The Chefs' Warehouse, Inc. (CHEF) 10-Q5 Nov 142014 Q3 Quarterly reportFinancial data

Company Profile

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information	Sep. 26, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'Chefs' Warehouse, Inc.	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001517175	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-26	'
Document Period End Date	26-Sep-14	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Entity a Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'No	'
Entity a Voluntary Filer	'No	'
Entity's Reporting Status Current	'Yes	'
Trading Symbol	'chef	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	25,057,511

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (USD $)	Sep. 26, 2014	Dec. 27, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 26, 2014	Dec. 27, 2013
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$5,157	$20,014
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $4,766 in 2014 and $3,642 in 2013	88,299	76,413
Inventories, net	70,553	64,710
Deferred taxes, net	3,635	2,708
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	11,091	16,250
Total current assets	178,735	180,095
Restricted cash	'	5,578
Equipment and leasehold improvements, net	40,633	27,589
Software costs, net	4,701	2,265
Goodwill	77,532	78,026
Intangible assets, net	52,948	57,450
Other assets	3,683	3,755
Total assets	358,232	354,758
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	32,082	33,925
Accrued liabilities	16,420	15,803
Accrued compensation	6,209	5,996
Current portion of long-term debt	7,252	6,867
Total current liabilities	61,963	62,591
Long-term debt, net of current portion	137,565	140,847
Deferred taxes, net	8,580	8,338
Other liabilities and deferred credits	8,929	10,917
Total liabilities	217,037	222,693
Commitments and contingencies:	'	'
Stockholders' equity:	'	'
Preferred Stock - $0.01 par value,5,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding September 26, 2014 and December 27, 2013	'	'
Common Stock - $0.01 par value,100,000,000 shares authorized, 25,051,361 and 25,032,216 shares issued and outstanding September 26, 2014 and December 27, 2013, respectively	251	250
Additional paid in capital	97,518	96,973
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment	-646	-214
Retained earnings	44,072	35,056
Stockholders' equity	141,195	132,065
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$358,232	$354,758

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 26, 2014	Dec. 27, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 26, 2014	Dec. 27, 2013
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Allowance for accounts receivable	$4,766	$3,642
Preferred stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	25,051,361	25,032,216
Common stock, shares outstanding	25,051,361	25,032,216

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$208,070	$170,581	$608,397	$480,158
Cost of sales	157,377	126,624	459,234	357,068
Gross profit	50,693	43,957	149,163	123,090
Operating expenses	41,660	34,522	127,824	96,701
Operating income	9,033	9,435	21,339	26,389
Interest expense	1,896	2,328	6,063	5,598
(Gain) loss on asset disposal	5	'	-6	4
Income before income taxes	7,132	7,107	15,282	20,787
Provision for income tax expense	2,925	2,947	6,266	8,633
Net income	4,207	4,160	9,016	12,154
Other comprehensive (loss) income :	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-394	142	-432	-195
Comprehensive income	$3,813	$4,302	$8,584	$11,959
Net income per share:	'	'	'	'
Basic	$0.17	$0.20	$0.37	$0.58
Diluted	$0.17	$0.20	$0.36	$0.58
Weighted average common shares outstanding:	'	'	'	'
Basic	24,649,837	20,928,148	24,631,934	20,819,209
Diluted	24,845,899	21,145,159	24,845,212	21,052,560

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income	$9,016	$12,154
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation	2,230	1,925
Amortization	4,405	3,537
Provision for allowance for doubtful accounts	759	443
Deferred credits	-50	282
Deferred taxes	-1,199	228
Amortization of deferred financing fees	640	405
Stock compensation	1,032	892
Change in fair value of earnouts	324	49
(Gain) loss on asset disposal	-6	4
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:	'	'
Accounts receivable	-12,482	-2,136
Inventories	-6,013	-1,262
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	5,280	-133
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	-2,696	-1,448
Other liabilities	-92	26
Other assets	-520	-218
Net cash provided by operating activities	628	14,748
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Capital expenditures	-15,775	-5,660
Proceeds from asset disposals	50	'
Purchase price adjustment (Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash received)	400	-54,364
Net cash used in investing activities	-15,325	-60,024
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Payment of debt	-5,211	-3,652
Net proceeds from secondary offering	'	75,060
Proceeds from senior secured notes	'	100,000
Payment of deferred financing fees	'	-1,230
Surrender of shares to pay withholding taxes	-486	-270
Change in restricted cash	5,578	4,800
Borrowings under revolving credit line	'	70,800
Payments under revolving credit line	'	-145,800
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	-119	99,708
Effect of foreign currency on cash and cash equivalents	-41	66
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-14,857	54,498
Cash and cash equivalents-beginning of period	20,014	118
Cash and cash equivalents-end of period	5,157	54,616
Supplemental cash flow disclosures:	'	'
Cash paid for income taxes	8,785	9,160
Cash paid for interest	5,957	4,047
Noncash investing activity:	'	'
Software financing	$2,304	$1,944

Operations_and_Basis_of_Presen

Operations and Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
Operations and Basis of Presentation	Sep. 26, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Operations and Basis of Presentation	'
	Note 1—Operations and Basis of Presentation

	Description of Business and Basis of Presentation

	The financial statements include the condensed consolidated accounts of The Chefs' Warehouse, Inc. (the "Company") and its direct and indirect wholly owned subsidiaries. The Company's quarterly periods end on the thirteenth Friday of each quarter. Every six to seven years the Company will add a fourteenth week to its fourth quarter to more closely align its year end to the calendar year. The Company operates in one segment, food product distribution. The Company's customer base consists primarily of menu-driven independent restaurants, fine dining establishments, country clubs, hotels, caterers, patisseries, bakeries, chocolatiers, cruise lines, casinos, culinary schools, specialty food stores and, in the case of the Company's Allen Brothers 1893, LLC ("Allen Brothers") subsidiary, individual customers.

	Consolidation
	The condensed consolidated financial statements include all the accounts of the Company and its direct and indirect wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
	Unaudited Interim Financial Statements
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the related interim information contained within the notes to such condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and the applicable rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for interim information and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and disclosures required by GAAP for complete financial statements. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2013 filed as part of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the SEC on March 12, 2014.
	The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements appearing in this Form 10-Q have been prepared on the same basis as the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the SEC on March 12, 2014, and in the opinion of management include all normal recurring adjustments that are necessary for the fair statement of the Company’s interim period results. The year-end condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from the audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP. Due to seasonal fluctuations and other factors, the results of operations for the 13 and 39 weeks ended September 26, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from management’s estimates.
	New Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance to clarify the principles for recognizing revenue. This guidance includes the required steps to achieve the core principle that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This guidance is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is not permitted. We expect to adopt this guidance when effective, and are still evaluating the impact this standard will have on our financial statements.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
Earnings Per Share	Sep. 26, 2014
Net income per share:	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	Note 2—Earnings Per Share

	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income per share:


		13 Weeks Ended				39 Weeks Ended
			26-Sep-14		27-Sep-13		26-Sep-14		27-Sep-13
	Net income	$	4,207	$	4,160	$	9,016	$	12,154
	Net income per share:
	Basic	$	0.17	$	0.2	$	0.37	$	0.58
	Diluted	$	0.17	$	0.2	$	0.36	$	0.58
	Weighted average common shares:
	Basic		24,649,837		20,928,148		24,631,934		20,819,209
	Diluted		24,845,899		21,145,159		24,845,212		21,052,560


	Reconciliation of net income per common share:


		13 Weeks Ended				39 Weeks Ended
			26-Sep-14		27-Sep-13		26-Sep-14		27-Sep-13
	Numerator:
	Net income	$	4,207	$	4,160	$	9,016	$	12,154
	Denominator:
	Weighted average basic common shares outstanding		24,649,837		20,928,148		24,631,934		20,819,209
	Dilutive effect of unvested common shares		196,062		217,011		213,278		233,351
	Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding		24,845,899		21,145,159		24,845,212		21,052,560

Fair_Value_Measurements_Fair_V

Fair Value Measurements; Fair Value of Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements; Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	Note 3—Fair Value Measurements; Fair Value of Financial Instruments


	We account for certain assets and liabilities at fair value. We categorize each of our fair value measurements in one of the following three levels based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety:
	Level 1—Inputs to the valuation methodology are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets.
	Level 2—Observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities include the following:
		a)	quoted prices for similar assets in active markets;
		b)	quoted prices for identical or similar assets in inactive markets;
		c)	inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset; and
		d)	inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.
	If the asset has a specified (contractual) term, the Level 2 input must be observable for substantially the full term of the asset.
	Level 3—Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable (i.e., supported by little or no market activity) and significant to the fair value measure.
	Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value
	As of September 26, 2014 the Company’s only assets or liabilities measured at fair value were the contingent earn-out liabilities for the Queensgate Foodservice (“Queensgate”) and Allen Brothers acquisitions. These liabilities were estimated using Level 3 inputs and had fair values of $984 and $6,622 at September 26, 2014, respectively, for Queensgate and Allen Brothers. These liabilities are reflected in accrued liabilities and other liabilities on the balance sheet. The fair value of contingent consideration was determined based on a probability-based approach which includes projected results, percentage probability of occurrence and discount rate to present value the payments. A significant change in projected results, discount rate, or probabilities of occurrence could result in a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement. As of December 27, 2013, the contingent earnout liabilities for the Queensgate and Allen Brothers acquisitions were $960 and $6,322, respectively, and were reflected in other liabilities on the balance sheet. The increases in the earn-out liabilities resulted in increases in operating expenses of $65 and $324 for the 13 and 39 weeks ended September 26, 2014, respectively.

	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	The carrying amounts reported in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets for accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value due to the immediate to short-term maturity of these financial instruments. The fair value of the term loan approximated its book value as of September 26, 2014 and December 27, 2013, as this instrument had a variable interest rate that reflected the current market rate. The carrying amount of the Company’s senior secured notes at September 26, 2014 and December 27, 2013 approximates fair value as the interest rate obtained by the Company approximates the prevailing interest rates for similar instruments.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	9 Months Ended
Acquisitions	Sep. 26, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Acquisitions	'
	Note 4—Acquisitions
	The Company accounts for acquisitions in accordance with ASC 805 “Business Combinations”. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet at their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date. Results of operations are included in the Company’s financial statements from the date of acquisition. For the acquisitions noted below, the Company used the income approach to determine the fair value of the customer relationships, the relief from royalty method to determine the fair value of trademarks and the comparison of economic income using the with/without approach to determine the fair value of non-compete agreements. The Company used Level 3 inputs to determine the fair value of all these intangible assets.
	On December 11, 2013, the Company acquired substantially all the assets of Allen Brothers (and its subsidiaries) based in Chicago, Illinois. Founded in 1893, Allen Brothers is a leading processor and distributor of premium quality meats to the nation’s finest restaurants, hotels, casinos and country clubs. In addition, Allen Brothers supplies many of those same high quality products to consumers through a direct mail and e-commerce platform. The total purchase price for the business is expected to be approximately $33,139 (subject to customary working capital adjustments), of which $23,939 was paid at closing with cash proceeds from the Company’s September 2013 common stock offering. The remaining $9,200 represents pension withdrawal liabilities of $2,878 assumed by the Company and contingent earnout consideration with a present value of $6,322 as of the closing, to be paid upon the achievement of certain EBITDA and revenue milestones over the four-year period following the closing. At December 11, 2013, the Company estimated the fair value of this contingent consideration to be $6,322 based upon the most likely expected payout. This contingent liability is adjusted to fair value on a quarterly basis and is estimated to be $6,622 at September 26, 2014. The Company expensed $300 of professional fees in operating expenses related to the acquisition during the year ended December 27, 2013. The Company is in the process of finalizing a valuation of the tangible and intangible assets of Allen Brothers as of the acquisition date. These assets will be valued at fair value using Level 3 inputs. Other intangible assets are expected to be amortized over 10 years. Goodwill for the Allen Brothers acquisition will be amortized over 15 years for tax purposes.
	On May 1, 2013, the Company acquired 100% of the equity interests of Qzina Specialty Foods North America Inc. (“Qzina”), a British Columbia, Canada corporation based in Pompano Beach, Florida. Founded in 1982, Qzina is a leading supplier of gourmet chocolate, dessert and pastry products dedicated to the pastry professional. At the time of its acquisition, Qzina supplied some of the finest restaurants, bakeries, patisseries, chocolatiers, hotels and cruise lines throughout the U.S. and Canada. The total purchase price for Qzina was approximately $31,396, net of $578 of cash, and was funded with borrowings under the revolving credit facility portion of the Company’s senior secured credit facilities. In the third quarter of 2014, the Company received a settlement of $491 from the prior owners of Qzina directly related to disputes regarding the working capital adjustment. The Company reduced goodwill by $400 and used $91 to offset legal fees that were incurred in connection with the dispute. The Company expensed $149 of legal fees in operating expenses related to the acquisition in the year ended December 27, 2013. The Company has completed a formal valuation of the tangible and intangible assets of Qzina as of the acquisition date. These assets were valued at fair value using Level 3 inputs. Other intangible assets consist of trademarks, which will be amortized over 20 years, customer relationships, which will be amortized over 20 years, and covenants not to compete, which will be amortized over 2-5 years. Goodwill for the Qzina acquisition will not be deductible for tax purposes.
	On December 31, 2012, the Company purchased substantially all the assets of Queensgate, a foodservice distributor based in Cincinnati, Ohio. The purchase price for Queensgate was approximately $21,934, which the Company financed with borrowings under the revolving credit facility portion of the Company’s then-existing senior secured credit facilities. Additionally, the purchase price may have been increased by up to $2,400 based upon the achievement of certain EBITDA milestones over a two-year period following the closing. At December 31, 2012, the Company estimated the fair value of this contingent consideration to be $2,118 based upon the most likely expected payout. This contingent liability is adjusted to fair value on a quarterly basis and is estimated to be $984 at September 26, 2014. Queensgate did not meet the targeted EBITDA thresholds requiring payment for fiscal 2013 results, and the liability for this portion of the earnout was taken into income during 2013. The Company expensed $69 of legal fees in operating expenses related to the acquisition in the year ended December 27, 2013. The Company has completed a formal valuation of the tangible and intangible assets of Queensgate. These assets were valued at fair value using Level 3 inputs. Other intangible assets consist of customer relationships, which will be amortized over 7 years, and covenants not to compete, which will be amortized over 5 years. Goodwill for the Queensgate acquisition will be amortized for tax purposes over 15 years.
	In the third quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company received a payment of approximately $1,500 from the former owners of Michael’s Finer Meats (“Michael’s”), which the Company acquired in August 2012, related to the settlement of a dispute associated with the inventory issues we experienced at Michael’s. This settlement was recorded as a reduction of operating expenses.
	The table below details the assets and liabilities acquired as part of the acquisitions of Allen Brothers, which was effective as of December 9, 2013, Qzina, which was effective as of May 1, 2013 and Queensgate, which was effective as of December 31, 2012, and the allocation of the purchase price paid in connection with these acquisitions.
		Allen Brothers			Qzina			Queensgate
	Current assets (includes cash acquired)	$	15,797		$	22,498		$	4,140
	Customer relationships		—			6,070			1,520
	Trademarks		—			4,411			—
	Goodwill		10,952			5,445			15,243
	Other intangibles		9,275			—			—
	Non-compete agreement		—			2,480			2,920
	Fixed assets		4,518			906			1,909
	Other assets		33			—			—
	Deferred tax liability		—			(4,302	)		(863	)
	Capital leases		—			(137	)		—
	Earn-out liability		(6,322	)		—			(2,118	)
	Pension exit liability		(2,878	)		—			—
	Unfavorable leases		—			(6	)		—
	Current liabilities		(7,436	)		(5,391	)		(817	)
	Cash purchase price	$	23,939		$	31,974		$	21,934
	The table below presents pro forma consolidated income statement information as if Qzina and Allen Brothers had been included in the Company’s consolidated results for fiscal 2013. The pro forma results were prepared from financial information obtained from the sellers of the business, as well as information obtained during the due diligence process associated with the acquisitions. The pro forma information has been prepared using the purchase method of accounting, giving effect to the acquisitions as if the acquisitions had been completed on December 29, 2012. The pro forma information is not necessarily indicative of the Company’s results of operations had the acquisitions been completed on the above date, nor is it necessarily indicative of the Company’s future results. The pro forma information does not reflect any cost savings from operating efficiencies or synergies that could result from the acquisitions and also does not reflect additional revenue opportunities following the acquisitions. The pro forma information reflects amortization and depreciation of the acquisitions at their respective fair values based on available information and to give effect to the financing for the acquisitions and related transactions.
		13 Weeks Ended			39 Weeks Ended
		27-Sep-13			27-Sep-13

	Net sales	$	188,634		$	556,100

	Income before provision for income taxes		7,220			21,479

Inventory

Inventory	9 Months Ended
Inventory	Sep. 26, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventory	'
	Note 5—Inventory
	Inventory consists of finished product and is recorded on a first-in, first-out basis. Inventory is reflected net of reserves for shrinkage and obsolescence totaling $1,054 and $683 at September 26, 2014 and December 27, 2013, respectively.

Restricted_Cash

Restricted Cash	9 Months Ended
Restricted Cash	Sep. 26, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]	'
Restricted Cash	'
	Note 6—Restricted Cash
	On April 26, 2012, Dairyland HP LLC (“DHP”) entered into a financing arrangement under the New Markets Tax Credit (“NMTC”) program under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), pursuant to which Commercial Lending II LLC (“CLII”), a community development entity and a subsidiary of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., provided to DHP an $11,000 construction loan (the “NMTC Loan”) to help fund DHP’s expansion and build-out of the Company’s new Bronx, NY distribution facility. As of September 26, 2014, these funds have been fully utilized. Prior to their use, the proceeds from this loan were reflected as restricted cash on the balance sheet. For more information on the NMTC Loan see Note 9.

Equipment_and_Leasehold_Improv

Equipment and Leasehold Improvements	9 Months Ended
Equipment and Leasehold Improvements	Sep. 26, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Equipment and Leasehold Improvements	'
	Note 7—Equipment and Leasehold Improvements
	As of the dates indicated, plant, equipment and leasehold improvements consisted of the following:
			As of
		Useful Lives	September 26,			December 27,
		Useful Lives	2014			2013
	Land	Indefinite	$	1,464		$	1,464
	Buildings	20 years		3,672			3,672
	Machinery and equipment	5-10 years		7,218			7,111
	Computers, data processing and other equipment	3-7 years		6,265			6,006
	Leasehold improvements	7-15 years		9,039			9,091
	Furniture and fixtures	7 years		887			622
	Vehicles	5 years		969			1,001
	Other	7 years		95			95
	Construction-in-process			28,532			14,414
				58,141			43,476
	Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization			(17,508	)		(15,887	)
	Equipment and leasehold improvements, net		$	40,633		$	27,589
	Construction-in-process at September 26, 2014 and December 27, 2013 related primarily to the build out of the Company’s new distribution facilities in Bronx, NY and Las Vegas, NV, and the implementation of its JD Edwards ERP system. The Company expects to spend approximately $14,000 in addition to what was already spent to complete these projects by the middle of 2015.
	At September 26, 2014 and December 27, 2013, the Company had $820 of equipment and vehicles financed by capital leases. The Company recorded depreciation of $68 and $52 on these assets during the 13 weeks ended September 26, 2014 and September 27, 2013, respectively, and $205 and $159 on these assets during the 39 weeks ended September 26, 2014 and September 27, 2013, respectively.
	Depreciation expense on equipment and leasehold improvements was $207 and $520 for the 13 weeks ended September 26, 2014 and September 27, 2013, respectively, and $1,477 and $1,597 for the 39 weeks ended September 26, 2014 and September 27, 2013, respectively.
	Gross capitalized software costs were $6,820 at September 26, 2014 and $3,837 at December 27, 2013. Capitalized software is recorded net of accumulated amortization of $2,120 and $1,572 at September 26, 2014 and December 27, 2013, respectively. Depreciation expense on software was $375 and $55 for the 13 weeks ended September 26, 2014 and September 27, 2013, respectively, and $548 and $169 for the 39 weeks ended September 26, 2014 and September 27, 2013, respectively.
	During the 13 weeks ended September 26, 2014 and September 27, 2013, the Company incurred interest expense of $1,896 and $2,238, respectively. The Company capitalized interest expense of $265 and $27, respectively, during the same periods. During the 39 weeks ended September 26, 2014 and September 27, 2013, the Company incurred interest expense of $6,063 and $5,598, respectively. The Company capitalized interest expense of $507 and $55, respectively, during the same periods. Capitalized interest related to the build outs of the new distribution facilities in Bronx, NY and Las Vegas, NV.

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Sep. 26, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	'
	Note 8—Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill are presented as follows:
	Carrying amount as of December 28, 2012	$	45,359
	Goodwill increases		32,719
	Foreign currency translation		(52	)
	Carrying amount as of December 27, 2013		78,026
	Goodwill decreases		(455	)
	Foreign currency translation		(39	)
	Carrying amount as of September 26, 2014	$	77,532

	Other intangible assets consist of customer relationships, which are amortized over a period ranging from 6 to 13 years, trademarks, which are amortized over a period ranging from 1 to 20 years, and non-compete agreements, which are amortized over a period of 2 to 6 years. Other intangible assets consisted of the following at September 26, 2014 and December 27, 2013:

		Gross Carrying Amount			Accumulated Amortization			Net
		Gross Carrying Amount			Accumulated Amortization			Amount
	26-Sep-14
	Customer relationships	$	29,302		$	(6,082	)	$	23,220
	Non-compete agreements		7,131			(2,471	)		4,660
	Other amortizable intangibles		9,275			(748	)		8,527
	Trademarks		18,705			(2,164	)		16,541
	Total	$	64,413		$	(11,465	)	$	52,948
	December 27, 2013
	Customer relationships	$	29,438		$	(4,199	)	$	25,239
	Non-compete agreements		7,131			(1,412	)		5,719
	Other amortizable intangibles		9,275			(54	)		9,221
	Trademarks		18,804			(1,533	)		17,271
	Total	$	64,648		$	(7,198	)	$	57,450
	Amortization expense for other intangibles was $1,468 and $1,235 for the 13 weeks ended September 26, 2014 and September 27, 2013, respectively, and $4,405 and $3,537 for the 39 weeks ended September 26, 2014 and September 27, 2013, respectively.
	Estimated amortization expense for other intangibles for the 52 weeks ended December 26, 2014 and each of the next four fiscal years and thereafter is as follows:
	2014		$	5,874
	2015			5,850
	2016			5,830
	2017			5,794
	2018			4,655
	Thereafter			29,350
	Total		$	57,353

Debt_Obligations

Debt Obligations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 26, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Debt Obligations	'
	Note 9—Debt Obligations
	Debt obligations as of September 26, 2014 and December 27, 2013 consisted of the following:
		September 26,			December 27,
		2014			2013
	Senior secured notes	$	100,000		$	100,000
	Term loan		28,500			33,000
	New Markets Tax Credit loan		11,000			11,000
	Capital leases and financed software		5,317			3,714
	Total debt obligations		144,817			147,714
	Less: current installments		(7,252	)		(6,867	)
	Total debt obligations excluding current installments	$	137,565		$	140,847
	On April 25, 2012, Dairyland USA Corporation (“Dairyland”), The Chefs’ Warehouse Mid-Atlantic, LLC, Bel Canto Foods, LLC, The Chefs’ Warehouse West Coast, LLC, The Chefs’ Warehouse of Florida, LLC (each, a “Borrower” and collectively, the “Borrowers”), the Company and Chefs’ Warehouse Parent, LLC (together with the Company, the “Guarantors”) entered into a senior secured credit facility (the “Credit Agreement”) with the lenders from time to time party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (“Chase”), as Administrative Agent, and the other parties thereto. The Credit Agreement replaced the credit agreement that the Borrowers and the Guarantors entered into in connection with the Company’s initial public offering. On August 29, 2012, Michael’s Finer Meats Holdings, LLC and Michael’s Finer Meats, LLC each was added as a Guarantor under the Credit Agreement. On January 24, 2013, The Chefs’ Warehouse Midwest, LLC was added as a Guarantor under the Credit Agreement.
	The Credit Agreement provided for a senior secured term loan facility (the “Term Loan Facility”) in the aggregate amount of up to $40,000 (the loans thereunder, the “Term Loans”) and a senior secured revolving loan facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility” and, together with the Term Loan Facility, the “Credit Facilities”) of up to an aggregate amount of $100,000 (the loans thereunder, the “Revolving Credit Loans”). The Credit Agreement also provided that the Borrowers could, at their option, increase the aggregate amount of borrowings under either the Revolving Credit Facility or the Term Loan Facility in an aggregate amount up to $40,000 (but in not less than $10,000 increments) (the “Accordion”) without the consent of any lenders not participating in such increase, subject to certain customary conditions and lenders committing to provide the increase in funding. The final maturity of the Term Loans and Revolving Credit Facility was April 25, 2017. Subject to adjustment for prepayments, the Company was required to make quarterly principal payments on the Term Loans on June 30, September 30, December 31 and March 31, with the first four quarterly payments equal to $1,000 per quarter and the last sixteen quarterly payments equal to $1,500 per quarter, with the remaining balance due upon maturity.
	The Credit Facilities were secured by substantially all the assets of the Borrowers and the Guarantors with the exception of equity interests in and assets of DHP. Borrowings under the Credit Facilities bore interest at the Company’s option of either (i) the alternate base rate (representing the greatest of (1) Chase’s prime rate, (2) the federal funds effective rate for overnight borrowings plus 1/2 of 1% and (3) the Adjusted LIBO Rate for one month plus 2.50%) plus in each case the applicable margin of 0.50% for Revolving Credit Loans or Term Loans or (ii), in the case of Eurodollar Borrowings (as defined in the Credit Agreement), the Adjusted LIBO Rate plus the applicable margin of 3.0% for Revolving Credit Loans or Term Loans. The Credit Agreement also included financial covenants that required the Company to meet targeted leverage and fixed charge ratios.
	On September 28, 2012, the Borrowers exercised the Accordion under the Credit Agreement in full to increase the aggregate commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility by $40,000. As a result of the Borrowers’ exercise of the Accordion, borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Loans increased from $100,000 to $140,000. All other terms of the Credit Agreement were unchanged.
	On April 26, 2012, DHP entered into a financing arrangement under the NMTC program under the Code, pursuant to which CLII provided to DHP the NMTC Loan to help fund DHP’s expansion and build-out of its new Bronx, NY facility, which construction is required under the lease agreement related to such facility. The NMTC Loan is evidenced by a Mortgage Note, dated as of April 26, 2012 (the “Mortgage Note”), between DHP, as maker, and CLII, as payee. Under the Mortgage Note, DHP is obligated to pay CLII (i) monthly interest payments on the principal balance then outstanding and (ii) the entire unpaid principal balance then due and owing on April 26, 2017. Interest accrues under the Mortgage Note at 1.00% per annum for as long as DHP is not in default thereunder, which interest shall be calculated on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed over a year of 360 days.
	On April 17, 2013, the Borrowers, the Guarantors and the lenders a party thereto entered into an Amendment and Restatement Agreement to amend and restate the Credit Agreement (the “Amended and Restated Credit Agreement”). On May 31, 2013, Qzina Specialty Foods North America (USA), Inc., QZ Acquisition (USA), Inc., The Chefs’ Warehouse Pastry Division, Inc., Qzina Specialty Foods (Ambassador), Inc., Qzina Specialty Foods, Inc. (WA), and Qzina Specialty Foods, Inc. (FL) were added as Guarantors under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. On October 18, 2013, CW LV Real Estate LLC was added as a Guarantor under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. On January 10, 2014, Allen Brothers and The Great Steakhouse Steaks, LLC were added as Guarantors under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement.
	The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement amends and restates the Term Loan Facility and the Revolving Credit Facility. The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement provides for $36,000 in principal amount of Term Loans under the Term Loan Facility and up to an aggregate amount of $140,000 of Revolving Credit Loans under the Revolving Credit Facility. The sublimits for letters of credit and swingline loans under the Credit Facilities were unchanged. Unutilized commitments under the revolving credit facility portion of the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement are subject to a per annum fee of 0.35% to 0.45%, based on the Company’s leverage ratio. A fronting fee of 0.25% per annum is payable on the face amount of each letter of credit issued under the Credit Facilities.
	The final maturity of the Credit Facilities remains April 25, 2017. Subject to adjustment for prepayments, the Company is required to make quarterly principal payments on the Term Loan on June 30, September 30, December 31 and March 31 of each year, with each quarterly payment equal to $1,500, with the remaining balance due upon maturity.
	After giving effect to the amendment and restatement thereof, borrowings under the Credit Facilities continue to be secured by all the assets of the Borrowers and Guarantors, with the exception of the equity interests in and assets of DHP, and borrowings thereunder will bear interest at the Company’s option of either (i) the alternate base rate (representing the greatest of (1) Chase’s prime rate, (2) the federal funds effective rate for overnight borrowings plus 1/2 of 1.00% and (3) the adjusted LIBO rate for one month plus 2.50%) plus in each case an applicable margin of from 1.75% to 2.25%, based on the Company’s leverage ratio, or (ii) in the case of Eurodollar Borrowings (as defined in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement), the adjusted LIBO rate plus an applicable margin of from 2.75% to 3.25%, based on the Company’s leverage ratio. The LIBO rate is the rate for eurodollar deposits for a period equal to one, three or six months (as selected by the applicable Borrower) appearing on Reuters Screen LIBOR01 Page (or any successor or substitute page on such screen), at approximately 11:00 a.m. London time, two business days prior to the commencement of the applicable interest period. The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement also includes financial covenants that require the Company to meet targeted leverage and fixed charge ratios.
	On April 17, 2013, the Borrowers issued $100,000 in guaranteed senior secured notes (the “Notes”) to The Prudential Insurance Company of America and certain of its affiliates (collectively the “Prudential Entities”), through a private placement transaction pursuant to a Note Purchase and Guarantee Agreement among the Borrowers, the Notes Guarantors (as defined below) and the Prudential Entities (the “Note Purchase and Guarantee Agreement”). The Notes bear an annual interest rate of 5.9% and mature in 2023. The Notes must be repaid in two equal installments of $50,000. The first payment is due on April 17, 2018. The second payment is due at maturity on April 17, 2023. The proceeds from the private placement of the Notes were used to repay borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility. The Notes have financial covenants that are substantially similar to the financial covenants for the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and are guaranteed by the Guarantors including those of the Company’s subsidiaries added as Guarantors following the issuance of the Notes (collectively, the “Notes Guarantors”).
	On July 23, 2014, the Borrowers, Chase and the lenders that are party to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement entered into Amendment No. 1 (“Amendment No. 1 to the Credit Agreement”) to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement to permit a subsidiary of the Company to incur up to $15,000 of permitted indebtedness and associated liens to obtain construction and permit mortgage financing for a new warehouse facility in Las Vegas, NV and to increase the basket for additional indebtedness that is not otherwise permitted by the terms of the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement from $5,000 to $10,000. Each of the Guarantors consented to the Borrowers’ entering into Amendment No. 1 to the Credit Agreement.
	On July 23, 2014, the Borrowers, the Notes Guarantors and the Prudential Entities entered into Amendment No. 1 to the Note Purchase and Guarantee Agreement to permit a subsidiary of the Company to incur up to $15,000 of indebtedness and associated liens to obtain construction and permit mortgage financing for a new warehouse in Las Vegas, NV and to increase the basket for additional indebtedness that is not otherwise permitted by the terms of the Note Purchase and Guarantee Agreement from $5,000 to $10,000.

	On November 4, 2014, the Borrowers, Chase and the lenders that are party to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement entered into Amendment No. 2 (“Amendment No. 2 to the Credit Agreement”) to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement to, among other things, eliminate the Company’s requirement to achieve a certain minimum Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio as of September 30, 2014 and to provide that the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio definition in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement will be appropriately amended to take into account the significant investments the Company has made, and expects to continue to make, in its business to support its growth. Each of the Guarantors consented to the Borrowers’ entering into Amendment No. 2 to the Credit Agreement.

	On November 4, 2014, the Borrowers, the Notes Guarantors and the Prudential Entities entered into Amendment No. 2 (“Amendment No. 2 to the Note Purchase and Guarantee Agreement”) to the Note Purchase and Guarantee Agreement to, among other things, eliminate the Company’s requirement to achieve a certain minimum Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio as of September 30, 2014 and to provide that the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio definition in the Note Purchase and Guarantee Agreement will be appropriately amended to take into account the significant investments the Company has made, and expects to continue to make, in its business to support its growth.
	As of September 26, 2014, the Borrowers and Guarantors were in compliance with all debt covenants under the Credit Agreement, the Notes and the related Note Purchase and Guarantee Agreement (in each case as amended by Amendment No. 2 to the Credit Agreement and Amendment No. 2 to the Note Purchase and Guarantee Agreement), DHP was in compliance with all debt covenants under the NMTC Loan and the Company had reserved $4,845 of the Revolving Credit Facility for the issuance of letters of credit. As of September 26, 2014, funds totaling $135,155 were available for borrowing under the Revolving Credit Facility.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	9 Months Ended
Stockholders' Equity	Sep. 26, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity	'
	Note 10—Stockholders’ Equity
	During the first 39 weeks of 2014, the Company granted 69,604 restricted stock awards (“RSAs”) to its employees at a weighted average grant date fair value of $20.60 each. Of these awards, 27,201 were performance-based grants. The Company recognized no expense on the performance-based grants during the first 39 weeks of 2014 as it is not on track to achieve the performance targets. The remaining awards were time-based grants which will vest over two to four years. During the 13 and 39 weeks ended September 26, 2014, the Company recognized expense totaling $117 and $201, respectively, on these time-based RSAs.
	During the 13 and 39 weeks ended September 26, 2014, the Company recognized $197 and $831, respectively, of expense for RSAs issued in prior years.
	At September 26, 2014, the Company had 395,068 of unvested RSAs outstanding. At September 26, 2014, the total unrecognized compensation cost for these unvested RSAs was $6,393, and the weighted-average remaining useful life was approximately 13 months. Of this total, $2,669 related to RSAs with time-based vesting provisions and $3,724 related to RSAs with performance-based vesting provisions. At September 26, 2014, the weighted-average remaining useful lives were approximately 17 months for time-based vesting RSAs and 9 months for the performance-based vesting RSAs. No compensation expense related to the Company’s RSAs has been capitalized.
	As of September 26, 2014, there were 1,058,668 shares available for grant under the Company’s 2011 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan.

Related_Parties

Related Parties	9 Months Ended
Related Parties	Sep. 26, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Related Parties	'
	Note 11—Related Parties
	The Company leases two warehouse facilities from related parties. These facilities are 100% owned by entities controlled by certain of the Company’s current and former directors and officers and current stockholders and are deemed to be affiliates. Expenses related to these facilities totaled $384 and $1,152, respectively, during the 13 and 39 weeks ended September 26, 2014 and September 27, 2013. One of the facilities is a distribution facility leased by Chefs’ Warehouse Mid-Atlantic, LLC for which we recently extended the lease expiration date to September 30, 2019. The other facility is a distribution facility leased by Dairyland from The Chefs’ Warehouse Leasing Co., LLC. The Chefs’ Warehouse Leasing Co., LLC leases the distribution center from the New York City Industrial Development Agency. In connection with this sublease arrangement, Dairyland and two of the Company’s other subsidiaries are required to act as conditional guarantors of The Chefs’ Warehouse Leasing Co., LLC’s mortgage obligation on the distribution center. The mortgage payoff date is December 2029 and the potential obligation under this guarantee totaled $9,484 at September 26, 2014. On July 1, 2005, the Company entered into a consent and release agreement with the mortgagee in which the entity guarantors were conditionally released from their respective obligations. The Company and the entity guarantors continue to be in compliance with the specified conditions. The Chefs’ Warehouse Leasing Co., LLC has the ability to opt out of its lease agreement with the New York City Industrial Development Agency by giving 60 days’ notice. This action would cause the concurrent reduction in the term of the sublease with Dairyland to December 2014.
	One of our non-employee directors, Stephen Hanson, was the President and a 50% owner of a New York City-based multi-concept restaurant operator holding company until December 2013. Certain subsidiaries of this holding company are customers of the Company and its subsidiaries that purchased approximately $835 and $916, respectively, of products during the 13 weeks ended September 26, 2014 and September 27, 2013 and approximately $2,791 and $2,613, respectively, of products during the 39 weeks ended September 26, 2014 and September 27, 2013.
	Each of Christopher Pappas and John Pappas owns 8.33% of a New York City-based restaurant customer of the Company and its subsidiaries that purchased approximately $29 and $44, respectively, of products from the Company during the 13 weeks ended September 26, 2014 and September 27, 2013 and approximately $113 and $146, respectively, of products during the 39 weeks ended September 26, 2014 and September 27, 2013. Messrs. C. Pappas and J. Pappas have no other interest in the restaurant other than these equity interests and are not involved in the day-to-day operation or management of this restaurant.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
Subsequent Events	Sep. 26, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	Note 12—Subsequent Event
	On November 3, 2014, the Company finalized the purchase price of Allen Brothers with the prior owners. This will result in the Company receiving approximately $1,750 from escrow and $397 directly from the prior owners. These reimbursements have not been reflected in the financial statements.

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Earnings Per Share (Tables)	Sep. 26, 2014
Net income per share:	'
Schedule of earnings per share	'
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income per share:


		13 Weeks Ended				39 Weeks Ended
			26-Sep-14		27-Sep-13		26-Sep-14		27-Sep-13
	Net income	$	4,207	$	4,160	$	9,016	$	12,154
	Net income per share:
	Basic	$	0.17	$	0.2	$	0.37	$	0.58
	Diluted	$	0.17	$	0.2	$	0.36	$	0.58
	Weighted average common shares:
	Basic		24,649,837		20,928,148		24,631,934		20,819,209
	Diluted		24,845,899		21,145,159		24,845,212		21,052,560


	Reconciliation of net income per common share:


		13 Weeks Ended				39 Weeks Ended
			26-Sep-14		27-Sep-13		26-Sep-14		27-Sep-13
	Numerator:
	Net income	$	4,207	$	4,160	$	9,016	$	12,154
	Denominator:
	Weighted average basic common shares outstanding		24,649,837		20,928,148		24,631,934		20,819,209
	Dilutive effect of unvested common shares		196,062		217,011		213,278		233,351
	Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding		24,845,899		21,145,159		24,845,212		21,052,560

Acquisitions_Tables

Acquisitions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Acquisitions (Tables)	Sep. 26, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Schedule of assets and liabilities acquired	'
	The table below details the assets and liabilities acquired as part of the acquisitions of Allen Brothers, which was effective as of December 9, 2013, Qzina, which was effective as of May 1, 2013 and Queensgate, which was effective as of December 31, 2012, and the allocation of the purchase price paid in connection with these acquisitions.
		Allen Brothers			Qzina			Queensgate
	Current assets (includes cash acquired)	$	15,797		$	22,498		$	4,140
	Customer relationships		—			6,070			1,520
	Trademarks		—			4,411			—
	Goodwill		10,952			5,445			15,243
	Other intangibles		9,275			—			—
	Non-compete agreement		—			2,480			2,920
	Fixed assets		4,518			906			1,909
	Other assets		33			—			—
	Deferred tax liability		—			(4,302	)		(863	)
	Capital leases		—			(137	)		—
	Earn-out liability		(6,322	)		—			(2,118	)
	Pension exit liability		(2,878	)		—			—
	Unfavorable leases		—			(6	)		—
	Current liabilities		(7,436	)		(5,391	)		(817	)
	Cash purchase price	$	23,939		$	31,974		$	21,934
Schedule of Pro Forma Consolidated Income Statement Information	'
	The pro forma information reflects amortization and depreciation of the acquisitions at their respective fair values based on available information and to give effect to the financing for the acquisitions and related transactions.
		13 Weeks Ended			39 Weeks Ended
		27-Sep-13			27-Sep-13

	Net sales	$	188,634		$	556,100

	Income before provision for income taxes		7,220			21,479

Equipment_and_Leasehold_Improv1

Equipment and Leasehold Improvements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Equipment and Leasehold Improvements (Tables)	Sep. 26, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Plant, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements	'
	As of the dates indicated, plant, equipment and leasehold improvements consisted of the following:
			As of
		Useful Lives	September 26,			December 27,
		Useful Lives	2014			2013
	Land	Indefinite	$	1,464		$	1,464
	Buildings	20 years		3,672			3,672
	Machinery and equipment	5-10 years		7,218			7,111
	Computers, data processing and other equipment	3-7 years		6,265			6,006
	Leasehold improvements	7-15 years		9,039			9,091
	Furniture and fixtures	7 years		887			622
	Vehicles	5 years		969			1,001
	Other	7 years		95			95
	Construction-in-process			28,532			14,414
				58,141			43,476
	Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization			(17,508	)		(15,887	)
	Equipment and leasehold improvements, net		$	40,633		$	27,589

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	Sep. 26, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Goodwill	'
	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill are presented as follows:
	Carrying amount as of December 28, 2012	$	45,359
	Goodwill increases		32,719
	Foreign currency translation		(52	)
	Carrying amount as of December 27, 2013		78,026
	Goodwill decreases		(455	)
	Foreign currency translation		(39	)
	Carrying amount as of September 26, 2014	$	77,532
Schedule of other intangible assets	'
	Other intangible assets consisted of the following at September 26, 2014 and December 27, 2013:

		Gross Carrying Amount			Accumulated Amortization			Net
		Gross Carrying Amount			Accumulated Amortization			Amount
	26-Sep-14
	Customer relationships	$	29,302		$	(6,082	)	$	23,220
	Non-compete agreements		7,131			(2,471	)		4,660
	Other amortizable intangibles		9,275			(748	)		8,527
	Trademarks		18,705			(2,164	)		16,541
	Total	$	64,413		$	(11,465	)	$	52,948
	December 27, 2013
	Customer relationships	$	29,438		$	(4,199	)	$	25,239
	Non-compete agreements		7,131			(1,412	)		5,719
	Other amortizable intangibles		9,275			(54	)		9,221
	Trademarks		18,804			(1,533	)		17,271
	Total	$	64,648		$	(7,198	)	$	57,450
Schedule of estimated future amortization expense	'
	Estimated amortization expense for other intangibles for the 52 weeks ended December 26, 2014 and each of the next four fiscal years and thereafter is as follows:
	2014		$	5,874
	2015			5,850
	2016			5,830
	2017			5,794
	2018			4,655
	Thereafter			29,350
	Total		$	57,353

Debt_Obligations_Tables

Debt Obligations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Debt Obligations (Tables)	Sep. 26, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Debt Obligations	'
	Debt obligations as of September 26, 2014 and December 27, 2013 consisted of the following:
		September 26,			December 27,
		2014			2013
	Senior secured notes	$	100,000		$	100,000
	Term loan		28,500			33,000
	New Markets Tax Credit loan		11,000			11,000
	Capital leases and financed software		5,317			3,714
	Total debt obligations		144,817			147,714
	Less: current installments		(7,252	)		(6,867	)
	Total debt obligations excluding current installments	$	137,565		$	140,847

Earnings_Per_Share_Details

Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013
Net income per share:	'	'	'	'
Net income	$4,207	$4,160	$9,016	$12,154
Net income per share:	'	'	'	'
Basic	$0.17	$0.20	$0.37	$0.58
Diluted	$0.17	$0.20	$0.36	$0.58
Weighted average common shares:	'	'	'	'
Basic	24,649,837	20,928,148	24,631,934	20,819,209
Diluted	24,845,899	21,145,159	24,845,212	21,052,560
Numerator:	'	'	'	'
Net income	$4,207	$4,160	$9,016	$12,154
Denominator:	'	'	'	'
Weighted average basic common shares outstanding	24,649,837	20,928,148	24,631,934	20,819,209
Dilutive effect of unvested common shares	196,062	217,011	213,278	233,351
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding	24,845,899	21,145,159	24,845,212	21,052,560

Fair_Value_Measurements_Fair_V1

Fair Value Measurements; Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details Narrative) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 26, 2014	Dec. 27, 2013	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 26, 2014	Dec. 27, 2013
				Queensgate Foodservice [Member]	Queensgate Foodservice [Member]	Queensgate Foodservice [Member]	Allen Brothers, Inc and Subsidiaries [Member]	Allen Brothers, Inc and Subsidiaries [Member]	Allen Brothers, Inc and Subsidiaries [Member]
					Fair Value Inputs Level 3 [Member]	Fair Value Inputs Level 3 [Member]		Fair Value Inputs Level 3 [Member]	Fair Value Inputs Level 3 [Member]
Contingent earn-out liabilities, fair value	'	'	'	$2,118	$984	$960	$6,322	$6,622	$6,332
Change in fair value of earnouts	$65	$324	$49	'	'	'	'	'	'

Acquisitions_Details_Narrative

Acquisitions (Details Narrative) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 26, 2014

Dec. 11, 2013

Sep. 26, 2014

Dec. 27, 2013

Dec. 09, 2013

Dec. 11, 2013

1-May-13

Sep. 26, 2014

Dec. 27, 2013

1-May-13

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 27, 2013

Sep. 26, 2014

Dec. 31, 2012

Customer relationships [Member]

Allen Brothers, Inc and Subsidiaries [Member]

Qzina Specialty Foods North America Inc [Member]

Queensgate Foodservice [Member]

Lower Range [Member]

Upper Range [Member]

Other amortizable intangibles [Member]

Goodwill [Member]

Other amortizable intangibles [Member]

Customer relationships [Member]

Covenants [Member]

Goodwill [Member]

Customer relationships [Member]

Covenants [Member]

Lower Range [Member]

Upper Range [Member]

Total purchase price

$31,396

$23,939

$31,974

$21,934

Cash paid to acquire businesses

23,939

Pension liabilites assumed and contingent earnout consideration to be paid

9,200

Pension liabilites assumed

2,878

Contingent earn-out liabilities

6,322

2,118

Period of performance milestones

'4 years

'2 years

Transaction costs

300

149

Amortization period

'6 years

'13 years

'10 years

'15 years

'20 years

'2 years

'5 years

'15 years

'7 years

'5 years

Percentage of acquired voting interest

100.00%

Cash acquired

578

Preacquisition settlement amount

491

1,500

Reduction in goodwill

400

Legal Fees

Additional purchase price

$2,400

Acquisitions_Details

Acquisitions (Details) (USD $)

Sep. 26, 2014

Dec. 27, 2013

Dec. 28, 2012

Dec. 11, 2013

Dec. 09, 2013

1-May-13

Dec. 31, 2012

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Allen Brothers, Inc and Subsidiaries [Member]

Qzina Specialty Foods North America Inc [Member]

Queensgate Foodservice [Member]

Other amortizable intangibles [Member]

Customer relationships [Member]

Trademarks [Member]

Noncompete Agreements [Member]

Customer relationships [Member]

Noncompete Agreements [Member]

Current assets

$15,797

$22,498

$4,140

Intangibles

9,275

6,070

4,411

2,480

1,520

2,920

Goodwill

77,532

78,026

45,359

10,952

5,445

15,243

Fixed assets

4,518

906

1,909

Other assets

Deferred tax liability

-4,302

-863

Capital leases

-137

Earn-out liability

-6,322

-2,118

Pension exit liability

-2,878

Unfavorable leases

-6

Current liabilities

-7,436

-5,391

-817

Cash purchase price

$31,396

$23,939

$31,974

$21,934

Acquisitions_Details_1

Acquisitions (Details 1) (Queensgate, Qzina and Allen Brothers [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2013	Sep. 27, 2013
Queensgate, Qzina and Allen Brothers [Member]	'	'
Net sales	$188,634	$556,100
Income before provision for income taxes	$7,220	$21,479

Inventory_Details_Narrative

Inventory (Details Narrative) (USD $)	Sep. 26, 2014	Dec. 27, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 26, 2014	Dec. 27, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Reserves for shrinkage and obsolescence	$1,054	$683

Restricted_Cash_Details_Narrat

Restricted Cash (Details Narrative) (USD $)	Sep. 26, 2014	Dec. 27, 2013	Apr. 26, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 26, 2014	Dec. 27, 2013	Apr. 26, 2012
Receivables [Abstract]	'	'	'
Restricted cash generated from construction loan	'	$5,578	$11,000

Equipment_and_Leasehold_Improv2

Equipment and Leasehold Improvements (Details Narrative) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013	Dec. 27, 2013
Amount expected to be spent to complete projects	$14,000	'	$14,000	'	'
Assets financed by capital lease	820	'	820	'	820
Depreciation	'	'	2,230	1,925	'
Gross carrying amount of intangible assets	64,413	'	64,413	'	64,648
Accumulated amortization	17,508	'	17,508	'	15,887
Interest expense	1,896	2,328	6,063	5,598	'
Interest capitalized	265	27	507	55	'
Assets Held Under Capital Leases [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Depreciation	68	52	205	159	'
Equipment and Leasehold Improvements [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Depreciation	207	520	1,477	1,597	'
Computer Software Intangible Asset [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Depreciation	375	55	548	169	'
Gross carrying amount of intangible assets	6,820	'	6,820	'	3,837
Accumulated amortization	$2,120	'	$2,120	'	$1,572

Equipment_and_Leasehold_Improv3

Equipment and Leasehold Improvements (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 26, 2014	Dec. 27, 2013
Equipment and leasehold improvements, Gross	$58,141	$43,476
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	-17,508	-15,887
Equipment and leasehold improvements, net	40,633	27,589
Land [Member]	'	'
Equipment and leasehold improvements, Gross	1,464	1,464
Buildings [Member]	'	'
Useful Lives	'20 years	'
Equipment and leasehold improvements, Gross	3,672	3,672
Machinery and equipment [Member]	'	'
Equipment and leasehold improvements, Gross	7,218	7,111
Machinery and equipment [Member] \| Lower Range [Member]	'	'
Useful Lives	'5 years	'
Machinery and equipment [Member] \| Upper Range [Member]	'	'
Useful Lives	'10 years	'
Computers, data processing and other equipment [Member]	'	'
Equipment and leasehold improvements, Gross	6,265	6,006
Computers, data processing and other equipment [Member] \| Lower Range [Member]	'	'
Useful Lives	'3 years	'
Computers, data processing and other equipment [Member] \| Upper Range [Member]	'	'
Useful Lives	'7 years	'
Leasehold improvements [Member]	'	'
Equipment and leasehold improvements, Gross	9,039	9,091
Leasehold improvements [Member] \| Lower Range [Member]	'	'
Useful Lives	'7 years	'
Leasehold improvements [Member] \| Upper Range [Member]	'	'
Useful Lives	'15 years	'
Furniture and fixtures [Member]	'	'
Useful Lives	'7 years	'
Equipment and leasehold improvements, Gross	887	622
Vehicles [Member]	'	'
Useful Lives	'5 years	'
Equipment and leasehold improvements, Gross	969	1,001
Other [Member]	'	'
Useful Lives	'7 years	'
Equipment and leasehold improvements, Gross	95	95
Construction-in-process [Member]	'	'
Equipment and leasehold improvements, Gross	$28,532	$14,414

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details Narrative) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$1,468	$1,235	$4,405	$3,537
Customer relationships [Member] \| Lower Range [Member]	'	'	'	'
Weighted-Average Remaining Amortization Period	'	'	'6 years	'
Customer relationships [Member] \| Upper Range [Member]	'	'	'	'
Weighted-Average Remaining Amortization Period	'	'	'13 years	'
Trademarks [Member] \| Lower Range [Member]	'	'	'	'
Weighted-Average Remaining Amortization Period	'	'	'1 year	'
Trademarks [Member] \| Upper Range [Member]	'	'	'	'
Weighted-Average Remaining Amortization Period	'	'	'20 years	'
Noncompete Agreements [Member] \| Lower Range [Member]	'	'	'	'
Weighted-Average Remaining Amortization Period	'	'	'2 years	'
Noncompete Agreements [Member] \| Upper Range [Member]	'	'	'	'
Weighted-Average Remaining Amortization Period	'	'	'6 years	'

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 26, 2014	Dec. 27, 2013
Goodwill Roll Forward	'	'
Beginning Balance	$78,026	$45,359
Goodwill increases	-455	32,719
Foreign currency translation	-39	-52
Ending Balance	$77,532	$78,026

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_4

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details 1) (USD $)	Sep. 26, 2014	Dec. 27, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 26, 2014	Dec. 27, 2013
Gross Carrying Amount	$64,413	$64,648
Accumulated Amortization	-11,465	-7,198
Net Amount	52,948	57,450
Customer relationships [Member]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	29,302	29,438
Accumulated Amortization	-6,082	-4,199
Net Amount	23,220	25,239
Noncompete Agreements [Member]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	7,131	7,131
Accumulated Amortization	-2,471	-1,412
Net Amount	4,660	5,719
Other amortizable intangibles [Member]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	9,275	9,275
Accumulated Amortization	-748	-54
Net Amount	8,527	9,221
Trademarks [Member]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	18,705	18,804
Accumulated Amortization	-2,164	-1,533
Net Amount	$16,541	$17,271

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_5

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details 2) (USD $)	Sep. 26, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 26, 2014
Estimated amortization in fiscal year:	'
2014	$5,874
2015	5,850
2016	5,830
2017	5,794
2018	4,655
Thereafter	29,350
Total	$57,353

Debt_Obligations_Details_Narra

Debt Obligations (Details Narrative) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 26, 2014

Jul. 23, 2014

Apr. 25, 2012

Apr. 17, 2013

Apr. 25, 2012

Sep. 28, 2012

Apr. 25, 2012

Sep. 26, 2014

Apr. 17, 2013

Apr. 25, 2012

Apr. 17, 2013

Apr. 25, 2012

Apr. 17, 2013

Dec. 27, 2013

Apr. 17, 2013

Dec. 27, 2013

Apr. 26, 2012

Dec. 27, 2013

Apr. 17, 2023

Apr. 17, 2018

Apr. 17, 2013

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Lower Range [Member]

Upper Range [Member]

Term Loan [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Credit Facilities [Member]

New Markets Tax Credit Loan [Member]

Senior secured notes [Member]

Subsidiary of the Company [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Amended and Restated Credit Agreement [Member]

Lower Range [Member]

Upper Range [Member]

Letters of credit [Member]

Amended and Restated Credit Agreement [Member]

Lower Range [Member]

Upper Range [Member]

Amended and Restated Credit Agreement [Member]

Subsidiary of the Company [Member]

Amended and Restated Credit Agreement [Member]

Maximum aggregate amount

$40,000

$36,000

$140,000

$100,000

$140,000

$100,000

Maximum increase aggregate amount

10,000

40,000

10,000

40,000

Maturity date

31-Dec-29

25-Apr-17

26-Apr-17

Description of payment terms

'Quarterly principal payments on the Term Loans on June 30, September 30, December 31 and March 31, with the first four quarterly payments equal to $1,000 per quarter and the last sixteen quarterly payments equal to $1,500 per quarter, with the remaining balance due upon maturity

'Quarterly principal payments on the Term Loans on June 30, September 30, December 31 and March 31 of each year, with each quarterly payment equal to $1,500, with the remaining balance due upon maturity.

'(i) monthly interest payments on the principal balance then outstanding and (ii) the entire unpaid principal balance then due and owing on April 26, 2017.

Description of collateral

'Secured by substantially all the assets of the Borrowers and the Guarantors with the exception of equity interests in and assets of DHP.

Description of interest

'(i) the alternate base rate (representing the greatest of (1) ChaseBs prime rate, (2) the federal funds effective rate for overnight borrowings plus 1/2 of 1% and (3) the Adjusted LIBO Rate for one month plus 2.50%) plus in each case the applicable margin of 0.50% for Revolving Credit Loans or Term Loans or (ii), in the case of Eurodollar Borrowings (as defined in the Credit Agreement), the Adjusted LIBO Rate plus the applicable margin of 3.0% for Revolving Credit Loans or Term Loans.

'(i) the alternate base rate (representing the greatest of (1) ChaseBs prime rate, (2) the federal funds effective rate for overnight borrowings plus 1/2 of 1.00% and (3) the adjusted LIBO rate for one month plus 2.50%) plus in each case an applicable margin of from 1.75% to 2.25%, based on the CompanyBs leverage ratio, or (ii) in the case of Eurodollar Borrowings (as defined in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement), the adjusted LIBO rate plus an applicable margin of from 2.75% to 3.25%, based on the CompanyBs leverage ratio.

Interest rate

1.00%

5.90%

Percentage of unutilized commitments fee

0.35%

0.45%

Percentage of fronting fee

0.25%

Maturity year

'2023

Repayments of debt

50,000

Unused capacity issuance

4,845

Maximum debt borrowing capacity

135,155

Permitted indebtness

15,000

Basket for additional indebtness

$5,000

$10,000

Debt_Obligations_Details

Debt Obligations (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 26, 2014	Dec. 27, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 26, 2014	Dec. 27, 2013
Total debt obligations	$144,817	$147,714
Less: current installments	-7,252	-6,867
Total debt obligations excluding current installments	137,565	140,847
Senior secured notes [Member]	'	'
Total debt obligations	100,000	100,000
Term Loan [Member]	'	'
Total debt obligations	28,500	33,000
New Markets Tax Credit Loan [Member]	'	'
Total debt obligations	11,000	11,000
Capital leases and financed software [Member]	'	'
Total debt obligations	$5,317	$3,714

Stockholders_Equity_Details_Na

Stockholders' Equity (Details Narrative) (USD $)	9 Months Ended			3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 27, 2013	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 26, 2014	Sep. 26, 2014
			Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan [Member]	Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan [Member]	Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan [Member]	Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan [Member]	Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan [Member]	Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan [Member]	Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
				Restricted share awards [Member]	Restricted share awards [Member]	Performance-based restricted share [Member]	Time-based restricted share [Member]	Time-based restricted share [Member]	Time-based restricted share [Member]
								Lower Range [Member]	Upper Range [Member]
Number of shares granted	'	'	'	'	69,604	27,201	'	'	'
Weighted average grant date fair value	'	'	'	'	$20.60	'	'	'	'
Vesting period	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'2 years	'4 years
Share based compensation expense	$1,032	$892	'	$117	$201	'	'	'	'
Prior period awards compensation expense	'	'	'	197	831	'	'	'	'
Number of unvested shares outstanding	'	'	'	395,068	395,068	'	'	'	'
Total unrecognized compensation cost	'	'	'	$6,393	$6,393	$3,724	$2,669	'	'
Period for compensation recognition	'	'	'	'	'13 months	'9 months	'17 months	'	'
Number of shares available for grant	'	'	1,058,668	'	'	'	'	'	'

Related_Parties_Details_Narrat

Related Parties (Details Narrative) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 26, 2014

Sep. 27, 2013

Sep. 26, 2014

Sep. 27, 2013

Sep. 26, 2014

Sep. 27, 2013

Sep. 26, 2014

Sep. 27, 2013

Sep. 26, 2014

Sep. 27, 2013

Dec. 27, 2013

Mar. 28, 2013

Related Holding Company [Member]

Related Party Restaurant [Member]

Stephen Hawson [Member]

Christopher Pappas [Member]

John Pappas [Member]

Related Holding Company [Member]

Related Party Restaurant [Member]

Ownership interest in facilities owned by entities controlled by company's stockholders

100.00%

Number of warehouses leased from related parties

Expenses related to warehouse facilities

$384

$1,152

Mortgage loan payoff date

31-Dec-29

Guarantor obligations, maximum undiscounted exposure

9,484

Equity interest in related parties

50.00%

8.33%

Revenue from Related Parties

835

916

2,791

2,613

Compensation paid

$29

$44

$113

$146

Subsequent_Events_Details_Narr

Subsequent Events (Details Narrative) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 03, 2014
Proceeds from previous acquisiton	$1,750
Allen Brothers, Inc and Subsidiaries [Member]	'
Proceeds from previous acquisiton	$397