And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Number of restaurants	12
Sullivan's [Member]
Organization And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Number of restaurants	18
Sullivan's [Member] | Locations with impairment charges [Member]
Organization And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Number of restaurants	2
Grille [Member]
Organization And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Number of restaurants	23
Grille [Member] | Locations with impairment charges [Member]
Organization And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Number of restaurants		1	1

Intangible Assets And Goodwil33

Intangible Assets And Goodwill (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2016USD ($)county	Dec. 29, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 25, 2012USD ($)
Goodwill, Intangible Assets And Other Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 75,365	$ 75,365
Estimated amortization expense, 2017	100
Estimated amortization expense, 2018	100
Estimated amortization expense, 2019	100
Estimated amortization expense, 2020	100
Estimated amortization expense, 2021	100
Amortization expense	100	100	$ 200
Goodwill and intangible asset impairment	0	0	$ 0
Book value of license	37,409	36,865
Payment to acquire rights to use tradename	546
Other current liabilities	9,660	5,180
Trade Names [Member]
Goodwill, Intangible Assets And Other Assets [Line Items]
Agreement to acquire rights to use tradename	$ 600
Minimum [Member]
Goodwill, Intangible Assets And Other Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	7 years
Maximum [Member]
Goodwill, Intangible Assets And Other Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	17 years
Favorable Leasehold Interests [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Goodwill, Intangible Assets And Other Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	7 years
Favorable Leasehold Interests [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Goodwill, Intangible Assets And Other Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	9 years
Orlando Licensing Agreement [Member]
Goodwill, Intangible Assets And Other Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	17 years
Book value of license	$ 500
One-time payment to licensee				$ 25,000
Number of counties | county	3
Gain (loss) on exchange	$ 0
Discount rate for cash flow	11.50%
Louisville Trademark Agreement [Member]
Goodwill, Intangible Assets And Other Assets [Line Items]
Other current liabilities	$ 100
Del Frisco's [Member]
Goodwill, Intangible Assets And Other Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	43,900	$ 43,900
Sullivan's [Member]
Goodwill, Intangible Assets And Other Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 31,400

Intangible Assets And Goodwil34

Intangible Assets And Goodwill (Intangible Assets And Goodwill) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2016	Dec. 29, 2015
Amortized intangible assets:
Gross carrying amount	$ 2,465	$ 2,419
Accumulated amortization	(1,644)	(1,542)
Net amortized intangible assets	821	877
Unamortized intangible assets:
Unamortized intangible assets	111,953	111,353
Goodwill [Member]
Unamortized intangible assets:
Unamortized intangible assets	75,365	75,365
Trade Names [Member]
Unamortized intangible assets:
Unamortized intangible assets	35,493	34,893
Liquor License Permits [Member]
Unamortized intangible assets:
Unamortized intangible assets	1,095	1,095
Favorable Leasehold Interests [Member]
Amortized intangible assets:
Gross carrying amount	848	848
Accumulated amortization	(848)	(840)
Licensing And Development Rights [Member]
Amortized intangible assets:
Gross carrying amount	1,077	1,077
Accumulated amortization	(663)	(597)
Other [Member]
Amortized intangible assets:
Gross carrying amount	540	494
Accumulated amortization	$ (133)	$ (105)

Leases (Narrative) (Details)

Leases (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2016	Dec. 29, 2015	Dec. 30, 2014
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Total rental expense	$ 22.9	$ 21.1	$ 18.7
Contingent rentals	$ 3.6	$ 3.6	$ 3.9
Minimum [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Non-cancelable operating lease expiration	2,017
Renewal options of leases	5 years
Maximum [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Non-cancelable operating lease expiration	2,036
Renewal options of leases	20 years

Leases (Future Minimum Rentals

Leases (Future Minimum Rentals For Each Of The Next Five Years) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2016USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
2,017	$ 20,771
2,018	21,431
2,019	21,535
2,020	20,751
2,021	20,271
Thereafter	225,440
Total minimum lease payments	$ 330,199

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Detai

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 27, 2016	Dec. 29, 2015
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Accrued interest and penalties	$ 0.3	$ 0.3

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Compo

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Components Of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) From Continuing Operations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2016	Dec. 29, 2015	Dec. 30, 2014
Current tax expense (benefit):
Federal	$ 2,768	$ 894	$ 3,689
State	2,465	1,117	3,381
Total current tax expense	5,233	2,011	7,070
Deferred tax expense (benefit):
Federal	1,381	1,722	932
State	194	1,774	(279)
Total deferred tax expense (benefit)	1,575	3,496	653
Total income tax expense	$ 6,808	$ 5,507	$ 7,723

Income Taxes (Reconciliation Of

Income Taxes (Reconciliation Of Income Tax Rate To Income Before Taxes From Continuing Operations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2016	Dec. 29, 2015	Dec. 30, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income tax expense at federal statutory rate	$ 8,602	$ 7,527	$ 8,486
State tax expense, net	1,835	1,215	1,872
FICA tip and work opportunity credits	(3,519)	(3,428)	(3,007)
Other items, net	(110)	193	372
Total income tax expense	$ 6,808	$ 5,507	$ 7,723
Income tax expense at federal statutory rate, percentage	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State tax expense, net, Percentage	7.00%	6.00%	8.00%
FICA tip and work opportunity credits, Percentage	(14.00%)	(16.00%)	(12.00%)
Other items, net, Percentage	0.00%	1.00%	1.00%
Total income tax expense, Percentage	28.00%	26.00%	32.00%

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Com40

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Components Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2016	Dec. 29, 2015
Deferred tax assets:
Equity-based compensation	$ 1,507	$ 1,471
Accrued liabilities	5,212	4,333
Deferred compensation	5,620	5,643
Deferred rent liabilities	14,480	11,986
Tax Credits carryover		819
Intangible Assets - Preopening Costs	3,073	3,413
Other	172	105
Total deferred tax assets	30,064	27,770
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment	32,001	28,048
Intangible assets	15,968	15,988
Other	284	284
Total deferred tax liabilities	48,253	44,320
Net deferred tax liabilities	$ (18,189)	$ (16,550)

Income Taxes (Reconciliation 41

Income Taxes (Reconciliation Of Beginning And Ending Amount Of Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2016	Dec. 29, 2015	Dec. 30, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of year	$ 40	$ 1,386	$ 1,386
Additions resulting from current year positions
Additions for positions taken in prior years
Payments made for settlements		(944)
Expiration of statute of limitations	(24)	(402)
Balance at end of year	$ 16	$ 40	$ 1,386

Long-Term Debt (Details)

Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 21, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Oct. 15, 2012	Dec. 27, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility-maximum borrowing capacity			$ 25,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility, amount outstanding				$ 0
Borrowings available under revolving credit facility				28,800,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Three-year Unsecured [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility-maximum borrowing capacity			$ 25,000
Credit facility maturity term			3 years
Percentage of commitment fee paid on unused revolving loan facility			0.25%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Second Amendment [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility maturity date		Oct. 15, 2017
Revolving credit facility - current borrowing capacity		$ 15,000,000
Incremental increases in credit facility		5,000,000
Revolving credit facility-maximum borrowing capacity		$ 30,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Third Amendment [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility - current borrowing capacity	$ 10,000,000
Incremental increases in credit facility	5,000,000
Revolving credit facility-maximum borrowing capacity	$ 30,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | LIBOR [Member] | Three-year Unsecured [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate			1.50%
Letters Of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding letters of credit				$ 1,200,000

Retirement Plans (Details)

Retirement Plans (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2016USD ($)item	Dec. 29, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2014USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of retirement benefit plans | item	2
Expenses related to the Plans | $	$ 1.3	$ 2.2	$ 1.7
401(k) Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Employees contribution of annual salaries	15.00%
Deferred-Compensation Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Employees contribution of annual salaries	80.00%

Stockholders' Equity (Details)

Stockholders' Equity (Details) - USD ($)	Oct. 14, 2014	Dec. 27, 2016	Feb. 15, 2017	Dec. 29, 2015
Treasury stock purchases		$ 17,823,000		$ 13,000,000
2014 Repurchase Program [Member]
Maximum amount authorized to be repurchased under the common stock repurchase program	$ 25,000,000		$ 50,000,000
Treasury stock purchases, shares		492,214
Treasury stock purchases		$ 7,800,000
Repurchase period	3 years

Commitments And Contingencies (

Commitments And Contingencies (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 27, 2016USD ($)
Letters Of Credit [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Outstanding letters of credit	$ 1.2

Fair Value Measurement (Narrati

Fair Value Measurement (Narrative) (Details)	Dec. 27, 2016USD ($)item	Dec. 29, 2015USD ($)item
Fair Value Measurement [Abstract]
Number of derivative instruments | item	0	0
Transfers between levels | $	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Value Measurement (Schedul

Fair Value Measurement (Schedule Of Financial Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2016	Dec. 29, 2015
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation plan investments	$ 15,054	$ 13,955
Deferred compensation plan liabilities	(15,212)	(14,083)
Fair Value Measurements Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation plan investments	15,054	13,955
Deferred compensation plan liabilities	$ (15,212)	$ (14,083)

Segment Reporting (Schedule Of

Segment Reporting (Schedule Of Segment Reporting Information By Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended						4 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 06, 2016	Jun. 14, 2016	Mar. 22, 2016	Sep. 08, 2015	Jun. 16, 2015	Mar. 24, 2015	Dec. 27, 2016	Dec. 29, 2015	Dec. 27, 2016	Dec. 29, 2015	Dec. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 71,407	$ 79,916	$ 81,194	$ 68,629	$ 73,776	$ 75,102	$ 119,164	$ 114,105	$ 351,681	$ 331,612	$ 301,805
Restaurant-level EBITDA									74,940	71,567	66,951
Capital expenditures									36,950	48,109	48,002
Property and equipment							284,182	253,950	284,182	253,950	213,442
Del Frisco's [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									166,885	161,809	151,142
Restaurant-level EBITDA									46,877	45,837	42,946
Capital expenditures									17,284	11,646	19,839
Property and equipment							115,889	104,508	115,889	104,508	93,267
Sullivan's [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									77,797	78,983	80,911
Restaurant-level EBITDA									12,182	13,070	13,449
Capital expenditures									2,489	3,644	3,452
Property and equipment							49,416	47,578	49,416	47,578	45,848
Grille [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									106,999	90,820	69,752
Restaurant-level EBITDA									15,881	12,660	10,556
Capital expenditures									17,080	32,717	24,219
Property and equipment							116,451	99,371	116,451	99,371	72,066
Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Capital expenditures									97	102	492
Property and equipment							$ 2,426	$ 2,493	$ 2,426	$ 2,493	$ 2,261

Segment Reporting (Reconciliati

Segment Reporting (Reconciliation Of Net Income To Restaurant-Level EBITDA) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended						4 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 06, 2016	Jun. 14, 2016	Mar. 22, 2016	Sep. 08, 2015	Jun. 16, 2015	Mar. 24, 2015	Dec. 27, 2016	Dec. 29, 2015	Dec. 27, 2016	Dec. 29, 2015	Dec. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Net income	$ 786	$ 4,444	$ 5,411	$ (1,035)	$ 3,713	$ 5,394	$ 7,125	$ 7,926	$ 17,766	$ 15,998	$ 16,597
Income tax expense									6,808	5,507	7,723
Income before income taxes									24,574	21,505	24,320
Interest expense, net of capitalized interest									70	77	113
Other									432	236	107
Operating income	$ 1,118	$ 6,325	$ 7,879	(2,080)	$ 5,494	$ 7,800	9,754	10,604	25,076	21,818	24,540
Pre-opening costs									3,446	5,228	4,735
General and administrative costs									25,924	23,111	20,537
Lease termination and closing costs							900	$ 1,400	1,031	1,386
Secondary public offering costs											5
Impairment charges				$ 3,200			$ 600		598	3,248	3,536
Depreciation and amortization									18,865	16,776	13,598
Restaurant-level EBITDA									$ 74,940	$ 71,567	$ 66,951

Earnings Per Share (Narrative)

Earnings Per Share (Narrative) (Details) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2016	Dec. 29, 2015	Dec. 30, 2014
Stock options [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share	632,565	728,604	716,335
Restricted Stock [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share	106,726

Earnings Per Share (Computation

Earnings Per Share (Computation Of Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Share) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended						4 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 06, 2016	Jun. 14, 2016	Mar. 22, 2016	Sep. 08, 2015	Jun. 16, 2015	Mar. 24, 2015	Dec. 27, 2016	Dec. 29, 2015	Dec. 27, 2016	Dec. 29, 2015	Dec. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income	$ 786	$ 4,444	$ 5,411	$ (1,035)	$ 3,713	$ 5,394	$ 7,125	$ 7,926	$ 17,766	$ 15,998	$ 16,597
Shares:
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding	23,354,000	23,350,000	23,315,000	23,361,000	23,446,000	23,443,000	23,282,000	23,298,000	23,322,344	23,380,085	23,517,883
Dilutive shares									112,931	137,203	222,435
Total Diluted Shares	23,431,000	23,437,000	23,398,000	23,361,000	23,672,000	23,596,000	23,415,000	23,308,000	23,435,275	23,517,288	23,740,318
Basic earnings per common share	$ 0.03	$ 0.19	$ 0.23	$ (0.04)	$ 0.16	$ 0.23	$ 0.31	$ 0.34	$ 0.76	$ 0.68	$ 0.71
Diluted earnings per common share	$ 0.03	$ 0.19	$ 0.23	$ (0.04)	$ 0.16	$ 0.23	$ 0.30	$ 0.34	$ 0.76	$ 0.68	$ 0.70

Stock-Based Employee Compensa52

Stock-Based Employee Compensation (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2016	Dec. 29, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding options	927,675	1,221,100
Shares of unvested non-option shares outstanding	145,519	90,379
Performance shares valuation illiquidity discount	16.90%
2012 Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares of common stock authorized for issuance	2,232,800
Shares of common stock available for future grants	519,080
Stock options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Intrinsic value of options exercised	$ 1.1
Total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options	$ 0.7
Cost is expected to be recognized	8 months 12 days
Total fair value of shares vested	$ 2.1
Stock options [Member] | 2012 Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding options	927,675
Stock options [Member] | Minimum [Member] | 2012 Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grants under the company's equity incentive plan, vesting period	1 year
Stock options [Member] | Maximum [Member] | 2012 Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grants under the company's equity incentive plan, vesting period	4 years
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested restricted stock	$ 1.7
Cost is expected to be recognized	2 years 8 months 12 days
Restricted Stock [Member] | 2012 Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares of unvested non-option shares outstanding	145,519
Restricted Stock [Member] | Minimum [Member] | 2012 Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grants under the company's equity incentive plan, vesting period	1 year
Restricted Stock [Member] | Maximum [Member] | 2012 Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grants under the company's equity incentive plan, vesting period	4 years
Performance Target [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares of unvested non-option shares outstanding	200,000
Total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested restricted stock	$ 1.7
Cost is expected to be recognized	2 years 1 month 6 days
Stock price requirement for performance share vesting	$ 28
Consecutive days of minimum stock price	5 days
Performance Target [Member] | 2012 Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares of unvested non-option shares outstanding	200,000

Stock-Based Employee Compensa53

Stock-Based Employee Compensation (Stock Compensation Cost) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2016	Dec. 29, 2015	Dec. 30, 2014
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock compensation cost	$ 2,666	$ 2,900	$ 2,567
Restaurant Operating Expenses [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock compensation cost	361	468	442
General And Administrative Costs [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock compensation cost	$ 2,305	$ 2,432	$ 2,125

Stock-Based Employee Compensa54

Stock-Based Employee Compensation (Summary of Restricted Stock Activity) (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2016USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding at beginning of period, Shares | shares	90,379
Granted, Shares | shares	154,957
Vested, Shares | shares	(38,701)
Forfeited, Shares | shares	(61,116)
Outstanding at end of period, Shares | shares	145,519
Outstanding at beginning of period, Weighted average grant date fair value | $ / shares	$ 19.96
Weighted average grant date fair value | $ / shares	16.54
Vested, Weighted average grant date fair value | $ / shares	19.72
Forfeited, Weighted average grant date fair value | $ / shares	17.22
Outstanding at end of period, Weighted average grant date fair value | $ / shares	$ 17.55
Outstanding at end of period, Aggregate intrinsic value | $	$ 2,539

Stock-Based Employee Compensa55

Stock-Based Employee Compensation (Summary Of Stock Option Activity) (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2016USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Stock-Based Employee Compensation [Abstract]
Outstanding at beginning of period, Shares | shares	1,221,100
Exercised, Shares | shares	(228,800)
Forfeited, Shares | shares	(64,625)
Outstanding at end of period, Shares | shares	927,675
Options exercisable at end of period, Shares | shares	776,050
Outstanding at beginning of period, Weighted average exercise price | $ / shares	$ 17.44
Exercised, Weighted average exercise price | $ / shares	13
Forfeited, Weighted average exercise price | $ / shares	20.50
Outstanding at end of period, Weighted average exercise price | $ / shares	18.33
Options exercisable at end of period, Weighted average exercise price | $ / shares	$ 17.76
Outstanding at end of period, Weighted average Remaining Contractual Term	6 years 2 months 12 days
Options exercisable at end of period, Weighted average Remaining Contractual Term	6 years 1 month 6 days
Outstanding at end of period, Aggregate Intrinsic Value | $	$ 1,455
Options exercisable at end of period, Aggregate Intrinsic Value | $	$ 1,448

Stock-Based Employee Compensa56

Stock-Based Employee Compensation (Summary Of Non-Vested Stock Options) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2016$ / sharesshares
Stock-Based Employee Compensation [Abstract]
Non-vested stock options at beginning of period, Shares | shares	506,500
Non-vested stock options, Vested, Shares | shares	(316,250)
Non-vested stock options, Forfeited, Shares | shares	(38,625)
Non-vested stock options at end of period, Shares | shares	151,625
Non-vested stock options at beginning of period, Weighted average grant date fair value | $ / shares	$ 7.25
Non-vested stock options, Vested, Weighted average grant date fair value | $ / shares	6.60
Non-vested stock options, Forfeited, Weighted average grant date fair value | $ / shares	7.92
Non-vested stock options at end of period, Weighted average grant date fair value | $ / shares	$ 8.44

Stock-Based Employee Compensa57

Stock-Based Employee Compensation (Summary of Performance Stock Units Activity) (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2016USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding at beginning of period, Shares | shares	90,379
Granted, Shares | shares	154,957
Vested, Shares | shares	(38,701)
Forfeited, Shares | shares	(61,116)
Outstanding at end of period, Shares | shares	145,519
Outstanding at beginning of period, Weighted average grant date fair value | $ / shares	$ 19.96
Weighted average grant date fair value | $ / shares	16.54
Vested, Weighted average grant date fair value | $ / shares	19.72
Forfeited, Weighted average grant date fair value | $ / shares	17.22
Outstanding at end of period, Weighted average grant date fair value | $ / shares	$ 17.55
Outstanding at end of period, Aggregate intrinsic value | $	$ 2,539
Performance Target [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted, Shares | shares	200,000
Outstanding at end of period, Shares | shares	200,000
Weighted average grant date fair value | $ / shares	$ 8.98
Outstanding at end of period, Weighted average grant date fair value | $ / shares	$ 8.98
Outstanding at end of period, Aggregate intrinsic value | $	$ 1,892

Stock-Based Employee Compensa58

Stock-Based Employee Compensation (Schedule Of Performance Share Valuation Assumptions) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2016$ / shares
Weighted average grant date fair value	$ 16.54
Performance Target [Member]
Weighted average grant date fair value	$ 8.98
Weighted average risk-free interest rate	1.98%
Derived service period	2 years 2 months 12 days
Weighted average volatility	34.41%

Quarterly Financial Informati59

Quarterly Financial Information (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		4 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 06, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 08, 2015USD ($)store	Dec. 27, 2016USD ($)store	Dec. 29, 2015USD ($)store	Dec. 27, 2016USD ($)store	Dec. 29, 2015USD ($)store	Dec. 30, 2014USD ($)
Quarterly Financial Information [Line items]
Impairment charges		$ 3,200	$ 600		$ 598	$ 3,248	$ 3,536
Lease termination and closing costs			900	$ 1,400	1,031	1,386
Severance Costs			$ 800
General And Administrative Expense					$ 25,924	$ 23,111	$ 20,537
Easement claim expense [Member]
Quarterly Financial Information [Line items]
General And Administrative Expense	$ 400
Locations with impairment charges [Member]
Quarterly Financial Information [Line items]
Number of restaurants owned and operated | store		1	2		2
Locations with lease termination costs [Member]
Quarterly Financial Information [Line items]
Number of restaurants owned and operated | store			1	2	1	2

Quarterly Financial Informati60

Quarterly Financial Information (Consolidated Financial Information) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended						4 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 06, 2016	Jun. 14, 2016	Mar. 22, 2016	Sep. 08, 2015	Jun. 16, 2015	Mar. 24, 2015	Dec. 27, 2016	Dec. 29, 2015	Dec. 27, 2016	Dec. 29, 2015	Dec. 30, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 71,407	$ 79,916	$ 81,194	$ 68,629	$ 73,776	$ 75,102	$ 119,164	$ 114,105	$ 351,681	$ 331,612	$ 301,805
Operating income (loss)	1,118	6,325	7,879	(2,080)	5,494	7,800	9,754	10,604	25,076	21,818	24,540
Net income (loss)	$ 786	$ 4,444	$ 5,411	$ (1,035)	$ 3,713	$ 5,394	$ 7,125	$ 7,926	$ 17,766	$ 15,998	$ 16,597
Basic income (loss) per common share	$ 0.03	$ 0.19	$ 0.23	$ (0.04)	$ 0.16	$ 0.23	$ 0.31	$ 0.34	$ 0.76	$ 0.68	$ 0.71
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	23,354,000	23,350,000	23,315,000	23,361,000	23,446,000	23,443,000	23,282,000	23,298,000	23,322,344	23,380,085	23,517,883
Diluted income (loss) per common share	$ 0.03	$ 0.19	$ 0.23	$ (0.04)	$ 0.16	$ 0.23	$ 0.30	$ 0.34	$ 0.76	$ 0.68	$ 0.70
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	23,431,000	23,437,000	23,398,000	23,361,000	23,672,000	23,596,000	23,415,000	23,308,000	23,435,275	23,517,288	23,740,318