Wingstop (WING) 10-Q 4 May 18 2018 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	May 04, 2018
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	Wingstop Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1,636,222
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-29
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2018
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		29,207,812
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 30, 2017
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 3,848	$ 4,063
Accounts receivable, net	3,860	4,567
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	2,699	4,334
Advertising fund assets, restricted	4,437	2,944
Total current assets	14,844	15,908
Property and equipment, net	5,768	5,826
Goodwill	47,888	46,557
Trademarks	32,700	32,700
Other non-current assets	4,249	3,278
Total assets	120,682	119,836
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	2,214	1,752
Other current liabilities	8,590	10,929
Current portion of debt	5,000	3,500
Advertising fund liabilities	4,437	2,944
Total current liabilities	20,241	19,125
Long-term debt, net	217,788	129,841
Deferred revenues, net of current	21,104	21,226
Deferred income tax liabilities, net	5,958	5,920
Other non-current liabilities	2,101	2,142
Total liabilities	267,192	178,254
Commitments and contingencies (see note 7)
Stockholders' deficit
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 29,155,823 and 29,092,669 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2018 and December 30, 2017, respectively	292	291
Additional paid-in-capital	45	262
Accumulated deficit	(146,847)	(58,971)
Total stockholders' deficit	(146,510)	(58,418)
Total liabilities and stockholders' deficit	120,682	119,836
Customer Relationships [Member]
Customer relationships, net	$ 15,233	$ 15,567

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 30, 2017
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Common stock, par value (in usd per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	29,093,736	28,747,392
Common stock, shares outstanding	29,093,736	28,747,392

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2018	Apr. 01, 2017
Revenue:
Royalty revenue, franchise fees and other		$ 17,781	$ 17,596
Advertising fees and related income		8,605	7,268
Company-owned restaurant sales		11,003	8,546
Total revenue		37,389	33,410
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales (1)	[1]	7,397	6,600
Advertising expenses		8,643	9,283
Selling, general and administrative		10,833	8,247
Depreciation and amortization		950	755
Total costs and expenses		27,823	24,885
Operating income		9,566	8,525
Interest expense, net		1,736	1,299
Income before income tax expense		7,830	7,226
Income tax expense		1,662	969
Net income		$ 6,168	$ 6,257
Earnings per share
Basic (in usd per share)		$ 0.21	$ 0.22
Diluted (in usd per share)		$ 0.21	$ 0.21
Weighted average shares outstanding
Basic (in shares)		29,116	28,895
Diluted (in shares)		29,503	29,336
[1]	(1) exclusive of depreciation and amortization, shown separately (2) See note 11

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Apr. 01, 2017
Operating activities
Net income	$ 6,168	$ 6,257
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	950	755
Deferred income taxes	38	(85)
Stock-based compensation expense	514	255
Amortization of debt issuance costs	85	73
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	707	(60)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	327	76
Advertising fund assets and liabilities, net	1,398	1,966
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	(703)	(2,188)
Deferred revenue	14	356
Other non-current liabilities	(42)	(41)
Cash provided by operating activities	9,456	7,364
Investing activities
Purchases of property and equipment	(426)	(419)
Acquisition of restaurant from franchisee	1,900	0
Cash used in investing activities	(2,326)	(419)
Financing activities
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	165	582
Borrowings of long-term debt	229,108	0
Repayments of long-term debt	(139,500)	(5,875)
Payment of deferred financing costs	782	0
Tax payments for restricted stock upon vesting	(142)	0
Dividends paid	94,796	0
Cash used in financing activities	(5,947)	(5,293)
Net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	1,183	1,652
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period	6,392	5,693
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period	$ 7,575	$ 7,345

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation Basis of Presentation Wingstop Inc., through its primary operating subsidiary, Wingstop Restaurants Inc. (“WRI”), collectively referred to as the “Company”, is in the business of franchising and operating Wingstop restaurants. As of March 31, 2018 , 1,021 franchised restaurants were in operation domestically, and 112 international franchised restaurants were in operation across eight countries. As of March 31, 2018 , the Company owned and operated 24 restaurants. The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for interim financial information. Consequently, financial information and disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared annually in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted. Balance sheet amounts are as of March 31, 2018 and December 30, 2017 and operating results are for the thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2018 and April 1, 2017 . In the Company’s opinion, all necessary adjustments have been made for the fair presentation of the results of the interim periods presented. The results of operations for such interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. The accompanying interim unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and the related notes thereto included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2017 . The Company uses a 52/53-week fiscal year that ends on the last Saturday of the calendar year. Fiscal years 2018 and 2017 have 52 weeks. The Company has reclassified certain prior period amounts due to the adoption of ASU 2014-09 and ASU 2016-18, as defined below. Advertising Fund The Company administers the Wingstop Restaurants Advertising Fund (“Ad Fund”), which is used for various forms of advertising for the Wingstop brand. Advertising fund contributions and expenditures are reported on a gross basis in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, which are largely offsetting and therefore do not significantly impact our reported net income. Advertising expenses incurred by company-owned restaurants are included within cost of sales in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Administrative expenses of the Ad Fund, such as administrative support services and compensation expenses of employees that provide services directly to the Ad Fund, are included in selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The advertising fund contribution collected from Wingstop restaurant franchisees and company-owned and operated restaurants is equal to 3% of gross sales. For the thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2018 and April 1, 2017 the Company contributed $1.0 million and $2.9 million , respectively, for the purpose of supplementing the national advertising campaign, which were included in advertising expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company consolidates and reports all assets and liabilities of the advertising fund as restricted assets of the advertising fund and liabilities of the advertising fund within current assets and current liabilities, respectively, in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The assets and liabilities of the advertising fund consist primarily of cash, receivables, accrued expenses, other liabilities and any cumulative surplus related to the Ad Fund. Under the Company’s franchise agreements, contributions to the Ad Fund are restricted to advertising, public relations, merchandising, similar activities, and administrative expenses to increase sales and further enhance the public reputation of the Wingstop brand. The aforementioned administrative expenses may also include personnel expenses and allocated costs incurred by the Company which are directly associated with administering the advertising fund, as outlined in the provisions of the franchise agreements. Total cash balances related to the Ad Fund as of March 31, 2018 and December 30, 2017 were $3.7 million and $2.3 million , respectively. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) . ASU 2016-02 amends the existing accounting standards for lease accounting, including requiring lessees to recognize most leases on their balance sheets and making targeted changes to lessor accounting. ASU 2016-02 will be effective beginning in the first quarter of 2019. Early adoption of ASU 2016-02 as of its issuance is permitted. This new guidance requires a modified retrospective transition approach for all leases existing at, or entered into after, the date of initial application, with an option to use certain transition relief. We anticipate implementing the standard by taking advantage of the practical expedient option. The discounted minimum remaining rental payments will be the starting point for determining the right-of-use asset and lease liability. We expect that adoption of the new guidance will have a material impact on our consolidated balance sheets due to recognition of the right-of-use asset and lease liability related to our current operating leases. The process of evaluating the full impact of the new guidance on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures is ongoing, but we anticipate the initial evaluation of the impact will be completed in fiscal 2018. In March 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-05, Income Taxes (Topic 740). ASU 2018-05 provides guidance on accounting for the income tax effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “Act”), which impacts U.S. corporate tax rates, business-related exclusions, and deductions and credits. The Act also has tax consequences for many companies that operate internationally. The guidance in ASU 2018-05 addresses situations in which the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Act is incomplete by the time financial statements are issued for the reporting period that includes the enactment date of December 22, 2017. The new guidance requires companies to report provisional amounts if a reasonable estimate of the tax impact can be determined. If a provisional amount cannot be reasonably determined, the entity should continue to apply ASC Topic 740 based on the provisions of the tax laws that were in effect immediately prior to the Act being enacted. The Company will continue to analyze additional information and guidance related to the Act as supplemental legislation, regulatory guidance, or evolving technical interpretations become available. The final impacts may differ from the recorded amounts as of March 31, 2018, and we will continue to refine such amounts within the measurement period provided by Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118. We expect to complete our analysis no later than the fourth quarter of 2018. Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which supersedes nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance. The new guidance provides a single framework in which revenue is required to be recognized to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in amounts that reflect the consideration to which a company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The Company adopted this new guidance effective the first day of fiscal year 2018, using the full retrospective transition method, which resulted in adjusting each prior reporting period presented and a cumulative effect adjustment, which was recorded as of the first day of 2016. The adoption changed the timing of recognition of initial franchise fees, development fees, territory fees for our international business and renewal and transfer fees, as well as the reporting of advertising fund contributions and related expenditures. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash (“ASU 2016-18”), which requires that restricted cash and cash equivalents be included as components of total cash and cash equivalents as presented on the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-18 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017 and a retrospective transition method is required. The Company adopted this new guidance effective the first day of fiscal year 2018, using the full retrospective transition method, which resulted in adjusting the Statement of Cash Flows for each prior period presented. The following table presents the effect of the adoption of ASU 2014-09 on our consolidated balance sheets as of December 30, 2017 (in thousands): As reported Adjustments for adoption of ASU 2014-09 As Adjusted Assets Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 4,063 $ — $ 4,063 Accounts receivable, net 4,567 — 4,567 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 4,334 — 4,334 Advertising fund assets, restricted 2,944 — 2,944 Total current assets 15,908 — 15,908 Property and equipment, net 5,826 — 5,826 Goodwill 46,557 — 46,557 Trademarks 32,700 — 32,700 Customer relationships, net 15,567 — 15,567 Other non-current assets 3,278 — 3,278 Total assets $ 119,836 $ — $ 119,836 Liabilities and stockholders' deficit Current liabilities Accounts payable $ 1,752 $ — $ 1,752 Other current liabilities 10,683 246 10,929 Current portion of debt 3,500 — 3,500 Advertising fund liabilities 2,944 — 2,944 Total current liabilities 18,879 246 19,125 Long-term debt, net 129,841 — 129,841 Deferred revenues, net of current 8,427 12,799 21,226 Deferred income tax liabilities, net 8,799 (2,879 ) 5,920 Other non-current liabilities 2,142 — 2,142 Total liabilities 168,088 10,166 178,254 Commitments and contingencies (see note 7) Stockholders' deficit Common stock 291 — 291 Additional paid-in-capital 262 — 262 Accumulated deficit (48,805 ) (10,166 ) (58,971 ) Total stockholders' deficit (48,252 ) (10,166 ) (58,418 ) Total liabilities and stockholders' deficit $ 119,836 $ — $ 119,836 The following table presents the effect of the adoption of ASU 2014-09 on our consolidated statements of operations for the thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2017 (in thousands, except per share amounts): Adjustments for adoption of ASU 2014-09 As reported Franchise Fees Advertising As Adjusted Revenue: Royalty revenue, franchise fees and other $ 18,023 $ (427 ) $ — $ 17,596 Advertising fees and related income — — 7,268 7,268 Company-owned restaurant sales 8,546 — — 8,546 Total revenue 26,569 (427 ) 7,268 33,410 Costs and expenses: Cost of sales (1) 6,600 — — 6,600 Advertising expenses — — 9,283 9,283 Selling, general and administrative 10,262 — (2,015 ) 8,247 Depreciation and amortization 755 — — 755 Total costs and expenses 17,617 — 7,268 24,885 Operating income 8,952 (427 ) — 8,525 Interest expense, net 1,299 — — 1,299 Income before income tax expense 7,653 (427 ) — 7,226 Income tax expense 1,123 (154 ) — 969 Net income $ 6,530 $ (273 ) $ — $ 6,257 Earnings per share Basic $ 0.23 $ (0.01 ) $ — $ 0.22 Diluted $ 0.22 $ (0.01 ) $ — $ 0.21 (1) Cost of sales excludes depreciation and amortization, which are presented separately, and includes advertising expenses incurred at company-owned restaurants. The following table presents the effect of the adoption of ASU 2014-09 and ASU 2016-18 on our consolidated statements of cash flows for the thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2017 (in thousands): As reported Adjustments for adoption of ASU 2014-09 Adjustments for adoption of ASU 2016-18 As adjusted Operating activities Net income $ 6,530 $ (273 ) $ — $ 6,257 Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 755 — — 755 Deferred income taxes 69 (154 ) — (85 ) Stock-based compensation expense 255 — — 255 Amortization of debt issuance costs 73 — — 73 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable (60 ) — — (60 ) Prepaid expenses and other assets 76 — — 76 Advertising fund assets and liabilities, net — — 1,966 1,966 Accounts payable and other current liabilities (2,379 ) 191 — (2,188 ) Deferred revenue 120 236 — 356 Other non-current liabilities (41 ) — — (41 ) Cash provided by operating activities 5,398 — 1,966 7,364 Investing activities Purchases of property and equipment (419 ) — — (419 ) Cash used in investing activities (419 ) — — (419 ) Financing activities Proceeds from exercise of stock options 582 — — 582 Repayments of long-term debt (5,875 ) — — (5,875 ) Cash used in financing activities (5,293 ) — — (5,293 ) Net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash (314 ) — 1,966 1,652 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period 3,750 — 1,943 5,693 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period $ 3,436 $ — $ 3,909 $ 7,345

Earnings per Share (Notes)

Earnings per Share (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	Earnings per Share Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the reporting period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock. For the calculation of diluted earnings per share, the basic weighted average number of shares is increased by the dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock units, determined using the treasury stock method. Basic weighted average shares outstanding is reconciled to diluted weighted average shares outstanding as follows (in thousands): Thirteen Weeks Ended March 31, April 1, Basic weighted average shares outstanding 29,116 28,895 Dilutive shares 387 441 Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 29,503 29,336 For the thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2018 and April 1, 2017 , respectively, approximately 57,000 and 62,000 equity awards were excluded from the dilutive earnings per share calculation because the effect would have been anti-dilutive.

Dividends (Notes)

Dividends (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Dividends [Abstract]
Dividends Disclosure [Text Block]	Dividends On January 30, 2018 , the Company’s Board of Directors declared a special cash dividend of $3.17 per share, which was paid on February 14, 2018 to its holders of common stock of record as of February 9, 2018 , totaling $92.7 million . On February 22, 2018 , the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.07 per share of common stock for stockholders of record as of March 9, 2018 , which was paid on March 23, 2018 , totaling $2.1 million . Subsequent to the first quarter, on May 3, 2018 , the Company’s Board of Directors approved a quarterly dividend of $0.07 per share of common stock for stockholders of record as of June 4, 2018 , to be paid on June 18, 2018 , totaling approximately $2.1 million .

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements Fair value is the price that would be received upon sale of an asset or paid upon transfer of a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date and in the principal or most advantageous market for that asset or liability. Assets and liabilities are classified using a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value as follows: Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted prices for identical instruments traded in active markets. Level 2 — Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs corroborated by market data. Level 3 — Unobservable inputs reflecting management’s estimates and assumptions. The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value due to their short-term nature. Fair value of debt is determined on a non-recurring basis, which results are summarized as follows (in thousands): Fair Value Hierarchy March 31, 2018 December 30, 2017 Carrying Value (2) Fair Value Carrying Value (2) Fair Value Senior Secured Credit Facility: Term loan facility (1) Level 2 $ 98,750 $ 98,750 $ 64,750 $ 64,750 Revolving credit facility (1) Level 2 $ 124,608 $ 124,608 $ 69,000 $ 69,000 (1) The fair value of long-term debt was estimated using available market information. (2) Excluding issuance costs netted on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Company also measures certain non-financial assets at fair value on a non-recurring basis, primarily long-lived assets, intangible assets and goodwill, in connection with our periodic evaluations of such assets for potential impairment.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Income tax expense and the effective tax rate were $1.7 million and 21.2% , respectively, for the thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2018 , and $1.0 million and 13.4% , respectively, for the thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2017 . Income tax expense for the thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2018 includes $0.4 million in tax benefits resulting from the recognition of excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation in income tax expense compared to $1.7 million of excess tax benefits in the prior year period. This benefit was partially affected by the reduction in the federal statutory rate for thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2018 from 35% to 21% effective the first day of fiscal 2018.

Debt Obligations

Debt Obligations	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt Obligations	Debt Obligations On January 30, 2018, the Company entered into an amended senior secured credit facility (the “2018 Facility”), which replaced its senior secured credit facility dated June 30, 2016 (the “2016 Facility”). The 2018 Facility includes a term loan facility in an aggregate principal amount of $100 million and a revolving credit facility up to an aggregate principal amount of $150 million . The Company used the proceeds from the 2018 Facility to refinance $133.8 million of indebtedness under the 2016 Facility and to pay a dividend of $92.7 million to its stockholders. Borrowings under the facility bear interest, payable quarterly, at the Company’s option, at the base rate plus a margin ( 0.75% to 1.75% , dependent on the Company’s reported leverage ratio) or LIBOR plus a margin ( 1.75% to 2.75% , dependent on the Company’s reported leverage ratio). The 2018 Facility matures in January 2023 . As of March 31, 2018 , the term loan facility and the revolving credit facility had outstanding balances of $98.8 million and $124.6 million , respectively, bearing interest at 3.63% . During the thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2018 , the Company made payments of $4.5 million and $1.3 million on the outstanding principal balance of its revolving credit facility and term loan facility, respectively, under the 2018 Facility. In conjunction with the 2018 Facility, the Company evaluated the refinancing of the 2016 Facility and determined $202.5 million should be accounted for as a debt modification and $47.5 million should be new debt issuance. The Company incurred $1.0 million in financing costs of which $0.2 million was expensed and $0.8 million was capitalized and is being amortized using the effective interest rate method. The 2018 Facility is secured by substantially all assets of the Company and requires compliance with certain financial and non-financial covenants. As of March 31, 2018 , the Company was in compliance with all covenants. As of March 31, 2018 , the scheduled principal payments on debt were as follows (in thousands): Remainder of fiscal year 2018 $ 3,750 Fiscal year 2019 3,750 Fiscal year 2020 5,000 Fiscal year 2021 5,000 Fiscal year 2022 6,250 Fiscal year 2023 199,608 Total $ 223,358

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies WRI leases certain office and retail space and equipment under non-cancelable operating leases with terms expiring at various dates through February 2032 . A schedule of future minimum rental payments required under our operating leases, excluding contingent rent, that have initial or remaining non-cancelable lease terms in excess of one year, as of March 31, 2018 , is as follows (in thousands): Remainder of fiscal year 2018 $ 1,370 Fiscal year 2019 1,632 Fiscal year 2020 1,507 Fiscal year 2021 1,353 Fiscal year 2022 1,297 Fiscal year 2023 1,105 Thereafter 3,331 Total $ 11,595 Rent expense under cancelable and non-cancelable leases was $533,000 and $491,000 for the thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2018 and April 1, 2017 , respectively. The Company is subject to legal proceedings, claims and liabilities, such as employment-related claims and premises-liability cases, which arise in the ordinary course of business and are generally covered by insurance. In the opinion of management, the amount of ultimate liability with respect to those actions should not have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation Stock-based compensation is measured at the grant date, based on the calculated fair value of the award, and is recognized as expense over the requisite employee service period (generally the vesting period of the grant). The Company recognized $0.5 million in stock compensation expense for the thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2018 , with a corresponding increase to additional paid-in-capital. Stock compensation expense is included in SG&A in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Stock Options The following table summarizes stock option activity (in thousands, except per share data): Stock Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Aggregate Intrinsic Value Weighted Average Remaining Term Outstanding - December 30, 2017 420 $ 5.45 $ 14,068 5.7 Options granted 2 $ 44.03 Options exercised (25 ) $ 6.51 Options canceled (19 ) $ 5.04 Outstanding - March 31, 2018 378 $ 5.02 $ 15,956 5.3 The total grant-date fair value of stock options vested during the thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2018 was $0.4 million . The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2018 was $1.0 million . As of March 31, 2018 , total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested stock options was $0.7 million , which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.7 years. Restricted Stock Units and Performance Stock Units The following table summarizes activity related to restricted stock units and performance stock units (in thousands, except per share data): Restricted Stock Units Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Performance Stock Units Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Outstanding - December 30, 2017 94 $ 27.11 86 $ 27.63 Units granted 56 44.03 51 44.03 Units vested (28 ) 26.74 (14 ) 26.25 Units canceled (9 ) 26.30 (7 ) 26.30 Outstanding - March 31, 2018 113 $ 35.73 116 $ 38.08 The fair value of restricted stock units and performance stock units is based on the closing market price of the stock on the date of grant. The restricted stock units granted during the thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2018 vest over a three year service period. As of March 31, 2018 , total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested restricted stock units was $3.8 million , which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.4 years. The performance stock units vest based on the outcome of certain performance criteria. For performance stock units granted during the thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2018 , the amount of units that can be earned range from 0% to 100% of the number of performance awards granted, based on the achievement of certain adjusted EBITDA targets, as defined by the applicable award agreement, over a performance period of one to three years. The compensation expense related to the performance stock units is recognized over the vesting period when the achievement of the performance conditions become probable. During the thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2018 , there was a modification to certain awards resulting in additional compensation expense of $0.9 million over the remaining term of the awards. As of March 31, 2018 , total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested performance stock units was $4.2 million , which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.3 years. Restricted Stock Awards The fair value of the non-vested restricted stock awards is based on the closing price on the date of grant. As of March 31, 2018 , total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested restricted stock awards was $0.3 million , which will be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 1.9 years .

Business Segments

Business Segments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Business Segments	Business Segments Our business operates in two segments: the “Franchise” segment and the “Company” segment. The Franchise segment consists of domestic and international franchise restaurants, which represent the majority of our system-wide restaurants. As of March 31, 2018 , the franchise operations segment consisted of 1,133 restaurants operated by Wingstop franchisees in the United States and eight countries outside of the United States as compared to 1,010 franchised restaurants in operation as of April 1, 2017 . Franchise operations revenue consists primarily of franchise royalty revenue, advertising fee revenue, franchise and development fees revenue, international territory fees, and other revenue. As of March 31, 2018 , the Company segment consisted of 24 company-owned restaurants, located in the United States, as compared to 21 company-owned restaurants as of April 1, 2017 . Company restaurant sales are comprised of food and beverage sales at company-owned restaurants. Company restaurant expenses are operating expenses at company-owned restaurants and include food, beverage, labor, benefits, utilities, rent and other operating costs. Information on segments and a reconciliation to income before taxes are as follows (in thousands): Thirteen Weeks Ended March 31, April 1, As adjusted* Revenue: Franchise segment $ 26,386 $ 24,864 Company segment 11,003 8,546 Total segment revenue $ 37,389 $ 33,410 Segment Profit: Franchise segment $ 8,387 $ 7,446 Company segment 2,641 1,079 Total segment profit 11,028 8,525 Corporate and other (1) 1,462 — Interest expense, net 1,736 1,299 Income before taxes $ 7,830 $ 7,226 (1) Corporate and other includes corporate related items not allocated to reportable segments and consists primarily of expenses associated with the refinancing of the 2016 Facility and payment of a special dividend. * See note 1 .

Restaurant Acquisition (Notes)

Restaurant Acquisition (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]	Restaurant Acquisition On February 19, 2018 , the Company acquired one existing restaurant from a franchisee. The total purchase price was $1.9 million , which was funded by cash flows from operations. The results of the operations of this location are included in our Consolidated Statements of Operations as of the date of acquisition. The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination. The following table summarizes the preliminary allocation of the purchase price to the estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of the acquisition (in thousands): Purchase Price Allocation Inventory $ 4 Property and equipment 26 Reacquired franchise rights 541 Goodwill 1,331 Gift card liability (2 ) Total purchase price $ 1,900 The estimates of fair value are preliminary, and are therefore subject to further refinement. The excess of the purchase price over the aggregate fair value of assets acquired was allocated to goodwill and is attributable to the benefits expected as a result of the acquisition, including sales and unit growth opportunities. As of March 31, 2018 , $1.3 million of the goodwill from the acquisition is expected to be deductible for federal income tax purposes. Pro-forma financial information of the combined entities is not presented due to the immaterial impact of the financial results of the acquired restaurant on our consolidated financial statements. The fair value measurement of tangible and intangible assets and liabilities as of the acquisition date is based on significant inputs not observed in the market and thus represents a Level 3 fair value measurement. Fair value measurements for reacquired franchise rights were determined using the income approach. Fair value measurements for property and equipment were determined using the cost approach.

Revenue from Contracts with Cus

Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block]	Revenue from Contracts with Customers Revenue from contracts with customers consist primarily of royalties, advertising fund contributions, initial and renewal franchise fees and upfront fees from development agreements and international territory agreements. Our performance obligations under franchise agreements consist of (a) a franchise license, (b) pre-opening services, such as training, and (c) ongoing services, such as management of the Ad Fund, development of training materials and menu items and restaurant monitoring. These performance obligations are highly interrelated so we do not consider them to be individually distinct and therefore account for them under ASC 606 as a single performance obligation, which is satisfied by providing a right to use our intellectual property over the term of each franchise agreement. Royalties, including franchisee contributions to advertising fund, are calculated as a percentage of franchise restaurant sales over the term of the franchise agreement. Initial and renewal franchise fees are payable by the franchisee prior to the restaurant opening or at the time of a renewal of an existing franchise agreement. Our franchise agreement royalties, inclusive of advertising fund contributions, represent sales-based royalties that are related entirely to our performance obligation under the franchise agreement and are recognized as franchise sales occur. Additionally, under ASC 606, initial and renewal franchise fees are recognized as revenue on a straight-line basis over the term of the respective agreement. Our performance obligation under development agreements and international territory agreements generally consists of an obligation to grant exclusive development rights over a stated term. These development rights are not distinct from franchise agreements, so upfront fees paid by franchisees for development rights are deferred and apportioned to each franchise restaurant opened by the franchisee. The pro rata amount apportioned to each restaurant is accounted for as an initial franchise fee. The following table represents a disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers for the thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2018 and April 1, 2017 (in thousands): Thirteen Weeks Ended March 31, 2018 April 1, 2017 As adjusted* Royalty revenue $ 15,386 $ 12,691 Advertising fees and related income 8,605 7,268 Franchise fees 685 741 * See note 1 . Franchise fee, development fee, and international territory fee payments received by the Company are recorded as deferred revenue on the Consolidated Balance Sheet, which represents a contract liability. Deferred revenue is reduced as fees are recognized in revenue over the term of the franchise license for the respective restaurant. Approximately $10.2 million and $10.1 million of deferred revenue as of March 31, 2018 and December 30, 2017 , respectively, relates to restaurants that have not yet opened, so the fees are not yet being amortized. The weighted average remaining amortization period for deferred franchise and renewal fees related to open restaurants is 7.8 years . The Company does not have any material contract assets as of March 31, 2018 .

Subsequent Events (Notes)

Subsequent Events (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	Subsequent Events Restaurant Acquisitions On April 16, 2018, the Company acquired one existing restaurant from a franchisee. The total purchase price was $1.9 million and was funded by cash flows from operations. On May 1, 2018, the Company acquired one existing restaurant from a franchisee. The total purchase price was $2.2 million and was funded by cash flows from operations. The restaurant acquisitions noted above will be accounted for as business combinations. The Company is still determining the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The excess of the purchase price over the aggregate fair value of assets acquired will be allocated to goodwill. The results of operations of these locations will be included in our Consolidated Statements of Operations as of the respective dates of acquisition.

Basis of Presentation (Policies

Basis of Presentation (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Fiscal Year End	The Company uses a 52/53-week fiscal year that ends on the last Saturday of the calendar year. Fiscal years 2018 and 2017 have 52 weeks
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) . ASU 2016-02 amends the existing accounting standards for lease accounting, including requiring lessees to recognize most leases on their balance sheets and making targeted changes to lessor accounting. ASU 2016-02 will be effective beginning in the first quarter of 2019. Early adoption of ASU 2016-02 as of its issuance is permitted. This new guidance requires a modified retrospective transition approach for all leases existing at, or entered into after, the date of initial application, with an option to use certain transition relief. We anticipate implementing the standard by taking advantage of the practical expedient option. The discounted minimum remaining rental payments will be the starting point for determining the right-of-use asset and lease liability. We expect that adoption of the new guidance will have a material impact on our consolidated balance sheets due to recognition of the right-of-use asset and lease liability related to our current operating leases. The process of evaluating the full impact of the new guidance on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures is ongoing, but we anticipate the initial evaluation of the impact will be completed in fiscal 2018. In March 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-05, Income Taxes (Topic 740). ASU 2018-05 provides guidance on accounting for the income tax effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “Act”), which impacts U.S. corporate tax rates, business-related exclusions, and deductions and credits. The Act also has tax consequences for many companies that operate internationally. The guidance in ASU 2018-05 addresses situations in which the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Act is incomplete by the time financial statements are issued for the reporting period that includes the enactment date of December 22, 2017. The new guidance requires companies to report provisional amounts if a reasonable estimate of the tax impact can be determined. If a provisional amount cannot be reasonably determined, the entity should continue to apply ASC Topic 740 based on the provisions of the tax laws that were in effect immediately prior to the Act being enacted. The Company will continue to analyze additional information and guidance related to the Act as supplemental legislation, regulatory guidance, or evolving technical interpretations become available. The final impacts may differ from the recorded amounts as of March 31, 2018, and we will continue to refine such amounts within the measurement period provided by Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118. We expect to complete our analysis no later than the fourth quarter of 2018. Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which supersedes nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance. The new guidance provides a single framework in which revenue is required to be recognized to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in amounts that reflect the consideration to which a company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The Company adopted this new guidance effective the first day of fiscal year 2018, using the full retrospective transition method, which resulted in adjusting each prior reporting period presented and a cumulative effect adjustment, which was recorded as of the first day of 2016. The adoption changed the timing of recognition of initial franchise fees, development fees, territory fees for our international business and renewal and transfer fees, as well as the reporting of advertising fund contributions and related expenditures. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash (“ASU 2016-18”), which requires that restricted cash and cash equivalents be included as components of total cash and cash equivalents as presented on the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-18 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017 and a retrospective transition method is required. The Company adopted this new guidance effective the first day of fiscal year 2018, using the full retrospective transition method, which resulted in adjusting the Statement of Cash Flows for each prior period presented. The following table presents the effect of the adoption of ASU 2014-09 on our consolidated balance sheets as of December 30, 2017 (in thousands): As reported Adjustments for adoption of ASU 2014-09 As Adjusted Assets Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 4,063 $ — $ 4,063 Accounts receivable, net 4,567 — 4,567 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 4,334 — 4,334 Advertising fund assets, restricted 2,944 — 2,944 Total current assets 15,908 — 15,908 Property and equipment, net 5,826 — 5,826 Goodwill 46,557 — 46,557 Trademarks 32,700 — 32,700 Customer relationships, net 15,567 — 15,567 Other non-current assets 3,278 — 3,278 Total assets $ 119,836 $ — $ 119,836 Liabilities and stockholders' deficit Current liabilities Accounts payable $ 1,752 $ — $ 1,752 Other current liabilities 10,683 246 10,929 Current portion of debt 3,500 — 3,500 Advertising fund liabilities 2,944 — 2,944 Total current liabilities 18,879 246 19,125 Long-term debt, net 129,841 — 129,841 Deferred revenues, net of current 8,427 12,799 21,226 Deferred income tax liabilities, net 8,799 (2,879 ) 5,920 Other non-current liabilities 2,142 — 2,142 Total liabilities 168,088 10,166 178,254 Commitments and contingencies (see note 7) Stockholders' deficit Common stock 291 — 291 Additional paid-in-capital 262 — 262 Accumulated deficit (48,805 ) (10,166 ) (58,971 ) Total stockholders' deficit (48,252 ) (10,166 ) (58,418 ) Total liabilities and stockholders' deficit $ 119,836 $ — $ 119,836 The following table presents the effect of the adoption of ASU 2014-09 on our consolidated statements of operations for the thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2017 (in thousands, except per share amounts): Adjustments for adoption of ASU 2014-09 As reported Franchise Fees Advertising As Adjusted Revenue: Royalty revenue, franchise fees and other $ 18,023 $ (427 ) $ — $ 17,596 Advertising fees and related income — — 7,268 7,268 Company-owned restaurant sales 8,546 — — 8,546 Total revenue 26,569 (427 ) 7,268 33,410 Costs and expenses: Cost of sales (1) 6,600 — — 6,600 Advertising expenses — — 9,283 9,283 Selling, general and administrative 10,262 — (2,015 ) 8,247 Depreciation and amortization 755 — — 755 Total costs and expenses 17,617 — 7,268 24,885 Operating income 8,952 (427 ) — 8,525 Interest expense, net 1,299 — — 1,299 Income before income tax expense 7,653 (427 ) — 7,226 Income tax expense 1,123 (154 ) — 969 Net income $ 6,530 $ (273 ) $ — $ 6,257 Earnings per share Basic $ 0.23 $ (0.01 ) $ — $ 0.22 Diluted $ 0.22 $ (0.01 ) $ — $ 0.21 (1) Cost of sales excludes depreciation and amortization, which are presented separately, and includes advertising expenses incurred at company-owned restaurants. The following table presents the effect of the adoption of ASU 2014-09 and ASU 2016-18 on our consolidated statements of cash flows for the thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2017 (in thousands): As reported Adjustments for adoption of ASU 2014-09 Adjustments for adoption of ASU 2016-18 As adjusted Operating activities Net income $ 6,530 $ (273 ) $ — $ 6,257 Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 755 — — 755 Deferred income taxes 69 (154 ) — (85 ) Stock-based compensation expense 255 — — 255 Amortization of debt issuance costs 73 — — 73 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable (60 ) — — (60 ) Prepaid expenses and other assets 76 — — 76 Advertising fund assets and liabilities, net — — 1,966 1,966 Accounts payable and other current liabilities (2,379 ) 191 — (2,188 ) Deferred revenue 120 236 — 356 Other non-current liabilities (41 ) — — (41 ) Cash provided by operating activities 5,398 — 1,966 7,364 Investing activities Purchases of property and equipment (419 ) — — (419 ) Cash used in investing activities (419 ) — — (419 ) Financing activities Proceeds from exercise of stock options 582 — — 582 Repayments of long-term debt (5,875 ) — — (5,875 ) Cash used in financing activities (5,293 ) — — (5,293 ) Net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash (314 ) — 1,966 1,652 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period 3,750 — 1,943 5,693 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period $ 3,436 $ — $ 3,909 $ 7,345

Basis of Presentation Disclosur

Basis of Presentation Disclosure - New Accounting Pronouncements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Table Text Block]	or each prior period presented. The following table presents the effect of the adoption of ASU 2014-09 on our consolidated balance sheets as of December 30, 2017 (in thousands): As reported Adjustments for adoption of ASU 2014-09 As Adjusted Assets Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 4,063 $ — $ 4,063 Accounts receivable, net 4,567 — 4,567 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 4,334 — 4,334 Advertising fund assets, restricted 2,944 — 2,944 Total current assets 15,908 — 15,908 Property and equipment, net 5,826 — 5,826 Goodwill 46,557 — 46,557 Trademarks 32,700 — 32,700 Customer relationships, net 15,567 — 15,567 Other non-current assets 3,278 — 3,278 Total assets $ 119,836 $ — $ 119,836 Liabilities and stockholders' deficit Current liabilities Accounts payable $ 1,752 $ — $ 1,752 Other current liabilities 10,683 246 10,929 Current portion of debt 3,500 — 3,500 Advertising fund liabilities 2,944 — 2,944 Total current liabilities 18,879 246 19,125 Long-term debt, net 129,841 — 129,841 Deferred revenues, net of current 8,427 12,799 21,226 Deferred income tax liabilities, net 8,799 (2,879 ) 5,920 Other non-current liabilities 2,142 — 2,142 Total liabilities 168,088 10,166 178,254 Commitments and contingencies (see note 7) Stockholders' deficit Common stock 291 — 291 Additional paid-in-capital 262 — 262 Accumulated deficit (48,805 ) (10,166 ) (58,971 ) Total stockholders' deficit (48,252 ) (10,166 ) (58,418 ) Total liabilities and stockholders' deficit $ 119,836 $ — $ 119,836 The following table presents the effect of the adoption of ASU 2014-09 on our consolidated statements of operations for the thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2017 (in thousands, except per share amounts): Adjustments for adoption of ASU 2014-09 As reported Franchise Fees Advertising As Adjusted Revenue: Royalty revenue, franchise fees and other $ 18,023 $ (427 ) $ — $ 17,596 Advertising fees and related income — — 7,268 7,268 Company-owned restaurant sales 8,546 — — 8,546 Total revenue 26,569 (427 ) 7,268 33,410 Costs and expenses: Cost of sales (1) 6,600 — — 6,600 Advertising expenses — — 9,283 9,283 Selling, general and administrative 10,262 — (2,015 ) 8,247 Depreciation and amortization 755 — — 755 Total costs and expenses 17,617 — 7,268 24,885 Operating income 8,952 (427 ) — 8,525 Interest expense, net 1,299 — — 1,299 Income before income tax expense 7,653 (427 ) — 7,226 Income tax expense 1,123 (154 ) — 969 Net income $ 6,530 $ (273 ) $ — $ 6,257 Earnings per share Basic $ 0.23 $ (0.01 ) $ — $ 0.22 Diluted $ 0.22 $ (0.01 ) $ — $ 0.21 (1) Cost of sales excludes depreciation and amortization, which are presented separately, and includes advertising expenses incurred at company-owned restaurants. The following table presents the effect of the adoption of ASU 2014-09 and ASU 2016-18 on our consolidated statements of cash flows for the thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2017 (in thousands): As reported Adjustments for adoption of ASU 2014-09 Adjustments for adoption of ASU 2016-18 As adjusted Operating activities Net income $ 6,530 $ (273 ) $ — $ 6,257 Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 755 — — 755 Deferred income taxes 69 (154 ) — (85 ) Stock-based compensation expense 255 — — 255 Amortization of debt issuance costs 73 — — 73 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable (60 ) — — (60 ) Prepaid expenses and other assets 76 — — 76 Advertising fund assets and liabilities, net — — 1,966 1,966 Accounts payable and other current liabilities (2,379 ) 191 — (2,188 ) Deferred revenue 120 236 — 356 Other non-current liabilities (41 ) — — (41 ) Cash provided by operating activities 5,398 — 1,966 7,364 Investing activities Purchases of property and equipment (419 ) — — (419 ) Cash used in investing activities (419 ) — — (419 ) Financing activities Proceeds from exercise of stock options 582 — — 582 Repayments of long-term debt (5,875 ) — — (5,875 ) Cash used in financing activities (5,293 ) — — (5,293 ) Net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash (314 ) — 1,966 1,652 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period 3,750 — 1,943 5,693 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period $ 3,436 $ — $ 3,909 $ 7,345

Earnings per Share (Tables)

Earnings per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Reconciliation of Basic Shares Outstanding to Diluted Shares Outstanding	Basic weighted average shares outstanding is reconciled to diluted weighted average shares outstanding as follows (in thousands): Thirteen Weeks Ended March 31, April 1, Basic weighted average shares outstanding 29,116 28,895 Dilutive shares 387 441 Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 29,503 29,336

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Fair Value Measurements, Nonrecurring	Fair value of debt is determined on a non-recurring basis, which results are summarized as follows (in thousands): Fair Value Hierarchy March 31, 2018 December 30, 2017 Carrying Value (2) Fair Value Carrying Value (2) Fair Value Senior Secured Credit Facility: Term loan facility (1) Level 2 $ 98,750 $ 98,750 $ 64,750 $ 64,750 Revolving credit facility (1) Level 2 $ 124,608 $ 124,608 $ 69,000 $ 69,000 (1) The fair value of long-term debt was estimated using available market information. (2) Excluding issuance costs netted on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Debt Obligations Debt Obligatio

Debt Obligations Debt Obligations - Schedule of Maturities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]	As of March 31, 2018 , the scheduled principal payments on debt were as follows (in thousands): Remainder of fiscal year 2018 $ 3,750 Fiscal year 2019 3,750 Fiscal year 2020 5,000 Fiscal year 2021 5,000 Fiscal year 2022 6,250 Fiscal year 2023 199,608 Total $ 223,358

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contractual Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity Schedule [Table Text Block]	A schedule of future minimum rental payments required under our operating leases, excluding contingent rent, that have initial or remaining non-cancelable lease terms in excess of one year, as of March 31, 2018 , is as follows (in thousands): Remainder of fiscal year 2018 $ 1,370 Fiscal year 2019 1,632 Fiscal year 2020 1,507 Fiscal year 2021 1,353 Fiscal year 2022 1,297 Fiscal year 2023 1,105 Thereafter 3,331 Total $ 11,595

Stock-Based Compensation (Table

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Stock Option Activity	The following table summarizes stock option activity (in thousands, except per share data): Stock Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Aggregate Intrinsic Value Weighted Average Remaining Term Outstanding - December 30, 2017 420 $ 5.45 $ 14,068 5.7 Options granted 2 $ 44.03 Options exercised (25 ) $ 6.51 Options canceled (19 ) $ 5.04 Outstanding - March 31, 2018 378 $ 5.02 $ 15,956 5.3
Schedule of Unvested Restricted Stock Units Roll Forward [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes activity related to restricted stock units and performance stock units (in thousands, except per share data): Restricted Stock Units Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Performance Stock Units Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Outstanding - December 30, 2017 94 $ 27.11 86 $ 27.63 Units granted 56 44.03 51 44.03 Units vested (28 ) 26.74 (14 ) 26.25 Units canceled (9 ) 26.30 (7 ) 26.30 Outstanding - March 31, 2018 113 $ 35.73 116 $ 38.08

Business Segments (Tables)

Business Segments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	Information on segments and a reconciliation to income before taxes are as follows (in thousands): Thirteen Weeks Ended March 31, April 1, As adjusted* Revenue: Franchise segment $ 26,386 $ 24,864 Company segment 11,003 8,546 Total segment revenue $ 37,389 $ 33,410 Segment Profit: Franchise segment $ 8,387 $ 7,446 Company segment 2,641 1,079 Total segment profit 11,028 8,525 Corporate and other (1) 1,462 — Interest expense, net 1,736 1,299 Income before taxes $ 7,830 $ 7,226 (1) Corporate and other includes corporate related items not allocated to reportable segments and consists primarily of expenses associated with the refinancing of the 2016 Facility and payment of a special dividend. * See note 1 .

Restaurant Acquisition (Tables)

Restaurant Acquisition (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the preliminary allocation of the purchase price to the estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of the acquisition (in thousands): Purchase Price Allocation Inventory $ 4 Property and equipment 26 Reacquired franchise rights 541 Goodwill 1,331 Gift card liability (2 ) Total purchase price $ 1,900

Revenue from Contracts with C27

Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Tables) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Apr. 01, 2017	Dec. 30, 2017
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block]	The following table represents a disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers for the thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2018 and April 1, 2017 (in thousands): Thirteen Weeks Ended March 31, 2018 April 1, 2017 As adjusted* Royalty revenue $ 15,386 $ 12,691 Advertising fees and related income 8,605 7,268 Franchise fees 685 741 * See note 1 .
Advertising fees and related income	$ 8,605	$ 7,268
Contract with Customer, Portion of Liability not yet being Amortized	$ 10,200		$ 10,100
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Period	7 years 9 months 18 days
Franchise Segment [Member] | Transferred over Time [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Initial Franchise Fees	$ 685	741
Franchise Segment [Member] | Transferred at Point in Time [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Royalty Revenue	15,386	12,691
Advertising fees and related income	$ 8,605	$ 7,268

Basis of Presentation - Overvie

Basis of Presentation - Overview (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)restaurantcountry	Apr. 01, 2017USD ($)restaurant	Dec. 30, 2017USD ($)
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Revenue Collected for Advertising Fund	3.00%
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current | $	$ 3,727		$ 2,329
Franchised Units [Member]
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of Restaurants	1,133	1,010
Franchised Units [Member] | UNITED STATES [Member]
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of Restaurants	1,021
Franchised Units [Member] | Non-US [Member]
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of Restaurants	112
Number of Countries in which Entity Operates | country	8
Entity Operated Units [Member]
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of Restaurants	24	21
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Franchise Advertising Fund Discretionary Contributions | $	$ 1,000	$ 2,900

Basis of Presentation Disclos29

Basis of Presentation Disclosure - New Accounting Pronouncements (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2018	Apr. 01, 2017	Feb. 19, 2018	Dec. 30, 2017
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 3,848			$ 4,063
Accounts receivable, net		3,860			4,567
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		2,699			4,334
Advertising fund assets, restricted		4,437			2,944
Total current assets		14,844			15,908
Property and equipment, net		5,768			5,826
Goodwill		47,888		$ 1,331	46,557
Trademarks		32,700			32,700
Other non-current assets		4,249			3,278
Total assets		120,682			119,836
Accounts payable		2,214			1,752
Other current liabilities		8,590			10,929
Current portion of debt		5,000			3,500
Advertising fund liabilities		4,437			2,944
Total current liabilities		20,241			19,125
Long-term debt, net		217,788			129,841
Deferred revenues, net of current		21,104			21,226
Deferred income tax liabilities, net		5,958			5,920
Other non-current liabilities		2,101			2,142
Total liabilities		267,192			178,254
Commitments and contingencies (see note 7)
Common stock		292			291
Additional paid-in-capital		45			262
Accumulated deficit		(146,847)			(58,971)
Total stockholders' deficit		(146,510)			(58,418)
Total liabilities and stockholders' deficit		120,682			119,836
Royalty revenue, franchise fees and other		17,781	$ 17,596
Advertising fees and related income		8,605	7,268
Company-owned restaurant sales		11,003	8,546
Total revenue		37,389	33,410
Cost of sales (1)	[1]	7,397	6,600
Advertising expenses		8,643	9,283
Selling, general and administrative		10,833	8,247
Depreciation and amortization		950	755
Total costs and expenses		27,823	24,885
Operating income		9,566	8,525
Interest expense, net		1,736	1,299
Income before income tax expense		7,830	7,226
Income tax expense		1,662	969
Net income		$ 6,168	$ 6,257
Basic (in usd per share)		$ 0.21	$ 0.22
Diluted (in usd per share)		$ 0.21	$ 0.21
Depreciation and amortization		$ 950	$ 755
Deferred income taxes		38	(85)
Stock-based compensation expense		514	255
Amortization of debt issuance costs		85	73
Accounts receivable		707	(60)
Prepaid expenses and other assets		327	76
Advertising fund assets and liabilities, net		1,398	1,966
Accounts payable and other current liabilities		(703)	(2,188)
Deferred revenue		14	356
Other non-current liabilities		(42)	(41)
Cash provided by operating activities		9,456	7,364
Purchases of property and equipment		(426)	(419)
Cash used in investing activities		(2,326)	(419)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		165	582
Repayments of long-term debt		(139,500)	(5,875)
Cash used in financing activities		(5,947)	(5,293)
Net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash		1,183	1,652
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period		6,392	5,693
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period		$ 7,575	7,345
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents					0
Accounts receivable, net					0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets					0
Advertising fund assets, restricted					0
Total current assets					0
Property and equipment, net					0
Goodwill					0
Trademarks					0
Customer relationships, net					0
Other non-current assets					0
Total assets					0
Accounts payable					0
Other current liabilities					246
Current portion of debt					0
Advertising fund liabilities					0
Total current liabilities					246
Long-term debt, net					0
Deferred revenues, net of current					12,799
Deferred income tax liabilities, net					(2,879)
Other non-current liabilities					0
Total liabilities					10,166
Common stock					0
Additional paid-in-capital					0
Accumulated deficit					(10,166)
Total stockholders' deficit					(10,166)
Total liabilities and stockholders' deficit					0
Net income			(273)
Depreciation and amortization			0
Deferred income taxes			0
Stock-based compensation expense			0
Amortization of debt issuance costs			0
Accounts receivable			0
Prepaid expenses and other assets			0
Advertising fund assets and liabilities, net			0
Accounts payable and other current liabilities			191
Deferred revenue			236
Other non-current liabilities			0
Cash provided by operating activities			0
Purchases of property and equipment			0
Cash used in investing activities			0
Proceeds from exercise of stock options			0
Repayments of long-term debt			0
Cash used in financing activities			0
Net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash			0
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period			0
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period			0
Accounting Standards Update 2016-18 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net income			0
Depreciation and amortization			0
Deferred income taxes			0
Stock-based compensation expense			0
Amortization of debt issuance costs			0
Accounts receivable			0
Prepaid expenses and other assets			0
Advertising fund assets and liabilities, net			1,966
Accounts payable and other current liabilities			0
Deferred revenue			0
Other non-current liabilities			0
Cash provided by operating activities			1,966
Purchases of property and equipment			0
Cash used in investing activities			0
Proceeds from exercise of stock options			0
Repayments of long-term debt			0
Cash used in financing activities			0
Net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash			1,966
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period			1,943
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period			3,909
Franchise Revenue [Member] | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Royalty revenue, franchise fees and other			(427)
Advertising fees and related income			0
Company-owned restaurant sales			0
Total revenue			(427)
Cost of sales (1)	[1]		0
Advertising expenses			0
Selling, general and administrative			0
Depreciation and amortization			0
Total costs and expenses			0
Operating income			(427)
Interest expense, net			0
Income before income tax expense			427
Income tax expense			(154)
Net income			$ (273)
Basic (in usd per share)			$ (0.01)
Diluted (in usd per share)			$ (0.01)
Franchise Advertising Fund Income [Member] | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Royalty revenue, franchise fees and other			$ 0
Advertising fees and related income			7,268
Company-owned restaurant sales			0
Total revenue			7,268
Cost of sales (1)	[1]		0
Advertising expenses			9,283
Selling, general and administrative			(2,015)
Depreciation and amortization			0
Total costs and expenses			7,268
Operating income			0
Interest expense, net			0
Income before income tax expense			0
Income tax expense			0
Net income			$ 0
Basic (in usd per share)			$ 0
Diluted (in usd per share)			$ 0
Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents					4,063
Accounts receivable, net					4,567
Prepaid expenses and other current assets					4,334
Advertising fund assets, restricted					2,944
Total current assets					15,908
Property and equipment, net					5,826
Goodwill					46,557
Trademarks					32,700
Customer relationships, net					15,567
Other non-current assets					3,278
Total assets					119,836
Accounts payable					1,752
Other current liabilities					10,683
Current portion of debt					3,500
Advertising fund liabilities					2,944
Total current liabilities					18,879
Long-term debt, net					129,841
Deferred revenues, net of current					8,427
Deferred income tax liabilities, net					8,799
Other non-current liabilities					2,142
Total liabilities					168,088
Common stock					291
Additional paid-in-capital					262
Accumulated deficit					(48,805)
Total stockholders' deficit					(48,252)
Total liabilities and stockholders' deficit					$ 119,836
Royalty revenue, franchise fees and other			$ 18,023
Advertising fees and related income			0
Company-owned restaurant sales			8,546
Total revenue			26,569
Cost of sales (1)	[1]		6,600
Advertising expenses			0
Selling, general and administrative			10,262
Depreciation and amortization			755
Total costs and expenses			17,617
Operating income			8,952
Interest expense, net			1,299
Income before income tax expense			(7,653)
Income tax expense			1,123
Net income			$ 6,530
Basic (in usd per share)			$ 0.23
Diluted (in usd per share)			$ 0.22
Depreciation and amortization			$ 755
Deferred income taxes			69
Stock-based compensation expense			255
Amortization of debt issuance costs			73
Accounts receivable			(60)
Prepaid expenses and other assets			76
Advertising fund assets and liabilities, net			0
Accounts payable and other current liabilities			(2,379)
Deferred revenue			120
Other non-current liabilities			(41)
Cash provided by operating activities			5,398
Purchases of property and equipment			(419)
Cash used in investing activities			(419)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options			582
Repayments of long-term debt			(5,875)
Cash used in financing activities			(5,293)
Net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash			(314)
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period			3,750
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period			$ 3,436
[1]	(1) exclusive of depreciation and amortization, shown separately (2) See note 11

Earnings per Share (Details)

Earnings per Share (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Apr. 01, 2017
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	29,116	28,895
Dilutive shares	387	441
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	29,503	29,336
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, amount	57	62

Dividends (Details)

Dividends (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	May 03, 2018	Mar. 23, 2018	Feb. 14, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Apr. 01, 2017
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid		$ 0.07		$ 3.24	$ 0
Dividends paid		$ 2,100	$ 92,740	$ 94,796	$ 0
Subsequent Event [Member]
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$ 0.07
Dividends Payable, Current	$ (2,100)

Fair Value Measurements (Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Nonrecurring - Level 2 - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 30, 2017
Reported Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility	$ 98,750	$ 64,750
Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility	124,608	69,000
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility	98,750	64,750
Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility	$ 124,608	$ 69,000

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Apr. 01, 2017	Dec. 30, 2017
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income tax expense	$ 1,662	$ 969
Effective income tax rate	21.20%	13.40%
Proceeds and Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation	$ 400	$ 1,700
Domestic Tax Authority [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent	21.00%		35.00%

Debt Obligations - Senior Secur

Debt Obligations - Senior Secured Credit Facility (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 23, 2018	Feb. 14, 2018	Jan. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Apr. 01, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Dividends paid	$ 2,100,000	$ 92,740,000		$ 94,796,000	$ 0
Debt instrument, interest rate, end of period				3.63%
Debt Issuance, Accounted for as a Modification			$ 202,500,000
Debt Issuance, Accounted for as New Debt			47,500,000
Payments of Debt Issuance Costs			1,000,000
Debt Related Commitment Fees and Debt Issuance Costs			200,000
Debt Issuance Costs, Gross			800,000
Secured Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Line of Credit			100,000,000	$ 98,800,000
Repayments of Lines of Credit			(133,800,000)
Repayments of Secured Debt				(1,300,000)
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Line of Credit				124,600,000
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity			$ 150,000,000
Repayments of Lines of Credit				$ (4,500,000)
Minimum [Member] | Base Rate [Member] | Secured Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate				0.75%
Minimum [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Secured Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate				1.75%
Maximum [Member] | Base Rate [Member] | Secured Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate				1.75%
Maximum [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Secured Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate				2.75%

Debt Obligations Debt Obligat35

Debt Obligations Debt Obligations - Schedule of Maturities (Details) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Remainder of fiscal year 2018	$ 3,750
Fiscal year 2019	3,750
Fiscal year 2020	5,000
Fiscal year 2021	5,000
Fiscal year 2022	6,250
Fiscal year 2023	199,608
Total	$ 223,358

Commitments and Contingencies36

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Apr. 01, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Remainder of fiscal year 2018	$ 1,370
Fiscal year 2019	1,632
Fiscal year 2020	1,507
Fiscal year 2021	1,353
Fiscal year 2022	1,297
Fiscal year 2023	1,105
Thereafter	3,331
Total	11,595
Rent expense	$ 533	$ 491

Stock-Based Compensation - Stoc

Stock-Based Compensation - Stock Option Plan (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grant date fair value of stock options, vested	$ 0.4
Intrinsic value of stock options	1
Stock-based compensation expense, unrecognized	$ 0.7
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense, recognition period	1 year 8 months 12 days
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 0.5

Stock-Based Compensation - Sche

Stock-Based Compensation - Schedule of Stock Option Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 30, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Stock options outstanding (in shares)	420
Stock options granted (in shares)	2
Stock options exercised	(25)
Stock options forfeited (in shares)	(19)
Stock options outstanding (in shares)	378	420
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Stock options outstanding, weighted average exercise price (in usd per share)	$ 5.45
Stock options granted, weighted average exercise price (in usd per share)	44.03
Stock options exercised, weighted average exercise price (in usd per share)	6.51
Stock options forfeited, weighted average exercise price (in usd per share)	5.04
Stock options outstanding, weighted average exercise price (in usd per share)	$ 5.02	$ 5.45
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Stock options outstanding, aggregate intrinsic value	$ 14,068
Stock options outstanding, aggregate intrinsic value	$ 15,956	$ 14,068
Stock options outstanding, weighted average remaining term	5 years 3 months 18 days	5 years 8 months 12 days

Stock-Based Compensation Stock-

Stock-Based Compensation Stock-Based Compentsation - Schedule of Restricted Stock Units Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 30, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Plan Modification, Incremental Compensation Cost	$ 0.9
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Restricted stock units and performance stock units outstanding (in shares)	113	94
Restricted stock units and performance stock units granted (in shares)	56
Restricted stock units and performance stock units released (in shares)	(28)
Restricted stock units and performance stock units canceled (in shares)	(9)
Restricted stock units and performance stock units outstanding, weighted average grant date fair value (in usd per share)	$ 35.73	$ 27.11
Restricted stock units and performance stock units granted, weighted average grant date fair value (in usd per share)	44.03
Restricted stock units and performance stock units released, weighted average grant date fair value (in usd per share)	26.74
Restricted stock units and performance stock units canceled, weighted average grant date fair value (in usd per share)	$ 26.30
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Share-based Awards Other than Options	$ 3.8
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	2 years 4 months 24 days
Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Restricted stock units and performance stock units outstanding (in shares)	116	86
Restricted stock units and performance stock units granted (in shares)	51
Restricted stock units and performance stock units released (in shares)	(14)
Restricted stock units and performance stock units canceled (in shares)	(7)
Restricted stock units and performance stock units outstanding, weighted average grant date fair value (in usd per share)	$ 38.08	$ 27.63
Restricted stock units and performance stock units granted, weighted average grant date fair value (in usd per share)	44.03
Restricted stock units and performance stock units released, weighted average grant date fair value (in usd per share)	26.25
Restricted stock units and performance stock units canceled, weighted average grant date fair value (in usd per share)	$ 26.30
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Share-based Awards Other than Options	$ 4.2
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	2 years 3 months 18 days
Performance Shares [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage	0.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	1 year
Performance Shares [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage	100.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	3 years
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Share-based Awards Other than Options	$ 0.3
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	1 year 10 months 24 days

Business Segments Business Segm

Business Segments Business Segments - Restaurant Counts (Details)	Mar. 31, 2018restaurantcountry	Apr. 01, 2017restaurant
Franchised Units [Member]
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of Restaurants	1,133	1,010
Entity Operated Units [Member]
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of Restaurants	24	21
Non-US [Member] | Franchised Units [Member]
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of Restaurants	112
Number of Countries in which Entity Operates | country	8

Business Segments (Details)

Business Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Apr. 01, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Franchise segment	$ 17,781	$ 17,596
Company segment	11,003	8,546
Total revenue	37,389	33,410
Operating income	(9,566)	(8,525)
Interest expense, net	1,736	1,299
Income before taxes	7,830	7,226
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue	37,389	33,410
Operating income	(11,028)	(8,525)
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	1,462	0
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest expense, net	1,736	1,299
Franchise Segment [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Franchise segment	26,386	24,864
Operating income	(8,387)	(7,446)
Company Segment [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Company segment	11,003	8,546
Operating income	$ (2,641)	$ (1,079)

Restaurant Acquisition (Details

Restaurant Acquisition (Details) $ in Thousands	Feb. 19, 2018USD ($)restaurant	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)	Apr. 01, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2017USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of Restaurants Acquired from a Franchisee | restaurant	1
Acquisition of restaurant from franchisee	$ 1,900	$ 1,900	$ 0
Business Acquisition, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount	1,300
Inventory	4
Property and equipment	26
Reacquired franchise rights	541
Goodwill	1,331	$ 47,888		$ 46,557
Gift card liability	(2)
Total purchase price	$ 1,900

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May 01, 2018	Apr. 16, 2018	Feb. 19, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Apr. 01, 2017
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Acquisition of restaurant from franchisee			$ 1,900	$ 1,900	$ 0
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Acquisition of restaurant from franchisee	$ 2,200	$ 1,900