Del Frisco's Restaurant (DFRG) 10-Q 26 Apr 17 2017 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 21, 2017	Apr. 24, 2017
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Mar. 21, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Trading Symbol	DFRG
Entity Registrant Name	Del Frisco's Restaurant Group, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1,415,301
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-26
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		21,824,326

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 21, 2017	Dec. 27, 2016
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 8,727	$ 14,622
Inventory	15,741	16,400
Income taxes receivable	1,424	3,599
Prepaid expenses and other assets	12,978	12,059
Total current assets	38,870	46,680
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $92,930 and $88,190 at March 21, 2017 and December 27, 2016, respectively	202,979	195,992
Goodwill	75,365	75,365
Intangible assets, net	37,386	37,409
Other assets	15,759	15,336
Total assets	370,359	370,782
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	13,012	12,791
Deferred revenue	15,748	18,735
Other current liabilities	19,442	19,550
Total current liabilities	48,202	51,076
Long-term debt	22,000
Deferred rent obligations	41,839	37,697
Deferred income taxes	17,320	18,189
Other liabilities	15,818	17,454
Total liabilities	145,179	124,416
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding at March 21, 2017 or December 27, 2016
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 190,000,000 shares authorized, 24,271,703 shares issued and 21,826,476 shares outstanding at March 21, 2017 and 24,234,909 shares issued and 23,272,274 shares outstanding at December 27, 2016	24	24
Treasury stock at cost: 2,445,227 and 962,635 shares at March 21, 2017 and December 27, 2016, respectively	(42,920)	(17,823)
Additional paid in capital	143,926	143,325
Retained earnings	124,150	120,840
Total stockholders' equity	225,180	246,366
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 370,359	$ 370,782

Condensed Consolidated Balance3

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 21, 2017	Dec. 27, 2016
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation	$ 92,930	$ 88,190
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	24,271,703	24,234,909
Common stock, shares outstanding	21,826,476	23,272,274
Treasury stock, shares	2,445,227	962,635

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Income And Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 21, 2017	Mar. 22, 2016
Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 83,890	$ 81,194
Costs and expenses:
Costs of sales	23,781	23,218
Restaurant operating expenses	40,851	38,626
Marketing and advertising costs	1,300	1,321
Pre-opening costs	389	94
General and administrative costs	6,311	5,750
Consulting project costs	2,036
Lease termination and closing costs	(2)	21
Depreciation and amortization	4,816	4,285
Operating income	4,408	7,879
Other income (expense), net:
Interest, net of capitalized interest	(10)	(31)
Other	(2)
Income before income taxes	4,396	7,848
Income tax expense	1,086	2,437
Net income	$ 3,310	$ 5,411
Basic earnings per common share	$ 0.14	$ 0.23
Diluted earnings per common share	$ 0.14	$ 0.23
Shares used in computing earnings per common share:
Basic	23,059,363	23,315,077
Diluted	23,276,542	23,398,115
Comprehensive income	$ 3,310	$ 5,411

Condensed Consolidated Stateme5

Condensed Consolidated Statement Of Changes In Stockholders' Equity - 3 months ended Mar. 21, 2017 - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Common Stock Outstanding [Member]	Additional Paid In Capital [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Total
Balance at Dec. 27, 2016	$ 24	$ 143,325	$ (17,823)	$ 120,840	$ 246,366
Balance, shares at Dec. 27, 2016	23,272,274
Net income				3,310	3,310
Share-based compensation costs		533			533
Stock option exercises		68			$ 68
Stock option exercises, including tax effects, shares	30,100				30,100
Shares issued under stock compensation plan, net of shares withheld for tax effects, shares	6,694
Treasury stock purchases			(25,097)		$ (25,097)
Treasury stock purchases, shares	(1,482,592)
Balance at Mar. 21, 2017	$ 24	$ 143,926	$ (42,920)	$ 124,150	$ 225,180
Balance, shares at Mar. 21, 2017	21,826,476

Condensed Consolidated Stateme6

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 21, 2017	Mar. 22, 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 3,310	$ 5,411
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	4,816	4,285
Loss on disposal of restaurant property	5
Loan cost amortization	3
Equity based compensation	533	653
Deferred income taxes	(869)	(413)
Amortization of deferred lease incentives	(742)	(253)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Inventory	659	545
Prepaid expenses and other assets	3,190	1,483
Accounts payable	402	(4,525)
Income taxes	2,175	1,973
Deferred rent obligations	386	(1,716)
Deferred revenue	(2,987)	(2,713)
Other liabilities	(1,802)	535
Net cash provided by operating activities	9,079	5,265
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment	(11,966)	(4,035)
Other investing activities	21	7
Net cash used in investing activities	(11,945)	(4,028)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt	22,000
Net payments of credit facility		(4,500)
Purchases of treasury stock	(25,097)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	68	140
Net cash used in financing activities	(3,029)	(4,360)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(5,895)	(3,123)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	14,622	5,176
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	8,727	2,053
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	16	31
Income taxes	115	911
Non cash investing and financing activities:
Capital expenditures included in accounts payable at end of period	$ 787	$ 730

Business And Basis Of Presentat

Business And Basis Of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 21, 2017
Business And Basis Of Presentation [Abstract]
Business And Basis Of Presentation	  1. BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION As of March 21, 2017 , Del Frisco’s Restaurant Group, Inc. (the “Company”) owned and operated 53 restaurants under the concept names of Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House (“Del Frisco’s”), Sullivan’s Steakhouse (“Sullivan’s”), and Del Frisco’s Grille (“Grille”). Of the 53 restaurants the Company operated at the end of the period covered by this report, there were 12 Del Frisco’s restaurants, 18 Sullivan’s restaurants and 23 Grille restaurants in operation in 24 states and the District of Columbia . The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and disclosures required by GAAP for complete financial statements. Operating results for the 12 weeks ended March 21, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending December 26, 2017 . In the opinion of management, the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, considered necessary for a fair presentation. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2016 filed with the SEC on February 28, 2017 (the “ 2016 10-K”). The Company operates on a 52- or 53-week fiscal year ending the last Tuesday in December. The fiscal quarters ended March 21, 2017 and March 22, 2016 each contained 12 weeks and are referred to herein as the first quarter of fiscal 2017 and the first quarter of fiscal 2016 , respectively. Fiscal 2017 will be a 52-week fiscal year as was fiscal 2016 . Accounting Estimates The preparation of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances at the time. Actual amounts may differ from those estimates. There have been no material changes to the significant accounting policies from what was previously reported in the 2016 10-K. Recent Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers which will supersede Accounting Standards Codification (“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. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). ASU 2016-02 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 issued 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. Under ASU 2016-09, to the extent that the related compensation ultimately recognized for tax purposes exceeds the book expense, a permanent benefit will be recorded to income tax expense and through the rate for the excess benefit. Where the tax expense recognized is less than book, the shortfall is charged to income tax expense. Under the new guidance, entities can estimate forfeitures or recognize forfeitures when they occur. We have historically estimated forfeitures at the grant date and trued them up when vesting events occur. In addition, the simplification of ASU 2016-09 allows the Company to withhold an amount up to the employees’ maximum individual tax rate in the relevant jurisdiction. We adopted ASU 2016-09 on December 28, 2016, and the impact on our consolidated financial statements was immaterial for the first quarter of 2017 . 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 January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, 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 2017-04 is effective for public business entities for annual periods, including interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 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. 

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 21, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	    2. 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 periods. 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 EPS for the 12 weeks ended March 21, 2017 excludes 29,071 shares of restricted stock, and options to purchase 568,457 s hares of common stock, which were outstanding during the period, but were antidilutive. Diluted EPS for the 12 weeks ended March 22, 2016 excludes 71,448 shares of restricted stock and options to purchase 653,668 shares of common stock, which were outstanding during the period but were antidilutive. The following table details the Company’s basic and diluted earnings per common share calculation (dollars in thousands, except per share data) :     12 Weeks Ended  March 21, March 22,  2017 2016  Net income $ 3,310 $ 5,411  Shares:  Weighted average number of common shares outstanding 23,059,363 23,315,077  Dilutive shares 217,179 83,038  Total Diluted Shares 23,276,542 23,398,115   Basic earnings per common share $ 0.14 $ 0.23  Diluted earnings per common share $ 0.14 $ 0.23  

Stock-Based Employee Compensati

Stock-Based Employee Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 21, 2017
Stock-Based Employee Compensation [Abstract]
Stock-Based Employee Compensation	  3. STOCK-BASED EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION 2012 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan On July 16, 2012, the Company adopted the Del Frisco’s Restaurant Group, Inc. 2012 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan (the “2012 Plan”), which allows the Company 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 the Company. 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. Equity-based awards vest or become exercisable at various periods ranging from one to four years from the date of grant. The 2012 Plan has 2,232,800 shares of common stock authorized for issuance under the plan. There were 866,450 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding options and 520,428 shares of unvested restricted stock outstanding at March 21, 2017 with 773,509 shares of common stock available for future grants.  The following table details the Company’s total s hare -based compensation cost during the 12 weeks ended March 21, 2017 and March 22, 2016 as well as where the costs were expensed (in thousands):     12 Weeks Ended  March 21, March 22,  2017 2016  Restaurant operating expenses $ 73 $ 93  General and administrative costs 460 560  Total stock compensation cost $ 533 $ 653  Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units The following table summarizes restricted stock and restricted stock unit activity during the 12 week s ended March 21, 2017 :     12 Weeks Ended March 21, 2017  Shares Weighted average grant date fair value Aggregate intrinsic value ($000's)  Outstanding at beginning of period 345,519 $ 12.57  Granted 203,495 17.15  Vested (10,382) 16.79  Forfeited (18,204) 16.92  Outstanding at end of period 520,428 $ 14.13 $ 9,081  As of March 21, 2017 , there was $ 6.1 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested restricted stock. This cost is expected to be recognized over a period of approximately 2.6 years. Stock Options The following table summarizes stock option activity during the 12 week s ended March 21, 2017 :        12 Weeks Ended March 21, 2017  Shares Weighted average exercise price Weighted average remaining contractual term Aggregate intrinsic value ($000's)  Outstanding at beginning of period 927,675 $ 18.33  Exercised (30,100) 13.00  Forfeited (31,125) 21.00  Outstanding at end of period 866,450 $ 18.42 5.5 years $ 1,314  Options exercisable at end of period 735,075 $ 17.95 5.3 years $ 1,308  A summary of the status of non-vested stock options as of March 21, 2017 and changes during the 12 weeks ended March 21, 2017 is presented below:      12 Weeks Ended  March 21, 2017  Shares Weighted average grant-date fair value  Non-vested stock options at beginning of period 151,625 $ 8.44  Vested (3,000) 9.99  Forfeited (17,250) 8.50  Non-vested stock options at end of period 131,375 $ 8.40  As of March 21, 2017 , there was $ 0.4 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options. This cost is expected to be recognized over a period of approximately 0.6 year s .

Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 21, 2017
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt	  4 . LONG-TERM DEBT  On October 15, 2012 , the Company entered into a credit facility that , as last amended on April 21 , 201 7 , provides for a n unsecured credit facility with a credit commitment of $10.0 million, subject to increases in increments of $5.0 million, with a maximum amount of $30.0 million. The credit facility expires on October 15, 2019 . Borrowings under the credit facility bear interest, at the option of the Company, based on (i) LIBOR plus 1.50% or (ii) the prime rate as defined in the credit facility. The Company is required to pay a commitment fee equal to 0.25% per annum on the available but unused credit facility . The credit facility is guaranteed by certain subsidiaries of the Company. The credit facility contains various financial covenants, including a maximum ratio of total indebtedness to EBITDA and minimum fixed charge coverage, both as defined in the credit agreement. The credit facility also contains covenants restricting certain corporate actions, including asset dispositions, acquisitions, the payment of dividends, the incurrence of indebtedness and providing financing or othe r transactions with affiliates. On April 21, 2017, subsequent to the end of the quarter, we entered into an amendment to our credit facility with JP Morgan Chase Bank that lowered the minimum fixed charge coverage ratio, as defined in the agreement, from 2.00 to 1.25 , effective January 1, 2017. As of March 21, 2017 , there was $22.0 million of outstanding borrowings on the Company’s credit facility, and the Company had approximately $6.8 million of borrowings available, with $1.2 million in outstanding letters of credit commitments. As of December 27, 2016 , there were no outstanding borrowings on the Company’s credit facility and $1.2 million in outstanding letters of credit . The increase in borrowings under the credit facility during the first quarter of 2017 related to the Company’s share repurchase activities during the period. The Company was in compliance with all of the financial debt covenants as of March 21, 2017 and December 27, 2016 . 

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 21, 2017
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes	  5 . INCOME TAXES The effective income tax rate for the 12 weeks ended March 21, 2017 was 24.7% , compared to 31.1% for the 12 weeks ended March 22, 2016 . The factors that cause the effective tax rates to vary from the federal statutory rate of 35 % include the impact of FICA tip and other credits, partially offset by state income taxes and certain non-deductible expenses .

Fair Value Measurement

Fair Value Measurement	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 21, 2017
Fair Value Measurement [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurement	   6 . FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT Under GAAP, the Company is 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 the Company’s 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 table presents the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at March 21, 2017 and December 27, 2016 , respectively (in thousands):      Fair Value Measurements  Level March 21, 2017 December 27, 2016  Deferred compensation plan investments (included in Other assets) 2 $ 15,501 $ 15,054  Deferred compensation plan liabilities (included in Other liabilities) 2 $ 13,684 $ 15,212  There were no transfers among levels within the fair-value hierarchy during the first quarter s of fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016 . The carrying value of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, receivables and accounts payable approximate fair value due to their short term nature. The fair value of the cred it facility approximate s its carrying value since it is a variable rate credit facility (Level 2) .

Segment Reporting

Segment Reporting	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 21, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting	  7. SEGMENT REPORTING  The Company operates the Del Frisco’s, Sullivan’s, and Grille brands as operating segments. The restaurant concepts operate solely in the U.S. within the full-service dining industry, providing similar products to similar customers. Sales from external customers are derived principally from food and beverage sales, and the Company does not rely on any major customers as a source of sales. The restaurant 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 average check, the Del Frisco’s, Sullivan’s, and 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 tables present information about reportable segments (in thousands):     12 Weeks Ended March 21, 2017  Del Frisco's Sullivan's Grille Corporate Consolidated  Revenues $ 39,760 $ 17,782 $ 26,348 $ — $ 83,890  Restaurant-level EBITDA 10,698 3,498 3,762 — 17,958  Capital expenditures 4,475 3,916 3,287 107 11,785  Property and equipment 120,349 53,299 119,728 2,533 295,909   12 Weeks Ended March 22, 2016  Del Frisco's Sullivan's Grille Corporate Consolidated  Revenues $ 38,343 $ 18,901 $ 23,950 $ — $ 81,194  Restaurant-level EBITDA 10,713 3,548 3,768 — 18,029  Capital expenditures 1,284 208 1,270 7 2,769  Property and equipment 105,788 47,786 100,641 2,457 256,672  In addition to using consolidated results in evaluating the Company’s performance and allocating its resources, the Company’s chief operating decision maker uses restaurant-level EBITDA, which is not a measure defined by GAAP. The Company defines restaurant-level EBITDA as income before income taxes, other income (expenses), net, pre-opening costs, general and administrative costs, consulting project costs, lease termination and closing costs, 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 costs are only included in the Company’s consolidated financial results as they are generally not specifically identifiable to individual operating segments as these costs relate to supporting all of the restaurant operations of the Company and the extension of the Company’s concepts into new markets. Lease termination and closing costs, consulting project costs, impairment charges, and depreciation and amortization are excluded because they are not ongoing controllable cash expenses, and they are not related to the health of ongoing operations. Property and equipment is the only balance sheet measure used by the Company’s chief operating decision maker in allocating resources. The following table reconciles net income to restaurant-level EBITDA (in thousands).     12 Weeks Ended  March 21, 2017 March 22, 2016   Net income $ 3,310 $ 5,411  Income tax expense 1,086 2,437  Net income before income taxes 4,396 7,848  Interest expense, net of capitalized interest 10 31  Other 2 —  Operating income 4,408 7,879  Pre-opening costs 389 94  General and administrative costs 6,311 5,750  Consulting project costs 2,036 —  Lease termination and closing costs (2) 21  Depreciation and amortization 4,816 4,285  Restaurant-level EBITDA $ 17,958 $ 18,029  

Commitments And Contingencies

Commitments And Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 21, 2017
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments And Contingencies	  8. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES The Company is subject to various claims, possible legal actions, and other matters arising out of the normal course of business. While it is not possible to predict the outcome of these issues, management is of the opinion that adequate provision for potential losses has been made in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements and that the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. At March 21, 2017 and December 27, 2016 , the Company had outstanding letters of credit of $1.2 million, which were drawn on the Company’s credit facility (see Note 4, Long-Term Debt ). The letters of credit typically act as guarantee of payment to certain third parties in accordance with specified terms and conditions.

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 21, 2017
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	  9. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS On March 10, 2017, the Company purchased 1,200,000 shares of its common stock for $ 20.3 million from Fidelity National Financial, Inc. (“Fidelity”). Fidelity was considered a related party to the Company at the time of the transaction due to the level of ownership interest in the Company. After this transaction, Fidelity’s ownership interest no longer qualifies it as a related party.

Business And Basis Of Present16

Business And Basis Of Presentation (Policy)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 21, 2017
Business And Basis Of Presentation [Abstract]
Business Description And Basis of Presentation	As of March 21, 2017 , Del Frisco’s Restaurant Group, Inc. (the “Company”) owned and operated 53 restaurants under the concept names of Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House (“Del Frisco’s”), Sullivan’s Steakhouse (“Sullivan’s”), and Del Frisco’s Grille (“Grille”). Of the 53 restaurants the Company operated at the end of the period covered by this report, there were 12 Del Frisco’s restaurants, 18 Sullivan’s restaurants and 23 Grille restaurants in operation in 24 states and the District of Columbia . The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and disclosures required by GAAP for complete financial statements. Operating results for the 12 weeks ended March 21, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending December 26, 2017 . In the opinion of management, the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, considered necessary for a fair presentation. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2016 filed with the SEC on February 28, 2017 (the “ 2016 10-K”). The Company operates on a 52- or 53-week fiscal year ending the last Tuesday in December. The fiscal quarters ended March 21, 2017 and March 22, 2016 each contained 12 weeks and are referred to herein as the first quarter of fiscal 2017 and the first quarter of fiscal 2016 , respectively. Fiscal 2017 will be a 52-week fiscal year as was fiscal 2016 .
Accounting Estimates	Accounting Estimates The preparation of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances at the time. Actual amounts may differ from those estimates. There have been no material changes to the significant accounting policies from what was previously reported in the 2016 10-K.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers which will supersede Accounting Standards Codification (“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. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). ASU 2016-02 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 issued 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. Under ASU 2016-09, to the extent that the related compensation ultimately recognized for tax purposes exceeds the book expense, a permanent benefit will be recorded to income tax expense and through the rate for the excess benefit. Where the tax expense recognized is less than book, the shortfall is charged to income tax expense. Under the new guidance, entities can estimate forfeitures or recognize forfeitures when they occur. We have historically estimated forfeitures at the grant date and trued them up when vesting events occur. In addition, the simplification of ASU 2016-09 allows the Company to withhold an amount up to the employees’ maximum individual tax rate in the relevant jurisdiction. We adopted ASU 2016-09 on December 28, 2016, and the impact on our consolidated financial statements was immaterial for the first quarter of 2017 . 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 January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, 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 2017-04 is effective for public business entities for annual periods, including interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 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.

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 21, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Computation Of Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Share	   12 Weeks Ended  March 21, March 22,  2017 2016  Net income $ 3,310 $ 5,411  Shares:  Weighted average number of common shares outstanding 23,059,363 23,315,077  Dilutive shares 217,179 83,038  Total Diluted Shares 23,276,542 23,398,115   Basic earnings per common share $ 0.14 $ 0.23  Diluted earnings per common share $ 0.14 $ 0.23 

Stock-Based Employee Compensa18

Stock-Based Employee Compensation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 21, 2017
Stock-Based Employee Compensation [Abstract]
Stock Compensation Cost	   12 Weeks Ended  March 21, March 22,  2017 2016  Restaurant operating expenses $ 73 $ 93  General and administrative costs 460 560  Total stock compensation cost $ 533 $ 653 
Summary Of Restricted Stock Activity	   12 Weeks Ended March 21, 2017  Shares Weighted average grant date fair value Aggregate intrinsic value ($000's)  Outstanding at beginning of period 345,519 $ 12.57  Granted 203,495 17.15  Vested (10,382) 16.79  Forfeited (18,204) 16.92  Outstanding at end of period 520,428 $ 14.13 $ 9,081 
Summary Of Stock Option Activity	   12 Weeks Ended March 21, 2017  Shares Weighted average exercise price Weighted average remaining contractual term Aggregate intrinsic value ($000's)  Outstanding at beginning of period 927,675 $ 18.33  Exercised (30,100) 13.00  Forfeited (31,125) 21.00  Outstanding at end of period 866,450 $ 18.42 5.5 years $ 1,314  Options exercisable at end of period 735,075 $ 17.95 5.3 years $ 1,308 
Summary Of Non-Vested Shares - Stock Options	   12 Weeks Ended  March 21, 2017  Shares Weighted average grant-date fair value  Non-vested stock options at beginning of period 151,625 $ 8.44  Vested (3,000) 9.99  Forfeited (17,250) 8.50  Non-vested stock options at end of period 131,375 $ 8.40 

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 21, 2017
Fair Value Measurement [Abstract]
Schedule Of Financial Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis	   Fair Value Measurements  Level March 21, 2017 December 27, 2016  Deferred compensation plan investments (included in Other assets) 2 $ 15,501 $ 15,054  Deferred compensation plan liabilities (included in Other liabilities) 2 $ 13,684 $ 15,212 

Segment Reporting (Tables)

Segment Reporting (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 21, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule Of Segment Reporting Information By Segment	   12 Weeks Ended March 21, 2017  Del Frisco's Sullivan's Grille Corporate Consolidated  Revenues $ 39,760 $ 17,782 $ 26,348 $ — $ 83,890  Restaurant-level EBITDA 10,698 3,498 3,762 — 17,958  Capital expenditures 4,475 3,916 3,287 107 11,785  Property and equipment 120,349 53,299 119,728 2,533 295,909   12 Weeks Ended March 22, 2016  Del Frisco's Sullivan's Grille Corporate Consolidated  Revenues $ 38,343 $ 18,901 $ 23,950 $ — $ 81,194  Restaurant-level EBITDA 10,713 3,548 3,768 — 18,029  Capital expenditures 1,284 208 1,270 7 2,769  Property and equipment 105,788 47,786 100,641 2,457 256,672  
Reconciliation Of Restaurant-Level EBITDA To Operating Income (Loss)	   12 Weeks Ended  March 21, 2017 March 22, 2016   Net income $ 3,310 $ 5,411  Income tax expense 1,086 2,437  Net income before income taxes 4,396 7,848  Interest expense, net of capitalized interest 10 31  Other 2 —  Operating income 4,408 7,879  Pre-opening costs 389 94  General and administrative costs 6,311 5,750  Consulting project costs 2,036 —  Lease termination and closing costs (2) 21  Depreciation and amortization 4,816 4,285  Restaurant-level EBITDA $ 17,958 $ 18,029  

Business And Basis Of Present21

Business And Basis Of Presentation (Details)	Mar. 21, 2017store
Business And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Number of restaurants owned and operated	53
Restaurant operated in number of states	24
Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House [Member]
Business And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Number of restaurants owned and operated	12
Sullivan's [Member]
Business And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Number of restaurants owned and operated	18
Grille [Member]
Business And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Number of restaurants owned and operated	23

Earnings Per Share (Narrative)

Earnings Per Share (Narrative) (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 21, 2017	Mar. 22, 2016
Restricted Stock [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share	29,071	71,448
Options To Purchase [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share	568,457	653,668

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
	Mar. 21, 2017	Mar. 22, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income	$ 3,310	$ 5,411
Shares:
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding	23,059,363	23,315,077
Dilutive shares	217,179	83,038
Total Diluted Shares	23,276,542	23,398,115
Basic earnings per common share	$ 0.14	$ 0.23
Diluted earnings per common share	$ 0.14	$ 0.23

Stock-Based Employee Compensa24

Stock-Based Employee Compensation (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 21, 2017	Dec. 27, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding options	866,450	927,675
Shares of unvested non-option shares outstanding	520,428	345,519
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 issuable upon exercise of outstanding options	866,450
Shares of unvested non-option shares outstanding	520,428
Shares of common stock available for future grants	773,509
Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grants under the company's equity incentive plan, vesting period	1 year
Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grants under the company's equity incentive plan, vesting period	4 years
Stock options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options	$ 0.4
Cost is expected to be recognized	7 months 6 days
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options	$ 6.1
Cost is expected to be recognized	2 years 7 months 6 days

Stock-Based Employee Compensa25

Stock-Based Employee Compensation (Stock Compensation Cost) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 21, 2017	Mar. 22, 2016
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock compensation cost	$ 533	$ 653
Restaurant Operating Expenses [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock compensation cost	73	93
General And Administrative Costs [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock compensation cost	$ 460	$ 560

Stock-Based Employee Compensa26

Stock-Based Employee Compensation (Summary of Restricted Stock Activity) (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 21, 2017USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Stock-Based Employee Compensation [Abstract]
Outstanding at beginning of period, Shares | shares	345,519
Granted, Shares | shares	203,495
Vested, Shares | shares	(10,382)
Forfeited, Shares | shares	(18,204)
Outstanding at end of period, Shares | shares	520,428
Outstanding at beginning of period, Weighted average grant date fair value | $ / shares	$ 12.57
Weighted average grant date fair value | $ / shares	17.15
Vested, Weighted average grant date fair value | $ / shares	16.79
Forfeited, Weighted average grant date fair value | $ / shares	16.92
Outstanding at end of period, Weighted average grant date fair value | $ / shares	$ 14.13
Outstanding at end of period, Aggregate intrinsic value | $	$ 9,081

Stock-Based Employee Compensa27

Stock-Based Employee Compensation (Summary Of Stock Option Activity) (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 21, 2017USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Stock-Based Employee Compensation [Abstract]
Outstanding at beginning of period, Shares | shares	927,675
Exercised, Shares | shares	(30,100)
Forfeited, Shares | shares	(31,125)
Outstanding at end of period, Shares | shares	866,450
Options exercisable at end of period, Shares | shares	735,075
Outstanding at beginning of period, Weighted average exercise price | $ / shares	$ 18.33
Exercised, Weighted average exercise price | $ / shares	13
Forfeited, Weighted average exercise price | $ / shares	21
Outstanding at end of period, Weighted average exercise price | $ / shares	18.42
Options exercisable at end of period, Weighted average exercise price | $ / shares	$ 17.95
Outstanding at end of period, Weighted average Remaining Contractual Term	5 years 6 months
Options exercisable at end of period, Weighted average Remaining Contractual Term	5 years 3 months 18 days
Outstanding at end of period, Aggregate Intrinsic Value | $	$ 1,314
Options exercisable at end of period, Aggregate Intrinsic Value | $	$ 1,308

Stock-Based Employee Compensa28

Stock-Based Employee Compensation (Summary Of Non-Vested Stock Options) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 21, 2017$ / sharesshares
Stock-Based Employee Compensation [Abstract]
Non-vested stock options at beginning of period, Shares | shares	151,625
Non-vested stock options, Vested, Shares | shares	(3,000)
Non-vested stock options, Forfeited, Shares | shares	(17,250)
Non-vested stock options at end of period, Shares | shares	131,375
Non-vested stock options at beginning of period, Weighted average grant date fair value | $ / shares	$ 8.44
Non-vested stock options, Vested, Weighted average grant date fair value | $ / shares	9.99
Non-vested stock options, Forfeited, Weighted average grant date fair value | $ / shares	8.50
Non-vested stock options at end of period, Weighted average grant date fair value | $ / shares	$ 8.40

Long-Term Debt (Details)

Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 21, 2016	Mar. 21, 2017	Dec. 27, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Fixed charge coverage ratio		1.25%	2.00%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Three-year Unsecured [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility - current borrowing capacity		$ 6,800,000
LIBOR interest rate		Borrowings under the credit facility bear interest, at the option of the Company, based on (i) LIBOR plus 1.50% or (ii) the prime rate as defined in the credit facility.
Percentage of commitment fee paid on unused revolving loan facility		0.25%
Revolving credit facility, amount outstanding		$ 22,000,000	$ 0
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Second Amendment [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility maturity date	Oct. 15, 2019
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	$ 1,200,000

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 21, 2017	Mar. 22, 2016
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Effective income tax benefit rate	24.70%	31.10%
Income tax expense at federal statutory rate, percentage	35.00%

Fair Value Measurement (Narrati

Fair Value Measurement (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 21, 2017	Mar. 22, 2016
Fair Value Measurement [Abstract]
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) - Fair Value Measurements Level 2 [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 21, 2017	Dec. 27, 2016
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation plan investments (included in Other assets)	$ 15,501	$ 15,054
Deferred compensation plan liabilities (included in Other liabilities)	$ 13,684	$ 15,212

Segment Reporting (Schedule Of

Segment Reporting (Schedule Of Segment Reporting Information By Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 21, 2017	Mar. 22, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 83,890	$ 81,194
Restaurant-level EBITDA	17,958	18,029
Capital expenditures	11,785	2,769
Property and equipment	295,909	256,672
Del Frisco's [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	39,760	38,343
Restaurant-level EBITDA	10,698	10,713
Capital expenditures	4,475	1,284
Property and equipment	120,349	105,788
Sullivan's [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	17,782	18,901
Restaurant-level EBITDA	3,498	3,548
Capital expenditures	3,916	208
Property and equipment	53,299	47,786
Grille [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	26,348	23,950
Restaurant-level EBITDA	3,762	3,768
Capital expenditures	3,287	1,270
Property and equipment	119,728	100,641
Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Capital expenditures	107	7
Property and equipment	$ 2,533	$ 2,457

Segment Reporting (Reconciliati

Segment Reporting (Reconciliation Of Net Income To Restaurant-Level EBITDA) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 21, 2017	Mar. 22, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Net income	$ 3,310	$ 5,411
Income tax expense	1,086	2,437
Income before income taxes	4,396	7,848
Interest expense, net of capitalized interest	10	31
Other	2
Operating income	4,408	7,879
Pre-opening costs	389	94
General and administrative costs	6,311	5,750
Consulting project costs	2,036
Lease termination and closing costs	(2)	21
Depreciation and amortization	4,816	4,285
Restaurant-level EBITDA	$ 17,958	$ 18,029

Commitments And Contingencies (

Commitments And Contingencies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 21, 2017	Dec. 27, 2016
Letters Of Credit [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Outstanding letters of credit	$ 1.2	$ 1.2

Related Party Transactions (Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) - Fidelity National Financial, Inc. Member $ in Millions	Mar. 10, 2017USD ($)shares
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares | shares	1,200,000
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value | $	$ 20.3