Zoe's Kitchen (ZOES) 10-K 13 Mar 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

DEI_Document

DEI Document (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 29, 2014	Mar. 11, 2015	Jul. 14, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	29-Dec-14
Entity Registrant Name	Zoe's Kitchen, Inc.
Entity CIK	1594879
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-17
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity Common Stock Outstanding		19,292,246
Entity Public Float			$265

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 29, 2014	Dec. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$29,390	$1,149
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts, of $12 at December 29, 2014 and $13 at December 30, 2013	678	583
Other accounts receivable	1,164	1,187
Inventory	1,295	914
Prepaid expenses and other	1,168	745
Total current assets	33,695	4,578
Property and equipment, net	103,945	78,629
Goodwill	29,528	23,334
Intangibles, net	11,206	11,207
Loan costs, net	16	1,035
Deposits	271	247
Other long-term assets	0	1,034
Total long-term assets	144,966	115,486
Total assets	178,661	120,064
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	0	1,925
Accounts payable	6,131	6,672
Accrued expenses and other	10,175	6,462
Total current liabilities	16,306	15,059
Long-term liabilities:
Long-term debt	0	39,475
Deemed landlord financing	23,266	19,893
Deferred rent	13,701	8,156
Deferred income taxes	3,784	3,524
Residual value obligations, net	302	357
Other long-term liabilities	33	21
Total long-term liabilities	41,086	71,426
Total liabilities	57,392	86,485
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 12)
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 135,000,000 shares authorized as of December 29, 2014 and December 30, 2013; 19,292,246 and 12,561,414 shares issued, outstanding as of December 29, 2014 and December 30, 2013, respectively	193	126
Additional paid-in capital	142,714	45,074
Accumulated deficit	-21,638	-11,621
Total stockholders' equity	121,269	33,579
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$178,661	$120,064

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 29, 2014	Dec. 30, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$12	$13
Common stock, par value (USD per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	135,000,000	135,000,000
Common stock, issued (in shares)	19,292,246	12,561,414
Common stock, outstanding (in shares)	19,292,246	12,561,414

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 29, 2014	Dec. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenue:
Restaurant sales	$171,256	$115,748	$78,966
Franchise and royalty fees	477	637	758
Total revenue	171,733	116,385	79,724
Restaurant operating costs:
Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization)	56,843	38,063	25,845
Labor	48,300	32,810	21,567
Store operating expenses	31,919	21,780	14,610
General and administrative expenses	26,744	13,171	8,969
Depreciation	8,900	5,862	3,779
Amortization	1,573	1,601	1,091
Pre-opening costs	2,109	1,938	917
Loss from disposal of equipment	144	175	240
Total operating expenses	176,532	115,400	77,018
Income (loss) from operations	-4,799	985	2,706
Other expenses:
Interest expense, net	3,535	4,019	2,337
Loss on extinguishment of debt	978	0	0
Loss on interest cap	6	25	0
Total other expenses	4,519	4,044	2,337
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes	-9,318	-3,059	369
Provision for income taxes	699	656	622
Net loss	($10,017)	($3,715)	($253)
Net loss per share
Net loss per share, basic and diluted (USD per share)	($0.58)	($0.30)	($0.02)
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Weighted average shares outstanding basic and diluted (in shares)	17,410	12,561	12,561

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Accumulated Deficit
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Beginning balance at Dec. 26, 2011	$37,348	$126	$44,875	($7,653)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Equity-based compensation	125		125
Net loss	-253			-253
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2012	37,220	126	45,000	-7,906
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Equity-based compensation	74		74
Net loss	-3,715			-3,715
Ending balance at Dec. 30, 2013	33,579	126	45,074	-11,621
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuance of common stock in connection with the IPO, net of transaction expenses	91,037	67	90,970
Equity-based compensation	6,332		6,332
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	338		338
Net loss	-10,017			-10,017
Ending balance at Dec. 29, 2014	$121,269	$193	$142,714	($21,638)

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 29, 2014	Dec. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	($10,017)	($3,715)	($253)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	8,900	5,862	3,779
Amortization of intangible assets	1,573	1,601	1,091
Equity-based compensation	6,332	74	125
Deferred income taxes	606	594	547
Amortization of loan costs	77	205	120
Bad debt expense	11	11	13
Loss from disposal of equipment	144	175	240
Loss on extinguishment of debt	978	0	0
Accretion of deemed landlord financing	219	262	114
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Trade accounts receivable	-106	-199	66
Other accounts receivable	23	-130	-678
Inventory	-347	-257	-179
Prepaid expenses and other	-555	-63	-121
Accounts payable	1,279	1,307	1,033
Accrued expenses and other	3,235	1,810	656
Deferred rent	5,401	3,387	1,243
Net cash provided by operating activities	17,753	10,924	7,796
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property and equipment	-31,102	-28,267	-15,462
Acquisition purchase price, net of cash acquired	-9,136	0	-5,834
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	158	25	13
Net cash used in investing activities	-40,080	-28,242	-21,283
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from line of credit	7,900	15,650	15,373
Payments on long-term debt	-49,300	-938	-686
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of underwriter fees	96,314	0	0
Payment of costs associated with initial public offering	-2,538	-6	0
Purchase of common stock	-2,733	0	0
Proceeds from deemed landlord financing	603	1,595	1,019
Proceeds from exercise of common stock	338	0	0
Payment of loan acquisition fees	-16	-284	-576
Net cash provided by financing activities	50,568	16,017	15,130
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	28,241	-1,301	1,643
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of year	1,149	2,450	807
End of year	29,390	1,149	2,450
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
Cash paid for interest related to long-term debt	812	2,039	1,229
Cash paid for interest related to deemed landlord financing	2,750	1,668	981
Non-cash residual value lease obligations	38	107	103
Non-cash deemed landlord financing	2,550	6,850	3,250
Change in accrued purchases of property and equipment	-691	1,323	1,243
Non-cash costs associated with initial public offering	0	1,018	0
Non-cash landlord improvements	$224	$0	$0

Nature_of_Operations_and_Summa

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Nature of Operations
	Zoe’s Kitchen, Inc. (the "Company", "Zoës", "we" or "us"), primarily develops and operates fast-casual restaurants serving a distinct menu of freshly prepared Mediterranean-inspired dishes. As of December 29, 2014, we operated 129 Company-owned restaurants and three franchise restaurants in 15 states across the United States. We have determined that we have one operating and reportable segment. All of our revenues are derived in the United States. All of our assets are located in the United States.
	On April 16, 2014, we completed an initial public offering (the "IPO") of 6,708,332 shares of common stock at a price to the public of $15.00 per share, which included 874,999 shares sold to the underwriters pursuant to their over-allotment option. All share and per share data have been retroactively restated in the accompanying financial statements to give effect to a 125,614.14:1 stock split, which became effective on April 14, 2014. After underwriter discounts and commissions and offering expenses, we received net proceeds from the offering of approximately $91.0 million. A portion of these proceeds were used to repay all of the outstanding borrowings under the 2011 Credit Facility (as defined herein, see Note 7).
	On August 19, 2014, we completed a follow-on offering of 5,175,000 shares of common stock at a public offering price of $30.25 per share, which included 675,000 shares sold to the underwriters pursuant to their over-allotment option. All of the shares in the offering were offered by selling stockholders, except for 94,100 shares offered by us, the proceeds of which were used to repurchase the same number of shares from certain of our officers at the public offering price per share. We did not receive any net proceeds from the sale of shares of common stock by the selling stockholders. The repurchased shares were constructively retired as we do not intend to reissue the shares within a reasonable period of time.
	On November 19, 2014, we completed a follow-on offering of 4,370,000 shares of common stock at a price of $32.00 per share, which included 570,000 shares sold to the underwriters pursuant to their over-allotment option. All of the shares in the offering were offered by the selling stockholders. We did not receive any proceeds from the offering.
	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Zoe's Kitchen USA, LLC and Soho Franchising, LLC. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The consolidated financial statements presented herein reflect our financial position, results of operations, cash flows and changes in equity in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States or "GAAP."
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions, such as valuation of long-lived, definite and indefinite-lived assets, estimated useful lives of assets, the reasonably assured lease terms of operating leases, the construction costs of leases where the Company is considered the owner during and after the construction period, allowance for doubtful accounts, the fair value of equity-based compensation, the calculation of self-insurance reserves and deferred tax valuation allowances, that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Fiscal Year
	We operate on a 52- or 53-week fiscal year that ends on the last Monday of the calendar year. All fiscal years presented herein consist of 52 weeks, with the exception of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, which consists of 53 weeks.
	Revision
	In 2014, we identified certain errors in the December 30, 2013 consolidated balance sheet relating to our deferred tax balances. To correct for this, we have revised the December 30, 2013 consolidated balance sheet to increase our current deferred tax asset (included in prepaid expenses and other) and our non-current deferred tax liability by $0.1 million. Further, we have concluded that these errors are not material individually or in the aggregate to any prior reporting periods.
	Net Loss per Share
	Basic net loss per share is calculated by dividing net loss by the weighted average shares outstanding during the period, without consideration of common stock equivalents. Diluted net loss per share is calculated by adjusting weighted average shares outstanding for the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents outstanding for the period, determined using the treasury-stock method. See Note 14 for discussion of stock split.
	Revenue Recognition — Restaurant Sales
	We recognize restaurant sales when food and beverage products are sold. Restaurant sales are reported net of sales tax collected from customers.
	Gift Cards
	Revenues from the sale of gift cards are deferred and recognized when redeemed. Deferred gift card revenue is included in accrued liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets. Our gift cards do not have an expiration date and we do not deduct non-usage fees from outstanding gift card balances. We recognize gift card breakage revenue by applying our estimate of the rate of gift card breakage over the estimated period of redemption. These estimates are based on our historical redemptions. We recognize breakage revenues exclusive of amounts subject to state unclaimed property laws.
	We recognized gift card breakage in restaurant sales of $0.2 million and $0.3 million during the years ended December 29, 2014 and December 30, 2013. We did not recognize any gift card breakage during the year ended December 31, 2012. The amount recorded in 2013 includes breakage income related to gift cards sold since 2008.
	Franchise Fee and Royalty Accounting
	We recognize franchise fee revenues when substantial performance of all franchisor obligations has been achieved. Substantial performance is achieved when the following conditions have been met: 1) we have no remaining obligation or intent to refund any cash or to forgive any unpaid notes or receivables from franchisees; 2) we have performed substantially all of the initial services required by the license agreement; and 3) we have met all other material conditions or obligations. The commencement of operations by the franchisee indicates substantial performance has occurred. If substantial performance of our obligations has not been completed, recognition as revenue of such amounts received is deferred until all material services or conditions have been satisfied by us. In addition, monthly royalties are recognized as revenue when earned.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	We consider all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
	During the year, cash balances may exceed the federally insured limits at the banks where we maintain our deposits. We do not believe we are exposed to any significant credit risk on cash and cash equivalents.
	Accounts Receivable
	Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts, consists primarily of receivables from catering on-account sales, credit card sales receivables and royalty fee receivables. Other accounts receivable consists primarily of tenant allowances due from landlords. Management determines the allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical losses and current economic conditions. On a continuing basis, management analyzes delinquent receivables, and once these receivables are determined to be uncollectible, they are written off either against an existing allowance account or as a direct charge to the consolidated statement of operations.
	Inventory
	Inventory consists primarily of food, beverage, and paper products. All inventories are recorded at the lower of cost, as determined on a first-in, first-out (FIFO) method, or market.
	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Expenditures for improvements and renewals that extend the useful lives are capitalized. Upon sale, retirement, or other disposition of these assets, the costs and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the respective accounts and any gain or loss on the disposition is included in our consolidated statement of operations. Maintenance and repair costs are expensed as incurred. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method based on the following estimated lives:
	Building under deemed landlord financing	39 years
	Leasehold improvements	7 - 20 years
	Furniture and fixtures	7 years
	Automotive equipment	4 - 5 years
	Computer equipment	3 - 5 years
	Machinery and equipment	5 years
	Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the lease term of the respective leases, or the estimated useful life of the asset.
	Goodwill
	Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of the business acquired over the fair value of its net assets at the date of acquisition. We account for goodwill under Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 350, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other, which requires that goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets are not amortized but tested for impairment at least annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. For purposes of applying ASC 350, we have identified a single reporting unit, as that term is defined in ASC 350, to which goodwill is attributable.
	We performed our annual impairment testing of goodwill as of the last day of the fiscal year. The fair value of our reporting unit was estimated primarily using the expected present value of future cash flows, using estimates, judgments and assumptions that management believes were appropriate in the circumstances.
	Trade Name
	A trade name is considered to be an important element associated with the sales appeal of certain products and services. The trade name distinguishes goods and services from competitors, indicates the source of the goods and services, and serves as an indication of the quality of the product. Our trade name consists of various protected words, symbols, and designs that help identify our products and services such as the "Zoës Kitchen" trademark. This capitalized cost is being amortized on a straight-line basis over an estimated useful life of 20 years.
	Franchise Agreements
	We capitalize the fair value of franchise agreements and amortize on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life. Following the purchase of the Mobile, Alabama, Destin, Florida and Louisiana stores in 2014 from our franchisees, we no longer have franchise agreements recorded as of December 29, 2014.
	Favorable Leases
	A leasehold interest represents the future lease obligations under the in-place contractual lease terms that are either above or below market value. The value of acquired leases that were determined to be favorable to market rents are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over the lease term from the date of acquisition.
	Reacquired Rights
	Reacquired rights intangible assets arise from our franchise acquisitions. We amortize these reacquired rights on a straight-line basis over the remaining terms of the original franchise agreements.
	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
	We evaluate impairment of long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the net carrying amounts may not be recoverable. We compare estimated undiscounted cash flows from operating activities to the carrying value of related assets for the individual restaurants. If the sum of the estimated undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying value, an impairment loss would be recognized for the difference between the carrying value and the estimated fair value of the assets based on the discounted future cash flows of the assets using a rate that approximates our weighted average cost of capital.
	We recognized no impairment losses during the years ended December 29, 2014, December 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.
	Loan Costs
	Loan costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining life of the debt as a component of interest expense. GAAP requires that the effective yield method be used to amortize loan financing costs; however, the effect of using the straight-line method is not materially different from the results that would have been obtained under the effective yield method. At December 29, 2014 loan costs were $0.02 million related to the 2015 Credit Facility as described in our subsequent events (see Note 15). As of December 30, 2013 loan costs were $1.0 million, net of accumulated amortization of $0.7 million.
	Sales Taxes
	Sales taxes are imposed by state, county, and city governmental authorities, collected from customers and remitted to the appropriate governmental agency. Our accounting policy is to record the sales taxes collected as a liability on our books and then remove the liability when the sales tax is remitted. There is no impact on the consolidated statement of operations as restaurant sales are recorded net of sales tax.
	Deferred Rent
	Certain leases contain annual escalation clauses based on fixed escalation terms. The excess of cumulative rent expense (recognized on the straight-line basis) over cumulative rent payments made on leases with fixed escalation terms is recognized as deferred rent liability in the accompanying balance sheets. Also included in deferred rent are tenant improvements that we commonly negotiate when opening new restaurants to help fund build-out costs. These costs typically include general construction to alter the layout of the restaurant and leasehold improvements. When we are the beneficiary of each of the improvements, we capitalize the assets and record a deferred liability for the amount of cash received from the landlord, which is amortized on a straight-line basis over the lease term as defined below. If the landlord is deemed to be the owner of leasehold improvements purchased with such allowances, neither an asset nor a liability is recorded by us. The amortization of the deferred liability related to these tenant improvements is recorded as a reduction of rent expense. Tenant improvement allowances, net of amortization, totaled $7.9 million and $4.0 million as of December 29, 2014 and December 30, 2013, respectively. For leases where we are considered to be the owner of the construction project and receive tenant improvement allowances, we record these amounts received as a component of the deemed landlord financing liability. See Note 10.
	Lease term is determined at lease inception and includes the initial term of the lease plus any renewal periods that are reasonably assured to occur. The lease term begins when we have the right to control the use of the property.
	Additionally, certain of our operating leases contain clauses that provide additional contingent rent based on a percentage of sales greater than certain specified target amounts. We recognize contingent rent expense provided the achievement of that target is considered probable.
	Insurance Reserves
	Beginning with our new insurance policy period, on September 27, 2014, we self-insure a portion of our expected losses under our worker's compensation insurance program. To limit our exposure to losses, we maintain stop-loss coverage through third-party insurers. Insurance liabilities representing estimated costs to settle reported claims and incurred but not recorded are included in accrued expenses and other.
	Advertising Costs
Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and are included in general and administrative and store operating expenses on the consolidated statement of operations. Advertising costs for the years ended December 29, 2014, December 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were $0.07 million, $0.04 million and $0.01 million, respectively.
Pre-opening Costs
Pre-opening costs primarily consist of new employee training, initial print materials, marketing, payroll expenses and rent incurred in connection with new restaurant openings and are expensed as incurred. For the years ended December 29, 2014, December 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, pre-opening costs were $2.1 million, $1.9 million and $0.9 million, respectively.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying amounts of our financial instruments, which include accounts receivable, accounts payable, and other accrued expenses, approximate their fair values due to their short maturities. The carrying amount of our previously existing long-term debt approximates its fair value due to the variable component of the interest rate.
Income Taxes
We use the liability method of accounting for income taxes in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") ASC 740, Income Taxes. Under this method, a deferred tax asset or liability is recognized for the estimated future tax effects attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement basis and the tax basis of assets and liabilities as well as tax credit carryforwards. 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. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the period of the change. We and our subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return.
Significant judgment is required in evaluating our uncertain tax positions and determining our provision for income taxes. We assess the income tax position and record the liabilities for all years subject to examination based upon management's evaluation of the facts, circumstances, and information available at the reporting date.
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Comprehensive income (loss) is defined as the change in equity of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources. Comprehensive loss is the same as net loss for all periods presented. Therefore, a separate statement of comprehensive loss is not included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Variable Interest Entities
In accordance with ASC 810, Consolidation, we apply the guidance related to variable interest entities ("VIE"), which defines the process for how an enterprise determines which party consolidates a VIE as primarily a qualitative analysis. The enterprise that consolidates the VIE (the primary beneficiary) is defined as the enterprise with (1) the power to direct activities of the VIE that most significantly affect the VIE's economic performance and (2) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE. We do not possess any ownership interests in franchise entities or other affiliates. The franchise agreements are designed to provide the franchisee with key decision-making ability to enable it to oversee its operations and to have a significant impact on the success of the franchise, while our decision-making rights are related to protecting our brand. Based upon our analysis of all the relevant facts and considerations of the franchise entities and other affiliates, we have concluded that these entities are not variable interest entities and they have not been consolidated as of the fiscal year ended December 29, 2014 or fiscal year ended December 30, 2013.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
In February 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2015-02, "Consolidation: Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis." This update improves targeted areas of the consolidation guidance and reduces the number of consolidation models. This update is effective for annual and interim periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of ASU 2015-02 is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, "Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern: Disclosures of Uncertainties about an Entity's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern." This update requires management of the Company to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. This update is effective for the annual period after December 15, 2016, and for annual and interim periods thereafter. The adoption of ASU 2014-15 is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers." This update was issued to replace the current revenue recognition guidance, creating a more comprehensive revenue model. This update is effective in fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and early application is not permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2014-09 on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-08, "Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity." This ASU raises the threshold for a disposal to qualify as a discontinued operation and requires new disclosures of both discontinued operations and certain other disposals that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation. This update is effective in fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2014. The adoption of ASU 2014-08 is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Business_Combination

Business Combination	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Combination	Business Combination
	On November 10, 2014, we purchased from one of our franchisees three franchise restaurants in Louisiana, two restaurants under development and area development rights in Louisiana, which will allow for us to further expand our Company-owned operations in this market. The purchase price for the acquisition was $8.0 million in cash. Simultaneous to the acquisition, we repaid $0.06 million to the Louisiana franchisee, which resulted in a decrease of our unearned franchise fees. The acquired restaurants contributed revenues of approximately $0.6 million from the date of the acquisition through December 29, 2014. Goodwill recorded in connection with the acquisition was attributable to synergies expected to arise from cost saving opportunities as well as future expected cash flows. The allocation of the purchase price to the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date is as follows (in thousands):
	Cash	$	2
	Inventory	19
	Prepaid rent	20
	Property, plant and equipment	1,242
	Deposits	10
	Favorable leases	356
	Reacquired rights	1,125
	Goodwill	5,302
	Accrued expenses	(50		)
	Royalties payable	(33		)
	Total purchase price	$	7,993
	The pro forma impact of the acquisition and the current period results are not presented as it is not considered material to our consolidated financial statements
	On January 8, 2014, we acquired two franchise restaurants in Mobile, Alabama and Destin, Florida from one of our franchisees which will allow for us to expand our Company-owned operations to these markets. The purchase price for the acquisition was $1.1 million in cash. The acquired restaurants contributed revenues of approximately $2.5 million from the date of acquisition through December 29, 2014. Goodwill recorded in connection with the acquisition was attributable to synergies expected to arise from cost saving opportunities as well as future expected cash flows. The allocation of the purchase price to the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date is as follows (in thousands):
	Cash	$	2
	Inventory	15
	Property, plant and equipment	167
	Reacquired rights	91
	Goodwill	892
	Accounts payable	(3		)
	Royalties payable	(17		)
	Total purchase price	$	1,147
	The pro forma impact of the acquisition and the current period results are not presented as it is not considered material to our consolidated financial statements.
	On August 6, 2012, we acquired three South Carolina franchise restaurants for $5.8 million in cash. Simultaneous to the acquisition, we repaid $0.2 million to the South Carolina franchisee, which resulted in a decrease of our unearned franchise fees. As a result of this acquisition, we gained control of the three restaurants and expanded our Company-owned operations into South Carolina. The acquired restaurants contributed revenues of approximately $1.9 million from the date of acquisition to December 31, 2012. Goodwill recorded in connection to the acquisition was attributable to synergies expected to arise from cost saving opportunities as well as future expected cash flows. The allocation of the purchase price to the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date is as follows:
	Cash	$	2
	Deposits	11
	Accounts receivable	5
	Inventory	38
	Property, plant and equipment	753
	Prepaid rent	15
	Reacquired rights	2,869
	Goodwill	2,184
	Accounts payable	(12		)
	Royalties payable	(28		)
	Total purchase price	$	5,837
	The pro forma impact of the acquisition is not presented, as it is not considered material to our consolidated financial statements.

Property_and_Equipment

Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment consists of the following at December 29, 2014 and December 30, 2013:
		2014			2013
	Buildings under deemed landlord financing	$	18,700		$	16,150
	Leasehold improvements	73,096			50,587
	Machinery and equipment	17,596			12,399
	Furniture and fixtures	3,948			2,669
	Automobiles	3,141			2,282
	Computer equipment	4,825			3,395
	Construction in progress	6,047			6,257
	Total Property and equipment, gross	127,353			93,739
	Less: Accumulated depreciation	(23,408		)	(15,110		)
	Total Property and equipment, net	$	103,945		$	78,629
	Depreciation expense was $8.9 million, $5.9 million and $3.8 million for the years ended December 29, 2014, December 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.
	As a result of the application of build-to-suit lease guidance contained in ASC 840, Leases, we have determined that we are the accounting owner of a total of 35 and 31 landlord shell buildings under deemed landlord financing as of December 29, 2014 and December 30, 2013, respectively. There are six of these buildings under construction as of both December 29, 2014 and December 30, 2013. We have recorded these as buildings under deemed landlord financing in the table above. We capitalize the landlord's estimated construction costs of the shell building. See Note 10 for additional information.
	We capitalize internal payroll and travel costs directly related to the successful development, design and construction of our new restaurants. Capitalized internal payroll and travel costs were $0.3 million, $0.2 million and $0.06 million for the years ended December 29, 2014, December 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.
	We capitalize interest incurred on funds used to construct Company-owned restaurants. We amortize over the estimated useful life of the related assets. Capitalized interest totaled $0.04 million, $0.2 million and $0.09 million for the years ended December 29, 2014, December 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

Goodwill

Goodwill	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill	Goodwill
	The following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the Company's goodwill at December 29, 2014 and December 30, 2013:
		2014		2013
	Beginning Balance	$	23,334	$	23,334
	Acquisition of Louisiana Franchise	5,302		—
	Acquisition of Destin and Mobile Franchise	892		—
	Ending Balance	$	29,528	$	23,334

Intangible_Assets

Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Intangible Assets	Intangible Assets
	Intangible assets are summarized in the following table as of December 29, 2014 and December 30, 2013:
		2014
		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net
	Trade name	$	10,000	$	(3,583	)	$	6,417
	Favorable leases	464		(109		)	355
	Reacquired rights	6,712		(2,278		)	4,434
	Total intangible assets	$	17,176	$	(5,970	)	$	11,206
		2013
		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net
	Trade name	$	10,000	$	(3,083	)	$	6,917
	Franchise agreements	644		(471		)	173
	Favorable leases	109		(92		)	17
	Reacquired rights	5,495		(1,395		)	4,100
	Total intangible assets	$	16,248	$	(5,041	)	$	11,207
	Estimated amortization expense for the five succeeding years and the aggregate thereafter is:
		Trade Name		Favorable Leases			Reacquired Rights		Total
	2015	500		29			1,113		1,642
	2016	500		23			1,083		1,606
	2017	500		23			955		1,478
	2018	500		23			548		1,071
	2019	500		23			353		876
	Thereafter	3,917		234			382		4,533
	Total	$	6,417	$	355		$	4,434	$	11,206

Accrued_Expenses_and_Other

Accrued Expenses and Other	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2014
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accrued Expenses and Other	Accrued Expenses and Other
	Accrued expenses and other consisted of the following at December 29, 2014 and December 30, 2013:
		2014		2013
	Accrued payroll and payroll taxes	$	3,935	$	2,417
	Accrued capital purchases	1,604		1,185
	Sales tax payable	1,061		805
	Gift certificate payable	896		600
	Other accrued expenses	2,679		1,455
	Total accrued expenses and other	$	10,175	$	6,462

Bank_Line_of_Credit_and_Term_L

Bank Line of Credit and Term Loan	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Bank Line of Credit and Term Loan	Bank Line of Credit and Term Loan
	On April 16, 2014, we repaid all outstanding borrowings under our existing term loan and line of credit (the "2011 Credit Facility") and as of December 29, 2014 the 2011 Credit Facility was terminated. As of December 30, 2013 there was $38.5 million outstanding under the term loan and $2.9 million under the revolving line of credit. As of December 30, 2013, our interest rate for the term loan and line of credit was calculated based on the 1-month LIBOR (with a floor of 1.0%) plus 4.25%.
	We incurred and capitalized $0.3 million of loan costs in the year ended December 30, 2013 related to the 2011 Credit Facility. These costs were written off upon the repayment of our outstanding borrowings under the 2011 Credit Facility in 2014.

Residual_Value_Obligations

Residual Value Obligations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2014
Residual Value Obligations Disclosure [Abstract]
Residual Value Obligations	Residual Value Obligations
	We have residual value obligations associated with leased vehicles for individual restaurant locations. We have pre-paid for each of the vehicles. We then amortize the residual value obligation to the assets residual value by the end of the lease term. Each of the assets is recorded at the net present value of the initial payment made plus the assets residual value using a 6.50% discount rate. The residual value obligations recorded as capital leases were $0.3 million and $0.4 million for the years ended December 29, 2014 and December 30, 2013, respectively.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	Our income tax provision for the years ended December 29, 2014, December 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 consists of the following:
		2014			2013			2012
	Current
	Federal	$	—		$	—		$	—
	State	93			62			75
	Subtotal Current	93			62			75
	Deferred
	Federal	569			545			511
	State	37			49			36
	Subtotal Deferred	606			594			547
	Total income tax provision	$	699		$	656		$	622
	Total income tax expense differed from the amount which would have been provided by applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% to earnings before taxes as follows:
		2014			2013			2012
	Income tax expense (benefit) at federal statutory rate	$	(3,277	)	$	(1,071	)	$	129
	State income taxes	(238		)	(120		)	87
	Increase in valuation allowance	2,323			2,747			284
	Equity-based compensation	1,701			26			48
	Deferred taxes	147			(880		)	57
	Meals and entertainment	43			25			17
	Other permanent items	—			(71		)	—
	Total income tax provision	$	699		$	656		$	622
	Significant components of our deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 29, 2014 and December 30, 2013 are as follows:
		2014			2013
	Current:
	Deferred tax assets:
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	4		$	5
	Deferred revenue (1)	341			244
	Valuation allowance (1)	(166		)	(119		)
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Deferred rent	396			—
	Net deferred tax assets (liabilities), current (1)	(217		)	130
	Non-current:
	Deferred tax assets:
	Net operating loss (1)	$	5,246		$	4,222
	Landlord contributions (1)	4,456			2,753
	Deferred rent	1,398			—
	Stock compensation	517			—
	Deemed landlord financing (1)	7,395			6,364
	Charitable contributions	92			75
	Interest rate cap	—			10
	Valuation allowance (1)	(9,104		)	(6,832		)
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Goodwill	4,001			3,395
	Other identifiable intangibles	156			246
	Property and equipment (1)	9,627			6,475
	Net deferred tax liabilities, non-current (1)	3,784			3,524
	Total net deferred tax liabilities (1)	$	4,001		$	3,394
	(1) In 2014, we identified certain errors in the December 30, 2013 balance sheet relating to our deferred tax balances. The above denoted captions were impacted. Current deferred tax assets increased $0.1 million with deferred revenue increasing $0.2 million with an offsetting $0.1 million in valuation allowance. Non-current deferred tax assets decreased $0.2 million primarily due to a decrease in net operating loss of $1.8 million and deemed landlord financing of $1.2 million offset by an increase in landlord contributions of $2.8 million. Non-current deferred tax liabilities decreased $0.1 million due to a decrease in deferred rent of $0.6 million (resulting in a zero balance) offset by an increase in property and equipment of $0.5 million. We have concluded that these errors are not material individually or in the aggregate to any prior reporting periods.
	We have classified the current net deferred tax asset as a component of prepaid expenses and other in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. ASC 740 requires that we reduce our deferred income tax assets by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of the available evidence, it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences are deductible. We have established a valuation allowance of $9.3 million and $6.9 million as of December 29, 2014 and December 30, 2013, respectively, against our net deferred tax assets due to the fact that it is not more likely than not that there will be sufficient taxable income in the future when the temporary differences are deductible.
	A rollforward of activity in the valuation allowances follows:
	Balance at December 26, 2011	$	3,916
	Addition to valuation allowance	284
	Deductions	—
	Balance at December 31, 2012	4,200
	Addition to valuation allowance	2,747
	Deductions	—
	Balance at December 30, 2013	6,947
	Addition to valuation allowance	2,323
	Deductions	—
	Balance at December 29, 2014	$	9,270
	We have recorded a full valuation allowance for the net amount of the deferred tax assets which are in excess of the indefinite-lived intangible asset deferred tax liabilities. The indefinite-lived intangible asset deferred tax liability in the amount of $4.0 million and $3.4 million as of December 29, 2014 and December 30, 2013, respectively, related to the book-tax basis difference in goodwill has not been netted against the deferred tax assets due to the uncertainty inherent in the reversal of this deferred tax liability.
	At December 29, 2014, we have unused federal and state net operating loss carryforwards of $13.7 million and $12.7 million, respectively. Such losses expire in various amounts at varying times through 2034. Of these amounts, we have approximately $0.4 million of federal and state NOL carryforwards related to excess stock compensation that will be recorded in additional paid in capital when realized as a reduction in taxes payable. These NOL carryforwards result in a deferred tax asset of $5.2 million and $4.2 million at December 29, 2014 and December 30, 2013, respectively. A valuation allowance is recorded against the net deferred tax assets, exclusive of indefinite-lived intangibles discussed above, including these carryforwards. We file income tax returns, which can be periodically audited by various federal and state jurisdictions. We are generally no longer subject to federal or state income examinations for years prior to fiscal year 2009.

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2014
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	Leases
	We lease space for various restaurant locations under long-term non-cancelable operating leases from unrelated third parties. Most of our leases are classified as operating leases under ASC 840. Rent expense, including rent-free periods if applicable, is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The lease term for all types of leases begins on the date we become legally obligated for the rent payments or we take possession of the building or land, whichever is earlier. The lease term includes cancelable option periods where failure to exercise such options would result in an economic penalty.
	In some cases, the asset we will lease requires construction to ready the space for its intended use, and in certain cases, we have involvement with the construction of leased assets. The construction period begins when we execute our lease agreement with the property owner and continues until the space is substantially complete and ready for its intended use. In accordance with ASC 840-40-55, we must consider the nature and extent of our involvement during the construction period, and in some cases, our involvement results in us being considered the accounting owner of the construction project. One example of involvement that results in the Company being considered the accounting owner is a case where we lease a "cold shell." By adding an HVAC unit, we are deemed to have participated in the construction of the landlord asset. In such cases, we capitalize the landlord's construction costs, including the value of costs incurred up to the date we execute our lease (e.g., the building "shell") and costs incurred during the remainder of construction period, as such costs are incurred. Additionally, ASC 840-40-55 requires us to recognize a financing obligation for construction costs incurred by the landlord. Once construction is complete, we are required to perform a sale-leaseback analysis pursuant to ASC 840-40 to determine if we can remove the landlord's assets and associated financing obligations from the consolidated balance sheet. In certain leases, we maintain various forms of "continuing involvement" in the property, thereby precluding us from derecognizing the asset and associated financing obligations following the construction completion. In those cases, we will continue to account for the landlord's asset as if we are the legal owner, and the financing obligation, similar to other debt, until the lease expires or is modified to remove the continuing involvement that prohibits de-recognition. Once de-recognition is permitted we would be required to account for the lease as either operating or capital in accordance with ASC 840.
	We determined that we were the accounting owner of a total of 35 and 31 leased buildings as a result of the application of build-to-suit lease application as of December 29, 2014 and December 30, 2013, respectively. There were six of these buildings under construction as of both December 29, 2014 and December 30, 2013.
	The future minimum rental payments required under these leases, including those accounted for as deemed landlord financing, during the next five years and thereafter in the aggregate, are as follows:
		Deemed landlord financing		Operating leases
	2015	2,929		10,107
	2016	2,973		10,410
	2017	3,031		10,421
	2018	3,117		10,519
	2019	3,220		10,846
	Thereafter	44,089		138,418
	Total	$	59,359	$	190,721
	Rent expense charged to operations under our operating leases on a straight-line basis was $9.7 million, $6.9 million and $4.4 million for the years ended December 29, 2014, December 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. Rent expense incurred prior to restaurant openings is included in pre-opening costs on the consolidated statement of operations in the amount of $0.6 million, $0.6 million and $0.3 million for the years ended December 29, 2014, December 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.
	Deemed landlord financing obligations totaled $23.3 million and $19.9 million for the years ended December 29, 2014 and December 30, 2013, respectively.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	Related Party Transactions
	Corporate Development and Administrative Services Agreement
	Zoe's Investors entered into a Corporate Development and Administrative Services Agreement with Brentwood Private Equity IV, LLC ("Brentwood"), an owner of membership interests in Zoe's Investors, our sole shareholder as of December 30, 2013. Under the terms of the agreement, Brentwood provided assistance in the corporate development activities and our business growth efforts. As consideration for services provided, we provided reimbursement for business expenses related to performance of this agreement and an annual consulting fee based on Adjusted EBITDA as defined in the agreement. During the years ended December 29, 2014, December 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we expensed approximately $0.1 million, $0.2 million and $0.2 million respectively, related to this agreement. The Brentwood agreement was terminated prior to our IPO. In addition, three persons associated with Brentwood currently serve on our Board of Directors.
	Repurchase of shares
	In connection with our follow-on offering completed on August 19, 2014, we repurchased 94,100 shares of our common stock from certain of our officers at a price per share equal to the net proceeds per share in the offering. We did not receive net proceeds from the offering.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies
	Franchise Agreement
	Our franchise agreement, which requires the franchisees to remit continuing royalty fees at a specified percentage of the franchisee's gross sales revenue, provides that we as franchisor, or its authorized representative, will: (a) provide franchisee with written schedules of all foods, food products, beverages, and other items for sale, and the furniture, fixtures, supplies and equipment necessary and required for the operation of the restaurant; (b) provide franchisee with a list of approved suppliers for the products and services necessary and required for the restaurant; (c) upon the reasonable written request of franchisee, render reasonable advisory services by telephone or in writing pertaining to the operation of the restaurant; (d) provide franchisee with a sample of the standard Zoës Kitchen menu, and any modifications to the menu; (e) loan franchisee a copy of the System's operating manual and any supplements to the manual that may be published by us; and, (f) provide franchisee the opportunity to participate in group purchasing programs that we may use, develop, sponsor or provide on terms and conditions determined solely by us. In addition, as a condition to the commencement of business by the franchisee, the franchisee must attend and successfully complete our training program.
	Litigation
	We are currently involved in various claims and legal actions that arise in the ordinary course of our business, including claims resulting from employment related matters. None of these claims, most of which are covered by insurance, has had a material effect on us, and as of the date of this report, other than as set forth above, we are not party to any material pending legal proceedings and are not aware of any claims that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. However, a significant increase in the number of these claims or an increase in amounts owing under successful claims could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
	On October 31, 2014, Forsyth Consulting, Inc. ("Forsyth"), a former music vendor for the Company, filed a complaint against the Company in the Circuit Court of Jefferson County, Alabama alleging breach of contract with respect to its prior music service contract. We have removed the action to federal court and, on December 19, 2014, we filed a counterclaim in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama, alleging breach of contract and tortious interference with business relations claims against Forsyth. The Company believes that Forsyth's claims are without merit and intends to vigorously pursue this action.

Equitybased_Compensation

Equity-based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Equity-based Compensation	Equity-based Compensation
	In connection with the IPO, we adopted the 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2014 Incentive Plan”), which provides for grants of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, other stock-based awards and other cash-based awards available to directors, officers and other employees of us and our subsidiaries, as well as others performing consulting or advisory services to us. The number of shares of common stock available for issuance under the 2014 Incentive Plan may not exceed 1,905,799.
	The following table summarizes our stock option plan activity (in thousands, except share and per share data):
		Number of units		Weighted-average exercise price
	Outstanding at December 30, 2013	—		$	—
	Granted	554,340		16.54
	Forfeited	(10,370	)	15
	Exercised	(22,500	)	15
	Outstanding at December 29, 2014	521,470		$	16.64
		Shares		Weighted-average exercise price per share		Weighted-average remaining years of contractual life	Aggregate intrinsic value
	Outstanding	521,470		$	16.64	9.4	$	6,829
	Vested and expected to vest	488,753		16.51		9.3	6,456
	Exercisable	227,500		15		9.3	3,326
	The following table reflects the weighted-average assumptions utilized in the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to value the stock options granted in the fifty-two weeks ended December 29, 2014:
	Expected volatility (1)	34.98%
	Risk-free rate of return	1.78%
	Expected life (in years) (2)	5.1
	Dividend yield	0%
	Fair value per share at date of grant	$5.74
	(1) Expected volatility was based on competitors within the industry.
	(2) Expected life was calculated using the simplified method, which is an average of the contractual term of the option and its ordinary vesting period, as we do not have sufficient historical data for determining the expected term of our stock option awards.
	There were 250,000 stock options granted, included in the table above, that vested immediately upon completion of the IPO and the remainder of the options will vest in four equal annual installments following the date of the grant with a contractual term of 10 years.
	We issued 6,666 restricted stock units in the year ended December 29, 2014, which will vest in three equal annual installments following the date of the grant. The were no vested or forfeited restricted stock units in the year ended December 29, 2014.
	Prior to the IPO, certain of our employees had been granted Class B units in Zoe’s Investors, LLC ("Zoe's Investors"), which was our parent company, pursuant to that entity’s limited liability company agreement. As these awards had been granted to employees of the Company, which was a consolidated subsidiary of Zoe’s Investors, the related compensation expense was reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements prior to the IPO. Awards granted during 2012 and 2013 are identical to those granted in and prior to 2011 with the exception of a provision that the employee forfeits the 2012 and 2013 awards, vested or unvested, if they terminate their employment with the Company for any reason. There was no compensation expense related to the 2012 and 2013 awards prior to the IPO. In connection with the IPO, any awards granted by Zoe's Investors were converted into common stock.
	We recognized as a component of general and administrative expenses $6.3 million, $0.1 million and $0.1 million of equity-based compensation expense related to these awards in years ended December 29, 2014, December 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. Of the total equity-based compensation recognized for the year ended December 29, 2014, $4.9 million is related to accelerated vesting of outstanding equity awards at the IPO and $1.2 million is related to stock options granted at the date of the IPO. As of December 29, 2014, total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock awards, including an estimate for pre-vesting forfeitures, was $1.8 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.5 years.

Net_Loss_per_Share

Net Loss per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Loss per Share	Net Loss per Share
	Basic net loss per share is calculated by dividing net loss by the weighted average shares outstanding during the period, without consideration of common stock equivalents. Diluted net loss per share is calculated by adjusting weighted average shares outstanding for the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents outstanding for the period, determined using the treasury-stock method.
	On April 16, 2014, we completed our IPO, giving effect to a 125,614.14:1 stock split, which became effective on April 14, 2014. All share and per share data have been retroactively restated to reflect the stock split. All share amounts throughout these financial statement have been adjusted as applicable.
	The following table presents the computation of basic and diluted net loss per share for the period indicated (in thousands, except per share data):
		2014			2013			2012
	Historical net loss per share:
	Net loss	$	(10,017	)	$	(3,715	)	$	(253	)
	Weighted average shares outstanding, basic and diluted	17,410			12,561			12,561
	Net loss per share, basic and diluted	$	(0.58	)	$	(0.30	)	$	(0.02	)
	During the fifty-two weeks ended December 29, 2014, 162,900 stock options and 2,718 restricted stock units were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.

Quarterly_Financial_Data_unaud

Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2014
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 2014 and 2013 (in thousands, except per share data):
		Quarter Ended
		29-Dec-14			6-Oct-14		14-Jul-14		21-Apr-14			30-Dec-13			7-Oct-13		15-Jul-13		22-Apr-13
	Total revenue	$	40,014		$	43,565	$	41,888	$	46,266		$	28,676		$	29,144	$	27,186	$	31,379
	Income (loss) from operations	(810		)	875		1,616		(6,480		)	(1,577		)	1,223		1,243		96
	Net income (loss)	(1,596		)	448		1,119		(9,988		)	(3,098		)	351		423		(1,391		)
	Net income (loss) per share, basic	$	(0.08	)	$	0.02	$	0.06	$	(0.76	)	$	(0.25	)	$	0.03	$	0.03	$	(0.11	)
	Net income (loss) per share,	$	(0.08	)	$	0.02	$	0.06	$	(0.76	)	$	(0.25	)	$	0.03	$	0.03	$	(0.11	)
	diluted
	Weighted average shares outstanding, basic	19,275			19,270		19,270		13,220			12,561			12,561		12,561		12,561
	Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted	19,275			19,502		19,478		13,220			12,561			12,561		12,561		12,561

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events
	On February 6, 2015, we entered into a credit facility with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (the "2015 Credit Facility"). The 2015 Credit Facility consists of a revolving loan commitment in the aggregate amount of $20 million, together with an incremental revolving credit commitment up to an aggregate amount of $30.0 million. The 2015 Credit Facility has a five year term and matures on February 6, 2020. Revolving credit loans thereunder bear interest, at the Company’s election, at either the base rate plus an applicable margin, or LIBOR plus an applicable margin. The base rate consists of the highest of the prime rate, the federal funds rate plus 0.50% and LIBOR plus 1%. The applicable margin and associated loan commitment fee consists of two pricing levels based on the Company’s consolidated total debt ratio. If this debt ratio is greater than or equal to 2.50 to 1, then the unused commitment fee is 0.150% per annum, and the applicable margin is LIBOR plus 1.50% or the base rate plus 0.50%. If this debt ratio is less than 2.50 to 1.00, then the unused commitment fee is 0.125% per annum and the applicable margin is LIBOR plus 1.00% or the base rate.
	The 2015 Credit Facility includes specific financial covenants such as a leverage ratio and an interest coverage ratio. We are also subject to other customary covenants, including limitations on additional borrowings, dividend payments and acquisitions.
	Each domestic subsidiary of the Company unconditionally guarantees all existing and future indebtedness and liabilities arising under the 2015 Credit Facility. The 2015 Credit Facility is unsecured and includes customary representations, warranties and covenants. As of the date hereof, the Company has no indebtedness under the 2015 Credit Facility as of the date of this report.

Nature_of_Operations_and_Summa1

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Zoe's Kitchen USA, LLC and Soho Franchising, LLC. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Basis of Accounting	The consolidated financial statements presented herein reflect our financial position, results of operations, cash flows and changes in equity in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States or "GAAP."
Use of Estimates	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions, such as valuation of long-lived, definite and indefinite-lived assets, estimated useful lives of assets, the reasonably assured lease terms of operating leases, the construction costs of leases where the Company is considered the owner during and after the construction period, allowance for doubtful accounts, the fair value of equity-based compensation, the calculation of self-insurance reserves and deferred tax valuation allowances, that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Fiscal Year	We operate on a 52- or 53-week fiscal year that ends on the last Monday of the calendar year. All fiscal years presented herein consist of 52 weeks, with the exception of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, which consists of 53 weeks.
Revision	In 2014, we identified certain errors in the December 30, 2013 consolidated balance sheet relating to our deferred tax balances. To correct for this, we have revised the December 30, 2013 consolidated balance sheet to increase our current deferred tax asset (included in prepaid expenses and other) and our non-current deferred tax liability by $0.1 million. Further, we have concluded that these errors are not material individually or in the aggregate to any prior reporting periods.
Net Loss per Share	Basic net loss per share is calculated by dividing net loss by the weighted average shares outstanding during the period, without consideration of common stock equivalents. Diluted net loss per share is calculated by adjusting weighted average shares outstanding for the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents outstanding for the period, determined using the treasury-stock method. See Note 14 for discussion of stock split.
Revenue Recognition - Restaurant Sales	We recognize restaurant sales when food and beverage products are sold. Restaurant sales are reported net of sales tax collected from customers.
Gift Cards	Revenues from the sale of gift cards are deferred and recognized when redeemed. Deferred gift card revenue is included in accrued liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets. Our gift cards do not have an expiration date and we do not deduct non-usage fees from outstanding gift card balances. We recognize gift card breakage revenue by applying our estimate of the rate of gift card breakage over the estimated period of redemption. These estimates are based on our historical redemptions. We recognize breakage revenues exclusive of amounts subject to state unclaimed property laws.
Franchise Fee and Royalty Accounting	We recognize franchise fee revenues when substantial performance of all franchisor obligations has been achieved. Substantial performance is achieved when the following conditions have been met: 1) we have no remaining obligation or intent to refund any cash or to forgive any unpaid notes or receivables from franchisees; 2) we have performed substantially all of the initial services required by the license agreement; and 3) we have met all other material conditions or obligations. The commencement of operations by the franchisee indicates substantial performance has occurred. If substantial performance of our obligations has not been completed, recognition as revenue of such amounts received is deferred until all material services or conditions have been satisfied by us. In addition, monthly royalties are recognized as revenue when earned.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	We consider all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
	During the year, cash balances may exceed the federally insured limits at the banks where we maintain our deposits. We do not believe we are exposed to any significant credit risk on cash and cash equivalents.
Accounts Receivable	Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts, consists primarily of receivables from catering on-account sales, credit card sales receivables and royalty fee receivables. Other accounts receivable consists primarily of tenant allowances due from landlords. Management determines the allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical losses and current economic conditions. On a continuing basis, management analyzes delinquent receivables, and once these receivables are determined to be uncollectible, they are written off either against an existing allowance account or as a direct charge to the consolidated statement of operations.
Inventory	Inventory consists primarily of food, beverage, and paper products. All inventories are recorded at the lower of cost, as determined on a first-in, first-out (FIFO) method, or market.
Property and Equipment	Property and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Expenditures for improvements and renewals that extend the useful lives are capitalized. Upon sale, retirement, or other disposition of these assets, the costs and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the respective accounts and any gain or loss on the disposition is included in our consolidated statement of operations. Maintenance and repair costs are expensed as incurred. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method based on the following estimated lives:
	Building under deemed landlord financing	39 years
	Leasehold improvements	7 - 20 years
	Furniture and fixtures	7 years
	Automotive equipment	4 - 5 years
	Computer equipment	3 - 5 years
	Machinery and equipment	5 years
	Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the lease term of the respective leases, or the estimated useful life of the asset.
Goodwill	Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of the business acquired over the fair value of its net assets at the date of acquisition. We account for goodwill under Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 350, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other, which requires that goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets are not amortized but tested for impairment at least annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. For purposes of applying ASC 350, we have identified a single reporting unit, as that term is defined in ASC 350, to which goodwill is attributable.
	We performed our annual impairment testing of goodwill as of the last day of the fiscal year. The fair value of our reporting unit was estimated primarily using the expected present value of future cash flows, using estimates, judgments and assumptions that management believes were appropriate in the circumstances.
Intangible Assets	Trade Name
	A trade name is considered to be an important element associated with the sales appeal of certain products and services. The trade name distinguishes goods and services from competitors, indicates the source of the goods and services, and serves as an indication of the quality of the product. Our trade name consists of various protected words, symbols, and designs that help identify our products and services such as the "Zoës Kitchen" trademark. This capitalized cost is being amortized on a straight-line basis over an estimated useful life of 20 years.
	Franchise Agreements
	We capitalize the fair value of franchise agreements and amortize on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life. Following the purchase of the Mobile, Alabama, Destin, Florida and Louisiana stores in 2014 from our franchisees, we no longer have franchise agreements recorded as of December 29, 2014.
	Favorable Leases
	A leasehold interest represents the future lease obligations under the in-place contractual lease terms that are either above or below market value. The value of acquired leases that were determined to be favorable to market rents are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over the lease term from the date of acquisition.
	Reacquired Rights
	Reacquired rights intangible assets arise from our franchise acquisitions. We amortize these reacquired rights on a straight-line basis over the remaining terms of the original franchise agreements.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets	We evaluate impairment of long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the net carrying amounts may not be recoverable. We compare estimated undiscounted cash flows from operating activities to the carrying value of related assets for the individual restaurants. If the sum of the estimated undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying value, an impairment loss would be recognized for the difference between the carrying value and the estimated fair value of the assets based on the discounted future cash flows of the assets using a rate that approximates our weighted average cost of capital.
Loan Costs	Loan costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining life of the debt as a component of interest expense. GAAP requires that the effective yield method be used to amortize loan financing costs; however, the effect of using the straight-line method is not materially different from the results that would have been obtained under the effective yield method.
Sales Taxes	Sales taxes are imposed by state, county, and city governmental authorities, collected from customers and remitted to the appropriate governmental agency. Our accounting policy is to record the sales taxes collected as a liability on our books and then remove the liability when the sales tax is remitted. There is no impact on the consolidated statement of operations as restaurant sales are recorded net of sales tax.
Deferred Rent	Certain leases contain annual escalation clauses based on fixed escalation terms. The excess of cumulative rent expense (recognized on the straight-line basis) over cumulative rent payments made on leases with fixed escalation terms is recognized as deferred rent liability in the accompanying balance sheets. Also included in deferred rent are tenant improvements that we commonly negotiate when opening new restaurants to help fund build-out costs. These costs typically include general construction to alter the layout of the restaurant and leasehold improvements. When we are the beneficiary of each of the improvements, we capitalize the assets and record a deferred liability for the amount of cash received from the landlord, which is amortized on a straight-line basis over the lease term as defined below. If the landlord is deemed to be the owner of leasehold improvements purchased with such allowances, neither an asset nor a liability is recorded by us. The amortization of the deferred liability related to these tenant improvements is recorded as a reduction of rent expense. Tenant improvement allowances, net of amortization, totaled $7.9 million and $4.0 million as of December 29, 2014 and December 30, 2013, respectively. For leases where we are considered to be the owner of the construction project and receive tenant improvement allowances, we record these amounts received as a component of the deemed landlord financing liability. See Note 10.
	Lease term is determined at lease inception and includes the initial term of the lease plus any renewal periods that are reasonably assured to occur. The lease term begins when we have the right to control the use of the property.
	Additionally, certain of our operating leases contain clauses that provide additional contingent rent based on a percentage of sales greater than certain specified target amounts. We recognize contingent rent expense provided the achievement of that target is considered probable.
Insurance Reserves	Beginning with our new insurance policy period, on September 27, 2014, we self-insure a portion of our expected losses under our worker's compensation insurance program. To limit our exposure to losses, we maintain stop-loss coverage through third-party insurers. Insurance liabilities representing estimated costs to settle reported claims and incurred but not recorded are included in accrued expenses and other.
Advertising Costs	Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and are included in general and administrative and store operating expenses on the consolidated statement of operations.
Pre-opening costs	Pre-opening costs primarily consist of new employee training, initial print materials, marketing, payroll expenses and rent incurred in connection with new restaurant openings and are expensed as incurred.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	The carrying amounts of our financial instruments, which include accounts receivable, accounts payable, and other accrued expenses, approximate their fair values due to their short maturities. The carrying amount of our previously existing long-term debt approximates its fair value due to the variable component of the interest rate.
Income Taxes	We use the liability method of accounting for income taxes in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") ASC 740, Income Taxes. Under this method, a deferred tax asset or liability is recognized for the estimated future tax effects attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement basis and the tax basis of assets and liabilities as well as tax credit carryforwards. 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. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the period of the change. We and our subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return.
	Significant judgment is required in evaluating our uncertain tax positions and determining our provision for income taxes. We assess the income tax position and record the liabilities for all years subject to examination based upon management's evaluation of the facts, circumstances, and information available at the reporting date.
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Comprehensive income (loss) is defined as the change in equity of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources. Comprehensive loss is the same as net loss for all periods presented. Therefore, a separate statement of comprehensive loss is not included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Variable Interest Entities	In accordance with ASC 810, Consolidation, we apply the guidance related to variable interest entities ("VIE"), which defines the process for how an enterprise determines which party consolidates a VIE as primarily a qualitative analysis. The enterprise that consolidates the VIE (the primary beneficiary) is defined as the enterprise with (1) the power to direct activities of the VIE that most significantly affect the VIE's economic performance and (2) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE. We do not possess any ownership interests in franchise entities or other affiliates. The franchise agreements are designed to provide the franchisee with key decision-making ability to enable it to oversee its operations and to have a significant impact on the success of the franchise, while our decision-making rights are related to protecting our brand. Based upon our analysis of all the relevant facts and considerations of the franchise entities and other affiliates, we have concluded that these entities are not variable interest entities and they have not been consolidated as of the fiscal year ended December 29, 2014 or fiscal year ended December 30, 2013.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards	In February 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2015-02, "Consolidation: Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis." This update improves targeted areas of the consolidation guidance and reduces the number of consolidation models. This update is effective for annual and interim periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of ASU 2015-02 is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, "Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern: Disclosures of Uncertainties about an Entity's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern." This update requires management of the Company to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. This update is effective for the annual period after December 15, 2016, and for annual and interim periods thereafter. The adoption of ASU 2014-15 is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers." This update was issued to replace the current revenue recognition guidance, creating a more comprehensive revenue model. This update is effective in fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and early application is not permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2014-09 on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
	In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-08, "Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity." This ASU raises the threshold for a disposal to qualify as a discontinued operation and requires new disclosures of both discontinued operations and certain other disposals that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation. This update is effective in fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2014. The adoption of ASU 2014-08 is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Nature_of_Operations_and_Summa2

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of Property and Equipment Estimated Useful Lives	Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method based on the following estimated lives:
	Building under deemed landlord financing	39 years
	Leasehold improvements	7 - 20 years
	Furniture and fixtures	7 years
	Automotive equipment	4 - 5 years
	Computer equipment	3 - 5 years
	Machinery and equipment	5 years
	Property and equipment consists of the following at December 29, 2014 and December 30, 2013:
		2014			2013
	Buildings under deemed landlord financing	$	18,700		$	16,150
	Leasehold improvements	73,096			50,587
	Machinery and equipment	17,596			12,399
	Furniture and fixtures	3,948			2,669
	Automobiles	3,141			2,282
	Computer equipment	4,825			3,395
	Construction in progress	6,047			6,257
	Total Property and equipment, gross	127,353			93,739
	Less: Accumulated depreciation	(23,408		)	(15,110		)
	Total Property and equipment, net	$	103,945		$	78,629

Business_Combination_Tables

Business Combination (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2014
Louisiana Franchise Restaurants
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The allocation of the purchase price to the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date is as follows (in thousands):
	Cash	$	2
	Inventory	19
	Prepaid rent	20
	Property, plant and equipment	1,242
	Deposits	10
	Favorable leases	356
	Reacquired rights	1,125
	Goodwill	5,302
	Accrued expenses	(50		)
	Royalties payable	(33		)
	Total purchase price	$	7,993
Mobile, Alabama and Destin, Florida Franchise Restaurants
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The allocation of the purchase price to the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date is as follows (in thousands):
	Cash	$	2
	Inventory	15
	Property, plant and equipment	167
	Reacquired rights	91
	Goodwill	892
	Accounts payable	(3		)
	Royalties payable	(17		)
	Total purchase price	$	1,147
South Carolina Franchise Restaurants
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The allocation of the purchase price to the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date is as follows:
	Cash	$	2
	Deposits	11
	Accounts receivable	5
	Inventory	38
	Property, plant and equipment	753
	Prepaid rent	15
	Reacquired rights	2,869
	Goodwill	2,184
	Accounts payable	(12		)
	Royalties payable	(28		)
	Total purchase price	$	5,837

Property_and_Equipment_Tables

Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment	Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method based on the following estimated lives:
	Building under deemed landlord financing	39 years
	Leasehold improvements	7 - 20 years
	Furniture and fixtures	7 years
	Automotive equipment	4 - 5 years
	Computer equipment	3 - 5 years
	Machinery and equipment	5 years
	Property and equipment consists of the following at December 29, 2014 and December 30, 2013:
		2014			2013
	Buildings under deemed landlord financing	$	18,700		$	16,150
	Leasehold improvements	73,096			50,587
	Machinery and equipment	17,596			12,399
	Furniture and fixtures	3,948			2,669
	Automobiles	3,141			2,282
	Computer equipment	4,825			3,395
	Construction in progress	6,047			6,257
	Total Property and equipment, gross	127,353			93,739
	Less: Accumulated depreciation	(23,408		)	(15,110		)
	Total Property and equipment, net	$	103,945		$	78,629

Goodwill_Tables

Goodwill (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill	The following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the Company's goodwill at December 29, 2014 and December 30, 2013:
		2014		2013
	Beginning Balance	$	23,334	$	23,334
	Acquisition of Louisiana Franchise	5,302		—
	Acquisition of Destin and Mobile Franchise	892		—
	Ending Balance	$	29,528	$	23,334

Intangible_Assets_Tables

Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Intangible Assets	Intangible assets are summarized in the following table as of December 29, 2014 and December 30, 2013:
		2014
		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net
	Trade name	$	10,000	$	(3,583	)	$	6,417
	Favorable leases	464		(109		)	355
	Reacquired rights	6,712		(2,278		)	4,434
	Total intangible assets	$	17,176	$	(5,970	)	$	11,206
		2013
		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net
	Trade name	$	10,000	$	(3,083	)	$	6,917
	Franchise agreements	644		(471		)	173
	Favorable leases	109		(92		)	17
	Reacquired rights	5,495		(1,395		)	4,100
	Total intangible assets	$	16,248	$	(5,041	)	$	11,207
Estimated Amortization Expense	Estimated amortization expense for the five succeeding years and the aggregate thereafter is:
		Trade Name		Favorable Leases			Reacquired Rights		Total
	2015	500		29			1,113		1,642
	2016	500		23			1,083		1,606
	2017	500		23			955		1,478
	2018	500		23			548		1,071
	2019	500		23			353		876
	Thereafter	3,917		234			382		4,533
	Total	$	6,417	$	355		$	4,434	$	11,206

Accrued_Expenses_and_Other_Tab

Accrued Expenses and Other (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2014
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Schedule of Accrued Expenses	Accrued expenses and other consisted of the following at December 29, 2014 and December 30, 2013:
		2014		2013
	Accrued payroll and payroll taxes	$	3,935	$	2,417
	Accrued capital purchases	1,604		1,185
	Sales tax payable	1,061		805
	Gift certificate payable	896		600
	Other accrued expenses	2,679		1,455
	Total accrued expenses and other	$	10,175	$	6,462

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Income Tax Provision	Our income tax provision for the years ended December 29, 2014, December 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 consists of the following:
		2014			2013			2012
	Current
	Federal	$	—		$	—		$	—
	State	93			62			75
	Subtotal Current	93			62			75
	Deferred
	Federal	569			545			511
	State	37			49			36
	Subtotal Deferred	606			594			547
	Total income tax provision	$	699		$	656		$	622
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	Total income tax expense differed from the amount which would have been provided by applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% to earnings before taxes as follows:
		2014			2013			2012
	Income tax expense (benefit) at federal statutory rate	$	(3,277	)	$	(1,071	)	$	129
	State income taxes	(238		)	(120		)	87
	Increase in valuation allowance	2,323			2,747			284
	Equity-based compensation	1,701			26			48
	Deferred taxes	147			(880		)	57
	Meals and entertainment	43			25			17
	Other permanent items	—			(71		)	—
	Total income tax provision	$	699		$	656		$	622
Schedule of Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	Significant components of our deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 29, 2014 and December 30, 2013 are as follows:
		2014			2013
	Current:
	Deferred tax assets:
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	4		$	5
	Deferred revenue (1)	341			244
	Valuation allowance (1)	(166		)	(119		)
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Deferred rent	396			—
	Net deferred tax assets (liabilities), current (1)	(217		)	130
	Non-current:
	Deferred tax assets:
	Net operating loss (1)	$	5,246		$	4,222
	Landlord contributions (1)	4,456			2,753
	Deferred rent	1,398			—
	Stock compensation	517			—
	Deemed landlord financing (1)	7,395			6,364
	Charitable contributions	92			75
	Interest rate cap	—			10
	Valuation allowance (1)	(9,104		)	(6,832		)
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Goodwill	4,001			3,395
	Other identifiable intangibles	156			246
	Property and equipment (1)	9,627			6,475
	Net deferred tax liabilities, non-current (1)	3,784			3,524
	Total net deferred tax liabilities (1)	$	4,001		$	3,394
	(1) In 2014, we identified certain errors in the December 30, 2013 balance sheet relating to our deferred tax balances. The above denoted captions were impacted. Current deferred tax assets increased $0.1 million with deferred revenue increasing $0.2 million with an offsetting $0.1 million in valuation allowance. Non-current deferred tax assets decreased $0.2 million primarily due to a decrease in net operating loss of $1.8 million and deemed landlord financing of $1.2 million offset by an increase in landlord contributions of $2.8 million. Non-current deferred tax liabilities decreased $0.1 million due to a decrease in deferred rent of $0.6 million (resulting in a zero balance) offset by an increase in property and equipment of $0.5 million. We have concluded that these errors are not material individually or in the aggregate to any prior reporting periods.
Summary of Valuation Allowance	A rollforward of activity in the valuation allowances follows:
	Balance at December 26, 2011	$	3,916
	Addition to valuation allowance	284
	Deductions	—
	Balance at December 31, 2012	4,200
	Addition to valuation allowance	2,747
	Deductions	—
	Balance at December 30, 2013	6,947
	Addition to valuation allowance	2,323
	Deductions	—
	Balance at December 29, 2014	$	9,270

Leases_Tables

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2014
Leases [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases	The future minimum rental payments required under these leases, including those accounted for as deemed landlord financing, during the next five years and thereafter in the aggregate, are as follows:
		Deemed landlord financing		Operating leases
	2015	2,929		10,107
	2016	2,973		10,410
	2017	3,031		10,421
	2018	3,117		10,519
	2019	3,220		10,846
	Thereafter	44,089		138,418
	Total	$	59,359	$	190,721

Equitybased_Compensation_Table

Equity-based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Summary of Stock Option Activity	The following table summarizes our stock option plan activity (in thousands, except share and per share data):
		Number of units		Weighted-average exercise price
	Outstanding at December 30, 2013	—		$	—
	Granted	554,340		16.54
	Forfeited	(10,370	)	15
	Exercised	(22,500	)	15
	Outstanding at December 29, 2014	521,470		$	16.64
Schedule of Stock Option, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding and Exercisable
		Shares		Weighted-average exercise price per share		Weighted-average remaining years of contractual life	Aggregate intrinsic value
	Outstanding	521,470		$	16.64	9.4	$	6,829
	Vested and expected to vest	488,753		16.51		9.3	6,456
	Exercisable	227,500		15		9.3	3,326
Schedule of Weighted-Average Assumptions Used to Value Stock Options	The following table reflects the weighted-average assumptions utilized in the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to value the stock options granted in the fifty-two weeks ended December 29, 2014:
	Expected volatility (1)	34.98%
	Risk-free rate of return	1.78%
	Expected life (in years) (2)	5.1
	Dividend yield	0%
	Fair value per share at date of grant	$5.74
	(1) Expected volatility was based on competitors within the industry.
	(2) Expected life was calculated using the simplified method, which is an average of the contractual term of the option and its ordinary vesting period, as we do not have sufficient historical data for determining the expected term of our stock option awards.

Net_Loss_per_Share_Tables

Net Loss per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Net Loss Per Share, Basic and Diluted	The following table presents the computation of basic and diluted net loss per share for the period indicated (in thousands, except per share data):
		2014			2013			2012
	Historical net loss per share:
	Net loss	$	(10,017	)	$	(3,715	)	$	(253	)
	Weighted average shares outstanding, basic and diluted	17,410			12,561			12,561
	Net loss per share, basic and diluted	$	(0.58	)	$	(0.30	)	$	(0.02	)

Quarterly_Financial_Data_unaud1

Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data	The following tables set forth certain unaudited consolidated financial information for each of the four quarters in 2014 and 2013 (in thousands, except per share data):
		Quarter Ended
		29-Dec-14			6-Oct-14		14-Jul-14		21-Apr-14			30-Dec-13			7-Oct-13		15-Jul-13		22-Apr-13
	Total revenue	$	40,014		$	43,565	$	41,888	$	46,266		$	28,676		$	29,144	$	27,186	$	31,379
	Income (loss) from operations	(810		)	875		1,616		(6,480		)	(1,577		)	1,223		1,243		96
	Net income (loss)	(1,596		)	448		1,119		(9,988		)	(3,098		)	351		423		(1,391		)
	Net income (loss) per share, basic	$	(0.08	)	$	0.02	$	0.06	$	(0.76	)	$	(0.25	)	$	0.03	$	0.03	$	(0.11	)
	Net income (loss) per share,	$	(0.08	)	$	0.02	$	0.06	$	(0.76	)	$	(0.25	)	$	0.03	$	0.03	$	(0.11	)
	diluted
	Weighted average shares outstanding, basic	19,275			19,270		19,270		13,220			12,561			12,561		12,561		12,561
	Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted	19,275			19,502		19,478		13,220			12,561			12,561		12,561		12,561

Nature_of_Operations_and_Summa3

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2014	Dec. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	segment
	franchise_agreement
	state
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Accumulated amortization, loan costs		$700,000
Impairment charges	0	0	0
Loan costs, net	16,000	1,035,000
Tenant improvement allowances	7,900,000	4,000,000
Advertising costs	70,000	40,000	10,000
Pre-opening costs	$2,109,000	$1,938,000	$917,000
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of states in which the Company has restaurants	15
Number of reportable segments	1
Number of operating segments	1
Days in fiscal year	364 days	364 days	371 days
Number of franchise agreements	0
Company-owned
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of restaurants	129
Franchised
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of restaurants	3
Trade name
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Useful life	20 years
Minimum
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Fiscal period duration	364 days
Maximum
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Fiscal period duration	371 days

Nature_of_Operations_and_Summa4

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Stock (Details) (Common Stock, USD $)	0 Months Ended
	Nov. 19, 2014	Aug. 19, 2014	Apr. 16, 2014	Nov. 19, 2014	Aug. 19, 2014	Apr. 16, 2014
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares issued	4,370,000	5,175,000	6,708,332
IPO price per share (USD per share)	$32	$30.25	$15	$32	$30.25	$15
Stock split, conversion ratio			125,614.14
Proceeds from issuance IPO, net of discounts, commissions and offering expenses	$0	$0	$91,000,000
Over-Allotment Option
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares issued	570,000	675,000	874,999
Officer
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares repurchased		94,100

Nature_of_Operations_and_Summa5

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Revision (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 29, 2014	Dec. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Increase in current deferred tax assets	($217)	$130
Decrease in non-current deferred tax liabilities	-3,784	-3,524
Restatement Adjustment | Deferred Taxes Adjustment
Increase in current deferred tax assets	100
Decrease in non-current deferred tax liabilities	100	100
Restatement Adjustment | Prepaid Expenses and Other | Deferred Taxes Adjustment
Increase in current deferred tax assets	$100

Nature_of_Operations_and_Summa6

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Gift Cards (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2014	Dec. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Gift card breakage revenue	$200,000	$300,000	$0

Nature_of_Operations_and_Summa7

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Property and Equipment Estimated Useful Lives (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2014
Buildings under deemed landlord financing
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	39 years
Leasehold Improvements | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	7 years
Leasehold Improvements | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	20 years
Furniture and Fixtures
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	7 years
Automotive Equipment | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	4 years
Automotive Equipment | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	5 years
Computer Equipment | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	3 years
Computer Equipment | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	5 years
Machinery and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives	5 years

Business_Combination_Narrative

Business Combination - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	2 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	5 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2014	Nov. 10, 2014	Dec. 29, 2014	Jan. 08, 2014	Dec. 29, 2014	Aug. 06, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
	franchisee			franchisee		restaurant
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of franchisees involved in acquisition	1
Louisiana Franchise Restaurants
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total purchase price		$8,000,000
Fees repaid		60,000
Contributed revenues from acquisition			600,000
Mobile, Alabama and Destin, Florida Franchise Restaurants
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of franchisees involved in acquisition				1
Total purchase price				1,100,000
Contributed revenues from acquisition					2,500,000
South Carolina Franchise Restaurants
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of restaurants acquired						3
Total purchase price						5,800,000
Fees repaid						200,000
Contributed revenues from acquisition							$1,900,000
Under Development | Louisiana Franchise Restaurants
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of restaurants acquired		2
Franchised | Louisiana Franchise Restaurants
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of restaurants acquired		3
Franchised | Mobile, Alabama and Destin, Florida Franchise Restaurants
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of restaurants acquired				2

Business_Combination_Schedule_

Business Combination - Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 29, 2014	Dec. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Nov. 10, 2014	Jan. 08, 2014	Aug. 06, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$29,528	$23,334	$23,334
Louisiana Franchise Restaurants
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash				2
Inventory				19
Prepaid rent				20
Property, plant and equipment				1,242
Deposits				10
Favorable leases				356
Reacquired rights				1,125
Goodwill				5,302
Accrued expenses				-50
Royalties payable				-33
Total purchase price				7,993
Mobile, Alabama and Destin, Florida Franchise Restaurants
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash					2
Inventory					15
Property, plant and equipment					167
Reacquired rights					91
Goodwill					892
Accounts payable					-3
Royalties payable					-17
Total purchase price					1,147
South Carolina Franchise Restaurants
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash						2
Inventory						38
Prepaid rent						15
Property, plant and equipment						753
Deposits						11
Accounts receivable						5
Reacquired rights						2,869
Goodwill						2,184
Accounts payable						-12
Royalties payable						-28
Total purchase price						$5,837

Property_and_Equipment_Propert

Property and Equipment - Property and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 29, 2014	Dec. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$127,353	$93,739
Less: Accumulated depreciation	-23,408	-15,110
Total Property and equipment, net	103,945	78,629
Buildings under deemed landlord financing
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	18,700	16,150
Leasehold improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	73,096	50,587
Machinery and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	17,596	12,399
Furniture and fixtures
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	3,948	2,669
Automobiles
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	3,141	2,282
Computer equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	4,825	3,395
Construction in progress
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$6,047	$6,257

Property_and_Equipment_Narrati

Property and Equipment - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2014	Dec. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	building	building
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Depreciation	$8,900,000	$5,862,000	$3,779,000
Number of buildings, accounting owner, under landlord financing	35	31
Number of buildings under construction	6	6
Capitalized internal payroll	300,000	200,000	60,000
Capitalized interest	$40,000	$200,000	$90,000

Goodwill_Schedule_of_Goodwill_

Goodwill - Schedule of Goodwill (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 29, 2014	Dec. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Nov. 10, 2014	Jan. 08, 2014
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance			$23,334
Ending Balance	29,528	23,334	23,334
Louisiana Franchise Restaurants
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance				5,302
Acquisitions	5,302	0
Ending Balance				5,302
Mobile, Alabama and Destin, Florida Franchise Restaurants
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance					892
Acquisitions	892	0
Ending Balance					$892

Intangible_Assets_Intangible_A

Intangible Assets - Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 29, 2014	Dec. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	$17,176	$16,248
Accumulated amortization	-5,970	-5,041
Net	11,206	11,207
Trade name
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	10,000	10,000
Accumulated amortization	-3,583	-3,083
Net	6,417	6,917
Franchise agreements
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount		644
Accumulated amortization		-471
Net		173
Favorable leases
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	464	109
Accumulated amortization	-109	-92
Net	355	17
Reacquired rights
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	6,712	5,495
Accumulated amortization	-2,278	-1,395
Net	$4,434	$4,100

Intangible_Assets_Estimated_Am

Intangible Assets - Estimated Amortization Expense (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 29, 2014	Dec. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
2015	$1,642
2016	1,606
2017	1,478
2918	1,071
2019	876
Thereafter	4,533
Net	11,206	11,207
Trade name
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
2015	500
2016	500
2017	500
2918	500
2019	500
Thereafter	3,917
Net	6,417	6,917
Favorable leases
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
2015	29
2016	23
2017	23
2918	23
2019	23
Thereafter	234
Net	355	17
Reacquired rights
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
2015	1,113
2016	1,083
2017	955
2918	548
2019	353
Thereafter	382
Net	$4,434	$4,100

Accrued_Expenses_and_Other_Acc

Accrued Expenses and Other - Accrued Expenses (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 29, 2014	Dec. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accrued payroll and payroll taxes	$3,935	$2,417
Accrued capital purchases	1,604	1,185
Sales tax payable	1,061	805
Gift certificate payable	896	600
Other accrued expenses	2,679	1,455
Total accrued expenses and other	$10,175	$6,462

Bank_Line_of_Credit_and_Term_L1

Bank Line of Credit and Term Loan - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2014	Dec. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 30, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Loan costs incurred and capitalized	$16,000	$284,000	$576,000
Secured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Loan costs incurred and capitalized		300,000
Secured Debt | 1-month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Floor of variable rate basis		1.00%		1.00%
Basis spread on variable rate				4.25%
Term Loan | Secured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount outstanding		38,500,000		38,500,000
Line of Credit | Secured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount outstanding		$2,900,000		2,900,000

Residual_Value_Obligations_Nar

Residual Value Obligations - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 29, 2014	Dec. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]
Residual value obligations, net	$302	$357
Leased Vehicles
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]
Residual value, discount percentage	6.50%

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Incom

Income Taxes - Schedule of Income Tax Provision (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 29, 2014	Dec. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current
Federal	$0	$0	$0
State	93	62	75
Subtotal Current	93	62	75
Deferred
Federal	569	545	511
State	37	49	36
Subtotal Deferred	606	594	547
Total income tax provision	$699	$656	$622

Income_Taxes_Tax_Rate_Informat

Income Taxes - Tax Rate Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 29, 2014	Dec. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Federal statutory income tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Income tax expense (benefit) at federal statutory rate	($3,277)	($1,071)	$129
State income taxes	-238	-120	87
Increase in valuation allowance	2,323	2,747	284
Equity-based compensation	1,701	26	48
Deferred taxes	147	-880	57
Meals and entertainment	43	25	17
Other permanent items	0	-71	0
Total income tax provision	$699	$656	$622

Income_Taxes_Components_of_Def

Income Taxes - Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2014		Dec. 30, 2013
Current:
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$4,000		$5,000
Deferred revenue	341,000	[1]	244,000	[1]
Valuation allowance	-166,000	[1]	-119,000	[1]
Deferred rent	-396,000	[1]	0	[1]
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities), current	-217,000		130,000
Non-current:
Net operating loss	5,246,000	[1]	4,222,000	[1]
Landlord contributions	4,456,000	[1]	2,753,000	[1]
Deferred rent	1,398,000		0
Stock compensation	517,000		0
Deemed landlord financing	7,395,000	[1]	6,364,000	[1]
Charitable contributions	92,000		75,000
Interest rate cap	0		10,000
Valuation allowance	-9,104,000	[1]	-6,832,000	[1]
Deferred tax liabilities:
Goodwill	4,001,000		3,395,000
Other identifiable intangibles	156,000		246,000
Property and equipment	9,627,000	[1]	6,475,000	[1]
Deferred income taxes	3,784,000		3,524,000
Total net deferred tax liabilities	4,001,000		3,394,000
Decrease in non-current deferred tax liabilities	-3,784,000		-3,524,000
Decrease in landlord contributions	-4,456,000	[1]	-2,753,000	[1]
Deferred Taxes Adjustment | Restatement Adjustment
Current:
Deferred revenue	200,000
Deferred rent	600,000
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities), current	100,000
Non-current:
Net operating loss	1,800,000
Landlord contributions	-2,800,000
Deemed landlord financing	1,200,000
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment	500,000
Deferred income taxes	-100,000		-100,000
Valuation allowance adjustment	100,000
Decrease in non-current deferred tax assets	200,000
Decrease in non-current deferred tax liabilities	100,000		100,000
Decrease in landlord contributions	$2,800,000
[1]	In 2014, we identified certain errors in the December 30, 2013 balance sheet relating to our deferred tax balances. The above denoted captions were impacted. Current deferred tax assets increased $0.1 million with deferred revenue increasing $0.2 million with an offsetting $0.1 million in valuation allowance. Non-current deferred tax assets increased $0.2 million primarily due to an increase in net operating loss of $1.8 million and deemed landlord financing of $1.2 million offset by a decrease in landlord contributions of $2.8 million. Non-current deferred tax liabilities decreased $0.1 million due to a decrease in deferred rent of $0.6 million (resulting in a zero balance) offset by an increase in property and equipment of $0.5 million. We have concluded that these errors are not material individually or in the aggregate to any prior reporting periods.

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 29, 2014		Dec. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 26, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Valuation allowance	$9,270,000		$6,947,000		$4,200,000	$3,916,000
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Total net deferred tax liabilities	4,001,000		3,394,000
Net operating loss carryforwards to be recorded in additional paid in capital	400,000
Deferred tax assets, operating loss carryforwards	5,246,000	[1]	4,222,000	[1]
Federal
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	13,700,000
State
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	$12,700,000
[1]	In 2014, we identified certain errors in the December 30, 2013 balance sheet relating to our deferred tax balances. The above denoted captions were impacted. Current deferred tax assets increased $0.1 million with deferred revenue increasing $0.2 million with an offsetting $0.1 million in valuation allowance. Non-current deferred tax assets increased $0.2 million primarily due to an increase in net operating loss of $1.8 million and deemed landlord financing of $1.2 million offset by a decrease in landlord contributions of $2.8 million. Non-current deferred tax liabilities decreased $0.1 million due to a decrease in deferred rent of $0.6 million (resulting in a zero balance) offset by an increase in property and equipment of $0.5 million. We have concluded that these errors are not material individually or in the aggregate to any prior reporting periods.

Income_Taxes_Valuation_Allowan

Income Taxes - Valuation Allowance Activity (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 29, 2014	Dec. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Valuation allowance, beginning balance	$6,947	$4,200	$3,916
Addition to valuation allowance	2,323	2,747	284
Valuation allowance, ending balance	$9,270	$6,947	$4,200

Leases_Narrative_Details

Leases - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2014	Dec. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	building	building
Leases [Abstract]
Number of buildings, accounting owner, under landlord financing	35	31
Number of buildings under construction	6	6
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Rent expense	$9,700,000	$6,900,000	$4,400,000
Deemed landlord financing obligations	23,266,000	19,893,000
Pre-Opening Costs1
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Rent expense	$600,000	$600,000	$300,000

Leases_Operating_Leases_Fiscal

Leases - Operating Leases, Fiscal Year Maturity and Deemed Landlord Financing (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 29, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deemed Landlord Financing [Abstract]
2015	$2,929
2016	2,973
2018	3,031
2019	3,117
2018	3,220
Thereafter	44,089
Total	59,359
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2015	10,107
2016	10,410
2017	10,421
2018	10,519
2019	10,846
Thereafter	138,418
Total	$190,721

Related_Party_Transactions_Nar

Related Party Transactions - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 29, 2014	Dec. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Aug. 19, 2014
Affiliated Entity | Corporate Development and Administrative Services Agreement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Expenses related to performance of services agreement	$0.10	$0.20	$0.20
Officer | Common Stock
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Shares repurchased				94,100
Director | Affiliated Entity
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of related party members serving on the board of directors	3

Equitybased_Compensation_Narra

Equity-based Compensation - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2014	Dec. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted (in shares)	554,340
Contractual term	9 years 5 months 1 day
Employee Stock Option
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation expense	$1,200,000
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation expense related to accelerated vesting	4,900,000
Omnibus Incentive Plan 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized	1,905,799
Omnibus Incentive Plan 2014 | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period	3 years
Restricted stock granted (in shares)	6,666
Restricted stock vested (in shares)	0
Restricted stock forfeited (in shares)	0
Omnibus Incentive Plan 2014 | Immediate Vesting | Employee Stock Option
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted (in shares)	250,000
Omnibus Incentive Plan 2014 | Four Year Vesting | Employee Stock Option
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period	4 years
Contractual term	10 years
2011 and Prior Awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation costs	1,800,000
Period of recognition	3 years 6 months 10 days
2012 and 2013 Awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation expense		0	0
General and Administrative Expense | 2011 and Prior Awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation expense	$6,300,000	$100,000	$100,000

Equitybased_Compensation_Summa

Equity-based Compensation - Summary of Stock Option Activity (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2014
Number of units
Outstanding, beginning balance (in shares)	0
Granted (in shares)	554,340
Forfeited (in shares)	-10,370
Exercised (in shares)	-22,500
Outstanding, ending balance (in shares)	521,470
Weighted-average exercise price
Outstanding, beginning balance (USD per share)	$0
Granted (USD per share)	$16.54
Forfeited (USD per share)	$15
Exercised (USD per share)	$15
Outstanding, ending balance (USD per share)	$16.64

Equitybased_Compensation_Sched

Equity-based Compensation - Schedule of Stock Option, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding and Exercisable (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 29, 2014	Dec. 30, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Outstanding (in shares)	521,470	0
Outstanding, weighted-average exercise price per share (USD per share)	$16.64	$0
Outstanding, weighted-average remaining years of contractual life	9 years 5 months 1 day
Outstanding, aggregate intrinsic value	$6,829
Vested and expected to vest (in shares)	488,753
Vested and expected to vest, weighted-average exercise price per share (USD per share)	$16.51
Vested and expected to vest, weighted-average remaining years of contractual life	9 years 4 months 1 day
Vested and expected to vest, aggregate intrinsic value	6,456
Exercisable (in shares)	227,500
Exercisable, weighted-average exercise price per share (USD per share)	$15
Exercisable, weighted-average remaining years of contractual life	9 years 4 months 1 day
Exercisable, aggregate intrinsic value	$3,326

Equitybased_Compensation_Sched1

Equity-based Compensation - Schedule of Weighted-Average Assumptions Used to Value Stock Options (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Expected volatility	34.98%
Risk-free rate of return	1.78%
Expected life (in years)	5 years 1 month 6 days
Dividend yield	0.00%
Fair value per share at date of grant (USD per share)	$5.74

Net_Loss_per_Share_Schedule_of

Net Loss per Share - Schedule of Net Loss Per Share, Basic and Diluted (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended						4 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 29, 2014	Oct. 06, 2014	Jul. 14, 2014	Dec. 30, 2013	Oct. 07, 2013	Jul. 15, 2013	Apr. 21, 2014	Apr. 22, 2013	Dec. 29, 2014	Dec. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net loss	($1,596)	$448	$1,119	($3,098)	$351	$423	($9,988)	($1,391)	($10,017)	($3,715)	($253)
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic and diluted (in shares)									17,410	12,561	12,561
Net loss per share, basic and diluted (USD per share)									($0.58)	($0.30)	($0.02)

Net_Loss_per_Share_Narrative_D

Net Loss per Share - Narrative (Details)	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2014	Apr. 16, 2014
Employee Stock Option
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share	162,900
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share	2,718
Common Stock
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Stock split, conversion ratio		125,614.14

Subsequent_Events_Narrative_De

Subsequent Events - Narrative (Details) (2015 Credit Facility, Line of Credit, Revolving Credit Facility, Subsequent Event, USD $)	0 Months Ended
	Feb. 06, 2015	Feb. 06, 2015
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Borrowing capacity	$20,000,000	$20,000,000
Maximum borrowing capacity	$30,000,000	$30,000,000
Term (in years)	5 years
Federal Funds Rate
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	0.50%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	1.00%
Scenario One (greater than)
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Debt ratio (greater than or equal to)	2.5	2.5
Unused commitment fee	0.15%
Scenario One (greater than) | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	1.50%
Scenario One (greater than) | Base Rate
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	0.50%
Scenario Two (less than)
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Debt ratio (less than)	2.5	2.5
Unused commitment fee	0.13%
Scenario Two (less than) | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	1.00%

Quarterly_Financial_Data_unaud2

Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended						4 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 29, 2014	Oct. 06, 2014	Jul. 14, 2014	Dec. 30, 2013	Oct. 07, 2013	Jul. 15, 2013	Apr. 21, 2014	Apr. 22, 2013	Dec. 29, 2014	Dec. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Days in fiscal year									364 days	364 days	371 days
Days in first fiscal quarter									112 days	112 days	112 days
Days in second fiscal quarter									84 days	84 days	84 days
Days in third fiscal quarter									84 days	84 days	84 days
Days in fourth fiscal quarter									84 days	84 days	91 days
Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]
Total revenue	$40,014	$43,565	$41,888	$28,676	$29,144	$27,186	$46,266	$31,379	$171,733	$116,385	$79,724
Income (loss) from operations	-810	875	1,616	-1,577	1,223	1,243	-6,480	96	-4,799	985	2,706
Net income (loss)	($1,596)	$448	$1,119	($3,098)	$351	$423	($9,988)	($1,391)	($10,017)	($3,715)	($253)
Net income (loss) per share, basic (USD per share)	($0.08)	$0.02	$0.06	($0.25)	$0.03	$0.03	($0.76)	($0.11)
Net income (loss) per share, diluted (USD per share)	($0.08)	$0.02	$0.06	($0.25)	$0.03	$0.03	($0.76)	($0.11)
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic (in shares)	19,275	19,270	19,270	12,561	12,561	12,561	13,220	12,561
Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted (in shares)	19,275	19,502	19,478	12,561	12,561	12,561	13,220	12,561