Chuy's (CHUY) 10-K 10 Mar 17 2016 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Feb. 28, 2017	Jun. 24, 2016
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	CHUY'S HOLDINGS, INC.
Entity Central Index Key	1,524,931
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-25
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 25, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 577,000
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		16,844,785

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 13,694	$ 8,529
Accounts receivable	1,132	1,118
Lease incentives receivable	4,022	2,756
Inventories	1,451	1,194
Income tax receivable	2,183	987
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	5,207	2,639
Total current assets	27,689	17,223
Property and equipment, net	165,150	136,493
Other assets and intangible assets, net	1,920	1,763
Trade name	21,900	21,900
Goodwill	24,069	24,069
Total assets	240,728	201,448
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable	8,014	7,294
Accrued liabilities	17,757	15,861
Deferred lease incentives	2,335	1,853
Total current liabilities	28,106	25,008
Deferred tax liability, net	13,769	10,281
Accrued deferred rent	9,169	6,908
Deferred lease incentives, less current portion	32,619	26,194
Long-term debt	0	0
Total liabilities	83,663	68,391
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 60,000,000 shares authorized; 16,839,348 shares issued and outstanding at December 25, 2016 and 16,490,600 shares issued and outstanding at December 27, 2015	168	165
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 15,000,000 shares authorized and no shares issued or outstanding at December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015	0	0
Paid-in capital	97,200	90,439
Retained earnings	59,697	42,453
Total stockholders’ equity	157,065	133,057
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 240,728	$ 201,448

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015
Common stock - par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock - shares authorized	60,000,000	60,000,000
Common stock - shares issued	16,839,348	16,490,600
Common stock - shares outstanding	16,839,348	16,490,600
Preferred stock - par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock - authorized	15,000,000	15,000,000
Preferred stock - issued	0	0
Preferred stock - outstanding	0	0

Consolidated Income Statements

Consolidated Income Statements - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Revenue	$ 330,613	$ 287,062	$ 245,101
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales	85,542	75,686	69,159
Labor	110,730	93,625	82,665
Operating	45,900	39,954	33,897
Occupancy	22,204	19,019	15,167
General and administrative	17,560	16,176	11,693
Marketing	2,390	2,249	1,719
Restaurant pre-opening	5,348	4,417	4,539
Impairment and closure costs	1,517	4,360	0
Depreciation and amortization	15,081	12,827	10,310
Total costs and expenses	306,272	268,313	229,149
Income from operations	24,341	18,749	15,952
Interest expense	63	110	124
Income before income taxes	24,278	18,639	15,828
Income tax expense	7,034	5,743	4,337
Net income	$ 17,244	$ 12,896	$ 11,491
Net income per common share:
Basic	$ 1.03	$ 0.78	$ 0.70
Diluted	$ 1.02	$ 0.77	$ 0.69
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Basic	16,676,073	16,470,278	16,427,732
Diluted	16,887,882	16,739,387	16,709,471

Consolidated Statements of Stoc

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity Statement - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]
Beginning balance (in shares)		16,385,683
Beginning balance at Dec. 29, 2013	$ 104,488	$ 164	$ 86,258	$ 18,066
Stock-based compensation	1,278	0	1,278	0
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	322	$ 0	322	0
Proceeds from exercise of stock options (in shares)		55,223
Excess Tax Benefit From Stock-Based Compensation	609	$ 0	609	0
Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation	0
Net income	11,491	$ 0	0	11,491
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 28, 2014		16,440,906
Ending balance at Dec. 28, 2014	118,188	$ 164	88,467	29,557
Stock-based compensation	1,832	0	1,832	0
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	164	$ 1	163	0
Proceeds from exercise of stock options (in shares)		28,520
Excess Tax Benefit From Stock-Based Compensation	34	$ 0		0
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures		23,590
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures	0	$ 0	0	0
Shares Paid for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation		(2,416)
Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation	(57)	$ 0	(57)	0
Net income	12,896	$ 0	0	12,896
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 27, 2015		16,490,600
Ending balance at Dec. 27, 2015	133,057	$ 165	90,439	42,453
Stock-based compensation	2,352	0	2,352	0
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	$ 1,471	$ 3	1,468	0
Proceeds from exercise of stock options (in shares)	312,165	312,165
Excess Tax Benefit From Stock-Based Compensation	$ 3,265	$ 0		0
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures		46,004
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures	0	$ 0	0	0
Shares Paid for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation		(9,421)
Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation	(324)	$ 0	(324)	0
Net income	17,244	$ 0	0	17,244
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 25, 2016		16,839,348
Ending balance at Dec. 25, 2016	$ 157,065	$ 168	$ 97,200	$ 59,697

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 17,244	$ 12,896	$ 11,491
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	15,081	12,827	10,310
Amortization of loan origination costs	33	43	45
Impairment and closure costs	1,367	4,360	0
Stock-based compensation	2,193	1,718	1,054
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	(3,265)	(34)	(609)
Loss on disposal of property and equipment	43	108	30
Amortization of deferred lease incentives	(2,125)	(1,684)	(1,303)
Deferred income taxes	3,488	3,074	3,060
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(14)	(196)	(286)
Inventories	(265)	(268)	(221)
Income tax receivable	(1,196)	(1,362)	0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(2,574)	448	(586)
Accounts payable	(1,471)	(1,708)	(770)
Accrued liabilities and deferred rent	5,975	7,529	2,853
Deferred lease incentives	8,124	7,642	4,067
Net cash provided by operating activities	42,638	45,393	29,135
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property and equipment	(41,566)	(31,628)	(33,936)
Purchase of other assets	(319)	(372)	(388)
Net cash used in investing activities	(41,885)	(32,000)	(34,324)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings under revolving line of credit	2,000	1,000	4,250
Payments under revolving line of credit	(2,000)	(9,750)	(1,500)
Loan origination costs	0	(70)	0
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	3,265	34	609
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	1,471	164	322
Indirect repurchase of shares for minimum tax withholdings	(324)	(57)	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	4,412	(8,679)	3,681
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	5,165	4,714	(1,508)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	8,529	3,815	5,323
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	13,694	8,529	3,815
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities:
Property and equipment and other assets acquired by accounts payable	2,191	3,081	2,071
Supplemental cash flow disclosures:
Cash paid for interest	33	95	175
Cash paid for income taxes	$ 1,385	$ 4,091	$ 632

Description of Business

Description of Business	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Business Description and Basis of Presentation [Text Block]	Chuy’s Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), through its wholly owned subsidiary, Chuy’s Opco, Inc., owns and operates restaurants in Texas and 16 states in the Southeastern and Midwestern United States. All of the Company’s restaurants operate under the name Chuy’s. The Company had 80 , 69 , and 59 restaurants, as of December 25, 2016 , December 27, 2015 , and December 28, 2014 , respectively. Chuy’s was founded in Austin, Texas in 1982 and prior to 2006, operated as Chuy’s Comida Deluxe, Inc. (“Chuy’s”). The Company was incorporated in November 2006.

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. In fiscal 2016, we separately disclosed our Income tax receivable on the consolidated balance sheet. To conform to the current year presentation, we reclassified the prior year balance that was previously combined in Accrued liabilities. Fiscal Year The Company utilizes a 52- or 53-week fiscal year that ends on the last Sunday of the calendar year. The fiscal years ended December 25, 2016 , December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014 each had 52 weeks. Accounting Estimates The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect certain 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 for the period. Actual results could differ from estimates. Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers all cash and short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less as cash equivalents. Amounts receivable from credit card processors are considered cash equivalents because they are both short in term and highly liquid in nature, and are typically converted to cash within three business days of the sales transactions. Lease Incentives Receivable Lease incentives receivable consist of receivables from landlords provided for under the lease agreements to reimburse the Company for leasehold improvements. Inventories Inventories consist of food, beverage, and merchandise and are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or market. Restaurant Pre-opening Costs Restaurant pre-opening costs consist primarily of manager salaries, relocation costs, supplies, recruiting expenses, travel and lodging, pre-opening activities, employee payroll and related training costs for employees at the new location. The Company expenses such pre-opening costs as incurred. Pre-opening costs also include rent recorded during the period between date of possession and the restaurant opening date. Property and Equipment Property and equipment are recorded at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Equipment consists primarily of restaurant equipment, furniture, fixtures and smallwares. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the related asset, which ranges from 3 to 7 years. Expenditures for major additions and improvements are capitalized. Leasehold improvements are capitalized and amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the lease term, including option periods that are reasonably assured of renewal, or the estimated useful life of the asset, which ranges from 5 to 20 years. Leases The Company leases land and/or buildings for its corporate office and all of its restaurants under various long-term operating lease agreements. The Company uses a lease life that begins on the date that the Company takes possession under the lease, including the pre-opening period during construction, when in many cases the Company is not making rent payments (“Rent Holiday”). Certain of the Company’s operating leases contain predetermined fixed escalations of the minimum rent during the original term of the lease. For these leases and those with a Rent Holiday, the Company recognizes the related rent expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term and records the difference between the amounts charged to operations and amounts paid, as accrued deferred rent. In addition, certain of the Company’s operating leases contain clauses that provide for additional contingent rent based on a percentage of sales greater than certain specified target amounts. The Company recognizes contingent rent expense prior to the achievement of the specified target that triggers the contingent rent, provided achievement of the target is considered probable. Leasehold improvements financed by the landlord through lease incentive allowances are capitalized with the lease incentive allowances recorded as deferred lease incentives. Such leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the life of the asset or the defined lease term, which includes option periods which are reasonably assured of renewal. Deferred lease incentives are amortized on a straight-line basis over the same defined lease term, and are recorded as a reduction of occupancy expense. Other Assets and Intangible Assets Other assets and intangible assets include liquor licenses, lease acquisition costs and loan origination costs and are stated at cost, less accumulated amortization. Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value of assets of the businesses acquired. Goodwill is not amortized, but is subject to impairment tests at least annually. The Company performs tests to assess potential impairments on the first day of the fourth quarter or during the year if an event or other circumstance indicates that goodwill may be impaired. The impairment evaluation for goodwill is conducted using a three-step process. In the first step, a qualitative assessment is performed to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value. The Company considers all of its stores in total as one reporting unit. If it is concluded that this is the case, then a second step is performed by comparing the implied estimated fair value of the reporting unit to the carrying amount, including goodwill. If the estimated fair value is less than the carrying amount, then a third step must be completed in order to determine the amount of the goodwill impairment that should be recorded. In the third step, the implied fair value of the goodwill is determined by allocating fair value to all of its assets and liabilities, other than goodwill, in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation. If the resulting implied fair value of the goodwill that results from the application of this third step is less than the carrying amount of the goodwill, an impairment charge is recorded for the difference. No goodwill impairment charges were recognized during 2016 , 2015 , or 2014 . Indefinite Life Intangibles Intangible assets acquired in a business combination and determined to have an indefinite useful life are not amortized because there is no foreseeable limit to the cash flows generated by the intangible asset, and have no legal, contractual, regulatory, economic or competitive limiting factors. The annual impairment evaluation for indefinite life intangible assets includes a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the indefinite life intangible assets are less than their carrying value. If it is concluded that this is the case, then a second step is performed by comparing the asset’s carrying value to the asset’s implied estimated fair value. When the carrying value exceeds fair value, an impairment charge is recorded for the amount of the difference. The Company also annually evaluates intangible assets that are not being amortized to determine whether events and circumstances continue to support an indefinite useful life. If an intangible asset that is not being amortized is determined to have a finite useful life, the asset will be amortized prospectively over the estimated remaining useful life and accounted for in the same manner as intangible assets subject to amortization. No indefinite life intangible impairment charges were recognized during 2016 , 2015 , or 2014 . Impairment of Long-lived Assets The Company reviews long-lived assets, such as property and equipment and intangibles, subject to amortization, for impairment when events or circumstances indicate the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. In determining the recoverability of the asset value, an analysis is performed at the individual restaurant level and primarily includes an assessment of historical cash flows and other relevant factors and circumstances. The Company evaluates future cash flow projections in conjunction with qualitative factors and future operating plans and regularly reviews any restaurants with a deficient level of cash flows for the previous 24 months to determine if impairment testing is necessary. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the restaurant to the estimated fair value. Based on this analysis, if the carrying amount of the restaurant exceeds the estimated fair value, an impairment charge is recognized by the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair value. As a result of the above mentioned review process, the Company recognized a $4.4 million non-cash loss on asset impairment as a result of the performance related to three restaurants in fiscal 2015 . The Company did not recognize an impairment charge during fiscal 2016 or 2014 . The Company’s impairment assessment process requires the use of estimates and assumptions regarding future cash flows and operating outcomes, which are based upon a significant degree of management judgment. The estimates used in the impairment analysis represent a Level 3 fair value measurement. The Company continues to assess the performance of restaurants and monitors the need for future impairment. Changes in economic environment, real estate markets, capital spending and overall operating performance could impact these estimates and result in future impairment charges. Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments The Company uses a three-tier value hierarchy, which classifies the inputs used in measuring fair values, in determining the fair value of the Company's non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions. There were no changes in the methods or assumptions used in measuring fair value during the period. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable at December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015 approximate their fair value due to the short-term maturities of these financial instruments. The Company’s long-term debt has a variable interest rate and therefore re-prices frequently and entails no significant change in credit risk and as a result the fair value approximates the carrying value. In regards to the Company's impairment analysis, we generally estimate long-lived asset fair values, including property and equipment and leasehold improvements, using either the cost and/or the income approach. The inputs used to determine fair value relate primarily to the assumptions regarding the long-lived assets exit cost at their highest and best use and future assumptions regarding restaurant sales and profitability. These inputs are categorized as Level 3 inputs. The inputs used represent assumptions about what information market participants would use in pricing the assets and are based upon the best information available at the time of the analysis. Loan Origination Costs Loan origination costs are capitalized and amortized over the term of the related debt and is included in Interest expense, net on the consolidated statements of income. Revenue Recognition Revenue from restaurant operations (food, beverage and alcohol sales) and merchandise sales are recognized upon payment by the customer at the time of sale. Revenues are reflected net of sales tax and certain discounts and allowances. Proceeds from the sale of gift cards are recorded as deferred revenue at the time of sale and recognized as revenue upon redemption by the customer. Breakage is recognized on unredeemed gift cards based upon historical redemption patterns when the Company determines the likelihood of redemption of the gift card by the customer is remote. Any gift card breakage was immaterial for all periods presented. Marketing The Company expenses the printing of menus and other promotional materials as incurred. The costs of community service and sponsorship activities are expensed on the expected timing of those events. Marketing expense was $2.4 million , $2.2 million , and $1.7 million for the years ended December 25, 2016 , December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014 , respectively. Stock-Based Compensation The Company maintains an equity incentive plan under which it allows the Company's board of directors to grant stock options, restricted stock, and other equity-based awards to directors, officers, and key employees of the Company. The plans provide 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. The Company recognizes stock-based compensation in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 718 ("Topic 718"). Stock-based compensation cost includes compensation cost for all share-based payments granted based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of Topic 718. Compensation cost is recognized on a straight-line basis, net of estimated forfeitures, over the requisite service period of each award. Income Tax Matters Income tax provisions are comprised of federal and state taxes currently due, plus deferred taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future tax consequences attributable to the temporary difference between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Deferred tax assets are recognized when management considers the realization of those assets in future periods to be more likely than not. Future taxable income, adjustments in temporary differences, available carryforward periods and changes in tax laws could affect these estimates. Segment Reporting ASC Topic No. 280, "Segment Reporting," establishes standards for disclosures about products and services, geographic areas and major customers. The Company currently operates one reporting segment; full-service, casual dining, Mexican food restaurants. Additionally, we operate in one geographic area: the United States of America. Revenue from customers is derived principally from food and beverage sales and the Company does not rely on any major customers as a source of revenue. Recent Accounting Pronouncements The Company's management reviewed all significant newly-issued accounting pronouncements and concluded that, with the exception of the pronouncements below, they either are not applicable to the Company's operations or that no material effect is expected on the Company's consolidated financial statements as a result of future adoption. Revenue Recognition In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, "Revenue with Contracts from Customers." ASU 2014-09 supersedes the current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The guidance introduces a five-step model to achieve its core principal of the entity recognizing revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers at an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-04, “Liabilities - Extinguishments of Liabilities: Recognition of Breakage for Certain Prepaid Stored-Value Products.” ASU 2016-04 provides specific guidance for the derecognition of prepaid stored-value product liabilities. These ASU's are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and early adoption is permitted only for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The adoption of these new standards will not have a material impact to our revenue recognition of restaurant sales. Leases In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Leases." This update requires a lessee to recognize on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by those leases with a lease term of more than twelve months. Leases will continue to be classified as either financing or operating, with classification affecting the recognition, measurement and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease. This ASU is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and requires a modified retrospective approach to adoption for lessees related to capital and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, the earliest comparative period presented in the consolidated financial statements, with certain practical expedients available. Early adoption is permitted. We had operating leases with remaining rental payments of approximately $337.4 million at the end of fiscal 2016. The discounted minimum remaining rental payments will be the starting point for determining the right-of-use asset and lease liability. We believe the adoption of ASU 2016-02 will materially impact our consolidated financial statements by significantly increasing our non-current assets and non-current liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets due to the recognition of the right-of-use assets and related lease liabilities for our existing operating leases. While the new standard is also expected to impact the measurement and presentation of elements of expenses and cash flows related to leasing arrangements, we do not presently believe there will be a material impact on our consolidated statements of income or our consolidated statement of cash flows. We are currently unable to estimate the impact on our consolidated financial statements. Stock Compensation In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, "Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting." This update simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. This ASU is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and early adoption is permitted. The Company will adopt this standard at the beginning of fiscal year 2017. We are currently evaluating the impact of the updated guidance and believe the adoption of the guidance will impact our accounting for excess tax benefits and deficiencies as all excess tax benefits and deficiencies will be recognized in our income tax expense line item in our consolidated statements of income. We believe the new standard will cause volatility in our effective tax rates and diluted earnings per share due to the tax effects related to share-based payments being recorded in the statements of income in the period in which they occur. The volatility in future periods will depend on our stock price at the awards’ vest dates and the number of awards that vest each period. Additionally, our consolidated statements of cash flows will present excess tax benefits, which are currently presented as a financing activity, as an operating activity. We are unable to estimate the impact on our consolidated financial statements due to the variable factors as described above.

Net Income Per Share

Net Income Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Income Per Share	Basic net income per share of common stock was computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. Diluted net income per share of common stock is computed on the basis of the weighted-average number of shares of common stock plus the effect of dilutive potential shares of common stock equivalents outstanding during the period using the treasury stock method for dilutive options and deferred shares (such deferred shares granted under the Chuy's Holdings, Inc. 2012 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan, the "restricted stock units"). There were approximately 1,000 , 26,000 and 13,000 shares of common stock equivalents that have been excluded from the calculation of diluted net income per share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive for the years ended December 25, 2016 , December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014 , respectively. The computations of basic and diluted net income per share is as follows: Year Ended December 25, 2016 December 27, 2015 December 28, 2014 BASIC Net income $ 17,244 $ 12,896 $ 11,491 Weighted-average common shares outstanding 16,676,073 16,470,278 16,427,732 Basic net income per common share $ 1.03 $ 0.78 $ 0.70 DILUTED Net income $ 17,244 $ 12,896 $ 11,491 Weighted-average common shares outstanding 16,676,073 16,470,278 16,427,732 Dilutive effect of stock options 211,809 269,109 281,739 Weighted-average of diluted shares 16,887,882 16,739,387 16,709,471 Diluted net income per common share $ 1.02 $ 0.77 $ 0.69

Prepaid Expenses and Other Curr

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current [Abstract]
Other Current Assets [Text Block]	Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets The major classes of prepaid expenses and other current assets at December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015 are summarized as follows: December 25, 2016 December 27, 2015 Deposits on equipment $ 1,143 $ 618 Prepaids 3,694 1,733 Other current assets 370 288 Total prepaids expenses and other current assets $ 5,207 $ 2,639

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property Equipment	Property and Equipment The major classes of property and equipment as of December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015 are summarized as follows: December 25, 2016 December 27, 2015 Leasehold improvements $ 143,494 $ 113,808 Furniture, fixtures and equipment 71,305 57,764 Construction in progress 11,089 10,848 225,888 182,420 Less accumulated depreciation (60,738 ) (45,927 ) Total property and equipment, net $ 165,150 $ 136,493 Depreciation expense was $15.0 million , $12.7 million and $10.2 million for the years ended December 25, 2016 December 27, 2015 , and December 28, 2014 , respectively.

Other Assets and Other Intangib

Other Assets and Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Other Assets and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Other Assets and Other Intangible Assets	The major classes of other assets and intangibles assets along with related accumulated amortization at December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015 are summarized as follows: Average Life at December 25, 2016 2016 2015 Gross Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Amount Gross Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Amount Finite-lived assets: Loan origination costs 3.9 $ 294 $ (169 ) $ 125 $ 294 $ (136 ) $ 158 Lease acquisition costs 14.4 2,173 (453 ) 1,720 1,881 (351 ) 1,530 Total finite-lived assets 2,467 (622 ) 1,845 2,175 (487 ) 1,688 Indefinite-lived assets: Liquor license 75 — 75 75 — 75 Total indefinite-lived assets 75 — 75 75 — 75 Total other assets and intangible assets $ 2,542 $ (622 ) $ 1,920 $ 2,250 $ (487 ) $ 1,763 Amortization expense was $0.1 million for the years ended December 25, 2016 , December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014 . The following table represents the total estimated amortization of finite-lived intangible assets for the five succeeding fiscal years and thereafter: For the Fiscal Years Ending: 2017 $ 151 2018 156 2019 155 2020 147 2021 120 Thereafter 1,116 $ 1,845

Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt	Long-Term Debt Revolving Credit Facility On November 30, 2012, the Company entered into a $25.0 million Revolving Credit Facility with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association. On October 30, 2015, we entered into an amendment to our Revolving Credit Facility to, among other things, (1) extend the maturity date of the Revolving Credit Facility to October 30, 2020 from November 30, 2017 and (2) revise the applicable margins and leverage ratios that determine the commitment fees and interest rates payable by the Company under the Revolving Credit Facility. As of December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015 the Company had no outstanding indebtedness under the Company's amended Revolving Credit Facility. Under the Company's Revolving Credit Facility , the Company may request to increase the size of the Company's Revolving Credit Facility by up to $25.0 million , in minimum principal amounts of $5.0 million or the remaining amount of the $25.0 million if less than $5.0 million (the " Incremental Revolving Loan "), which Incremental Revolving Loan will be effective after 10 days written notice to the agent. In the event that any of the lenders fund the Incremental Revolving Loan , the terms and provisions of the Incremental Revolving Loan will be the same as under the Company's Revolving Credit Facility . Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility generally bear interest at a variable rate based upon the Company's election, of (i) the base rate (which is the highest of prime rate, federal funds rate plus 0.5% or one month LIBOR plus 1% ), or (ii) LIBOR, plus, in either case, an applicable margin based on the Company's consolidated total lease adjusted leverage ratio (as defined in the Revolving Credit Facility agreement). Our Revolving Credit Facility also requires payment for commitment fees that accrue on the daily unused commitment of the lender at the applicable margin, which varies based on our consolidated total lease adjusted leverage ratio. The revolving line of credit also requires compliance with a fixed charge coverage ratio, a lease adjusted leverage ratio and certain non-financial covenants. The Revolving Credit Facility also places certain restrictions on the payment of dividends and distributions. Under the Revolving Credit Facility, the Company may declare and make dividend payments so long as (i) no default or event of default has occurred and is continuing or would result therefrom and (ii) immediately after giving effect to any such dividend payment, on a pro forma basis, the lease adjusted leverage ratio does not exceed 3.50 to 1.00 . The obligations under the Company’s Revolving Credit Facility are secured by a first priority lien on substantially all of the Company’s assets.

Accrued Liabilities

Accrued Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accrued Liabilities	Accrued Liabilities The major classes of accrued liabilities at December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015 are summarized as follows: December 25, 2016 December 27, 2015 Accrued compensation and related benefits $ 7,572 $ 8,080 Other accruals 3,061 2,778 Sales and use tax 2,200 2,084 Accrued closure costs 1,659 — Property tax 1,191 1,274 Deferred gift card revenue 2,074 1,645 Total accrued liabilities $ 17,757 $ 15,861 In fiscal 2016, we separately disclosed our Income tax receivable on the consolidated balance sheet. To conform to the current year presentation, we reclassified the prior year balance that was previously combined in Accrued liabilities.

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	The Company leases land and buildings for its corporate office and all of its restaurants under various long-term operating lease agreements. The initial lease terms range from 10 years to 20 years and currently expire between 2017 and 2036 . The leases include renewal options for 3 to 20 years, which are exercisable at the Company's option. Some of the leases provide for base rent, plus additional rent based on gross sales, as defined in each lease agreement. The Company is also generally obligated to pay certain real estate taxes, insurance and common area maintenance (“CAM”) charges, and various other expenses related to properties. Rent expense is paid to various landlords including several companies owned and controlled by the Company’s founders and one of its executive officers. We recently subleased additional office space from certain related parties to expand our corporate headquarters. See "Item 9B. Other Information" for additional details. Future minimum lease payments under noncancelable operating leases include renewal option periods for certain leases when such option periods are included for purposes of calculating straight­line rents. At December 25, 2016 , future minimum rentals for each of the next five years and in total are as follows: Related Party Unrelated Parties Total Fiscal year ending: 2017 $ 2,260 $ 18,418 $ 20,678 2018 2,314 19,162 21,476 2019 1,670 19,136 20,806 2020 1,400 19,163 20,563 2021 1,413 19,504 20,917 Thereafter 2,070 230,927 232,997 Total minimum lease payments $ 11,127 $ 326,310 $ 337,437 The above future minimum rental amounts exclude the amortization of deferred lease incentives, renewal options that are not reasonably assured of renewal, and contingent rent. The Company generally has escalating rents over the term of the leases and records rent expense on a straight-line basis. Rent expense, excluding real estate taxes, CAM charges, insurance, deferred lease incentives and other expenses related to operating leases for the years ended December 25, 2016 , December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014 consists of the following: 2016 2015 2014 Minimum rent—related parties $ 1,988 $ 1,901 $ 1,969 Contingent rent—related parties 663 646 600 Total rent—related parties 2,651 2,547 2,569 Minimum rent—unrelated parties 15,419 12,401 9,888 Contingent rent—unrelated parties 312 355 291 Total rent—unrelated parties 15,731 12,756 10,179 Total minimum and contingent rent $ 18,382 $ 15,303 $ 12,748

Employee Benefit Plan

Employee Benefit Plan	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plan	Employee Benefit Plan The Chuy’s Opco, Inc. 401(k) plan, (the “401(k) Plan”), is a defined contribution plan covering all eligible employees. The 401(k) Plan provides for employee salary deferral contributions up to the maximum amount allowable by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”), as well as Company discretionary matching contributions. Company contributions relating to the 401(k) Plan were $229,000 , $209,000 and $176,000 for the years ended December 25, 2016 , December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014 , respectively.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation The Company has outstanding awards under the 2006 Stock Option Plan (the “2006 Plan”). The outstanding options under the 2006 Plan are fully vested as of December 25, 2016 . In connection with the IPO, the Company terminated the 2006 Plan, and no further awards will be granted under the 2006 Plan. The termination of the 2006 Plan did not affect awards outstanding under the 2006 Plan at the time of its termination and the terms of the 2006 Plan continue to govern those outstanding awards. In connection with the IPO, the Company adopted the Chuy's Holdings, Inc. 2012 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (the “2012 Plan”) which allows the Company’s Board of Directors to grant stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and other equity-based awards to directors, officers, and key employees of 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. The outstanding options under the 2012 Plan vest 20% on each of the first five anniversaries of the date of grant and have a maximum term of ten years. The outstanding restricted stock units vest ratably on each of the first four or five anniversaries of the date of grant. As of December 25, 2016 , a total of 818,257 shares of common stock are reserved and remain available for issuance under the 2012 Plan. Stock-based compensation cost recognized in the accompanying consolidated statements of income was $2.2 million , $1.7 million and $1.1 million for the years ended December 25, 2016 , December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014 , respectively. Stock-based compensation recognized as capitalized development was $160,000 , $114,000 and $224,000 for the years ended December 25, 2016 , December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014 , respectively. Capitalized stock-based compensation is included in Property and equipment, net on the consolidated balance sheets. Stock Options A summary of stock-based compensation activity and changes related to stock options for the year ended December 25, 2016 are as follows: Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value Outstanding at December 27, 2015 634,412 $ 11.91 Granted — — Exercised (312,165 ) 4.71 Forfeited (6,220 ) 31.09 Outstanding at December 25, 2016 316,027 $ 18.64 4.87 $ 4,545 Exercisable as of December 25, 2016 259,117 $ 16.63 4.57 $ 4,242 The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above is obtained by subtracting the weighted average exercise price from the estimated fair value of the underlying common stock as of December 25, 2016 and multiplying this result by the related number of options outstanding and exercisable at December 25, 2016 . The estimated fair value of the common stock as of December 25, 2016 used in the above calculation was $32.95 per share, the closing price of the Company’s common stock on December 23, 2016 , the last trading day of the year. The total intrinsic value of options exercised was $9.1 million and $0.6 million for the years ended December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015 , respectively. During the years ended December 25, 2016 , December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014 the total fair value of options vested was $0.5 million , $0.6 million , and $0.6 million , respectively. The weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted was $11.12 per share, during the year ended, December 28, 2014 , as estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions (no options were granted during the years ended December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015 ): 2014 Dividend yield — % Expected volatility 37 % Risk-free rate of return 1.58 % Expected life (in years) 5 The assumptions above represent management’s best estimates, but these estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management’s judgment. The expected term of options granted was based on a representative peer group with similar employee groups and expected behavior. The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury constant maturities rate in effect at the time of grant. The Company utilized a weighted rate for expected volatility based on a representative peer group within the industry. There was approximately $0.4 million of total unrecognized compensation costs related to options granted under the 2006 Plan and the 2012 Plan as of December 25, 2016 . These costs will be recognized ratably through the year 2019 . One significant factor in determining the fair value of the Company's options, when using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, is the fair value of the common stock underlying those stock options. The fair value of the Company's common stock is based on the market price as quoted by the Nasdaq Stock Market. Restricted Stock Units A summary of stock-based compensation activity and changes related to restricted stock units for the year ended December 25, 2016 are as follows: Shares Weighted Average Fair Value Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years) Outstanding at December 27, 2015 165,111 $ 29.72 Granted 94,402 34.36 Vested (46,004 ) 30.89 Forfeited (6,759 ) 30.03 Outstanding at December 25, 2016 206,750 $ 31.57 2.60 The fair value of the restricted stock units is the quoted market value of our common stock on the date of grant. As of December 25, 2016 , total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to non-vested restricted stock units was approximately $4.8 million , which is expected to be recognized ratably through the year 2021 .

Impairment and closure (Notes)

Impairment and closure (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Impairment and Closure Costs [Abstract]
Impairment and Closure Costs	Impairment and Closure Costs We recorded impairment and closure costs of $1.5 million and $4.4 million for the years ended December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015 , respectively, related to long-lived asset impairments or costs associated with the closure of restaurants. There were no impairment or closure costs recognized for the year ended December 28, 2014 . Impairment and closure costs in 2016 included $1.5 million of closure costs associated with the closure and relocation of one restaurant. Impairment and closure costs in 2015 included $4.4 million of impairment costs associated with three restaurants.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The provision for federal and state income taxes for the years ended December 25, 2016 , December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014 consisted of the following: 2016 2015 2014 Current income tax expense: Federal $ 2,933 $ 1,724 $ — State 613 945 713 Total current income tax expense 3,546 2,669 713 Deferred income tax expense: Federal 2,827 2,903 3,506 State 661 171 118 Total deferred income tax expense 3,488 3,074 3,624 Total income tax expense $ 7,034 $ 5,743 $ 4,337 Temporary difference between tax and financial reporting basis of assets and liabilities that give rise to the deferred income tax assets (liabilities) and their related tax effects as of December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015 are as follows: 2016 2015 Deferred tax assets: Accrued liabilities $ 17,236 $ 588 General business tax credits 12,653 8,135 Stock-based compensation 1,222 1,121 Other 403 309 Total deferred tax assets 31,514 10,153 Deferred tax liability: Intangibles (10,609 ) (9,523 ) Prepaid expenses (1,673 ) (1,371 ) Property and equipment (33,001 ) (9,540 ) Total deferred tax liabilities (45,283 ) (20,434 ) Deferred tax liabilities, net $ (13,769 ) $ (10,281 ) We have approximately $9.2 million and $0.1 million of tax benefits ( $3.3 million and $0.0 million net of tax, respectively) related to excess stock compensation which were recorded to additional paid-in-capital during the fiscal years ended December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015 , respectively. Under the "tax law ordering" method, as described in ASC 740, these amounts were also used as tax deductions and reduced taxable income for fiscal year ended December 25, 2016 and the amount of net operating loss carry forward utilized during fiscal year ended December 27, 2015 . As of December 25, 2016 , the Company has general business tax credits of $12.7 million expiring in 2035 . Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of the available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred taxes will not be realized. Both positive and negative evidence are considered in forming management’s judgment as to whether a valuation allowance is appropriate, and more weight is given to evidence that can be objectively verified. The tax benefits relating to any reversal of the valuation allowance on the deferred tax assets would be recognized as a reduction of future income tax expense. The Company believes that it will realize all of the deferred tax assets. Therefore, no valuation allowance has been recorded. The following is a reconciliation of the expected federal income taxes at the statutory rate of 35% for the fiscal years ended December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015 , and 34% for the fiscal year ended and December 28, 2014 to the actual provision for income taxes: 2016 2015 2014 Expected income tax expense $ 8,497 $ 6,524 $ 5,382 State tax expense, net of federal benefit 829 725 548 FICA tip credit (1,936 ) (1,924 ) (1,615 ) Other (356 ) 418 22 Income tax expense $ 7,034 $ 5,743 $ 4,337 Federal tax standards require that a position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return be recognized in the financial statements when it is more likely than not (i.e. a likelihood of more than 50%) that the position would be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. A recognized tax position is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement. The standards also require that changes in judgment that result in subsequent recognition, derecognition or change in a measurement of a tax position taken in a prior annual period (including any related interest and penalties) be recognized as a discrete item in the interim period in which the change occurs. As of December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015 the Company recognized no liability for uncertain tax positions. It is the Company’s policy to include any penalties and interest related to income taxes in its income tax provision. However, the Company currently has no penalties or interest related to income taxes.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies The Company is involved in various claims and legal actions arising in the normal course of business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	Related Party Transactions The Company leases its corporate office and six restaurant locations from entities owned by its founders and one of its executive officers. See Note 9 Leases. In addition, the Company entered into a management agreement in November 2006 with Three Star Management, Ltd. (an entity owned by its founders) to provide management services, such as administrative, accounting and human resources support, to Three Star Management’s restaurants. In connection with this agreement, the Company received management fees of $40,000 for fiscal years 2016 , 2015 and 2014 .

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaud

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) The following tables set forth certain unaudited consolidated financial information for each of the four quarters in fiscal years 2016 and 2015 : 2016 March 29 June 28 September 27 December 27 Revenue $ 78,054 $ 87,909 $ 85,597 $ 79,053 Income from operations (1) 6,489 8,330 6,740 2,782 Net income (1) 4,532 5,780 4,599 2,333 Basic net income per share $ 0.27 $ 0.35 $ 0.70 $ 0.14 Diluted net income per share $ 0.27 $ 0.34 $ 0.27 $ 0.14 2015 March 30 June 29 September 28 December 28 Revenue $ 66,829 $ 75,362 $ 73,910 $ 70,961 Income from operations (2) 4,603 7,597 6,612 (63 ) Net income (2) 3,235 5,373 4,069 219 Basic net income per share $ 0.20 $ 0.33 $ 0.25 $ 0.01 Diluted net income per share $ 0.19 $ 0.32 $ 0.24 $ 0.01 (1) Contains closure costs that decreased income from operations by $0.4 million and $1.1 million and net income by $0.3 million and $1.0 million related to one restaurant in the third and fourth quarter of 2016, respectively. (2) Contains loss on asset impairment that decreased income from operations by $4.4 million and net income by $2.7 million related to three restaurants in the fourth quarter of 2015.

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events Subsequent to December 25, 2016 , the Company opened two new restaurants, for a total of 82 restaurants in 16 states.

Summary of Significant Accoun24

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
Fiscal Year	Fiscal Year The Company utilizes a 52- or 53-week fiscal year that ends on the last Sunday of the calendar year. The fiscal years ended December 25, 2016 , December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014 each had 52 weeks.
Accounting Estimates	Accounting Estimates The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect certain 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 for the period. Actual results could differ from estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers all cash and short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less as cash equivalents. Amounts receivable from credit card processors are considered cash equivalents because they are both short in term and highly liquid in nature, and are typically converted to cash within three business days of the sales transactions.
Lease Incentives Receivable	Lease Incentives Receivable Lease incentives receivable consist of receivables from landlords provided for under the lease agreements to reimburse the Company for leasehold improvements.
Inventories	Inventories Inventories consist of food, beverage, and merchandise and are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or market.
Restaurant Pre-opening Costs	Restaurant Pre-opening Costs Restaurant pre-opening costs consist primarily of manager salaries, relocation costs, supplies, recruiting expenses, travel and lodging, pre-opening activities, employee payroll and related training costs for employees at the new location. The Company expenses such pre-opening costs as incurred. Pre-opening costs also include rent recorded during the period between date of possession and the restaurant opening date.
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment Property and equipment are recorded at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Equipment consists primarily of restaurant equipment, furniture, fixtures and smallwares. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the related asset, which ranges from 3 to 7 years. Expenditures for major additions and improvements are capitalized. Leasehold improvements are capitalized and amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the lease term, including option periods that are reasonably assured of renewal, or the estimated useful life of the asset, which ranges from 5 to 20 years.
Leases	Leases The Company leases land and/or buildings for its corporate office and all of its restaurants under various long-term operating lease agreements. The Company uses a lease life that begins on the date that the Company takes possession under the lease, including the pre-opening period during construction, when in many cases the Company is not making rent payments (“Rent Holiday”). Certain of the Company’s operating leases contain predetermined fixed escalations of the minimum rent during the original term of the lease. For these leases and those with a Rent Holiday, the Company recognizes the related rent expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term and records the difference between the amounts charged to operations and amounts paid, as accrued deferred rent. In addition, certain of the Company’s operating leases contain clauses that provide for additional contingent rent based on a percentage of sales greater than certain specified target amounts. The Company recognizes contingent rent expense prior to the achievement of the specified target that triggers the contingent rent, provided achievement of the target is considered probable. Leasehold improvements financed by the landlord through lease incentive allowances are capitalized with the lease incentive allowances recorded as deferred lease incentives. Such leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the life of the asset or the defined lease term, which includes option periods which are reasonably assured of renewal. Deferred lease incentives are amortized on a straight-line basis over the same defined lease term, and are recorded as a reduction of occupancy expense.
Other Assets and Intangible Assets	Other Assets and Intangible Assets Other assets and intangible assets include liquor licenses, lease acquisition costs and loan origination costs and are stated at cost, less accumulated amortization.
Goodwill	Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value of assets of the businesses acquired. Goodwill is not amortized, but is subject to impairment tests at least annually. The Company performs tests to assess potential impairments on the first day of the fourth quarter or during the year if an event or other circumstance indicates that goodwill may be impaired. The impairment evaluation for goodwill is conducted using a three-step process. In the first step, a qualitative assessment is performed to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value. The Company considers all of its stores in total as one reporting unit. If it is concluded that this is the case, then a second step is performed by comparing the implied estimated fair value of the reporting unit to the carrying amount, including goodwill. If the estimated fair value is less than the carrying amount, then a third step must be completed in order to determine the amount of the goodwill impairment that should be recorded. In the third step, the implied fair value of the goodwill is determined by allocating fair value to all of its assets and liabilities, other than goodwill, in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation. If the resulting implied fair value of the goodwill that results from the application of this third step is less than the carrying amount of the goodwill, an impairment charge is recorded for the difference. No goodwill impairment charges were recognized during 2016 , 2015 , or 2014 .
Indefinite Life Intangibles	Indefinite Life Intangibles Intangible assets acquired in a business combination and determined to have an indefinite useful life are not amortized because there is no foreseeable limit to the cash flows generated by the intangible asset, and have no legal, contractual, regulatory, economic or competitive limiting factors. The annual impairment evaluation for indefinite life intangible assets includes a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the indefinite life intangible assets are less than their carrying value. If it is concluded that this is the case, then a second step is performed by comparing the asset’s carrying value to the asset’s implied estimated fair value. When the carrying value exceeds fair value, an impairment charge is recorded for the amount of the difference. The Company also annually evaluates intangible assets that are not being amortized to determine whether events and circumstances continue to support an indefinite useful life. If an intangible asset that is not being amortized is determined to have a finite useful life, the asset will be amortized prospectively over the estimated remaining useful life and accounted for in the same manner as intangible assets subject to amortization. No indefinite life intangible impairment charges were recognized during 2016 , 2015 , or 2014 .
Asset Impairment Charges [Text Block]	Impairment of Long-lived Assets The Company reviews long-lived assets, such as property and equipment and intangibles, subject to amortization, for impairment when events or circumstances indicate the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. In determining the recoverability of the asset value, an analysis is performed at the individual restaurant level and primarily includes an assessment of historical cash flows and other relevant factors and circumstances. The Company evaluates future cash flow projections in conjunction with qualitative factors and future operating plans and regularly reviews any restaurants with a deficient level of cash flows for the previous 24 months to determine if impairment testing is necessary. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the restaurant to the estimated fair value. Based on this analysis, if the carrying amount of the restaurant exceeds the estimated fair value, an impairment charge is recognized by the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair value. As a result of the above mentioned review process, the Company recognized a $4.4 million non-cash loss on asset impairment as a result of the performance related to three restaurants in fiscal 2015 . The Company did not recognize an impairment charge during fiscal 2016 or 2014 . The Company’s impairment assessment process requires the use of estimates and assumptions regarding future cash flows and operating outcomes, which are based upon a significant degree of management judgment. The estimates used in the impairment analysis represent a Level 3 fair value measurement. The Company continues to assess the performance of restaurants and monitors the need for future impairment. Changes in economic environment, real estate markets, capital spending and overall operating performance could impact these estimates and result in future impairment charges.
Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments The Company uses a three-tier value hierarchy, which classifies the inputs used in measuring fair values, in determining the fair value of the Company's non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions. There were no changes in the methods or assumptions used in measuring fair value during the period. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable at December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015 approximate their fair value due to the short-term maturities of these financial instruments. The Company’s long-term debt has a variable interest rate and therefore re-prices frequently and entails no significant change in credit risk and as a result the fair value approximates the carrying value.
Loan Origination Costs	Loan Origination Costs Loan origination costs are capitalized and amortized over the term of the related debt and is included in Interest expense, net on the consolidated statements of income.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition Revenue from restaurant operations (food, beverage and alcohol sales) and merchandise sales are recognized upon payment by the customer at the time of sale. Revenues are reflected net of sales tax and certain discounts and allowances. Proceeds from the sale of gift cards are recorded as deferred revenue at the time of sale and recognized as revenue upon redemption by the customer. Breakage is recognized on unredeemed gift cards based upon historical redemption patterns when the Company determines the likelihood of redemption of the gift card by the customer is remote. Any gift card breakage was immaterial for all periods presented.
Marketing	Marketing The Company expenses the printing of menus and other promotional materials as incurred. The costs of community service and sponsorship activities are expensed on the expected timing of those events. Marketing expense was $2.4 million , $2.2 million , and $1.7 million for the years ended December 25, 2016 , December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014 , respectively.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation The Company maintains an equity incentive plan under which it allows the Company's board of directors to grant stock options, restricted stock, and other equity-based awards to directors, officers, and key employees of the Company. The plans provide 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. The Company recognizes stock-based compensation in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 718 ("Topic 718"). Stock-based compensation cost includes compensation cost for all share-based payments granted based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of Topic 718. Compensation cost is recognized on a straight-line basis, net of estimated forfeitures, over the requisite service period of each award.
Income Tax Matters	Income Tax Matters Income tax provisions are comprised of federal and state taxes currently due, plus deferred taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future tax consequences attributable to the temporary difference between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Deferred tax assets are recognized when management considers the realization of those assets in future periods to be more likely than not. Future taxable income, adjustments in temporary differences, available carryforward periods and changes in tax laws could affect these estimates.
Segment Reporting	Segment Reporting ASC Topic No. 280, "Segment Reporting," establishes standards for disclosures about products and services, geographic areas and major customers. The Company currently operates one reporting segment; full-service, casual dining, Mexican food restaurants. Additionally, we operate in one geographic area: the United States of America. Revenue from customers is derived principally from food and beverage sales and the Company does not rely on any major customers as a source of revenue.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements The Company's management reviewed all significant newly-issued accounting pronouncements and concluded that, with the exception of the pronouncements below, they either are not applicable to the Company's operations or that no material effect is expected on the Company's consolidated financial statements as a result of future adoption. Revenue Recognition In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, "Revenue with Contracts from Customers." ASU 2014-09 supersedes the current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The guidance introduces a five-step model to achieve its core principal of the entity recognizing revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers at an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-04, “Liabilities - Extinguishments of Liabilities: Recognition of Breakage for Certain Prepaid Stored-Value Products.” ASU 2016-04 provides specific guidance for the derecognition of prepaid stored-value product liabilities. These ASU's are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and early adoption is permitted only for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The adoption of these new standards will not have a material impact to our revenue recognition of restaurant sales. Leases In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Leases." This update requires a lessee to recognize on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by those leases with a lease term of more than twelve months. Leases will continue to be classified as either financing or operating, with classification affecting the recognition, measurement and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease. This ASU is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and requires a modified retrospective approach to adoption for lessees related to capital and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, the earliest comparative period presented in the consolidated financial statements, with certain practical expedients available. Early adoption is permitted. We had operating leases with remaining rental payments of approximately $337.4 million at the end of fiscal 2016. The discounted minimum remaining rental payments will be the starting point for determining the right-of-use asset and lease liability. We believe the adoption of ASU 2016-02 will materially impact our consolidated financial statements by significantly increasing our non-current assets and non-current liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets due to the recognition of the right-of-use assets and related lease liabilities for our existing operating leases. While the new standard is also expected to impact the measurement and presentation of elements of expenses and cash flows related to leasing arrangements, we do not presently believe there will be a material impact on our consolidated statements of income or our consolidated statement of cash flows. We are currently unable to estimate the impact on our consolidated financial statements. Stock Compensation In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, "Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting." This update simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. This ASU is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and early adoption is permitted. The Company will adopt this standard at the beginning of fiscal year 2017. We are currently evaluating the impact of the updated guidance and believe the adoption of the guidance will impact our accounting for excess tax benefits and deficiencies as all excess tax benefits and deficiencies will be recognized in our income tax expense line item in our consolidated statements of income. We believe the new standard will cause volatility in our effective tax rates and diluted earnings per share due to the tax effects related to share-based payments being recorded in the statements of income in the period in which they occur. The volatility in future periods will depend on our stock price at the awards’ vest dates and the number of awards that vest each period. Additionally, our consolidated statements of cash flows will present excess tax benefits, which are currently presented as a financing activity, as an operating activity. We are unable to estimate the impact on our consolidated financial statements due to the variable factors as described above.

Net Income Per Share (Tables)

Net Income Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Share	The computations of basic and diluted net income per share is as follows: Year Ended December 25, 2016 December 27, 2015 December 28, 2014 BASIC Net income $ 17,244 $ 12,896 $ 11,491 Weighted-average common shares outstanding 16,676,073 16,470,278 16,427,732 Basic net income per common share $ 1.03 $ 0.78 $ 0.70 DILUTED Net income $ 17,244 $ 12,896 $ 11,491 Weighted-average common shares outstanding 16,676,073 16,470,278 16,427,732 Dilutive effect of stock options 211,809 269,109 281,739 Weighted-average of diluted shares 16,887,882 16,739,387 16,709,471 Diluted net income per common share $ 1.02 $ 0.77 $ 0.69

Prepaid Expenses and Other Cu26

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current [Abstract]
Schedule of Other Current Assets [Table Text Block]	The major classes of prepaid expenses and other current assets at December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015 are summarized as follows: December 25, 2016 December 27, 2015 Deposits on equipment $ 1,143 $ 618 Prepaids 3,694 1,733 Other current assets 370 288 Total prepaids expenses and other current assets $ 5,207 $ 2,639

Property and Equipment (Tables)

Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Major Classes of Property and Equipment	The major classes of property and equipment as of December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015 are summarized as follows: December 25, 2016 December 27, 2015 Leasehold improvements $ 143,494 $ 113,808 Furniture, fixtures and equipment 71,305 57,764 Construction in progress 11,089 10,848 225,888 182,420 Less accumulated depreciation (60,738 ) (45,927 ) Total property and equipment, net $ 165,150 $ 136,493

Other Assets and Other Intang28

Other Assets and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Other Assets and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Major Classes of Other Assets and Other Intangible Assets	The major classes of other assets and intangibles assets along with related accumulated amortization at December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015 are summarized as follows: Average Life at December 25, 2016 2016 2015 Gross Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Amount Gross Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Amount Finite-lived assets: Loan origination costs 3.9 $ 294 $ (169 ) $ 125 $ 294 $ (136 ) $ 158 Lease acquisition costs 14.4 2,173 (453 ) 1,720 1,881 (351 ) 1,530 Total finite-lived assets 2,467 (622 ) 1,845 2,175 (487 ) 1,688 Indefinite-lived assets: Liquor license 75 — 75 75 — 75 Total indefinite-lived assets 75 — 75 75 — 75 Total other assets and intangible assets $ 2,542 $ (622 ) $ 1,920 $ 2,250 $ (487 ) $ 1,763
Estimated Amortization of Intangible Assets for the Five Succeeding Fiscal Years	The following table represents the total estimated amortization of finite-lived intangible assets for the five succeeding fiscal years and thereafter: For the Fiscal Years Ending: 2017 $ 151 2018 156 2019 155 2020 147 2021 120 Thereafter 1,116 $ 1,845

Accrued Liabilities (Tables)

Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Major Classes of Accrued Liabilities	The major classes of accrued liabilities at December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015 are summarized as follows: December 25, 2016 December 27, 2015 Accrued compensation and related benefits $ 7,572 $ 8,080 Other accruals 3,061 2,778 Sales and use tax 2,200 2,084 Accrued closure costs 1,659 — Property tax 1,191 1,274 Deferred gift card revenue 2,074 1,645 Total accrued liabilities $ 17,757 $ 15,861 In fiscal 2016, we separately disclosed our Income tax receivable on the consolidated balance sheet. To conform to the current year presentation, we reclassified the prior year balance that was previously combined in Accrued liabilities.

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Leases [Abstract]
Future Minimum Rental Commitments	Related Party Unrelated Parties Total Fiscal year ending: 2017 $ 2,260 $ 18,418 $ 20,678 2018 2,314 19,162 21,476 2019 1,670 19,136 20,806 2020 1,400 19,163 20,563 2021 1,413 19,504 20,917 Thereafter 2,070 230,927 232,997 Total minimum lease payments $ 11,127 $ 326,310 $ 337,437
Minimum and Contingent Rent Expense	Rent expense, excluding real estate taxes, CAM charges, insurance, deferred lease incentives and other expenses related to operating leases for the years ended December 25, 2016 , December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014 consists of the following: 2016 2015 2014 Minimum rent—related parties $ 1,988 $ 1,901 $ 1,969 Contingent rent—related parties 663 646 600 Total rent—related parties 2,651 2,547 2,569 Minimum rent—unrelated parties 15,419 12,401 9,888 Contingent rent—unrelated parties 312 355 291 Total rent—unrelated parties 15,731 12,756 10,179 Total minimum and contingent rent $ 18,382 $ 15,303 $ 12,748

Stock-Based Compensation (Table

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Summary of Stock-Based Compensation Activity - Stock Options	A summary of stock-based compensation activity and changes related to stock options for the year ended December 25, 2016 are as follows: Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value Outstanding at December 27, 2015 634,412 $ 11.91 Granted — — Exercised (312,165 ) 4.71 Forfeited (6,220 ) 31.09 Outstanding at December 25, 2016 316,027 $ 18.64 4.87 $ 4,545 Exercisable as of December 25, 2016 259,117 $ 16.63 4.57 $ 4,242
Weighted Average Assumptions	The weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted was $11.12 per share, during the year ended, December 28, 2014 , as estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions (no options were granted during the years ended December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015 ): 2014 Dividend yield — % Expected volatility 37 % Risk-free rate of return 1.58 % Expected life (in years) 5
Summary of Stock-Based Compensation Activity - Restricted Stock Units	A summary of stock-based compensation activity and changes related to restricted stock units for the year ended December 25, 2016 are as follows: Shares Weighted Average Fair Value Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years) Outstanding at December 27, 2015 165,111 $ 29.72 Granted 94,402 34.36 Vested (46,004 ) 30.89 Forfeited (6,759 ) 30.03 Outstanding at December 25, 2016 206,750 $ 31.57 2.60

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Provision for Federal and State Income Taxes	The provision for federal and state income taxes for the years ended December 25, 2016 , December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014 consisted of the following: 2016 2015 2014 Current income tax expense: Federal $ 2,933 $ 1,724 $ — State 613 945 713 Total current income tax expense 3,546 2,669 713 Deferred income tax expense: Federal 2,827 2,903 3,506 State 661 171 118 Total deferred income tax expense 3,488 3,074 3,624 Total income tax expense $ 7,034 $ 5,743 $ 4,337
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	Temporary difference between tax and financial reporting basis of assets and liabilities that give rise to the deferred income tax assets (liabilities) and their related tax effects as of December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015 are as follows: 2016 2015 Deferred tax assets: Accrued liabilities $ 17,236 $ 588 General business tax credits 12,653 8,135 Stock-based compensation 1,222 1,121 Other 403 309 Total deferred tax assets 31,514 10,153 Deferred tax liability: Intangibles (10,609 ) (9,523 ) Prepaid expenses (1,673 ) (1,371 ) Property and equipment (33,001 ) (9,540 ) Total deferred tax liabilities (45,283 ) (20,434 ) Deferred tax liabilities, net $ (13,769 ) $ (10,281 )
Reconciliation of Federal Statutory Tax Expense to Effective Income Tax Expense	The following is a reconciliation of the expected federal income taxes at the statutory rate of 35% for the fiscal years ended December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015 , and 34% for the fiscal year ended and December 28, 2014 to the actual provision for income taxes: 2016 2015 2014 Expected income tax expense $ 8,497 $ 6,524 $ 5,382 State tax expense, net of federal benefit 829 725 548 FICA tip credit (1,936 ) (1,924 ) (1,615 ) Other (356 ) 418 22 Income tax expense $ 7,034 $ 5,743 $ 4,337

Quarterly Financial Data (Una33

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Data	The following tables set forth certain unaudited consolidated financial information for each of the four quarters in fiscal years 2016 and 2015 : 2016 March 29 June 28 September 27 December 27 Revenue $ 78,054 $ 87,909 $ 85,597 $ 79,053 Income from operations (1) 6,489 8,330 6,740 2,782 Net income (1) 4,532 5,780 4,599 2,333 Basic net income per share $ 0.27 $ 0.35 $ 0.70 $ 0.14 Diluted net income per share $ 0.27 $ 0.34 $ 0.27 $ 0.14 2015 March 30 June 29 September 28 December 28 Revenue $ 66,829 $ 75,362 $ 73,910 $ 70,961 Income from operations (2) 4,603 7,597 6,612 (63 ) Net income (2) 3,235 5,373 4,069 219 Basic net income per share $ 0.20 $ 0.33 $ 0.25 $ 0.01 Diluted net income per share $ 0.19 $ 0.32 $ 0.24 $ 0.01 (1) Contains closure costs that decreased income from operations by $0.4 million and $1.1 million and net income by $0.3 million and $1.0 million related to one restaurant in the third and fourth quarter of 2016, respectively. (2) Contains loss on asset impairment that decreased income from operations by $4.4 million and net income by $2.7 million related to three restaurants in the fourth quarter of 2015.

Description of Business (Detail

Description of Business (Details)	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of States in which Entity Operates	16
Number of Restaurants	80	69	59

Summary of Significant Accoun35

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative)(Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 25, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 27, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 25, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 27, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 28, 2014USD ($)
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	$ 337,437			$ 337,437
Impairment and closure costs	$ 1,127	$ 390	$ 4,360	1,517	$ 4,360	$ 0
Marketing expense				$ 2,390	$ 2,249	$ 1,719
Number of Reportable Segments				1
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life				3 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life				7 years
Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life				5 years
Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life				20 years

Net Income Per Share (Computati

Net Income Per Share (Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share)(Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Sep. 25, 2016	Jun. 26, 2016	Mar. 27, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Sep. 27, 2015	Jun. 28, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount									1,000	26,000	13,000
BASIC
Net income	$ 2,333	$ 4,599	$ 5,780	$ 4,532	$ 219	$ 4,069	$ 5,373	$ 3,235	$ 17,244	$ 12,896	$ 11,491
Weighted-average common shares outstanding									16,676,073	16,470,278	16,427,732
Basic net income per common share	$ 0.14	$ 0.70	$ 0.35	$ 0.27	$ 0.01	$ 0.25	$ 0.33	$ 0.20	$ 1.03	$ 0.78	$ 0.70
DILUTED
Net income	$ 2,333	$ 4,599	$ 5,780	$ 4,532	$ 219	$ 4,069	$ 5,373	$ 3,235	$ 17,244	$ 12,896	$ 11,491
DENOMINATOR:
Weighted-average common shares outstanding									16,676,073	16,470,278	16,427,732
Dilutive effect of stock options									211,809	269,109	281,739
Weighted-average of diluted shares									16,887,882	16,739,387	16,709,471
Diluted net income per common share	$ 0.14	$ 0.27	$ 0.34	$ 0.27	$ 0.01	$ 0.24	$ 0.32	$ 0.19	$ 1.02	$ 0.77	$ 0.69

Prepaid Expenses and Other Cu37

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015
Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current [Abstract]
Deposits on equipment	$ 1,143	$ 618
Prepaid Expense, Current	3,694	1,733
Other current assets	370	288
Total prepaids expenses and other current assets	$ 5,207	$ 2,639

Property and Equipment (Narrati

Property and Equipment (Narrative)(Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Depreciation	$ 15	$ 12.7	$ 10.2

Property and Equipment (Major C

Property and Equipment (Major Classes of Property and Equipment)(Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Leasehold improvements	$ 143,494	$ 113,808
Furniture, fixtures and equipment	71,305	57,764
Construction in progress	11,089	10,848
Total property and equipment, gross	225,888	182,420
Less accumulated depreciation	(60,738)	(45,927)
Total property and equipment, net	$ 165,150	$ 136,493

Other Assets and Other Intang40

Other Assets and Other Intangible Assets (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Other Assets and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Amortization expense	$ 0.1	$ 0.1	$ 0.1

Other Assets and Other Intang41

Other Assets and Other Intangible Assets (Major Classes of Other Assets and Other Intangible Assets)(Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015
Other Assets and Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross	$ 2,467	$ 2,175
Other assets and other intangible assets, gross	2,542	2,250
Accumulated amortization, other assets and other intangible assets	(622)	(487)
Other assets and other intangible assets, net	1,920	1,763
Finite-lived intangible assets, accumulated amortization	(622)	(487)
Total finite-lived intangible assets, net	1,845	1,688
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)	$ 75	75
Loan Origination Costs [Member]
Other Assets and Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	3 years 10 months 24 days
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross	$ 294	294
Finite-lived intangible assets, accumulated amortization	(169)	(136)
Total finite-lived intangible assets, net	$ 125	158
Lease Acquisition Costs [Member]
Other Assets and Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	14 years 4 months 24 days
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross	$ 2,173	1,881
Finite-lived intangible assets, accumulated amortization	(453)	(351)
Total finite-lived intangible assets, net	1,720	1,530
Liquor License [Member]
Other Assets and Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)	$ 75	$ 75

Other Assets and Other Intang42

Other Assets and Other Intangible Assets (Estimated Amortization of Intangible Assets for the Five Succeeding Fiscal Years)(Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015
Other Assets and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
2,017	$ 151
2,018	156
2,019	155
2,020	147
2,021	120
Thereafter	1,116
Total finite-lived intangible assets, net	$ 1,845	$ 1,688

Long-Term Debt (Narrative)(Deta

Long-Term Debt (Narrative)(Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015
Credit facility maximum borrowing capacity	$ 25,000
Long-term debt	$ 0	$ 0
Credit facility maturity date	Oct. 30, 2020
Line of Credit Facility Additional Borrowing Capacity	$ 25,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Letters of credit borrowing capacity	$ 5,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Federal Funds Rate [Member]
Basis spread on variable rate	0.50%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Base Rate [Member]
Basis spread on variable rate	1.00%

Accrued Liabilities (Major Clas

Accrued Liabilities (Major Classes of Accrued Liabilities)(Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accrued compensation and related benefits	$ 7,572	$ 8,080
Other accruals	3,061	2,778
Sales and use tax	2,200	2,084
Accrued closure costs	1,659	0
Property tax	1,191	1,274
Deferred gift card revenue	2,074	1,645
Total accrued liabilities	$ 17,757	$ 15,861

Leases (Narrative)(Details)

Leases (Narrative)(Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Minimum [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Initial lease term	10 years
Lease terms renewal	3 years
Maximum [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Initial lease term	20 years
Lease terms renewal	20 years

Leases (Future Minimum Rental C

Leases (Future Minimum Rental Commitments)(Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 25, 2016USD ($)
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
2,017	$ 20,678
2,018	21,476
2,019	20,806
2,020	20,563
2,021	20,917
Thereafter	232,997
Total minimum lease payments	337,437
Related Parties [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
2,017	2,260
2,018	2,314
2,019	1,670
2,020	1,400
2,021	1,413
Thereafter	2,070
Total minimum lease payments	11,127
Unrelated Parties [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
2,017	18,418
2,018	19,162
2,019	19,136
2,020	19,163
2,021	19,504
Thereafter	230,927
Total minimum lease payments	$ 326,310

Leases (Minimum and Contingent

Leases (Minimum and Contingent Rent Exepense)(Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Total minimum and contingent rent	$ 18,382	$ 15,303	$ 12,748
Related Parties [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Miminum rent—related parties	1,988	1,901	1,969
Contingent rent—related parties	663	646	600
Total minimum and contingent rent	2,651	2,547	2,569
Unrelated Parties [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Miminum rent—related parties	15,419	12,401	9,888
Contingent rent—related parties	312	355	291
Total minimum and contingent rent	$ 15,731	$ 12,756	$ 10,179

Employee Benefit Plan (Narrativ

Employee Benefit Plan (Narrative)(Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Discretionary Contribution Amount	$ 229,000	$ 209,000	$ 176,000

Stock-Based Compensation (Narra

Stock-Based Compensation (Narrative)(Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Stock-based compensation	$ 2,193	$ 1,718	$ 1,054
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, Capitalized Amount	$ 160	114	224
ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEstimatedFairValueOfCommonStockPerShare	$ 32.95
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value	$ 9,100	600
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value	500	$ 600	$ 600
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value			$ 11.12
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	400
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Share-based Awards Other than Options	$ 4,800
2012 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period	10 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	818,257
Employee Stock Option [Member] | 2012 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage	20.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	5 years
Minimum [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | 2012 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	4 years
Maximum [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | 2012 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	5 years

Stock-Based Compensation (Summa

Stock-Based Compensation (Summary of Stock-Based Compensation Activity - Stock Options) (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Shares
Outstanding at December 27, 2015 | shares	634,412
Granted | shares	0
Exercised | shares	(312,165)
Forfeited | shares	(6,220)
Outstanding at December 25, 2016 | shares	316,027
Exercisable as of December 25, 2016 | shares	259,117
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at December 27, 2015 | $ / shares	$ 11.91
Granted | $ / shares	0
Exercised | $ / shares	4.71
Forfeited | $ / shares	31.09
Outstanding at December 25, 2016 | $ / shares	18.64
Exercisable as of December 25, 2016 | $ / shares	$ 16.63
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)
Outstanding at December 25, 2016	4 years 10 months 13 days
Exercisable as of December 25, 2016	4 years 6 months 26 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at December 25, 2016 | $	$ 4,545
Exercisable as of December 25, 2016 | $	$ 4,242

Stock-Based Compensation (Weigh

Stock-Based Compensation (Weighted-Average Assumptions) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Dividend yield	0.00%
Expected volatility	37.00%
Risk-free rate of return	1.58%
Expected life (in years)	5 years

Stock-Based Compensation (Sum52

Stock-Based Compensation (Summary of Stock-Based Compensation Activity - Restricted Stock Units) (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	2 years 7 months 6 days
Shares
Granted	94,402
Weighted Average Fair Value
Outstanding at December 27, 2015	$ 29.72
Granted	34.36
Outstanding at December 25, 2016	$ 31.57
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures	(46,004)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 30.89
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Forfeited	(6,759)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 30.03
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	206,750	165,111

Impairment and closure (Details

Impairment and closure (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Sep. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Impairment and Closure Costs [Abstract]
Impairment and closure costs	$ 1,127	$ 390	$ 4,360	$ 1,517	$ 4,360	$ 0

Income Taxes (Narrative)(Detail

Income Taxes (Narrative)(Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense	$ 9,200	$ 100
Excess Tax Benefit From Stock-Based Compensation	3,265	34	$ 609
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, General Business	$ 12,653	$ 8,135

Income Taxes (Provision for Fed

Income Taxes (Provision for Federal and State Income Taxes)(Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Current Income Tax Expense
Federal	$ 2,933	$ 1,724	$ 0
State	613	945	713
Total Current income tax expense	3,546	2,669	713
Deferred income tax expense
Federal	2,827	2,903	3,506
State	661	171	118
Total deferred income tax expense	3,488	3,074	3,624
Total income tax expense	$ 7,034	$ 5,743	$ 4,337

Income Taxes (Schedule of Defer

Income Taxes (Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities)(Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015
Deferred tax assets:
Accrued liabilities	$ 17,236	$ 588
General business credits	12,653	8,135
Stock-based compensation	1,222	1,121
Other	403	309
Total deferred tax assets	31,514	10,153
Deferred tax liability:
Intangibles	(10,609)	(9,523)
Prepaid expenses	(1,673)	(1,371)
Property and equipment	(33,001)	(9,540)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(45,283)	(20,434)
Deferred tax liabilities, net	$ (13,769)	$ (10,281)

Income Taxes (Reconciliation of

Income Taxes (Reconciliation of Federal Statutory Tax Expense to Effective Income Tax Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Expected income tax expense	$ 8,497	$ 6,524	$ 5,382
State tax expense, net of federal benefit	829	725	548
FICA tip credit	(1,936)	(1,924)	(1,615)
Other	(356)	418	22
Total income tax expense	$ 7,034	$ 5,743	$ 4,337

Related Party Transactions (Nar

Related Party Transactions (Narrative)(Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Management fees received	$ 40	$ 40	$ 40

Quarterly Financial Data (Una59

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Narrative)(Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Sep. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Impairment and closure costs	$ 1,127	$ 390	$ 4,360	$ 1,517	$ 4,360	$ 0
Impairment and closure costs net of tax	$ 950	$ 270	$ 2,749

Quarterly Financial Data (Una60

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Quarterly Financial Data)(Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended									12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016		Sep. 25, 2016	Jun. 26, 2016	Mar. 27, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Sep. 27, 2015	Jun. 28, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Revenue	$ 79,053		$ 85,597	$ 87,909	$ 78,054	$ 70,961	$ 73,910	$ 75,362	$ 66,829	$ 330,613	$ 287,062	$ 245,101
Income from operations	2,782	[1]	6,740	8,330	6,489	(63)	6,612	7,597	4,603	24,341	18,749	15,952
Net income	$ 2,333		$ 4,599	$ 5,780	$ 4,532	$ 219	$ 4,069	$ 5,373	$ 3,235	$ 17,244	$ 12,896	$ 11,491
Basic net income per common share	$ 0.14		$ 0.70	$ 0.35	$ 0.27	$ 0.01	$ 0.25	$ 0.33	$ 0.20	$ 1.03	$ 0.78	$ 0.70
Diluted net income per common share	$ 0.14		$ 0.27	$ 0.34	$ 0.27	$ 0.01	$ 0.24	$ 0.32	$ 0.19	$ 1.02	$ 0.77	$ 0.69
[1]	(1)Contains closure costs that decreased income from operations by $0.4 million and $1.1 million and net income by $0.3 million and $1.0 million related to one restaurant in the third and fourth quarter of 2016, respectively. (2)Contains loss on asset impairment that decreased income from operations by $4.4 million and net income by $2.7 million related to three restaurants in the fourth quarter of 2015.

Subsequent Events (Narrative)(D

Subsequent Events (Narrative)(Details)	Mar. 10, 2017StateRestaurant	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of Restaurants		80	69	59
Number of States in which Entity Operates		16
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of new restaurants	2
Number of Restaurants	82
Number of States in which Entity Operates | State	16