J. Alexanders (JAX) 10-Q 9 Nov 17 2017 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017	Nov. 08, 2017
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Oct. 1, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Trading Symbol	JAX
Entity Registrant Name	J. Alexander's Holdings, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1,617,227
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		14,695,176

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 01, 2017	Jan. 01, 2017
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 8,285	$ 6,632
Accounts and notes receivable	1,997	1,555
Inventories	2,444	2,538
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,846	3,648
Total current assets	14,572	14,373
Other assets	5,895	6,012
Property and equipment, at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization of $41,019 and $34,164 as of October 1, 2017 and January 1, 2017, respectively	101,915	101,470
Goodwill	15,737	15,737
Tradename and other indefinite-lived assets	25,160	25,155
Deferred charges, less accumulated amortization of $234 and $197 as of October 1, 2017 and January 1, 2017, respectively	196	291
Total assets	163,475	163,038
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	5,398	6,929
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	9,457	9,486
Unearned revenue	2,332	3,400
Current portion of long-term debt	9,000	7,889
Total current liabilities	26,187	27,704
Long-term debt, net of portion classified as current and deferred loan costs	12,007	15,418
Deferred compensation obligations	6,213	6,010
Deferred income taxes	3,532	4,031
Other long-term liabilities	6,558	5,555
Total liabilities	54,497	58,718
Stockholders' Equity:
Common stock, par value $0.001 per share: Authorized 30,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 14,695,176 shares as of October 1, 2017 and January 1, 2017, respectively	15	15
Preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share: Authorized 10,000,000 shares; no shares issued and outstanding as of October 1, 2017 or January 1, 2017
Additional paid-in capital	94,964	94,404
Retained earnings	8,155	6,161
Total stockholders' equity attributable to J. Alexander's Holdings, Inc.	103,134	100,580
Non-controlling interests	5,844	3,740
Total stockholders' equity	108,978	104,320
Commitments and contingencies
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 163,475	$ 163,038

Condensed Consolidated Balance3

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 01, 2017	Jan. 01, 2017
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]
Property and equipment, at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ 41,019	$ 34,164
Deferred charges, accumulated amortization	$ 234	$ 197
Common stock, par value	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock, shares authorized	30,000,000	30,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	14,695,176	14,695,176
Common stock, shares outstanding	14,695,176	14,695,176
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017	Oct. 02, 2016	Oct. 01, 2017	Oct. 02, 2016
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 53,879	$ 51,459	$ 171,917	$ 162,259
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales	17,250	16,252	54,878	51,695
Restaurant labor and related costs	17,552	16,540	53,456	50,087
Depreciation and amortization of restaurant property and equipment	2,567	2,232	7,445	6,636
Other operating expenses	11,564	10,833	34,673	32,909
Total restaurant operating expenses	48,933	45,857	150,452	141,327
Transaction and integration expenses	1,975		2,435	62
General and administrative expenses	4,315	4,104	15,479	13,963
Pre-opening expenses	48	192	934	607
Total operating expenses	55,271	50,153	169,300	155,959
Operating income (loss)	(1,392)	1,306	2,617	6,300
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	(227)	(147)	(625)	(514)
Other, net	22	18	94	74
Total other expense	(205)	(129)	(531)	(440)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	(1,597)	1,177	2,086	5,860
Income tax benefit (expense)	832	(121)	242	(1,210)
Loss from discontinued operations, net	(111)	(111)	(334)	(328)
Net income (loss)	$ (876)	$ 945	$ 1,994	$ 4,322
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	$ (0.05)	$ 0.07	$ 0.16	$ 0.31
Loss from discontinued operations, net	(0.01)	(0.01)	(0.02)	(0.02)
Basic earnings (loss) per share	(0.06)	0.06	0.14	0.29
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	(0.05)	0.07	0.16	0.31
Loss from discontinued operations, net	(0.01)	(0.01)	(0.02)	(0.02)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$ (0.06)	$ 0.06	$ 0.13	$ 0.29
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
Basic	14,695	14,700	14,695	14,862
Diluted	14,695	14,700	14,792	14,869
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ (876)	$ 945	$ 1,994	$ 4,322

Condensed Consolidated Stateme5

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) - 9 months ended Oct. 01, 2017 - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	Non-controlling Interests
Balances at Jan. 01, 2017	$ 104,320	$ 15	$ 94,404	$ 6,161	$ 3,740
Balance, shares at Jan. 01, 2017		14,695,176
Share-based compensation	2,664		560		2,104
Net income	1,994			1,994
Balances at Oct. 01, 2017	$ 108,978	$ 15	$ 94,964	$ 8,155	$ 5,844
Balance, shares at Oct. 01, 2017		14,695,176

Condensed Consolidated Stateme6

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017	Oct. 02, 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 1,994	$ 4,322
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment	7,661	6,842
Equity-based compensation expense	2,664	1,834
Other, net	19	(403)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts and notes receivable	(442)	(1,410)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,802	1,125
Accounts payable	(1,097)	(1,539)
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	(29)	(2,769)
Other assets and liabilities, net	365	207
Net cash provided by operating activities	12,937	8,209
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property and equipment	(8,657)	(12,153)
Other investing activities	(264)	(244)
Net cash used in investing activities	(8,921)	(12,397)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from borrowing under debt agreement		4,000
Payments on long-term debt and obligations under capital leases	(2,361)	(1,250)
Purchases of common stock		(3,153)
Other financing activities	(2)	(1,319)
Net cash used in financing activities	(2,363)	(1,722)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	1,653	(5,910)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	6,632	13,424
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	8,285	7,514
Supplemental disclosures:
Property and equipment obligations accrued at beginning of period	2,587	1,845
Property and equipment obligations accrued at end of period	2,153	2,011
Cash paid for interest	605	503
Cash paid for income taxes	$ 579	$ 4,730

Organization and Business

Organization and Business	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017
Organization And Business [Abstract]
Organization and Business Text Block	Note 1 – Organization and Business Separation from FNF On August 15, 2014, J. Alexander’s Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) was incorporated in the state of Tennessee as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fidelity National Financial, Inc. (“FNF”). On September 16, 2015, the Company entered into a separation and distribution agreement with FNF, pursuant to which FNF agreed to distribute one hundred percent of its shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001, on a pro rata basis, to the holders of Fidelity National Financial Ventures, LLC (“FNFV”) Group common stock, FNF’s tracking stock traded on The New York Stock Exchange (“The NYSE”). Holders of FNFV Group common stock received, as a distribution from FNF, approximately 0.17271 shares of the Company’s common stock for every one share of FNFV Group common stock held at the close of business on September 22, 2015, the record date for the distribution (the “Distribution”). Concurrent with the Distribution, certain reorganization changes were made, resulting in the Company owning all of the outstanding Class A Units and becoming the sole managing member of J. Alexander’s Holdings, LLC, the parent company of all operating subsidiaries. Also concurrent with the Distribution, the Second Amended and Restated LLC Agreement of J. Alexander’s Holdings, LLC was entered into, resulting in a total number of Class A Units outstanding of 15,000,235. Additionally, a total of 833,346 Class B Units, granted to certain members of management effective on January 1, 2015, were also outstanding at the date of Distribution. The Distribution was completed on September 28, 2015. On September 28, 2015, immediately prior to the Distribution, J. Alexander’s Holdings, LLC entered into a Management Consulting Agreement with Black Knight Advisory Services, LLC (“Black Knight”), pursuant to which Black Knight provides corporate and strategic advisory services to J. Alexander’s Holdings, LLC. In accordance with the Management Consulting Agreement, J. Alexander’s Holdings, LLC granted 1,500,024 Class B Units to Black Knight as a profits interest grant on October 6, 2015. As a result of the Distribution, effective September 29, 2015, the Company became an independent public company with its common stock listed on The NYSE under the symbol “JAX”. As of October 1, 2017, a total of 14,695,176 shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001, were outstanding. On October 29, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) authorized a share repurchase program for up to 1,500,000 shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock over the three years ending October 29, 2018. Share repurchases under the program have been made and are expected to be made solely from cash on hand and available operating cash flow. Repurchases will be made in accordance with applicable securities laws and may be made from time to time in the open market. The timing, prices and amount of repurchases will depend upon prevailing market prices, general economic and market conditions and other considerations. The repurchase program does not obligate the Company to acquire any particular amount of stock. No shares have been repurchased by the Company during the first nine months of 2017. As of October 1, 2017, 305,059 shares have been repurchased under this program at an aggregate purchase price of $3,203. Business of J. Alexander’s The Company, through J. Alexander’s Holdings, LLC and its subsidiaries, owns and operates full service, upscale restaurants under the J. Alexander’s, Redlands Grill, Lyndhurst Grill and Stoney River Steakhouse and Grill (“Stoney River”) concepts. At October 1, 2017 and January 1, 2017, restaurants operating within the J. Alexander’s concept consisted of 19 and 20 restaurants in 11 and 10 states, respectively. During the first nine months of 2017, the Company opened one new J. Alexander’s in Lexington, Kentucky, converted one J. Alexander’s location to Lyndhurst Grill and closed one J. Alexander’s location. At October 1, 2017 and January 1, 2017, restaurants operating within the Stoney River concept consisted of 12 and 11 locations within seven and six states, respectively, as one new Stoney River restaurant began operations during the first nine months of 2017 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. During fiscal year 2015, 12 locations within eight states formerly operated as J. Alexander’s restaurants began the transition to Redlands Grill locations. Each concept’s restaurants are concentrated primarily in the East, Southeast and Midwest regions of the United States. The Company does not have any restaurants operating under franchise agreements.

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Note 2 – Basis of Presentation (a) Interim Financial Statements The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and rules of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnote disclosures required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (including normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the quarter and nine-month period ended October 1, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017. For further information, refer to the Consolidated Financial Statements and footnotes thereto for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2017 included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 16, 2017. Total comprehensive income (loss) is comprised solely of net income (loss) for all periods presented. (b) Principles of Consolidation The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company as well as the accounts of its majority-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany profits, transactions, and balances between the Company and its subsidiaries have been eliminated. It is the Company’s policy to reclassify prior year amounts to conform to the current year’s presentation for comparative purposes, if such a reclassification is warranted. As discussed in Note 1, as a result of the Distribution, certain reorganization changes were made resulting in the Company owning all of the outstanding Class A Units and becoming the sole managing member of J. Alexander’s Holdings, LLC. The reorganization transactions were accounted for as a non-substantive transaction in a manner similar to a transaction between entities under common control pursuant to Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 805-50, Transactions between Entities under Common Control (c) Fiscal Year The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Sunday closest to December 31, and each quarter typically consists of 13 weeks. The quarters and nine-month periods ended October 1, 2017 and October 2, 2016 each included 13 and 39 weeks of operations, respectively. Fiscal years 2017 and 2016 each include 52 weeks of operations. (d) Discontinued Operations and Restaurant Closures During 2013, three J. Alexander’s restaurants were closed, and two of these restaurants were considered to be discontinued operations. The $111 loss from discontinued operations included in each of the quarters ended October 1, 2017 and October 2, 2016, respectively, and losses for the nine-month periods ended October 1, 2017 and October 2, 2016 of $334 and $328, respectively, consist solely of exit and disposal costs which are primarily related to a continuing obligation under a lease agreement for one of these closed locations. The Company closed one J. Alexander’s location during the first quarter of 2017 as the restaurant’s lease had reached the end of its term. Since the closure of this restaurant does not represent a strategic shift that will have a major effect on the Company’s operations and financial results, its results of operations and expenses associated with its closure have not been included in discontinued operations. Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes associated with this location was $(3) and $(80) for the quarters ended October 1, 2017 and October 2, 2016, respectively, and was $30 and $(129) for the nine-month periods ended October 1, 2017 and October 2, 2016, respectively. Restaurant closing costs associated with this location of $(5) and $129 were incurred in the quarter and nine-month period ended October 1, 2017, respectively, and such costs are presented in the “General and administrative expenses” line item of the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). Restaurant closing costs consisted largely of restaurant employee severance, travel costs and various other exit and disposal expenses. (e) Transaction Costs Transaction costs associated with the Distribution and related transactions discussed in Note 1 above were incurred, totaling $0 and $62 for the quarter and nine-month period ended October 2, 2016, respectively. Transaction costs associated with the Distribution and related transactions consisted primarily of legal and consulting costs, and to a lesser extent other professional fees and miscellaneous costs. In addition, the Company has incurred transaction costs associated with the proposed acquisition of the Ninety Nine Restaurant and Pub concept (“99 Restaurants”) totaling $1,975 and $2,435 for the quarter and nine-month period ended October 1, 2017, respectively. Such costs consisted primarily of fairness opinion fees, legal, accounting, and consulting fees as well as other miscellaneous costs. Refer to Note 9 – 99 Restaurants Transaction for additional discussion of the proposed acquisition. (f) Earnings (Loss) per Share Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the reporting period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share gives effect during the reporting period to all dilutive potential shares outstanding resulting from share-based compensation awards. Diluted earnings (loss) per share of common stock is computed similarly to basic earnings (loss) per share except the weighted average shares outstanding are increased to include additional shares from the assumed exercise of any common stock equivalents, if dilutive. J. Alexander’s Holdings, LLC Class B Units are considered common stock equivalents for this purpose. The number of additional shares of common stock related to these common stock equivalents is calculated using the if-converted method, if dilutive. The number of additional shares of common stock related to stock option awards is calculated using the treasury method, if dilutive. Refer to Note 3 – Earnings (Loss) per Share for the basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share calculations and additional discussion. (g) Non-controlling Interests Non-controlling interests presented on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets represent the portion of net assets of the Company attributable to the non-controlling J. Alexander’s Holdings, LLC Class B Unit holders. As of October 1, 2017 and January 1, 2017, the non-controlling interests presented on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets were $5,844 and $3,740, respectively, and consist solely of the non-cash compensation expense relative to the profits interest awards to management and Black Knight. The vesting requirements under either grant entitling Class B Unit holders to distributions of earnings of J. Alexander’s Holdings, LLC had not been met as of October 2, 2016 and, therefore, no allocation of net income was made to non-controlling interests for the quarter and nine-month period ended October 2, 2016. The Hypothetical Liquidation at Book Value method was used as of October 1, 2017 to determine allocations of non-controlling interests in respect of vested grants consistent with the terms of the Second Amended and Restated LLC Agreement of J. Alexander’s Holdings, LLC, and pursuant to that calculation, no allocation of net income was made to non-controlling interests for the quarter and nine-month period ended October 1, 2017. (h) Use of Estimates Management has made certain estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the periods presented to prepare these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include those related to the accounting for gift card breakage, determination of the valuation allowance relative to deferred tax assets, if any, estimates of useful lives of property and equipment and leasehold improvements, the carrying amount of intangible assets, fair market valuations, determination of lease terms and accounting for impairment losses, contingencies, and litigation. Actual results could differ from these estimates. (i) Segment Reporting The Company, through its subsidiaries, owns and operates full-service, upscale restaurants under four concepts exclusively in the United States that have similar economic characteristics, products and services, class of customer and distribution methods. The Company believes it meets the criteria for aggregating its operating segments into a single reportable segment. (j) Share Repurchases As stated in Note 1, the Board authorized a share repurchase program on October 29, 2015, pursuant to which a total of 305,059 shares have been repurchased as of October 1, 2017 for an aggregate purchase price of $3,203. No shares were repurchased during the quarter and nine-month period ended October 1, 2017. Pursuant to Tennessee state law, the repurchased shares were retired and are now authorized and unissued shares. The repurchases and retirements were recorded as a reduction to common stock based on the par value of the shares, and the excess over par value was recorded as a reduction to retained earnings in accordance with ASC 505-30, Equity – Treasury Stock

Earnings (Loss) per Share

Earnings (Loss) per Share	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings (Loss) per Share	Note 3 – Earnings (Loss) per Share The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share: Quarter Ended Nine Months Ended (Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts) October 1, October 2, October 1, October 2, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Numerator: Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax $ (765 ) $ 1,056 $ 2,328 $ 4,650 Loss from discontinued operations, net (111 ) (111 ) (334 ) (328 ) Net income (loss) $ (876 ) $ 945 $ 1,994 $ 4,322 Denominator: Weighted average shares (denominator for basic earnings (loss) per share) 14,695 14,700 14,695 14,862 Effect of dilutive securities - - 97 7 Adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversions (denominator for diluted earnings (loss) per share) 14,695 14,700 14,792 14,869 Basic earnings (loss) per share: Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax $ (0.05 ) $ 0.07 $ 0.16 $ 0.31 Loss from discontinued operations, net (0.01 ) (0.01 ) (0.02 ) (0.02 ) Basic earnings (loss) per share $ (0.06 ) $ 0.06 $ 0.14 $ 0.29 Diluted earnings (loss) per share: Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax $ (0.05 ) $ 0.07 $ 0.16 $ 0.31 Loss from discontinued operations, net (0.01 ) (0.01 ) (0.02 ) (0.02 ) Diluted earnings (loss) per share $ (0.06 ) $ 0.06 $ 0.13 $ 0.29 Note: Per share amounts may not sum due to rounding. Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the reporting period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share of common stock is computed similarly to basic earnings (loss) per share except the weighted average shares outstanding are increased to include additional shares from the assumed exercise of any common stock equivalents, if dilutive. The J. Alexander’s Holdings, LLC Class B Units are considered common stock equivalents for this purpose. The number of additional shares of common stock related to these common stock equivalents is calculated using the if-converted method. The Class B Units associated with management’s profits interest awards are considered to be anti-dilutive and, therefore, have been excluded from the diluted earnings (loss) per share calculations for the quarter and nine-month period ended October 1, 2017 and October 2, 2016. The Black Knight profits interest Class B Units were also considered anti-dilutive for the third quarter of 2017, and are, therefore, excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation for the quarter. However, the Black Knight profits interest Class B Units were considered dilutive for the nine-month period ended October 1, 2017, and the impact for the period then ended on the diluted earnings per share calculation was 96,669. Similarly, The number of additional shares of common stock related to stock option awards is calculated using the treasury method, if dilutive. The 985,750 and 450,750 stock option awards outstanding as of October 1, 2017 and October 2, 2016, respectively, were considered antidilutive and, therefore, are excluded from the diluted earnings (loss) per share calculation for the quarters and nine-month periods then ended.

Earnings per Share (Tables)

Earnings per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share: Quarter Ended Nine Months Ended (Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts) October 1, October 2, October 1, October 2, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Numerator: Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax $ (765 ) $ 1,056 $ 2,328 $ 4,650 Loss from discontinued operations, net (111 ) (111 ) (334 ) (328 ) Net income (loss) $ (876 ) $ 945 $ 1,994 $ 4,322 Denominator: Weighted average shares (denominator for basic earnings (loss) per share) 14,695 14,700 14,695 14,862 Effect of dilutive securities - - 97 7 Adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversions (denominator for diluted earnings (loss) per share) 14,695 14,700 14,792 14,869 Basic earnings (loss) per share: Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax $ (0.05 ) $ 0.07 $ 0.16 $ 0.31 Loss from discontinued operations, net (0.01 ) (0.01 ) (0.02 ) (0.02 ) Basic earnings (loss) per share $ (0.06 ) $ 0.06 $ 0.14 $ 0.29 Diluted earnings (loss) per share: Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax $ (0.05 ) $ 0.07 $ 0.16 $ 0.31 Loss from discontinued operations, net (0.01 ) (0.01 ) (0.02 ) (0.02 ) Diluted earnings (loss) per share $ (0.06 ) $ 0.06 $ 0.13 $ 0.29 Note: Per share amounts may not sum due to rounding.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Note 4 – Income Taxes The estimated annual effective tax rate (before discrete items) for the nine-month periods ended October 1, 2017 and October 2, 2016 was 4.8% and 22.0%, respectively. The impact on the effective tax rate for discrete items for the nine-month periods ended October 1, 2017 and October 2, 2016 was (18.6)% and (0.1)%, respectively, which resulted in a net effective tax rate of (13.8)% and 21.9% for the nine-month periods ended October 1, 2017 and October 2, 2016, respectively. The factors that cause the net effective tax rate to vary from the federal statutory rate of 35% for the nine-month periods ended October 1, 2017 and October 2, 2016 include the impact of the Federal Insurance Contribution Act (“FICA”) tip and other credits, partially offset by state income taxes and certain non-deductible expenses. The decrease in the estimated annual effective tax rate from 22.0% for the nine-month period ended October 2, 2016 to 4.8% for the nine-month period ended October 1, 2017 is due primarily to the decrease in pre-tax book income during the same periods. Because the decrease in pre-tax book income is due primarily to the impact of transaction costs, the decreased pre-tax book income has no effect on the FICA tip credit benefit, but does amplify its rate effect when it is compared with a significantly lower pre-tax book income number in fiscal year 2017. If the proposed acquisition of 99 Restaurants, as discussed in Note 9 below, is successfully completed, a portion of the related transaction costs that have been treated as a deferred tax asset could become permanently non-deductible for income tax purposes, and significantly increase the applicable annual effective tax rate.

Commitment and Contingencies

Commitment and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Note 5 – Commitments and Contingencies (a) Contingent Leases As a result of the disposition of the Company’s predecessor’s Wendy’s operations in 1996, subsidiaries of the Company may remain secondarily liable for certain real property leases with remaining terms of one to five years. The total estimated amount of lease payments remaining on these six leases at October 1, 2017 was approximately $703. In connection with the sale of the Company’s predecessor’s Mrs. Winner’s Chicken & Biscuit restaurant operations in 1989 and certain previous dispositions, subsidiaries of the Company also may remain secondarily liable for a certain real property lease. The total estimated amount of lease payments remaining on this lease at October 1, 2017 was approximately $83. Additionally, in connection with the previous disposition of certain other Wendy’s restaurant operations, primarily the southern California restaurants in 1982, subsidiaries of the Company may remain secondarily liable for certain real property leases with remaining terms of one to three years. The total estimated amount of lease payments remaining on these three leases as of October 1, 2017 was approximately $232. There have been no payments by subsidiaries of the Company of such contingent liabilities in the history of the Company. Management does not believe any significant loss is likely. (b) Tax Contingencies The Company is subject to real property, personal property, business, franchise, income and sales and use taxes in various jurisdictions within the United States and is regularly under audit by tax authorities. This is believed to be common for the restaurant industry. Management believes the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position or results of operations of the Company. (c) Litigation Contingencies The Company and its subsidiaries are defendants from time to time in various claims or legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business, including claims relating to workers’ compensation matters, labor-related claims, discrimination and similar matters, claims resulting from guest accidents while visiting a restaurant, claims relating to lease and contractual obligations, federal and state tax matters, and claims from guests or employees alleging illness, injury or other food quality, health or operational concerns, and injury or wrongful death under “dram shop” laws that allow a person to sue the Company based on any injury caused by an intoxicated person who was wrongfully served alcoholic beverages at one of its restaurants. Management does not believe that any of the legal proceedings pending against the Company as of the date of this report will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s liquidity or financial condition. The Company may incur liabilities, receive benefits, settle disputes, sustain judgments, or accrue expenses relating to legal proceedings in a particular fiscal year, which may adversely affect its results of operations, or on occasion, receive settlements that favorably affect its results of operations.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Note 6 – Fair Value Measurements The Company utilizes the following fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs into valuation techniques used to measure fair value. Accordingly, the Company uses valuation techniques which maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when determining fair value. The three levels of the hierarchy are as follows: Level 1 Defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 Defined as observable inputs other than Level 1 prices. These include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in an active market, quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in markets that are not active or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 Defined as unobservable inputs for which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk. The following tables present the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of October 1, 2017 and January 1, 2017: October 1, 2017 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Cash and cash equivalents (as held in the Trust as defined below) $ 41 $ - $ - U.S. government obligations (as held in the Trust) 500 - - Corporate bonds (as held in the Trust) 1,958 - - Cash surrender value - life insurance (as held in the Trust) - 2,043 - Total $ 2,499 $ 2,043 $ - January 1, 2017 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Cash and cash equivalents (as held in the Trust) $ 45 $ - $ - U.S. government obligations (as held in the Trust) 700 - - Corporate bonds (as held in the Trust) 1,683 - - Cash surrender value - life insurance (as held in the Trust) - 2,017 - Total $ 2,428 $ 2,017 $ - Cash and cash equivalents are classified as Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy as they represent cash held in a rabbi trust established under a retirement benefit arrangement with certain of our current and former officers (the “Trust”) managed by the Pinnacle Bank trust department. Cash held in the Trust is invested through an overnight repurchase agreement the investments of which may include U.S. Treasury securities, such as bonds or Treasury bills, and other agencies of the U.S. government. Such investments are valued using quoted market prices in active markets. U.S. government obligations held in the Trust include U.S. Treasury Bonds. These bonds as well as the corporate bonds listed above are classified as Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy given their readily available quoted prices in active markets. Cash surrender value of life insurance is classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. The value of each policy was determined by MassMutual Financial Group, an A-rated insurance company, which provides the value of these policies to the Company on a regular basis by which the Company adjusts the recorded value accordingly. There were no transfers between the levels listed above during either of the reporting periods. The following table sets forth unrealized gains and losses on investments held in the Trust: Quarter Ended Nine Months Ended October 1, 2017 October 2, 2016 October 1, 2017 October 2, 2016 Unrealized gain (loss) on investments held in the Trust $ (1 ) $ (3 ) $ 17 $ 22 Unrealized gains or losses on investments held in the Trust are presented as a component of “Other, net” on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). As of October 1, 2017 and January 1, 2017, the fair value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities approximated their carrying value due to their short-term nature. The carrying amounts of the long-term debt approximate fair value as interest rates, and negotiated terms and conditions are consistent with current market rates, because of the close proximity of recent refinancing transactions to the dates of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. There were no assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis during the quarters ended October 1, 2017 and October 2, 2016.

Recent Accounting Pronouncement

Recent Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017
Accounting Changes And Error Corrections [Abstract]
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Note 7 – Recent Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers Deferral of the Effective Date In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases Leases Leases In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting The Company is evaluating the impact that the adoption of will have on its Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures.

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	Note 8 – Related Party Transactions As discussed in Note 1 above, on September 28, 2015, immediately prior to the Distribution, J. Alexander’s Holdings, LLC entered into a Management Consulting Agreement with Black Knight, pursuant to which Black Knight provides corporate and strategic advisory services to J. Alexander’s Holdings, LLC. The principal member of Black Knight is William P. Foley, II, Senior Managing Director of FNFV and non-Executive Chairman of the board of FNF. The other members of Black Knight consist of Lonnie J. Stout II, our President, Chief Executive Officer and one of our directors, and other officers of FNFV and FNF. Refer to Note 9 – 99 Restaurants Transaction for a discussion of the termination of the Management Consulting Agreement, at and contingent upon the closing of the acquisition of 99 Restaurants, if and when the transaction is consummated. Under the Management Consulting Agreement discussed in Note 1 above, J. Alexander’s Holdings, LLC has issued Black Knight non-voting Class B Units and is required to pay Black Knight an annual fee equal to 3% of the Company’s Adjusted EBITDA for each fiscal year during the term of the Management Consulting Agreement. J. Alexander’s Holdings, LLC is also required to reimburse Black Knight for its direct out-of-pocket costs incurred for management services provided to J. Alexander’s Holdings, LLC. Under the Management Consulting Agreement, “Adjusted EBITDA” means the Company’s net income (loss) before interest expense, income tax (expense) benefit, depreciation and amortization, and adding asset impairment charges and restaurant closing costs, loss on disposals of fixed assets, transaction and integration costs, non-cash compensation, loss from discontinued operations, gain on debt extinguishment, pre-opening costs and certain unusual items. The Management Consulting Agreement will continue in effect for an initial term of seven years and be renewed for successive one-year periods thereafter unless earlier terminated (i) by J. Alexander’s Holdings, LLC upon at least six months’ prior notice to Black Knight or (ii) by Black Knight upon 30 days’ prior notice to J. Alexander’s Holdings, LLC. In the event that the Management Consulting Agreement is terminated by J. Alexander’s Holdings, LLC prior to the tenth anniversary thereof, or Black Knight terminates the Management Consulting Agreement within 180 days after a change of control of J. Alexander’s Holdings, LLC, J. Alexander’s Holdings, LLC will be obligated to pay to Black Knight an early termination payment equal to the product of (i) the annual base fee for the most recently completed fiscal year multiplied by (ii) the difference between 10 and the number of years that have elapsed under the Management Consulting Agreement, adjusted to the net present value of such fees calculated using a discount rate equal to the 10-year treasury rate at the close of business or the business day immediately preceding the date of termination, provided that in the event of such a termination following a change of control event, the multiple of the annual base fee to be paid shall not exceed three. During the quarters ended October 1, 2017 and October 2, 2016, consulting fees of $120 and $133, respectively, were recorded relative to the Black Knight Management Consulting Agreement. During the nine-month periods ended October 1, 2017 and October 2, 2016, consulting fees of $559 and $451, respectively, were recorded relative to the aforementioned agreement. Such costs are presented as a component of “General and administrative expenses” on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). The consulting fees associated with fiscal year 2016 and 2015 of approximately $729 and $207, respectively, were paid by the Company during the nine-month periods ended October 1, 2017 and October 2, 2016, respectively. As discussed in Note 1 above, a grant of 1,500,024 Class B Units in J. Alexander’s Holdings, LLC was made to Black Knight on October 6, 2015 in accordance with the terms of the Management Consulting Agreement (the “Black Knight Grant”). The Black Knight Grant has a hurdle rate of approximately $151,052, which was calculated as the product of the number of shares of the Company’s common stock issued and outstanding and $10.07, which represents the volume weighted average of the closing price of the Company’s common stock over the five trading days following the Distribution date of September 28, 2015. The Class B Units granted to Black Knight vest in equal installments on the first, second, and third anniversaries of the grant date, and will be subject to acceleration upon a change in control of the Company or J. Alexander’s Holdings, LLC, the termination of the Management Consulting Agreement by J. Alexander’s Holdings, LLC without cause or the termination of the Management Consulting Agreement by Black Knight as a result of J. Alexander’s Holdings, LLC’s breach of the Management Consulting Agreement. The Black Knight Grant is measured at fair value at each reporting date through the date of vesting, and the related non-cash expense is recognized as a component of continuing income in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). The valuation of the Black Knight Grant as of October 1, 2017 was $6,650. Vested Class B Units held by Black Knight may be exchanged for shares of common stock of the Company. However, upon termination of the Management Consulting Agreement for any reason, Black Knight must exchange its Class B Units within 90 days or such units will be forfeited for no consideration. During the quarters ended October 1, 2017 and October 2, 2016, profits interest expense of $40 and $246, respectively, was recorded relative to the Black Knight Grant. During the nine-month periods ended October 1, 2017 and October 2, 2016, profits interest expense of $1,715 and $1,158, respectively, was recorded relative to the grant. Such expense is presented as a component of “General and administrative expenses” on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

99 Restaurants Transaction

99 Restaurants Transaction	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
99 Restaurants Transaction	Note 9 – 99 Restaurants Transaction On August 3, 2017, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) to acquire 99 Restaurants from Fidelity Newport Holdings, LLC (“FNH”) and FNFV in exchange for the issuance of 16.3 million shares of Class B Common Stock of the Company and an equal number of Class B partnership units of J. Alexander’s Holdings, LLC to FNH and FNFV. The Company will also incur $20,000 of additional debt, which is composed of $60,000 in assumed debt, offset by a $40,000 cash contribution by FNFV to 99 Restaurants prior to the closing of the proposed transaction. After the closing of the proposed transaction, 99 Restaurants will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. Further, the Company’s existing outstanding common stock will be reclassified as Class A Common Stock, which will represent approximately 47.5% of the total outstanding shares of capital stock and voting power of the Company after issuance of the shares of Class B Common Stock as consideration for 99 Restaurants. The shares of Class B Common Stock outstanding at that time will have voting rights, but no economic rights, and will represent approximately 52.5% of the total outstanding shares of capital stock and voting power of the Company. Similarly, the new Class B Units issued by J. Alexander’s Holdings, LLC will represent approximately 52.5% of the economic interest in J. Alexander’s Holdings, LLC. Existing Class B profits interest units will be renamed Class C Units of the partnership. The transaction has been approved by our Board, and is subject to a shareholder vote and other customary closing conditions. The Company has determined that, although the Company is the legal acquirer in this transaction, 99 Restaurants will be considered the accounting acquirer. Therefore, we expect this transaction will be accounted for as a reverse acquisition under the acquisition method of accounting. The Company has also negotiated for the termination of the Management Consulting Agreement currently in place with Black Knight and discussed in detail herein in Note 8 – Related Party Transactions. If shareholder approval of the acquisition is obtained and the other closing conditions are satisfied, the termination of the Management Consulting agreement will be effective upon the closing of the transaction. This event will eliminate for future years the annual consulting fees associated with the Management Consulting Agreement, and will also initiate, within no more than 90 days after the closing of the transaction, an election by Black Knight to settle the profits interest grant issued to it in fiscal year 2015. Once the grant is settled in shares of the Company’s common stock, we will no longer be required to recalculate the fair value associated with the Black Knight profits interest grant on a quarterly basis as has occurred since the Company’s spin-off from FNFV in fiscal year 2015. Refer to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 7, 2017 and our Preliminary Proxy Statement on Form 14A filed with the SEC on October 11, 2017 for additional information.

Basis of Presentation (Policies

Basis of Presentation (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Interim Financial Statements	(a) Interim Financial Statements The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and rules of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnote disclosures required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (including normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the quarter and nine-month period ended October 1, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017. For further information, refer to the Consolidated Financial Statements and footnotes thereto for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2017 included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 16, 2017. Total comprehensive income (loss) is comprised solely of net income (loss) for all periods presented.
Principles of Consolidation	(b) Principles of Consolidation The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company as well as the accounts of its majority-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany profits, transactions, and balances between the Company and its subsidiaries have been eliminated. It is the Company’s policy to reclassify prior year amounts to conform to the current year’s presentation for comparative purposes, if such a reclassification is warranted. As discussed in Note 1, as a result of the Distribution, certain reorganization changes were made resulting in the Company owning all of the outstanding Class A Units and becoming the sole managing member of J. Alexander’s Holdings, LLC. The reorganization transactions were accounted for as a non-substantive transaction in a manner similar to a transaction between entities under common control pursuant to Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 805-50, Transactions between Entities under Common Control
Fiscal Year	(c) Fiscal Year The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Sunday closest to December 31, and each quarter typically consists of 13 weeks. The quarters and nine-month periods ended October 1, 2017 and October 2, 2016 each included 13 and 39 weeks of operations, respectively. Fiscal years 2017 and 2016 each include 52 weeks of operations.
Discontinued Operations and Restaurant Closures	(d) Discontinued Operations and Restaurant Closures During 2013, three J. Alexander’s restaurants were closed, and two of these restaurants were considered to be discontinued operations. The $111 loss from discontinued operations included in each of the quarters ended October 1, 2017 and October 2, 2016, respectively, and losses for the nine-month periods ended October 1, 2017 and October 2, 2016 of $334 and $328, respectively, consist solely of exit and disposal costs which are primarily related to a continuing obligation under a lease agreement for one of these closed locations. The Company closed one J. Alexander’s location during the first quarter of 2017 as the restaurant’s lease had reached the end of its term. Since the closure of this restaurant does not represent a strategic shift that will have a major effect on the Company’s operations and financial results, its results of operations and expenses associated with its closure have not been included in discontinued operations. Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes associated with this location was $(3) and $(80) for the quarters ended October 1, 2017 and October 2, 2016, respectively, and was $30 and $(129) for the nine-month periods ended October 1, 2017 and October 2, 2016, respectively. Restaurant closing costs associated with this location of $(5) and $129 were incurred in the quarter and nine-month period ended October 1, 2017, respectively, and such costs are presented in the “General and administrative expenses” line item of the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). Restaurant closing costs consisted largely of restaurant employee severance, travel costs and various other exit and disposal expenses.
Transaction Costs	(e) Transaction Costs Transaction costs associated with the Distribution and related transactions discussed in Note 1 above were incurred, totaling $0 and $62 for the quarter and nine-month period ended October 2, 2016, respectively. Transaction costs associated with the Distribution and related transactions consisted primarily of legal and consulting costs, and to a lesser extent other professional fees and miscellaneous costs. In addition, the Company has incurred transaction costs associated with the proposed acquisition of the Ninety Nine Restaurant and Pub concept (“99 Restaurants”) totaling $1,975 and $2,435 for the quarter and nine-month period ended October 1, 2017, respectively. Such costs consisted primarily of fairness opinion fees, legal, accounting, and consulting fees as well as other miscellaneous costs. Refer to Note 9 – 99 Restaurants Transaction for additional discussion of the proposed acquisition.
Earnings (Loss) per Share	(f) Earnings (Loss) per Share Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the reporting period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share gives effect during the reporting period to all dilutive potential shares outstanding resulting from share-based compensation awards. Diluted earnings (loss) per share of common stock is computed similarly to basic earnings (loss) per share except the weighted average shares outstanding are increased to include additional shares from the assumed exercise of any common stock equivalents, if dilutive. J. Alexander’s Holdings, LLC Class B Units are considered common stock equivalents for this purpose. The number of additional shares of common stock related to these common stock equivalents is calculated using the if-converted method, if dilutive. The number of additional shares of common stock related to stock option awards is calculated using the treasury method, if dilutive. Refer to Note 3 – Earnings (Loss) per Share for the basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share calculations and additional discussion.
Non-controlling Interests	(g) Non-controlling Interests Non-controlling interests presented on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets represent the portion of net assets of the Company attributable to the non-controlling J. Alexander’s Holdings, LLC Class B Unit holders. As of October 1, 2017 and January 1, 2017, the non-controlling interests presented on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets were $5,844 and $3,740, respectively, and consist solely of the non-cash compensation expense relative to the profits interest awards to management and Black Knight. The vesting requirements under either grant entitling Class B Unit holders to distributions of earnings of J. Alexander’s Holdings, LLC had not been met as of October 2, 2016 and, therefore, no allocation of net income was made to non-controlling interests for the quarter and nine-month period ended October 2, 2016. The Hypothetical Liquidation at Book Value method was used as of October 1, 2017 to determine allocations of non-controlling interests in respect of vested grants consistent with the terms of the Second Amended and Restated LLC Agreement of J. Alexander’s Holdings, LLC, and pursuant to that calculation, no allocation of net income was made to non-controlling interests for the quarter and nine-month period ended October 1, 2017.
Use of Estimates	(h) Use of Estimates Management has made certain estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the periods presented to prepare these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include those related to the accounting for gift card breakage, determination of the valuation allowance relative to deferred tax assets, if any, estimates of useful lives of property and equipment and leasehold improvements, the carrying amount of intangible assets, fair market valuations, determination of lease terms and accounting for impairment losses, contingencies, and litigation. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Segment Reporting	(i) Segment Reporting The Company, through its subsidiaries, owns and operates full-service, upscale restaurants under four concepts exclusively in the United States that have similar economic characteristics, products and services, class of customer and distribution methods. The Company believes it meets the criteria for aggregating its operating segments into a single reportable segment.
Share Repurchases	(j) Share Repurchases As stated in Note 1, the Board authorized a share repurchase program on October 29, 2015, pursuant to which a total of 305,059 shares have been repurchased as of October 1, 2017 for an aggregate purchase price of $3,203. No shares were repurchased during the quarter and nine-month period ended October 1, 2017. Pursuant to Tennessee state law, the repurchased shares were retired and are now authorized and unissued shares. The repurchases and retirements were recorded as a reduction to common stock based on the par value of the shares, and the excess over par value was recorded as a reduction to retained earnings in accordance with ASC 505-30, Equity – Treasury Stock

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	The following tables present the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of October 1, 2017 and January 1, 2017: October 1, 2017 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Cash and cash equivalents (as held in the Trust as defined below) $ 41 $ - $ - U.S. government obligations (as held in the Trust) 500 - - Corporate bonds (as held in the Trust) 1,958 - - Cash surrender value - life insurance (as held in the Trust) - 2,043 - Total $ 2,499 $ 2,043 $ - January 1, 2017 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Cash and cash equivalents (as held in the Trust) $ 45 $ - $ - U.S. government obligations (as held in the Trust) 700 - - Corporate bonds (as held in the Trust) 1,683 - - Cash surrender value - life insurance (as held in the Trust) - 2,017 - Total $ 2,428 $ 2,017 $ -
Schedule of Unrealized Gains and Losses on Investments Held in Rabbi Trust	The following table sets forth unrealized gains and losses on investments held in the Trust: Quarter Ended Nine Months Ended October 1, 2017 October 2, 2016 October 1, 2017 October 2, 2016 Unrealized gain (loss) on investments held in the Trust $ (1 ) $ (3 ) $ 17 $ 22

Organization and Business - Add

Organization and Business - Additional Information (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Oct. 01, 2017USD ($)RestaurantOperatingplace$ / sharesshares	Oct. 29, 2015shares	Sep. 22, 2015shares	Oct. 01, 2017RestaurantOperatingplace$ / sharesshares	Oct. 01, 2017RestaurantOperatingplace$ / sharesshares	Jan. 01, 2017RestaurantOperatingplace$ / sharesshares	Oct. 06, 2015shares	Sep. 28, 2015
Organization And Business [Line Items]
Date of incorporation					Aug. 15, 2014
Common stock, shares outstanding	14,695,176			14,695,176	14,695,176	14,695,176
Common stock, par value | $ / shares	$ 0.001			$ 0.001	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Period to repurchase common stock		3 years
Stock repurchase program, shares repurchased	305,059
Shares repurchased during the quarter				0	0
Purchased price of shares | $	$ 3,203
Stock Repurchase Program Expiration Date					Oct. 29, 2018
Maximum
Organization And Business [Line Items]
Stock repurchase program, shares authorized		1,500,000
Common Class A Units
Organization And Business [Line Items]
Common unit, outstanding			15,000,235
Common Class B Units | 2015 Management Incentive Plan
Organization And Business [Line Items]
Common unit, outstanding	833,346			833,346	833,346
FNF
Organization And Business [Line Items]
Spin-off shares distributed percentage								100.00%
FNFV
Organization And Business [Line Items]
Spin-off shares distributed for every one share of FNFV			0.17271
Black Knight Advisory Services, LLC | Common Class B Units
Organization And Business [Line Items]
Common unit, outstanding							1,500,024
J. Alexander’s
Organization And Business [Line Items]
Number of restaurants | Restaurant	19			19	19	20
Number of states in entity operates | Operatingplace	11			11	11	10
Stoney River Steakhouse and Grill
Organization And Business [Line Items]
Number of restaurants | Restaurant	12			12	12	11
Number of states in entity operates | Operatingplace	7			7	7	6
Redlands Grill
Organization And Business [Line Items]
Number of restaurants | Restaurant	12			12	12
Number of states in entity operates | Operatingplace	8			8	8

Basis of Presentation - Additio

Basis of Presentation - Additional Information (Details) $ in Thousands	Oct. 01, 2017USD ($)shares	Oct. 01, 2017USD ($)shares	Apr. 02, 2017Restaurant	Oct. 02, 2016USD ($)	Oct. 01, 2017USD ($)Restaurantshares	Oct. 02, 2016USD ($)	Jan. 01, 2017USD ($)
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of restaurants closed | Restaurant			1		3
Loss from discontinued operations, net		$ (111)		$ (111)	$ (334)	$ (328)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes for restaurant closed during the period		(3)		(80)	30	(129)
Transaction costs				0		62
Non-controlling interests	$ 5,844	$ 5,844			$ 5,844		$ 3,740
Stock repurchase program, shares repurchased | shares	305,059
Aggregate purchase price of shares under stock repurchase program	$ 3,203
Shares repurchased during the quarter | shares		0			0
Allocation of Net Income
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Non-controlling interests		$ 0		$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Ninety Nine Restaurant & Pub
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Transaction costs associated with proposed acquisition		1,975			2,435
General and Administrative Expenses
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Restaurant closing cost		$ (5)			$ 129

Earnings (Loss) per Share - Com

Earnings (Loss) per Share - Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017	Oct. 02, 2016	Oct. 01, 2017	Oct. 02, 2016
Numerator:
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	$ (765)	$ 1,056	$ 2,328	$ 4,650
Loss from discontinued operations, net	(111)	(111)	(334)	(328)
Net income (loss)	$ (876)	$ 945	$ 1,994	$ 4,322
Denominator:
Weighted average shares (denominator for basic earnings (loss) per share)	14,695	14,700	14,695	14,862
Effect of dilutive securities			97	7
Adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversions (denominator for diluted earnings (loss) per share)	14,695	14,700	14,792	14,869
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	$ (0.05)	$ 0.07	$ 0.16	$ 0.31
Loss from discontinued operations, net	(0.01)	(0.01)	(0.02)	(0.02)
Basic earnings (loss) per share	(0.06)	0.06	0.14	0.29
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	(0.05)	0.07	0.16	0.31
Loss from discontinued operations, net	(0.01)	(0.01)	(0.02)	(0.02)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$ (0.06)	$ 0.06	$ 0.13	$ 0.29

Earnings (Loss) per Share - Add

Earnings (Loss) per Share - Additional Information (Details) - shares	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017	Oct. 02, 2016
Stock Option Awards
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From And Dilutive Securities Included In Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings (loss) per share	985,750	450,750
Black Knight Advisory Services, LLC | Class B Units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From And Dilutive Securities Included In Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Dilutive shares included in computation of earnings (loss) per share	96,669	7,069

Income Taxes - Additional Infor

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017	Oct. 02, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Estimated annual effective tax rate before discrete items	4.80%	22.00%
Impact of discrete items on effective tax rate	(18.60%)	(0.10%)
Net effective tax rate	(13.80%)	21.90%
Federal statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%

Commitments and Contingencies -

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Details) $ in Thousands	Oct. 01, 2017USD ($)Lease
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Payments made to date relative to contingent leases	$ 0
Wendy Operations [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of secondarily liable leases | Lease	6
Estimated amount of secondarily liable lease payments due	$ 703
Wendy Operations [Member] | Minimum
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Remaining lease term	1 year
Wendy Operations [Member] | Maximum
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Remaining lease term	5 years
Winner Chicken and Biscuit Restaurant Operations [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of secondarily liable leases | Lease	1
Estimated amount of secondarily liable lease payments due	$ 83
Wendy's Southern California Restaurants [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of secondarily liable leases | Lease	3
Estimated amount of secondarily liable lease payments due	$ 232
Wendy's Southern California Restaurants [Member] | Minimum
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Remaining lease term	1 year
Wendy's Southern California Restaurants [Member] | Maximum
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Remaining lease term	3 years

Fair Value Measurements - Sched

Fair Value Measurements - Schedule of Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Details) - Fair Value Measurements Recurring - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 01, 2017	Jan. 01, 2017
Level 1
Schedule of Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
Cash and cash equivalents (as held in the Trust as defined below)	$ 41	$ 45
Assets held in trust	2,499	2,428
Level 1 | Corporate Bonds (as Held in the Trust)
Schedule of Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
Assets held in trust	1,958	1,683
Level 1 | U.S. Government Obligations (as Held in the Trust)
Schedule of Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
Assets held in trust	500	700
Level 2
Schedule of Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
Assets held in trust	2,043	2,017
Cash surrender value - life insurance	$ 2,043	$ 2,017

Fair Value Measurements - Sch26

Fair Value Measurements - Schedule of Unrealized Gains and Losses on Investments Held in Rabbi Trust (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2017	Oct. 02, 2016	Oct. 01, 2017	Oct. 02, 2016
Rabbi Trust
Fair Value Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments held in the Trust	$ (1)	$ (3)	$ 17	$ 22

Fair Value Measurements - Addit

Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	Oct. 01, 2017	Oct. 02, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Assets, measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis	$ 0	$ 0
Liabilities, measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis	$ 0	$ 0

Related Party Transactions - Ad

Related Party Transactions - Additional Information (Details) - Black Knight Advisory Services, LLC - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Oct. 06, 2015	Oct. 03, 2015	Sep. 28, 2015	Oct. 01, 2017	Oct. 02, 2016	Oct. 01, 2017	Oct. 02, 2016	Jan. 01, 2017	Jan. 03, 2016
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Annual fee as percentage of EBITDA				3.00%		3.00%
Management consulting agreement, initial term						7 years
Management consulting agreement, renew period						1 year
Maximum term of management consulting agreement						tenth anniversary
Early termination payment calculation						(i) the annual base fee for the most recently completed fiscal year multiplied by (ii) the difference between 10 and the number of years that have elapsed under the Management Consulting Agreement, adjusted to the net present value of such fees calculated using a discount rate equal to the 10-year treasury rate at the close of business or the business day immediately preceding the date of termination, provided that in the event of such a termination following a change of control event, the multiple of the annual base fee to be paid shall not exceed three
Common Class B Units
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Common unit, granted	1,500,024
Profits interest grant hurdle rate	$ 151,052
Weighted average closing price	$ 10.07
Common stock trading period		5 days
Membership unit distribution date	Oct. 6, 2015
Management consulting agreement date			Sep. 28, 2015
Estimated valuation of grant				$ 6,650		$ 6,650
General and Administrative Expenses
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Black Knight annual consulting expense				120	$ 133	559	$ 451	$ 729	$ 207
Profits interest expense				$ 40	$ 246	$ 1,715	$ 1,158
Minimum
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Management consulting agreement, earlier termination, prior notice period management			6 months
Management consulting agreement, earlier termination, prior notice period Black Knight			30 days
Maximum
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Management consulting agreement, termination period after a change of control			180 days
Maximum | Common Class B Units
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Exchange period upon termination of management consulting agreement			90 days

99 Restaurants Transaction - Ad

99 Restaurants Transaction - Additional Information (Details) $ in Thousands, shares in Millions	Aug. 03, 2017USD ($)shares
Black Knight Advisory Services, LLC
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Maximum duration after closing of transaction to initiate election	90 days
Class B Units
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of economic interest in J. Alexander's Holdings, Inc	52.50%
Fidelity Newport Holdings, LLC and Fidelity National Financial Ventures, LLC [Member] | 99 Restaurants, LLC [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Additional debt incurred	$ 20,000
Debt assumed	60,000
Cash contribution to offset debt assumed	$ 40,000
Common Class B Stock
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of economic interest in J. Alexander's Holdings, Inc	52.50%
Common Class B Stock | Fidelity Newport Holdings, LLC and Fidelity National Financial Ventures, LLC [Member] | 99 Restaurants, LLC [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of shares issued | shares	16.3
Common Class A Stock
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of economic interest in J. Alexander's Holdings, Inc	47.50%