Wingstop (WING) 10-K 19 Feb 25 2024 FY Annual report Financial data

Cover

Cover - USD ($) $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024	Feb. 18, 2025	Jun. 28, 2024
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Document Annual Report	true
Document Period End Date	Dec. 28, 2024
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-28
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	001-37425
Entity Registrant Name	WINGSTOP INC.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	47-3494862
Entity Address, Address Line One	2801 N Central Expressway
Entity Address, Address Line Two	Suite 1600
Entity Address, City or Town	Dallas
Entity Address, State or Province	TX
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	75204
City Area Code	972
Local Phone Number	686-6500
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
Trading Symbol	WING
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag	true
Document Financial Statement Error Correction [Flag]	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Public Float			$ 12.4
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		28,662,645
Documents Incorporated by Reference	Portions of the proxy statement for the registrant’s 2025 annual meeting of stockholders, which will be filed no later than 120 days after the end of the registrant’s fiscal year ended December 28, 2024, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report.
Entity Central Index Key	0001636222
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2024
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false

Audit Information

Audit Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Audit Information [Abstract]
Auditor Firm ID	185
Auditor Name	KPMG LLP
Auditor Location	Dallas, Texas

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 315,910	$ 90,216
Restricted cash	20,868	11,444
Accounts receivable, net	19,661	12,408
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	6,520	4,948
Advertising fund assets, restricted	32,659	25,328
Total current assets	395,618	144,344
Property and equipment, net	125,953	91,292
Operating lease assets	49,046	19,092
Goodwill	74,718	67,708
Trademarks	32,700	32,700
Other non-current assets	31,735	14,949
Total assets	716,246	377,825
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	6,943	4,725
Current portion of operating lease liabilities	1,059	2,380
Other current liabilities	46,782	38,571
Advertising fund liabilities	32,659	25,328
Total current liabilities	87,443	71,004
Long-term debt, net	1,206,201	712,327
Non-current lease liabilities	58,169	17,807
Deferred revenues, net of current	38,877	30,145
Deferred income tax liabilities, net	1,085	3,721
Other non-current liabilities	57	187
Total liabilities	1,391,832	835,191
Commitments and contingencies (see Note 13)
Stockholders' deficit
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 28,662,614 and 29,337,920 shares issued and outstanding as of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, respectively	287	293
Additional paid-in-capital	1,568	2,676
Retained deficit	(676,940)	(459,994)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(501)	(341)
Total stockholders' deficit	(675,586)	(457,366)
Total liabilities and stockholders' deficit	716,246	377,825
Customer relationships
Current assets
Customer relationships, net	$ 6,476	$ 7,740

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Common stock, par value (in usd per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	28,662,614	29,337,920
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	28,662,614	29,337,920

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Revenue:
Total revenue		$ 625,807	$ 460,055	$ 357,521
Costs and expenses:
Total cost of sales	[1]	91,632	70,646	63,395
Advertising expenses		233,306	166,583	123,069
Selling, general and administrative		116,801	96,898	67,061
Depreciation and amortization		19,490	13,239	10,899
(Gain) loss on disposal of assets		(1,038)	95	1,164
Total costs and expenses		460,191	347,461	265,588
Operating income		165,616	112,594	91,933
Interest expense, net		21,292	18,227	21,230
Loss on debt extinguishment and financing transactions		0	0	814
Other (income) expense		(2,866)	57	573
Income before income tax expense		147,190	94,310	69,316
Income tax expense		38,473	24,135	16,369
Net income		$ 108,717	$ 70,175	$ 52,947
Earnings per share
Basic (in usd per share)		$ 3.72	$ 2.36	$ 1.77
Diluted (in usd per share)		$ 3.70	$ 2.35	$ 1.77
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Currency translation adjustment		$ (160)	$ 296	$ (381)
Other comprehensive income (loss)		(160)	296	(381)
Comprehensive income		108,557	70,471	52,566
Royalty revenue, franchise fees and other
Revenue:
Total revenue		288,354	207,077	158,614
Advertising fees
Revenue:
Total revenue		217,630	157,138	119,011
Company-owned restaurant sales
Revenue:
Total revenue		$ 119,823	$ 95,840	$ 79,896
[1]Cost of sales includes all operating expenses of company-owned restaurants, including advertising expenses, and excludes depreciation and amortization, which are presented separately.

Consolidated Statements of Stoc

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Deficit - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Retained Deficit	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Balance at beginning of period (in shares) at Dec. 25, 2021		29,837,454
Balance at beginning of period at Dec. 25, 2021	$ (309,525)	$ 299	$ 463	$ (310,031)	$ (256)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	52,947			52,947
Shares issued under stock plans (in shares)		97,281
Shares issued under stock plans	3,315	$ 1	3,314
Tax payments for restricted stock upon vesting (in shares)		(2,067)
Tax payments for restricted stock upon vesting	(315)			(315)
Stock-based compensation expense	4,200		4,200
Dividends declared on common stock and equivalents	(141,102)		(5,180)	(135,922)
Currency translation adjustment	(381)				(381)
Balance at end of period (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2022		29,932,668
Balance at end of period at Dec. 31, 2022	(390,861)	$ 300	2,797	(393,321)	(637)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	70,175			70,175
Shares issued under stock plans (in shares)		65,779
Shares issued under stock plans	951		951
Tax payments for restricted stock upon vesting (in shares)		(14,575)
Tax payments for restricted stock upon vesting	(2,480)			(2,480)
Stock-based compensation expense	15,558		15,558
Dividends declared on common stock and equivalents	$ (24,729)		(16,239)	(8,490)
Purchases of common stock (in shares)	(645,952)
Purchases of common stock	$ (126,276)	$ (7)	(391)	(125,878)
Currency translation adjustment	$ 296				296
Balance at end of period (in shares) at Dec. 30, 2023	29,337,920	29,337,920
Balance at end of period at Dec. 30, 2023	$ (457,366)	$ 293	2,676	(459,994)	(341)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	108,717			108,717
Shares issued under stock plans (in shares)		58,234
Shares issued under stock plans	1,557	$ 1	1,556
Tax payments for restricted stock upon vesting (in shares)		(12,736)
Tax payments for restricted stock upon vesting	(4,427)			(4,427)
Stock-based compensation expense	22,060		22,060
Dividends declared on common stock and equivalents	$ (28,900)		(11,524)	(17,376)
Purchases of common stock (in shares)	(720,804)
Purchases of common stock	$ (317,067)	$ (7)	(13,200)	(303,860)
Currency translation adjustment	$ (160)				(160)
Balance at end of period (in shares) at Dec. 28, 2024	28,662,614	28,662,614
Balance at end of period at Dec. 28, 2024	$ (675,586)	$ 287	$ 1,568	$ (676,940)	$ (501)

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Operating activities
Net income	$ 108,717	$ 70,175	$ 52,947
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	19,490	13,239	10,899
Deferred income taxes	(1,809)	(1,551)	(3,252)
Stock-based compensation expense	22,060	15,558	4,200
(Gain) loss on disposal of assets	(1,038)	95	1,164
Loss on debt extinguishment	0	0	814
Amortization of debt issuance costs	2,150	2,043	1,939
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(7,253)	(2,947)	(2,468)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(13,221)	599	584
Advertising fund assets and liabilities, net	4,778	10,093	5,048
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	2,928	10,634	5,102
Deferred revenue	9,249	3,593	(712)
Other non-current liabilities	11,559	70	(27)
Cash provided by operating activities	157,610	121,601	76,238
Investing activities
Purchases of property and equipment	(51,929)	(40,833)	(23,940)
Acquisition of restaurants from franchisee	(14,048)	(10,832)	(7,809)
Proceeds from sales of assets	4,000	320	4,063
Payments for investments	(500)	(808)	(997)
Cash used in investing activities	(62,477)	(52,153)	(28,683)
Financing activities
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	1,557	951	3,315
Purchases of common stock	(314,664)	(125,401)	0
Borrowings of long-term debt	500,000	0	250,000
Repayments of long-term debt	0	(3,650)	(3,025)
Payment of deferred financing costs and other debt-related costs	(8,832)	0	(5,442)
Tax payments for restricted stock upon vesting	(4,427)	(2,480)	(315)
Dividends paid	(28,869)	(24,907)	(141,279)
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities	144,765	(155,487)	103,254
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	239,898	(86,039)	150,809
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period	119,676	205,715	54,906
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period	359,574	119,676	205,715
Supplemental information:
Accrued capital expenditures	3,955	2,963	7,273
Cash paid for interest	22,697	22,740	20,480
Cash paid for taxes	$ 38,842	$ 27,918	$ 13,584

Basis of Presentation and Summa

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	(1) Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Overview Wingstop Inc., together with its consolidated subsidiaries (collectively, “Wingstop” or the “Company”), is in the business of franchising and operating Wingstop restaurants. As of December 28, 2024, the Company had a total of 2,563 restaurants in its system. The Company's restaurant base is 98% franchised, with 2,513 franchised restaurants (including 359 international restaurants) and 50 company-owned restaurants as of December 28, 2024. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (a) Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Wingstop Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. (b) Fiscal Year End The Company uses a 52/53-week fiscal year that ends on the last Saturday of the calendar year. Fiscal years 2024, 2023, and 2022 included 52, 52, and 53 weeks, respectively. The 53 rd week in fiscal 2022 fell in the fiscal fourth quarter. (c) Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions, primarily related to long-lived asset valuation, indefinite and finite lived intangible asset valuation, income taxes, investments, leases, stock-based compensation, contingencies, and common stock equity valuations. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period. Although management bases its estimates on historical experience and assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, actual results could differ from those estimates. (d) Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash The Company continually monitors its positions with, and the credit quality of, the financial institutions in which it maintains its deposits and investments. As of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, the Company maintained balances in various cash accounts in excess of federally insured limits. All highly liquid instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less are considered cash equivalents. Restricted cash includes cash and cash equivalents held for future principal and interest payments as required by the Company's debt agreements (see Note 11). The Company also has Advertising fund restricted cash, which can only be used for activities related to the promotion of the Wingstop brand. Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash within the Consolidated Balance Sheets that are included in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023 were as follows (in thousands): December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 Cash and cash equivalents $ 315,910 $ 90,216 Restricted cash 20,868 11,444 Restricted cash, included in Advertising fund assets, restricted 22,796 18,016 Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $ 359,574 $ 119,676 (e) Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts, consists primarily of accrued royalty fee receivables, collected weekly in arrears, and vendor rebates. Management determines the allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical losses and current economic conditions. On a continuing basis, management analyzes delinquent receivables, which are charged off against the existing allowance account when determined to be uncollectible. (f) Inventories Inventories, which consist of food and beverage products, paper goods, and supplies, are valued at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or net realizable value. (g) Cloud Computing Arrangements Cloud computing arrangements (“CCA”) are recorded at cost less accumulated amortization. The Company capitalizes implementation costs associated with its cloud computing arrangements, which are recorded net of amortization in “Prepaid expenses and other current assets” and “Other assets.” CCA implementation costs are amortized over the term of the related hosting agreement, including renewal periods that are reasonably certain to be exercised. CCA implementation costs are included within operating activities in the Company’s consolidated statements of cash flows. (h) Property and Equipment Property and equipment is recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation. Cost includes all direct costs necessary to acquire and prepare assets for use or to develop or obtain internal-use software, including internal labor. Depreciation is recorded using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives: Property and Equipment Estimated Useful Lives Building 40 years Leasehold and other improvements Lesser of 7 to 10 years or the expected lease term Equipment, furniture and fixtures 3 to 7 years Capitalized software 3 to 10 years At the time property and equipment are retired, the asset and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any resulting gain or loss is included in earnings. The Company expenses repair and maintenance costs that maintain the appearance and functionality of the restaurant but do not extend the useful life of any restaurant asset. Improvements to leased properties are depreciated over the shorter of their useful life or the lease term, which includes a fixed, non-cancelable lease term plus any reasonably assured renewal periods. See Note 6 for additional information. (i) Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets Property and equipment and finite-life intangible assets are reviewed for impairment periodically and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The Company’s assessment of recoverability of property and equipment and finite-lived intangible assets is performed at the component level, which is generally an individual restaurant and requires judgment and an estimate of future restaurant generated cash flows. The Company’s estimates of fair values are based on the best information available and require the use of estimates, judgments, and projections. The Company did not record any impairment losses on long-lived assets in fiscal years 2024, 2023, or 2022. (j) Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets The Company’s indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of goodwill and trademarks, which are not subject to amortization. We generally record goodwill in connection with the acquisition of restaurants from franchisees. On an annual basis (October 1 st of each fiscal year) and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable, the Company reviews the recoverability of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets. No indications of impairment were identified during fiscal years 2024, 2023, or 2022. It is possible that changes in circumstances or changes in management’s judgments, assumptions, and estimates could result in an impairment charge of a portion or all of its goodwill or other intangible assets. (k) Foreign Currency Translation The foreign currency translation adjustment included in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income represents the unrealized impact of translating our foreign investment. This amount is not included in Net income and would only be realized upon disposition of our investment. The related Accumulated other comprehensive loss is presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. (l) Revenue Recognition Revenues consist primarily of royalties, national advertising fund (the "Ad Fund") contributions (advertising fees), initial and renewal franchise fees, and upfront fees from development agreements and international territory agreements. The Company's performance obligations under its 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 contributions, development of training materials and menu items, and restaurant monitoring. These performance obligations are highly interrelated, so they are not considered to be individually distinct and therefore are accounted for as a single performance obligation, which is satisfied by providing a right to use the Company's intellectual property over the term of each franchise agreement. Franchise fee, development fee and international territory fee payments received by the Company before the restaurant opens are recorded as deferred revenue in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Royalties, including franchisee contributions to the Ad 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. The Company's franchise agreement royalties, inclusive of Ad Fund contributions, represent sales-based royalties that are related entirely to the Company's performance obligation under the franchise agreement and are recognized as franchised restaurant sales occur, payable weekly. Additionally, initial and renewal franchise fees are recognized as revenue on a straight-line basis over the term of the respective agreement. The Company's 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 apportioned to each franchised restaurant opened and accounted for as an initial franchise fee. The Company records food and beverage revenues from company-owned restaurants upon sale to the customer. The Company collects and remits sales, food and beverage, alcoholic beverage, and hospitality taxes on transactions with customers and reports such amounts under the net method in its Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Accordingly, these taxes are not included in gross revenue. The Company records a liability in the period in which a gift card is sold. As gift cards are redeemed, the liability is reduced. When gift cards are redeemed at a franchisee-operated restaurant, the revenue and related administrative costs are recognized by the franchisee. The Company recognizes revenue and related administrative costs when gift cards are redeemed at company-owned restaurants. (m) Consideration from Vendors The Company has entered into food and beverage supply agreements with certain major vendors. Pursuant to the terms of these arrangements, rebates are provided to the Company from the vendors based upon the dollar volume of purchases for company-owned restaurants and franchised restaurants. These incentives are recognized as earned throughout the year and are classified as a reduction in Cost of sales with any consideration received in excess of the total expense of the vendor’s products included within Royalty revenue, franchise fees and other within the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. The incentives recognized were approximately $25.3 million, $17.7 million, and $13.1 million, during fiscal years 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively, of which $3.1 million, $2.3 million, and $1.8 million was classified as a reduction in Cost of sales during fiscal years 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively. (n) Advertising Expenses The Company administers the Ad Fund, for which a percentage of gross sales is collected from domestic restaurant franchisees and company-owned restaurants to be used for various forms of advertising for the Wingstop brand. Effective the first day of the fiscal second quarter of 2024, domestic franchisees’ contribution rates to the national advertising fund increased to 5.3%, up from 5%, of gross sales. The national advertising fund contribution rate was 5% for fiscal year 2023. The Company administers and directs the development of all advertising and promotion programs in the Ad Fund for which it collects advertising contributions in accordance with the provisions of its franchise agreements. The Company has a contractual obligation with regard to these advertising contributions. The Company consolidates and reports all assets and liabilities of the Ad Fund as restricted assets of the Ad Fund and liabilities of the Ad Fund within current assets and current liabilities, respectively, in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 28, 2024, the restricted assets and liabilities of the Ad Fund consisted of $23.7 million of cash and cash equivalents, $9.0 million of accounts receivable, $15.3 million of accrued expenses, and $17.3 million of accounts payable. As of December 30, 2023, the restricted assets and liabilities of the Ad Fund consisted of $18.8 million of cash and cash equivalents, $6.6 million of accounts receivable, $17.2 million of accrued expenses, and $8.1 million of accounts payable. Pursuant to the Company’s franchise agreements, use of Ad Fund contributions is 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 that are directly associated with administering the Ad Fund, as outlined in the provisions of the applicable franchise agreements. The Company expenses the production costs of advertising in the period in which the advertising first occurs. All other advertising and promotional costs are expensed in the period incurred. When contributions to the Ad Fund exceed the related advertising expenses, advertising costs are accrued up to the amount of the related contributions. Ad Fund contributions and expenditures are reported on a gross basis on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Advertising expenses incurred by company-owned restaurants are included within Cost of sales in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Company-owned restaurants incurred advertising expenses of $6.3 million, $4.9 million, and $3.6 million in fiscal years 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively. (o) Leases The Company determines whether an arrangement is a lease at inception and leases restaurants and office space under operating leases. Most lease agreements contain tenant improvement allowances, rent holidays, rent escalation clauses, and/or contingent rent provisions. For leases with renewal periods at the Company’s option, the Company determines the expected lease period based on whether the renewal of any options are reasonably certain at the inception of the lease. For purposes of measurement and amortization of the right-of-use asset and associated lease liability over the terms of the leases, the Company uses the date it takes possession of the leased space for construction purposes at the beginning of the lease term, which is generally two (p) Stock-Based Compensation The Company measures stock-based compensation cost at fair value on the date of grant for all share-based awards and recognizes compensation expense over the service period that the awards are expected to vest. The Company has elected to recognize compensation cost for graded-vesting awards subject only to a service condition over the requisite service period of the entire award. For performance awards, the Company recognizes expense in the period in which vesting becomes probable. The Company accounts for forfeitures as they occur. (q) Income Taxes Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Under this method, a deferred tax asset or liability is recognized for the estimated future tax effects attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement basis and the tax basis of assets and liabilities as well as tax credit carry-forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the period of the change. The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return including all of its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Judgment is required in evaluating the Company’s uncertain tax positions and determining the Company’s income tax expense. The Company assesses the income tax position and records the liabilities for all years subject to examination based upon management’s evaluation of the facts, circumstances, and information available at the reporting date. (r) Recent Accounting Pronouncements In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures . The ASU includes amendments requiring enhanced income tax disclosures, primarily related to standardization and disaggregation of rate reconciliation categories and income taxes paid by jurisdiction. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted, and can be applied either prospectively or retrospectively. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASU on our disclosures. In November 2024, Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued ASU 2024-03, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income - Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses , which requires, for each relevant expense caption on the income statement, detailed disclosure amounts for purchases of inventory, employee compensation, depreciation, and intangible asset amortization. The amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2026, with early adoption permitted, and can be applied either prospectively or retrospectively. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASU on our disclosures. Recently adopted In November 2023, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosure (“Segment Reporting”). The ASU updates reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through requiring enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses and information used to assess segment performance. The Company adopted this guidance for the fiscal year ending December 28, 2024. Refer to Note 18 for our disclosure related to business segments. We reviewed all other recently issued accounting pronouncements and concluded that they were either not applicable or not expected to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	(2) Earnings Per Share Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the reporting period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities convertible into, 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 the exercise and vesting of stock options and service-based and performance-based restricted stock units, respectively, determined using the treasury stock method. Basic weighted average shares outstanding is reconciled to diluted weighted average shares outstanding as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year December 28, December 30, December 31, Basic weighted average shares outstanding 29,262 29,769 29,893 Dilutive shares 122 87 70 Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 29,384 29,856 29,963 We had approximately 1,000 and 19,000 equity awards outstanding at December 28, 2024 and December 31, 2022, respectively, that were excluded from the dilutive earnings per share calculation because the effect would have been anti-dilutive. No equity awards were excluded from the dilutive earnings per share calculation at December 30, 2023 because the effect would have been anti-dilutive.

Stockholders' Deficit

Stockholders' Deficit	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Dividends [Abstract]
Stockholders’ Deficit	(3) Stockholders’ Deficit Dividends In connection with the Company's regular dividend program, the Company declared and paid dividends of $28.7 million, or $0.98 per common share, in fiscal year 2024, $24.4 million, or $0.82 per common share, in fiscal year 2023, and $21.5 million, or $0.72 per common share, in fiscal year 2022. Subsequent to the end of fiscal year 2024, on February 18, 2025, the Company’s board of directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.27 per share of common stock, to be paid on March 28, 2025 to stockholders of record as of March 7, 2025, totaling approximately $7.7 million. Share Repurchase Program On August 17, 2023, the Company’s board of directors approved a share repurchase program with authorization to purchase up to $250.0 million of its outstanding shares of common stock (the “August 2023 Authorization”). On December 5, 2024, the board of directors authorized the purchase of an additional $500.0 million of its outstanding shares of common stock under the share repurchase program (the “December 2024 Authorization” and together with the August 2023 Authorization, the “Share Repurchase Program”), following the substantial completion of purchases of common stock under the August 2023 Authorization. As of December 28, 2024, the Company had $311.1 million of availability remaining under the Share Repurchase Program. On December 9, 2024, the Company entered into an accelerated share repurchase agreement (the “2024 ASR Agreement”) with a third-party financial institution to repurchase $250.0 million of the Company’s common stock under its Share Repurchase Program. Pursuant to the ASR Agreement, during the fiscal fourth quarter of 2024 the Company made an initial payment to the financial institution of $250.0 million in cash and received and retired an initial delivery of 551,325 shares of common stock, representing an estimated 75% of the total shares expected to be delivered under the 2024 ASR Agreement, based on the closing price on the date of initial delivery of $328.54. The delivery of any remaining shares will occur at the final settlement of the transactions under the 2024 ASR Agreement, which is scheduled to occur in the fiscal first quarter of 2025. The number of shares to be delivered upon final settlement is based on the daily volume-weighted average share prices during the valuation period specified in the ASR Agreement, less a discount and subject to adjustments. In addition to the shares repurchased in connection with the 2024 ASR Agreement, during fiscal year 2024, the Company repurchased 169,479 shares with an aggregate purchase price of $377.09, under the August 2023 Authorization. After taking into consideration these repurchases, with the initial delivery under the 2024 ASR Agreement in December 2024 described above, the Company completed the August 2023 Authorization. In August 2023, the Company entered into an accelerated share repurchase agreement (the “2023 ASR Agreement”) with a third-party financial institution to repurchase $125.0 million of the Company’s common stock as part of the August 2023 Authorization. Under the 2023 ASR Agreement, the Company paid the financial institution $125.0 million in cash and received and retired a total of 645,952 shares of common stock at an average share price of $193.51. Final settlement of the ASR Agreement occurred in December 2023. The total number of shares repurchased under the ASR Agreement was based on a daily volume-weighted average share price during the valuation period specified in the ASR Agreement, less a discount.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	(4) 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 December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Securitized Financing Facility: 2020-1 Class A-2 Senior Secured Notes (1) Level 2 $ 472,800 $ 439,846 $ 472,800 $ 423,823 2022-1 Class A-2 Senior Secured Notes (1) Level 2 $ 248,125 $ 230,905 $ 248,125 $ 222,370 2024-1 Class A-2 Senior Secured Notes (1) Level 2 $ 500,000 $ 496,050 $ — $ — Investments in bonds of LPH (Note 10) (2) Level 3 $ 3,699 $ 4,560 $ 3,557 $ 4,306 (1) The fair value of the 2020-1, 2022-1, and 2024-1 Class A-2 Senior Secured Notes was estimated using available market information. (2) The fair value approximates discounted cash flows using current market rates for debt investments with similar maturities and credit risk.

Accounts Receivable, net

Accounts Receivable, net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Receivables [Abstract]
Accounts Receivable, net	(5) Accounts Receivable, net Accounts receivable, net, consist of the following (in thousands): December 28, December 30, Vendor rebates receivable $ 7,575 $ 5,311 Royalties receivable 8,641 5,717 Other receivables, net 3,445 1,380 Accounts receivable, net $ 19,661 $ 12,408

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment	(6) Property and Equipment Property and equipment, net, consisted of the following (in thousands): December 28, December 30, Building $ 15,769 $ 15,769 Construction in progress 15,088 46,675 Equipment, furniture and fixtures 21,900 41,268 Leasehold and other improvements 37,560 26,599 Capitalized software 79,186 — Land 2,828 2,828 Property and equipment, gross 172,331 133,139 Less: accumulated depreciation (46,378) (41,847) Property and equipment, net $ 125,953 $ 91,292 Depreciation expense was $16.2 million, $10.6 million, and $8.7 million for the fiscal years ended December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022, respectively.

Intangible Assets and Goodwill

Intangible Assets and Goodwill	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Intangible Assets and Goodwill	(7) Intangible Assets and Goodwill The Company’s goodwill and other intangible assets arose from Wingstop’s acquisition of the equity interests of Wingstop Holdings, Inc. in April 2010, as well as the acquisition of restaurants from franchisees. Goodwill represents the excess of purchase consideration transferred for the respective reporting unit over the fair value of the business at the time of the acquisition. The following is a summary of goodwill balances and activity (in thousands): December 28, December 30, Balance, beginning of period $ 67,708 $ 62,514 Acquisition of restaurants, net 7,010 5,194 Balance, end of period $ 74,718 $ 67,708 Intangible assets, excluding goodwill, consisted of the following (in thousands): December 28, December 30, Weighted Average Amortization Period (in years) Intangible assets: Trademarks $ 32,700 $ 32,700 Indefinite-lived assets 32,700 32,700 Customer relationships 26,300 26,300 20.0 Franchise rights (1) 20,879 14,168 7.2 Less: accumulated amortization (27,814) (24,488) Definite-lived assets 19,365 15,980 15.8 Intangible assets, net $ 52,065 $ 48,680 (1) Included within Other non-current assets net of associated accumulated amortization within the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Amortization expense for definite-lived intangibles was $3.3 million in fiscal year 2024, $2.7 million in fiscal year 2023, and $2.2 million in fiscal year 2022. Estimated amortization expense, for the five succeeding fiscal years and the aggregate thereafter is (in thousands): Fiscal year 2025 $ 3,613 Fiscal year 2026 3,368 Fiscal year 2027 3,230 Fiscal year 2028 3,041 Fiscal year 2029 2,834 Thereafter 3,279 Total $ 19,365

Other Current Liabilities

Other Current Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Other Current Liabilities	(8) Other Current Liabilities Other current liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands): December 28, December 30, Accrued payroll and incentive compensation $ 15,516 $ 14,331 Current portion of deferred revenues 5,963 4,846 Other accrued liabilities 25,303 19,394 Total $ 46,782 $ 38,571

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	(9) Income Taxes Income tax expense for the fiscal years 2024, 2023, and 2022 consisted of the following (in thousands): Fiscal Year December 28, December 30, December 31, Current expense Federal $ 32,597 $ 19,398 $ 15,909 State 6,389 4,586 3,384 Foreign 1,296 610 328 Deferred expense (benefit) Federal (1,533) (314) (2,996) State (276) (145) (256) Income tax expense $ 38,473 $ 24,135 $ 16,369 A reconciliation of income tax at the U.S. federal statutory tax rate (using a statutory tax rate of 21%) to income tax expense for fiscal years 2024, 2023, and 2022 in dollars is as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year December 28, December 30, December 31, Expected income tax expense at statutory rate $ 30,910 $ 19,777 $ 14,556 Excess tax benefits from equity compensation (2,404) (1,275) (522) Non-deductible expenses 5,954 3,106 935 State tax expense, net of federal benefit 4,771 3,164 2,090 Foreign tax expense 1,296 610 328 Foreign tax and other tax credits (2,708) (1,760) (1,001) Increase in unrecognized tax benefit 672 398 337 Other (18) 115 (354) Income tax expense $ 38,473 $ 24,135 $ 16,369 The components of deferred tax assets (liabilities) were as follows (in thousands): December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 Deferred tax assets: Deferred revenue $ 6,671 $ 6,067 Accrued incentive compensation 2,096 1,596 Stock based compensation 1,766 1,444 Lease liabilities 13,601 4,720 Intangible assets 294 196 Other 1,112 1,365 Net operating loss carry-forwards and credits 538 827 Valuation allowance (577) (577) 25,501 15,638 Deferred tax liabilities: Intangible assets (11,008) (10,397) Right of use assets (11,227) (4,464) Property and equipment (4,351) (4,498) (26,586) (19,359) Net deferred tax liability $ (1,085) $ (3,721) The Company had a state net operating loss carry-forward of $23.3 million at December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023. The state net operating loss carry forwards begin to expire in 2030. The Company had a valuation allowance of $0.6 million against its deferred tax assets as of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023. In assessing whether a deferred tax asset will be realized, the Company considers whether it is more likely than not that either some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company considers the reversal of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Based upon the level of historical taxable income and projections for future taxable income over the periods in which the deferred tax assets are deductible, the Company believes it is more likely than not that it will realize a portion of the benefits of the federal and state deductible differences. The Company files income tax returns, which are periodically audited by various federal and state jurisdictions. The Company's income tax returns prior to tax year 2018 are generally considered closed to examination by the applicable tax authorities. In fiscal year 2024, the Internal Revenue Service commenced an examination of the Company’s U.S. income tax return for fiscal year 2021. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands): Balance as of December 26, 2021 $ 1,055 Additions for tax positions of prior years — Subtractions for tax positions of prior years (27) Additions for tax positions of current year 270 Subtractions for tax positions of current year — Balance as of December 31, 2022 1,298 Additions for tax positions of prior years — Subtractions for tax positions of prior years (65) Additions for tax positions of current year 468 Subtractions for tax positions of current year — Balance as of December 30, 2023 1,701 Additions for tax positions of prior years — Subtractions for tax positions of prior years (118) Additions for tax positions of current year 740 Subtractions for tax positions of current year — Balance as of December 28, 2024 $ 2,323 As of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, the accrued interest and penalties on the unrecognized tax benefits were $0.9 million and $0.7 million, respectively, excluding any related income tax benefits. The Company recorded accrued interest related to the unrecognized tax benefits and penalties as a component of the provision for income taxes recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income.

Investments

Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Investments	(10) Investments

Debt Obligations

Debt Obligations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt Obligations	(11) Debt Obligations Long-term debt consisted of the following components (in thousands): December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 2020-1 Class A-2 Senior Secured Notes $ 472,800 472,800 2022-1 Class A-2 Senior Secured Notes 248,125 248,125 2024-1 Class A-2 Senior Secured Notes 500,000 — Debt issuance costs, net of amortization (14,724) (8,598) Less: current portion of debt — — Long-term debt, net $ 1,206,201 $ 712,327 As of December 28, 2024, the scheduled principal payments on debt were as follows (in thousands): Fiscal year 2025 $ — Fiscal year 2026 — Fiscal year 2027 472,800 Fiscal year 2028 — Fiscal year 2029 248,125 Thereafter 500,000 Total $ 1,220,925 Securitized Financing Facility On December 3, 2024, the Company completed a securitized financing transaction, in which Wingstop Funding LLC, a limited purpose, bankruptcy-remote, indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (the “Issuer”), issued $500 million of its Series 2024-1 5.858% Fixed Rate Senior Secured Notes, Class A-2 (the “2024 Class A-2 Notes”). The Issuer also increased the capacity of its revolving financing facility of Series 2022-1 Variable Funding Senior Notes, Class A-1 (the “Variable Funding Notes”) from $200 million to $300 million. Following the increase, borrowing capacity under the Variable Funding Notes permits borrowings of up to a maximum principal amount of $300 million, a portion may be used to issue letters of credits. The 2024 Class A-2 Notes and the Variable Funding Notes are referred to collectively as the “2024 Notes.” The proceeds from the securitized financing transaction were used to pay related transaction fees and expenses, strengthen the Company's liquidity position and for general corporate purposes, including the repurchase of shares of the Company’s common stock. In addition to the 2024 Notes, the Company’s outstanding debt consists of its existing Series 2022-1 3.734% Fixed Rate Senior Secured Notes, Class A-2 (the “2022 Notes”) and Series 2020-1 2.84% Fixed Rate Senior Secured Notes, Class A-2 (the “2020 Notes”), which have an anticipated repayment date of March 2029 and December 2027, respectively. No borrowings were outstanding under the Variable Funding Notes as of December 28, 2024. The 2024 Notes were issued in a securitization transaction, which is guaranteed by certain limited-purpose, bankruptcy-remote, wholly owned indirect subsidiaries of the Company and secured by a security interest in substantially all of their assets, including certain domestic and foreign revenue-generating assets, consisting principally of franchise-related agreements, intellectual property, and vendor rebate contracts. The 2024 Notes were issued pursuant to a second amended and restated base indenture and related supplemental indentures (collectively, the “Indenture”). Interest and principal payments on the 2024 Class A-2 Notes are payable on a quarterly basis. The requirement to make such quarterly principal payments on the 2024 Class A-2 Notes is subject to certain financial conditions set forth in the Indenture. The legal final maturity date of the 2024 Notes is in December of 2054, but, unless earlier prepaid to the extent permitted under the Indenture, the anticipated repayment date of the 2024 Class A-2 Notes is December 2031. If the Issuer has not repaid or refinanced the 2024 Class A-2 Notes prior to the anticipated repayment date, additional interest will accrue on the 2024 Notes. The Variable Funding Notes accrue interest at a variable rate based on (i) the prime rate, (ii) the overnight federal funds rates, (iii) the secured overnight financing rate, or (iv) with respect to advances made by conduit investors, the weighted average cost of, or related to, the issuance of commercial paper allocated to fund or maintain such advances, in each case plus any applicable margin, as more fully set forth in the 2024 Variable Funding Note Purchase Agreement, dated December 3, 2024, and the indenture supplement. Commitment fees and other usage fees apply to the Variable Funding Notes facility depending on the type of borrowing requested. There is a 60-basis points draw fee on borrowings requested pursuant to the terms of the Variable Fund Notes. Additionally, during a commitment availability period, there is a 30-basis point commitment fee on the committed portion of the Variable Funding Notes. The 2020 Notes, 2022 Notes, and the 2024 Notes (together, the “Notes”) are subject to a series of covenants and restrictions customary for transactions of this type, including (i) that the Issuer maintains specified reserve accounts to be used to make required payments in respect of the Notes, (ii) provisions relating to optional and mandatory prepayments and the related payment of specified amounts, including specified make-whole payments in the case of the Notes under certain circumstances, (iii) certain indemnification payments in the event, among other things, that the assets pledged as collateral for the Notes are in stated ways defective or ineffective, and (iv) covenants relating to recordkeeping, access to information, and similar matters. The Notes are also subject to customary rapid amortization events provided for in the indenture, including events tied to failure to maintain stated debt service coverage ratios, the sum of global gross sales for specified restaurants being below certain levels on certain measurement dates, certain change of control and manager termination events, an event of default, and the failure to repay or refinance the Notes on the applicable scheduled maturity date. The Notes are also subject to certain customary events of default, including events relating to non-payment of required interest, principal or other amounts due on or with respect to the Notes, failure to comply with covenants within certain time frames, certain bankruptcy events, breaches of specified representations and warranties, failure of security interests to be effective, and certain judgments. As of December 28, 2024, the Company was in compliance with all financial covenants. During the first quarter of 2022, as a result of the termination of the 2020 variable funding note facility, the Company recorded a loss on debt extinguishment of $0.8 million related to the write-off of previously capitalized financing costs. Total debt issuance costs incurred and capitalized in connection with the issuance of the 2022 Notes were $5.5 million. As of December 28, 2024, the Company’s leverage ratio under the 2020 Class A-2 Notes, the 2022 Class A-2 Notes, and the 2024 Class A-2 Notes was less than 5.0x. Per the terms of the Company’s debt agreements, principal payments can be suspended at the borrower’s election until the repayment date as long as the Company maintains a leverage ratio of less than 5.0x. Accordingly, the Company elected to suspend payments following the principal payment made in the second quarter of 2023, and the entire outstanding balance of the 2020 Class A-2 Notes, the 2022 Class A-2 Notes, and the 2024 Class A-2 Notes has been classified as long-term debt due after fiscal year 2026. The 2020 Class A-2 Notes, the 2022 Class A-2 Notes, and the 2024 Class A-2 Notes are generally subject to 1% annual amortization.

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	(12) Leases The Company determines whether an arrangement is a lease at inception. The Company has operating leases for retail store locations, office space, and equipment. The Company's leases have remaining terms of 0.9 years to 13.2 years, some of which include options to extend the lease term for up to ten years. Lease terms may include options to renew when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. The Company's lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants. As most of the Company's leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available on the commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The Company has lease agreements that contain both lease and non-lease components. For real estate leases, the Company accounts for lease components together with non-lease components (e.g., common-area maintenance). During the fiscal first quarter 2024, the Company executed a lease for an office building, which commenced in May 2024. The operating lease has an initial lease term of 13.8 years with undiscounted fixed payments of $66.9 million in the aggregate over the initial term. Components of lease expense were as follows (in thousands): Year Ended December 28, December 30, December 31, Operating lease cost (1) $ 6,813 $ 3,523 $ 3,244 Variable lease cost (2) 987 733 448 Total lease cost $ 7,800 $ 4,256 $ 3,692 (1) Includes short-term leases, which are immaterial. (2) Primarily related to adjustments for inflation, common area maintenance, and property tax. Supplemental cash flow information related to leases is as follows (in thousands): Year Ended December 28, December 30, December 31, Operating cash flow information: Cash paid (received) for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities (1) $ (3,658) $ 3,348 $ 3,543 Non-cash activity: Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities $ 43,101 $ 6,346 $ 3,923 (1) Includes tenant improvement reimbursements received. Supplemental balance sheet information related to our operating leases is as follows (in thousands): Year Ended Balance Sheet Classification December 28, December 30, Right-of-use assets Other non-current assets $ 49,046 $ 19,092 Current lease liabilities Other current liabilities 1,059 2,380 Non-current lease liabilities Other non-current liabilities 58,169 17,807 Weighted average lease term and discount rate information related to leases was as follows: Year Ended December 28, December 30, December 31, Weighted average remaining lease term of operating leases 11.3 years 7.1 years 7.5 years Weighted average discount rate of operating leases 6.08 % 4.52 % 3.86 % Maturities of lease liabilities by fiscal year are as follows (in thousands): Fiscal year 2025 $ 4,248 Fiscal year 2026 7,789 Fiscal year 2027 7,665 Fiscal year 2028 7,714 Fiscal year 2029 7,390 Thereafter 51,842 Total future minimum lease payments 86,648 Less: imputed interest (27,420) Total lease liabilities $ 59,228

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	(13) Commitments and Contingencies The Company is subject to legal proceedings, claims, and liabilities, such as employment-related claims and other 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 financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

Employee Benefit Plan

Employee Benefit Plan	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plan	(14) Employee Benefit Plan The Company sponsors a 401(k) profit sharing plan for all employees who are eligible based upon age and length of service. The Company made matching contributions of approximately $1.2 million, $1.1 million, and $0.9 million for fiscal years 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	(15) Stock-Based Compensation In May 2024, the Company’s stockholders approved the adoption of the 2024 Omnibus Award Plan (the “2024 Plan”). All equity grants subject to FASB ASC Topic 718 after the date of approval are made under the 2024 Plan. No further equity grants after that date are permitted under the 2015 Omnibus Award Plan (as amended, the “2015 Plan”). The 2024 Plan is currently the only equity plan from which future equity awards may be granted, but outstanding awards granted under the 2015 Plan will continue to be governed by the terms of the 2015 Plan and the underlying award agreement. The 2024 Plan provides for the grant or award of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units, performance unit awards, performance share awards, cash-based awards and other stock-based awards to employees, directors, and other eligible persons. Stock options issued under the 2024 Plan expire ten years from the date of the grant. As of December 28, 2024, there were approximately 1.8 million shares available for future grants under the 2024 Plan. In the event of a change in control of the Company (as defined in the 2024 Plan) in connection with which the board of directors or the Compensation Committee of the board of directors determines prior to such change in control that outstanding awards will be honored or assumed or new rights substituted therefore (as required by the Plan), each outstanding award will continue to vest in accordance with its terms. In the event the outstanding awards are not assumed or new rights substituted therefore in connection with the transaction, the awards will become fully vested and, to the extent applicable, exercisable immediately prior to the change in control and shall be exchanged for cash. Stock-based compensation is measured at the grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and is recognized as an expense over the requisite employee service period. The Company recognized approximately $22.1 million, $15.6 million, and $4.2 million in stock compensation expense, net of forfeitures, for fiscal years 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively, with a corresponding increase to additional paid-in-capital. The Company recognized forfeitures of $0.8 million and $1.3 million for fiscal years 2024 and 2023, respectively. Stock compensation expense is included in Selling, general and administrative in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Assumptions made regarding forfeitures in determining the remaining unamortized share-based compensation are re-evaluated periodically. Stock Options The following table summarizes stock option activity: Number of Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Aggregate Intrinsic Value Weighted Average Remaining Term (in years) Stock options outstanding at December 30, 2023 28 $ 117.77 $ 3,940 7.4 Options granted — $ — Options exercised (8) $ 98.88 Options forfeited — $ — Stock options outstanding at December 28, 2024 20 $ 125.17 $ 3,266 6.6 Stock options exercisable at December 28, 2024 16 $ 120.97 $ 2,646 6.4 The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised was $2.0 million, $0.4 million, and $1.1 million for fiscal years 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively. As of December 28, 2024, there was $40,000 of total unrecognized stock compensation expense related to non-vested stock options, which will be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 0.2 years. Restricted Stock Units Restricted stock units are granted to employees and generally vest in equal annual amounts over a three year period. The fair value of restricted stock units is based on the closing price on the date of grant. The following table summarizes activity related to restricted stock units: Number of Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Nonvested restricted stock units at December 30, 2023 79 $ 146.03 Units granted 29 362.70 Units vested (25) 158.76 Units forfeited (8) 208.15 Nonvested restricted stock units at December 28, 2024 75 $ 220.38 As of December 28, 2024, total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested restricted stock units was $10.9 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.4 years. The weighted-average grant date fair value of restricted stock units granted was $362.70, $174.57, and $116.30 in fiscal years 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively. The total fair value of restricted stock units that vested in fiscal years 2024, 2023, and 2022 was $4.0 million, $2.1 million, and $2.0 million, respectively. Performance Stock Units Performance stock units (“PSUs”) represent a right to receive a certain number of shares of common stock based on the achievement of company performance goals and continued employment during the vesting period. Performance stock units cliff-vest at the end of a three year service period or vest in equal annual amounts over a three year period. Vested amounts may range from 0% to a maximum of 250% of targeted amounts depending on the achievement of performance measures at the end of each vesting period. Such performance measures are based on the Company meeting net new restaurant targets, return on incremental investment targets, or sales targets for the vesting period. The fair value of PSUs is based on the closing price on the date of grant. The compensation expense related to these PSUs is recognized over the vesting period when the achievement of the performance conditions becomes probable. The total compensation cost for the PSUs is determined based on the most likely outcome of the performance condition and the number of awards expected to vest. The following table summarizes activity related to performance stock units: Number of Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Nonvested performance stock units at December 30, 2023 81 $ 151.03 Units granted (a) 33 $ 306.61 Units vested (19) $ 132.92 Units forfeited (4) $ 210.22 Nonvested performance stock units at December 28, 2024 91 $ 208.62 (a) Includes 9,000 incremental PSUs earned with respect to the PSUs granted in fiscal year 2021 and vested in fiscal year 2024 at greater than 100% of target based on performance.

Restaurant Transactions

Restaurant Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Business Combination, Asset Acquisition, and Joint Venture Formation [Abstract]
Restaurant Transactions	(16) Restaurant Transactions During fiscal year 2024, the Company completed the sale of seven company-owned restaurants in the New York market to a franchisee for aggregate proceeds of $4.0 million. In connection with the sale of the restaurants, the Company recorded a $1.0 million pre-tax gain on the sale of the related assets and liabilities, which was net of $31,000 reduction in goodwill. The net gain on these restaurant sales was recorded in Gain on sale of restaurants and other expense, net in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income as of December 28, 2024. The Company acquired four restaurants from franchisees during the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024, and three restaurants from franchisees during each of the fiscal years ended December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022. The total purchase prices are reflected in the table below and were all funded by cash flows from operations. The following table summarizes the allocations of the purchase prices to the estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as a result of these acquisitions (in thousands): Fiscal Year December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 Working capital $ 44 $ — $ 17 Property and equipment 253 217 155 Reacquired franchise rights 6,710 5,330 2,000 Goodwill 7,041 5,285 5,637 Total purchase price $ 14,048 $ 10,832 $ 7,809 The results of operations of these restaurants are included in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income since the date of acquisition. The acquisitions were accounted for as business combinations. 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 growth opportunities. All of the goodwill from the acquisitions 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 restaurants 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	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue from Contracts with Customers	(17) Revenue from Contracts with Customers The following table represents a disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers for the fiscal years 2024, 2023, and 2022 (in thousands): Fiscal Year December 28, December 30, December 31, Royalty revenue $ 259,632 $ 186,455 $ 142,900 Advertising fees 217,630 157,138 119,011 Franchise fees 6,080 5,064 4,357 Franchise fee, development fee, and international territory fee payments received by the Company are recorded as deferred revenue on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, 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. As the term of the franchise license is typically ten years, substantially all of the franchise fee revenue recognized in the current fiscal year was included in the deferred revenue balance as of December 30, 2023. Approximately $13.5 million and $9.3 million of deferred revenue as of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, respectively, relates to restaurants that were 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 7.2 years. The Company did not have any material contract assets as of December 28, 2024.

Segment Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	(18) Segment Information In accordance with Segment Reporting, the Company uses the management approach for determining its reportable segments. The management approach is based upon the way that management reviews performance and allocates resources. The Company has one reportable segment: restaurants. The restaurant segment sells food and beverage through its company-owned restaurants as well as collects royalties, franchise fees, and Ad Fund contributions from franchised restaurants. The restaurant segment derives revenue from both company-owned and franchised restaurants domestically and from franchised restaurants across 11 international countries and territories. The Company manages the business activities on a consolidated basis, as Wingstop restaurants all have similar customers, sell similar products, and have a similar process to sell those products. The measure of restaurant segment assets is reported as Total assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The accounting policies of the restaurant segment are the same as those described in Note 1. The Company’s chief operating decision-maker (the “CODM”) is its Chief Executive Officer. The Company measures segment profit using consolidated net income. The CODM uses consolidated net income in deciding whether to reinvest profits into the restaurant segment or into other parts of the Company, such as for acquisitions, share repurchases or to pay dividends. Components of consolidated net income, including SG&A, are used to monitor budget versus actual results in assessing performance of the segment. Financial information for the Company’s reportable segment is as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year December 28, December 30, December 31, Revenue: Royalty revenue, franchise fees and other $ 288,354 $ 207,077 $ 158,614 Advertising fees 217,630 157,138 119,011 Company-owned restaurant sales 119,823 95,840 79,896 Total revenue 625,807 460,055 357,521 Cost of sales: Food, beverage and packaging costs 43,371 31,697 30,579 Labor 28,317 22,963 19,234 Other operating costs 23,025 18,314 15,380 Vendor rebates (3,081) (2,328) (1,798) Total cost of sales 91,632 70,646 63,395 Advertising expenses 233,306 166,583 123,069 Selling, general & administrative: Transaction costs 316 — 310 Consulting fees — 5,150 875 System implementation costs 1,713 — — Stock-based compensation expense 22,060 15,558 4,200 Other segment expense (1) 92,712 76,190 61,676 Total selling, general and administrative 116,801 96,898 67,061 Depreciation and amortization 19,490 13,239 10,899 (Gain) loss on disposal of assets (1,038) 95 1,164 Interest expense, net 21,292 18,227 21,230 Loss on debt extinguishment and financing transactions — — 814 Other (income) expense (2,866) 57 573 Income tax expense 38,473 24,135 16,369 Net income $ 108,717 $ 70,175 $ 52,947 (1)

Pay vs Performance Disclosure

Pay vs Performance Disclosure - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Pay vs Performance Disclosure
Net income	$ 108,717	$ 70,175	$ 52,947

Insider Trading Arrangements

Insider Trading Arrangements	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Trading Arrangements, by Individual
Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted	false
Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted	false
Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated	false
Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated	false

Insider Trading Policies and Pr

Insider Trading Policies and Procedures	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Insider Trading Policies and Procedures [Line Items]
Insider Trading Policies and Procedures Adopted	true

Cybersecurity Risk Management a

Cybersecurity Risk Management and Strategy Disclosure	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Cybersecurity Risk Management, Strategy, and Governance [Line Items]
Cybersecurity Risk Management Processes for Assessing, Identifying, and Managing Threats [Text Block]	As part of the Company’s enterprise risk management program, the Company maintains a comprehensive information security program that is designed to identify, protect against, detect and respond to, and manage cybersecurity threats. The program contains security measures that include, but are not limited to, the following: security policies and procedures; physical and environmental protections; monitoring processes and systems; asset management; risk assessments; a vulnerability management and remediation program; and maintenance of a third-party risk management program. We consult the National Institute of Standards and Technology Cyber Security Framework for guidance and leverage internal and external resources to design and execute our cybersecurity program. The Company also trains employees to understand their role in attempting to protect the Company from cybersecurity attacks. Our information security training program for employees includes computer-based training at hire, annual follow-up training and acknowledgement of our information security policies, regular internal communications, and testing to measure the effectiveness of our information security program. For example, we conduct regular phishing awareness campaigns designed to emulate current threats and provide immediate feedback and, as necessary, additional training or remedial action. In addition, the Company engages third parties to assist in assessing, identifying, and remediating material risks from cybersecurity threats. Our key cybersecurity controls are regularly tested and audited by third-party service providers, which we retain to help identify vulnerabilities in our systems and to help maintain compliance to standards and regulatory requirements. Other third-party service providers are enlisted by the Company for security operations center services to augment our teams’ monitoring capabilities and to assist with our investigation and response to alerts on emerging and ongoing threats. We also maintain a third-party risk management program that includes policies and procedures designed to oversee and manage the cybersecurity risks associated with our third-party service providers. The Company conducts risk assessments at the initial onboarding of vendors or service providers who have access to Company systems or data and, subsequently, at regular intervals in an effort to help determine the severity and scope of risks to Company systems, data and operations. In addition to implementing safeguards that attempt to minimize risks associated with a cybersecurity incident, the Company maintains disaster recovery and business continuity plans that include data backup capabilities. We also have incident response procedures designed to address cybersecurity events that may occur despite the safeguards we have put in place. Further, our incident response procedures and business continuity plans are also designed to assist in responding to breaches of any of our third-party service providers. As of the date of this report, we are not aware of any cybersecurity incidents that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company, including our business strategy, results of operations, or financial condition. In 2024, the Company has continued to make strategic investments in both its technical and organizational measures to further enhance its security capabilities and planning for detecting, preventing, and responding to cybersecurity attacks. Risks from cybersecurity threats that are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company, its business strategy and results of operations or financial condition, include (but are not limited to): data loss; a disruption to our operations; a compromise or corruption of confidential or proprietary information; damage to our employee and business relationships and reputation; increased burden of regulatory compliance; and/or litigation and liability. See our related risk factors in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” for more information about the Company’s risks from cybersecurity threats and how such threats may impact the Company’s business, operations, and financial results.
Cybersecurity Risk Management Processes Integrated [Flag]	true
Cybersecurity Risk Management Processes Integrated [Text Block]	As part of the Company’s enterprise risk management program, the Company maintains a comprehensive information security program that is designed to identify, protect against, detect and respond to, and manage cybersecurity threats. The program contains security measures that include, but are not limited to, the following: security policies and procedures; physical and environmental protections; monitoring processes and systems; asset management; risk assessments; a vulnerability management and remediation program; and maintenance of a third-party risk management program. We consult the National Institute of Standards and Technology Cyber Security Framework for guidance and leverage internal and external resources to design and execute our cybersecurity program.
Cybersecurity Risk Management Third Party Engaged [Flag]	true
Cybersecurity Risk Third Party Oversight and Identification Processes [Flag]	true
Cybersecurity Risk Materially Affected or Reasonably Likely to Materially Affect Registrant [Flag]	false
Cybersecurity Risk Board of Directors Oversight [Text Block]	Our Board classifies cybersecurity and information technology infrastructure among the most significant potential risks to our business in the Company’s enterprise risk management program. The Technology Committee, which consists of five independent directors, is responsible for the oversight of the Company’s cybersecurity and technology-related risks and management’s efforts to monitor and oversee those risks. The Technology Committee oversees these risks in conjunction with the Audit Committee, which also consists entirely of independent directors, and, as necessary, participates in joint meetings with the Audit Committee to discuss these matters. Our Vice President of Information Security and Enterprise Information Technology (“CISO”), who reports to our Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer (“CIO”), oversees our information security program and matters of risk relating to cybersecurity. Our CISO possesses more than 20 years of experience in information technology-related roles, including engineering, governance, and security, undergraduate and post-graduate degrees in information technology and security, and industry-recognized cybersecurity certifications. Our CISO and members of our Information Technology team, including our CIO, periodically provide risk reports to the Board and its committees, including assessments of the Company’s cybersecurity risks, their potential impact on our business operations, and management’s strategies to monitor and mitigate those risks. The committee chairs, in turn, report to the full Board as part of our general risk management process.
Cybersecurity Risk Board Committee or Subcommittee Responsible for Oversight [Text Block]	Our Board classifies cybersecurity and information technology infrastructure among the most significant potential risks to our business in the Company’s enterprise risk management program. The Technology Committee, which consists of five independent directors, is responsible for the oversight of the Company’s cybersecurity and technology-related risks and management’s efforts to monitor and oversee those risks. The Technology Committee oversees these risks in conjunction with the Audit Committee, which also consists entirely of independent directors, and, as necessary, participates in joint meetings with the Audit Committee to discuss these matters.
Cybersecurity Risk Process for Informing Board Committee or Subcommittee Responsible for Oversight [Text Block]	The Technology Committee, which consists of five independent directors, is responsible for the oversight of the Company’s cybersecurity and technology-related risks and management’s efforts to monitor and oversee those risks.
Cybersecurity Risk Role of Management [Text Block]	Our Board classifies cybersecurity and information technology infrastructure among the most significant potential risks to our business in the Company’s enterprise risk management program. The Technology Committee, which consists of five independent directors, is responsible for the oversight of the Company’s cybersecurity and technology-related risks and management’s efforts to monitor and oversee those risks. The Technology Committee oversees these risks in conjunction with the Audit Committee, which also consists entirely of independent directors, and, as necessary, participates in joint meetings with the Audit Committee to discuss these matters. Our Vice President of Information Security and Enterprise Information Technology (“CISO”), who reports to our Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer (“CIO”), oversees our information security program and matters of risk relating to cybersecurity. Our CISO possesses more than 20 years of experience in information technology-related roles, including engineering, governance, and security, undergraduate and post-graduate degrees in information technology and security, and industry-recognized cybersecurity certifications. Our CISO and members of our Information Technology team, including our CIO, periodically provide risk reports to the Board and its committees, including assessments of the Company’s cybersecurity risks, their potential impact on our business operations, and management’s strategies to monitor and mitigate those risks. The committee chairs, in turn, report to the full Board as part of our general risk management process.
Cybersecurity Risk Management Positions or Committees Responsible [Flag]	true
Cybersecurity Risk Management Positions or Committees Responsible [Text Block]	Our Vice President of Information Security and Enterprise Information Technology (“CISO”), who reports to our Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer (“CIO”), oversees our information security program and matters of risk relating to cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity Risk Management Expertise of Management Responsible [Text Block]	Our CISO possesses more than 20 years of experience in information technology-related roles, including engineering, governance, and security, undergraduate and post-graduate degrees in information technology and security, and industry-recognized cybersecurity certifications.
Cybersecurity Risk Process for Informing Management or Committees Responsible [Text Block]	Our CISO and members of our Information Technology team, including our CIO, periodically provide risk reports to the Board and its committees, including assessments of the Company’s cybersecurity risks, their potential impact on our business operations, and management’s strategies to monitor and mitigate those risks. The committee chairs, in turn, report to the full Board as part of our general risk management process.
Cybersecurity Risk Management Positions or Committees Responsible Report to Board [Flag]	true

Basis of Presentation and Sum_2

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation	(a) Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Wingstop Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Fiscal Year End	(b) Fiscal Year End The Company uses a 52/53-week fiscal year that ends on the last Saturday of the calendar year. Fiscal years 2024, 2023, and 2022 included 52, 52, and 53 weeks, respectively. The 53 rd week in fiscal 2022 fell in the fiscal fourth quarter.
Use of Estimates	(c) Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions, primarily related to long-lived asset valuation, indefinite and finite lived intangible asset valuation, income taxes, investments, leases, stock-based compensation, contingencies, and common stock equity valuations. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period. Although management bases its estimates on historical experience and assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash	(d) Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash The Company continually monitors its positions with, and the credit quality of, the financial institutions in which it maintains its deposits and investments. As of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, the Company maintained balances in various cash accounts in excess of federally insured limits. All highly liquid instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less are considered cash equivalents.
Accounts Receivable	(e) Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts, consists primarily of accrued royalty fee receivables, collected weekly in arrears, and vendor rebates. Management determines the allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical losses and current economic conditions. On a continuing basis, management analyzes delinquent receivables, which are charged off against the existing allowance account when determined to be uncollectible.
Inventories	(f) Inventories Inventories, which consist of food and beverage products, paper goods, and supplies, are valued at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or net realizable value.
Cloud Computing Arrangements	(g) Cloud Computing Arrangements
Property and Equipment	Property and equipment is recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation. Cost includes all direct costs necessary to acquire and prepare assets for use or to develop or obtain internal-use software, including internal labor. At the time property and equipment are retired, the asset and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any resulting gain or loss is included in earnings. The Company expenses repair and maintenance costs that maintain the appearance and functionality of the restaurant but do not extend the useful life of any restaurant asset. Improvements to leased properties are depreciated over the shorter of their useful life or the lease term, which includes a fixed, non-cancelable lease term plus any reasonably assured renewal periods. See Note 6 for additional information.
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets	(i) Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets
Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets	(j) Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets The Company’s indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of goodwill and trademarks, which are not subject to amortization. We generally record goodwill in connection with the acquisition of restaurants from franchisees. On an annual basis (October 1 st of each fiscal year) and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable, the Company reviews the recoverability of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets. No indications of impairment were identified during fiscal years 2024, 2023, or 2022. It is possible that changes in circumstances or changes in management’s judgments, assumptions, and estimates could result in an impairment charge of a portion or all of its goodwill or other intangible assets.
Foreign Currency Translation	(k) Foreign Currency Translation The foreign currency translation adjustment included in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income represents the unrealized impact of translating our foreign investment. This amount is not included in Net income and would only be realized upon disposition of our investment. The related Accumulated other comprehensive loss is presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Revenue Recognition	(l) Revenue Recognition Revenues consist primarily of royalties, national advertising fund (the "Ad Fund") contributions (advertising fees), initial and renewal franchise fees, and upfront fees from development agreements and international territory agreements. The Company's performance obligations under its 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 contributions, development of training materials and menu items, and restaurant monitoring. These performance obligations are highly interrelated, so they are not considered to be individually distinct and therefore are accounted for as a single performance obligation, which is satisfied by providing a right to use the Company's intellectual property over the term of each franchise agreement. Franchise fee, development fee and international territory fee payments received by the Company before the restaurant opens are recorded as deferred revenue in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Royalties, including franchisee contributions to the Ad 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. The Company's franchise agreement royalties, inclusive of Ad Fund contributions, represent sales-based royalties that are related entirely to the Company's performance obligation under the franchise agreement and are recognized as franchised restaurant sales occur, payable weekly. Additionally, initial and renewal franchise fees are recognized as revenue on a straight-line basis over the term of the respective agreement. The Company's 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 apportioned to each franchised restaurant opened and accounted for as an initial franchise fee. The Company records food and beverage revenues from company-owned restaurants upon sale to the customer. The Company collects and remits sales, food and beverage, alcoholic beverage, and hospitality taxes on transactions with customers and reports such amounts under the net method in its Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Accordingly, these taxes are not included in gross revenue. The Company records a liability in the period in which a gift card is sold. As gift cards are redeemed, the liability is reduced. When gift cards are redeemed at a franchisee-operated restaurant, the revenue and related administrative costs are recognized by the franchisee. The Company recognizes revenue and related administrative costs when gift cards are redeemed at company-owned restaurants.
Consideration from Vendors	(m) Consideration from Vendors
Advertising Expenses	(n) Advertising Expenses The Company administers the Ad Fund, for which a percentage of gross sales is collected from domestic restaurant franchisees and company-owned restaurants to be used for various forms of advertising for the Wingstop brand. Effective the first day of the fiscal second quarter of 2024, domestic franchisees’ contribution rates to the national advertising fund increased to 5.3%, up from 5%, of gross sales. The national advertising fund contribution rate was 5% for fiscal year 2023. The Company administers and directs the development of all advertising and promotion programs in the Ad Fund for which it collects advertising contributions in accordance with the provisions of its franchise agreements. The Company has a contractual obligation with regard to these advertising contributions. The Company consolidates and reports all assets and liabilities of the Ad Fund as restricted assets of the Ad Fund and liabilities of the Ad Fund within current assets and current liabilities, respectively, in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 28, 2024, the restricted assets and liabilities of the Ad Fund consisted of $23.7 million of cash and cash equivalents, $9.0 million of accounts receivable, $15.3 million of accrued expenses, and $17.3 million of accounts payable. As of December 30, 2023, the restricted assets and liabilities of the Ad Fund consisted of $18.8 million of cash and cash equivalents, $6.6 million of accounts receivable, $17.2 million of accrued expenses, and $8.1 million of accounts payable. Pursuant to the Company’s franchise agreements, use of Ad Fund contributions is 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 that are directly associated with administering the Ad Fund, as outlined in the provisions of the applicable franchise agreements.
Leases	(o) Leases The Company determines whether an arrangement is a lease at inception and leases restaurants and office space under operating leases. Most lease agreements contain tenant improvement allowances, rent holidays, rent escalation clauses, and/or contingent rent provisions. For leases with renewal periods at the Company’s option, the Company determines the expected lease period based on whether the renewal of any options are reasonably certain at the inception of the lease. For purposes of measurement and amortization of the right-of-use asset and associated lease liability over the terms of the leases, the Company uses the date it takes possession of the leased space for construction purposes at the beginning of the lease term, which is generally two
Stock-Based Compensation	(p) Stock-Based Compensation The Company measures stock-based compensation cost at fair value on the date of grant for all share-based awards and recognizes compensation expense over the service period that the awards are expected to vest. The Company has elected to recognize compensation cost for graded-vesting awards subject only to a service condition over the requisite service period of the entire award. For performance awards, the Company recognizes expense in the period in which vesting becomes probable. The Company accounts for forfeitures as they occur.
Income Taxes	(q) Income Taxes Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Under this method, a deferred tax asset or liability is recognized for the estimated future tax effects attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement basis and the tax basis of assets and liabilities as well as tax credit carry-forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the period of the change. The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return including all of its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Judgment is required in evaluating the Company’s uncertain tax positions and determining the Company’s income tax expense. The Company assesses the income tax position and records the liabilities for all years subject to examination based upon management’s evaluation of the facts, circumstances, and information available at the reporting date.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	(r) Recent Accounting Pronouncements In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures . The ASU includes amendments requiring enhanced income tax disclosures, primarily related to standardization and disaggregation of rate reconciliation categories and income taxes paid by jurisdiction. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted, and can be applied either prospectively or retrospectively. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASU on our disclosures. In November 2024, Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued ASU 2024-03, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income - Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses , which requires, for each relevant expense caption on the income statement, detailed disclosure amounts for purchases of inventory, employee compensation, depreciation, and intangible asset amortization. The amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2026, with early adoption permitted, and can be applied either prospectively or retrospectively. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASU on our disclosures. Recently adopted In November 2023, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosure (“Segment Reporting”). The ASU updates reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through requiring enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses and information used to assess segment performance. The Company adopted this guidance for the fiscal year ending December 28, 2024. Refer to Note 18 for our disclosure related to business segments. We reviewed all other recently issued accounting pronouncements and concluded that they were either not applicable or not expected to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Basis of Presentation and Sum_3

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash within the Consolidated Balance Sheets that are included in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023 were as follows (in thousands): December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 Cash and cash equivalents $ 315,910 $ 90,216 Restricted cash 20,868 11,444 Restricted cash, included in Advertising fund assets, restricted 22,796 18,016 Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $ 359,574 $ 119,676
Schedule of Restricted Cash	Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash within the Consolidated Balance Sheets that are included in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023 were as follows (in thousands): December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 Cash and cash equivalents $ 315,910 $ 90,216 Restricted cash 20,868 11,444 Restricted cash, included in Advertising fund assets, restricted 22,796 18,016 Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $ 359,574 $ 119,676
Schedule of Property and Equipment Estimated Useful Lives	Depreciation is recorded using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives: Property and Equipment Estimated Useful Lives Building 40 years Leasehold and other improvements Lesser of 7 to 10 years or the expected lease term Equipment, furniture and fixtures 3 to 7 years Capitalized software 3 to 10 years Property and equipment, net, consisted of the following (in thousands): December 28, December 30, Building $ 15,769 $ 15,769 Construction in progress 15,088 46,675 Equipment, furniture and fixtures 21,900 41,268 Leasehold and other improvements 37,560 26,599 Capitalized software 79,186 — Land 2,828 2,828 Property and equipment, gross 172,331 133,139 Less: accumulated depreciation (46,378) (41,847) Property and equipment, net $ 125,953 $ 91,292

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
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): Fiscal Year December 28, December 30, December 31, Basic weighted average shares outstanding 29,262 29,769 29,893 Dilutive shares 122 87 70 Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 29,384 29,856 29,963

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Fair Value Measurements	Fair value of debt is determined on a non-recurring basis, which results are summarized as follows (in thousands): Fair Value Hierarchy December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Securitized Financing Facility: 2020-1 Class A-2 Senior Secured Notes (1) Level 2 $ 472,800 $ 439,846 $ 472,800 $ 423,823 2022-1 Class A-2 Senior Secured Notes (1) Level 2 $ 248,125 $ 230,905 $ 248,125 $ 222,370 2024-1 Class A-2 Senior Secured Notes (1) Level 2 $ 500,000 $ 496,050 $ — $ — Investments in bonds of LPH (Note 10) (2) Level 3 $ 3,699 $ 4,560 $ 3,557 $ 4,306 (1) The fair value of the 2020-1, 2022-1, and 2024-1 Class A-2 Senior Secured Notes was estimated using available market information. (2) The fair value approximates discounted cash flows using current market rates for debt investments with similar maturities and credit risk.

Accounts Receivable, net (Table

Accounts Receivable, net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Receivables [Abstract]
Schedule of Accounts Receivable, Net	Accounts receivable, net, consist of the following (in thousands): December 28, December 30, Vendor rebates receivable $ 7,575 $ 5,311 Royalties receivable 8,641 5,717 Other receivables, net 3,445 1,380 Accounts receivable, net $ 19,661 $ 12,408

Property and Equipment (Tables)

Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of Property and Equipment	Depreciation is recorded using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives: Property and Equipment Estimated Useful Lives Building 40 years Leasehold and other improvements Lesser of 7 to 10 years or the expected lease term Equipment, furniture and fixtures 3 to 7 years Capitalized software 3 to 10 years Property and equipment, net, consisted of the following (in thousands): December 28, December 30, Building $ 15,769 $ 15,769 Construction in progress 15,088 46,675 Equipment, furniture and fixtures 21,900 41,268 Leasehold and other improvements 37,560 26,599 Capitalized software 79,186 — Land 2,828 2,828 Property and equipment, gross 172,331 133,139 Less: accumulated depreciation (46,378) (41,847) Property and equipment, net $ 125,953 $ 91,292

Intangible Assets and Goodwill

Intangible Assets and Goodwill (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill	The following is a summary of goodwill balances and activity (in thousands): December 28, December 30, Balance, beginning of period $ 67,708 $ 62,514 Acquisition of restaurants, net 7,010 5,194 Balance, end of period $ 74,718 $ 67,708
Schedule of Intangible Assets, Excluding Goodwill	Intangible assets, excluding goodwill, consisted of the following (in thousands): December 28, December 30, Weighted Average Amortization Period (in years) Intangible assets: Trademarks $ 32,700 $ 32,700 Indefinite-lived assets 32,700 32,700 Customer relationships 26,300 26,300 20.0 Franchise rights (1) 20,879 14,168 7.2 Less: accumulated amortization (27,814) (24,488) Definite-lived assets 19,365 15,980 15.8 Intangible assets, net $ 52,065 $ 48,680 (1) Included within Other non-current assets net of associated accumulated amortization within the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Schedule of Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense	Estimated amortization expense, for the five succeeding fiscal years and the aggregate thereafter is (in thousands): Fiscal year 2025 $ 3,613 Fiscal year 2026 3,368 Fiscal year 2027 3,230 Fiscal year 2028 3,041 Fiscal year 2029 2,834 Thereafter 3,279 Total $ 19,365

Other Current Liabilities (Tabl

Other Current Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Other Current Liabilities	Other current liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands): December 28, December 30, Accrued payroll and incentive compensation $ 15,516 $ 14,331 Current portion of deferred revenues 5,963 4,846 Other accrued liabilities 25,303 19,394 Total $ 46,782 $ 38,571

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Income Tax Expense	Income tax expense for the fiscal years 2024, 2023, and 2022 consisted of the following (in thousands): Fiscal Year December 28, December 30, December 31, Current expense Federal $ 32,597 $ 19,398 $ 15,909 State 6,389 4,586 3,384 Foreign 1,296 610 328 Deferred expense (benefit) Federal (1,533) (314) (2,996) State (276) (145) (256) Income tax expense $ 38,473 $ 24,135 $ 16,369
Schedule of US Federal Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	A reconciliation of income tax at the U.S. federal statutory tax rate (using a statutory tax rate of 21%) to income tax expense for fiscal years 2024, 2023, and 2022 in dollars is as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year December 28, December 30, December 31, Expected income tax expense at statutory rate $ 30,910 $ 19,777 $ 14,556 Excess tax benefits from equity compensation (2,404) (1,275) (522) Non-deductible expenses 5,954 3,106 935 State tax expense, net of federal benefit 4,771 3,164 2,090 Foreign tax expense 1,296 610 328 Foreign tax and other tax credits (2,708) (1,760) (1,001) Increase in unrecognized tax benefit 672 398 337 Other (18) 115 (354) Income tax expense $ 38,473 $ 24,135 $ 16,369
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities)	The components of deferred tax assets (liabilities) were as follows (in thousands): December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 Deferred tax assets: Deferred revenue $ 6,671 $ 6,067 Accrued incentive compensation 2,096 1,596 Stock based compensation 1,766 1,444 Lease liabilities 13,601 4,720 Intangible assets 294 196 Other 1,112 1,365 Net operating loss carry-forwards and credits 538 827 Valuation allowance (577) (577) 25,501 15,638 Deferred tax liabilities: Intangible assets (11,008) (10,397) Right of use assets (11,227) (4,464) Property and equipment (4,351) (4,498) (26,586) (19,359) Net deferred tax liability $ (1,085) $ (3,721)
Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands): Balance as of December 26, 2021 $ 1,055 Additions for tax positions of prior years — Subtractions for tax positions of prior years (27) Additions for tax positions of current year 270 Subtractions for tax positions of current year — Balance as of December 31, 2022 1,298 Additions for tax positions of prior years — Subtractions for tax positions of prior years (65) Additions for tax positions of current year 468 Subtractions for tax positions of current year — Balance as of December 30, 2023 1,701 Additions for tax positions of prior years — Subtractions for tax positions of prior years (118) Additions for tax positions of current year 740 Subtractions for tax positions of current year — Balance as of December 28, 2024 $ 2,323

Debt Obligations (Tables)

Debt Obligations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments	Long-term debt consisted of the following components (in thousands): December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 2020-1 Class A-2 Senior Secured Notes $ 472,800 472,800 2022-1 Class A-2 Senior Secured Notes 248,125 248,125 2024-1 Class A-2 Senior Secured Notes 500,000 — Debt issuance costs, net of amortization (14,724) (8,598) Less: current portion of debt — — Long-term debt, net $ 1,206,201 $ 712,327
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	As of December 28, 2024, the scheduled principal payments on debt were as follows (in thousands): Fiscal year 2025 $ — Fiscal year 2026 — Fiscal year 2027 472,800 Fiscal year 2028 — Fiscal year 2029 248,125 Thereafter 500,000 Total $ 1,220,925

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Leases [Abstract]
Schedule of Lease Expense	Components of lease expense were as follows (in thousands): Year Ended December 28, December 30, December 31, Operating lease cost (1) $ 6,813 $ 3,523 $ 3,244 Variable lease cost (2) 987 733 448 Total lease cost $ 7,800 $ 4,256 $ 3,692 (1) Includes short-term leases, which are immaterial. (2) Primarily related to adjustments for inflation, common area maintenance, and property tax. Supplemental cash flow information related to leases is as follows (in thousands): Year Ended December 28, December 30, December 31, Operating cash flow information: Cash paid (received) for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities (1) $ (3,658) $ 3,348 $ 3,543 Non-cash activity: Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities $ 43,101 $ 6,346 $ 3,923 (1) Includes tenant improvement reimbursements received.
Schedule of Supplemental Balance Sheet Information Related to Operating Leases	Supplemental balance sheet information related to our operating leases is as follows (in thousands): Year Ended Balance Sheet Classification December 28, December 30, Right-of-use assets Other non-current assets $ 49,046 $ 19,092 Current lease liabilities Other current liabilities 1,059 2,380 Non-current lease liabilities Other non-current liabilities 58,169 17,807
Schedule of Weighted Average Lease Term and Discount Rate Information	Weighted average lease term and discount rate information related to leases was as follows: Year Ended December 28, December 30, December 31, Weighted average remaining lease term of operating leases 11.3 years 7.1 years 7.5 years Weighted average discount rate of operating leases 6.08 % 4.52 % 3.86 %
Schedule of Future Maturities of Lease Liabilities	Maturities of lease liabilities by fiscal year are as follows (in thousands): Fiscal year 2025 $ 4,248 Fiscal year 2026 7,789 Fiscal year 2027 7,665 Fiscal year 2028 7,714 Fiscal year 2029 7,390 Thereafter 51,842 Total future minimum lease payments 86,648 Less: imputed interest (27,420) Total lease liabilities $ 59,228

Stock-Based Compensation (Table

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Schedule of Stock Option Activity	The following table summarizes stock option activity: Number of Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Aggregate Intrinsic Value Weighted Average Remaining Term (in years) Stock options outstanding at December 30, 2023 28 $ 117.77 $ 3,940 7.4 Options granted — $ — Options exercised (8) $ 98.88 Options forfeited — $ — Stock options outstanding at December 28, 2024 20 $ 125.17 $ 3,266 6.6 Stock options exercisable at December 28, 2024 16 $ 120.97 $ 2,646 6.4
Schedule of Restricted and Performance Stock Unit Activity	The following table summarizes activity related to restricted stock units: Number of Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Nonvested restricted stock units at December 30, 2023 79 $ 146.03 Units granted 29 362.70 Units vested (25) 158.76 Units forfeited (8) 208.15 Nonvested restricted stock units at December 28, 2024 75 $ 220.38
Schedule of Non-vested Options Activity	The following table summarizes activity related to performance stock units: Number of Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Nonvested performance stock units at December 30, 2023 81 $ 151.03 Units granted (a) 33 $ 306.61 Units vested (19) $ 132.92 Units forfeited (4) $ 210.22 Nonvested performance stock units at December 28, 2024 91 $ 208.62 (a) Includes 9,000 incremental PSUs earned with respect to the PSUs granted in fiscal year 2021 and vested in fiscal year 2024 at greater than 100% of target based on performance.

Restaurant Transactions (Tables

Restaurant Transactions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Business Combination, Asset Acquisition, and Joint Venture Formation [Abstract]
Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation for Acquisitions	The following table summarizes the allocations of the purchase prices to the estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as a result of these acquisitions (in thousands): Fiscal Year December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 Working capital $ 44 $ — $ 17 Property and equipment 253 217 155 Reacquired franchise rights 6,710 5,330 2,000 Goodwill 7,041 5,285 5,637 Total purchase price $ 14,048 $ 10,832 $ 7,809

Revenue from Contracts with C_2

Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Schedule of Disaggregation of Revenue	The following table represents a disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers for the fiscal years 2024, 2023, and 2022 (in thousands): Fiscal Year December 28, December 30, December 31, Royalty revenue $ 259,632 $ 186,455 $ 142,900 Advertising fees 217,630 157,138 119,011 Franchise fees 6,080 5,064 4,357

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule to Financial Information for the Company’s Reportable Segment	Financial information for the Company’s reportable segment is as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year December 28, December 30, December 31, Revenue: Royalty revenue, franchise fees and other $ 288,354 $ 207,077 $ 158,614 Advertising fees 217,630 157,138 119,011 Company-owned restaurant sales 119,823 95,840 79,896 Total revenue 625,807 460,055 357,521 Cost of sales: Food, beverage and packaging costs 43,371 31,697 30,579 Labor 28,317 22,963 19,234 Other operating costs 23,025 18,314 15,380 Vendor rebates (3,081) (2,328) (1,798) Total cost of sales 91,632 70,646 63,395 Advertising expenses 233,306 166,583 123,069 Selling, general & administrative: Transaction costs 316 — 310 Consulting fees — 5,150 875 System implementation costs 1,713 — — Stock-based compensation expense 22,060 15,558 4,200 Other segment expense (1) 92,712 76,190 61,676 Total selling, general and administrative 116,801 96,898 67,061 Depreciation and amortization 19,490 13,239 10,899 (Gain) loss on disposal of assets (1,038) 95 1,164 Interest expense, net 21,292 18,227 21,230 Loss on debt extinguishment and financing transactions — — 814 Other (income) expense (2,866) 57 573 Income tax expense 38,473 24,135 16,369 Net income $ 108,717 $ 70,175 $ 52,947 (1)

Basis of Presentation and Sum_4

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Overview (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024 restaurant
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of restaurants (in restaurants)	2,563
Franchised Units
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of restaurants (in restaurants)	2,513
Proportion of restaurants that are franchised (as a percent)	98%
Franchised Units | Non-US
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of restaurants (in restaurants)	359
Entity Operated Units
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of restaurants (in restaurants)	50

Basis of Presentation and Sum_5

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Cash and Restricted Cash (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 25, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 315,910	$ 90,216
Restricted cash	20,868	11,444
Restricted cash, included in Advertising fund assets, restricted	22,796	18,016
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	$ 359,574	$ 119,676	$ 205,715	$ 54,906

Basis of Presentation and Sum_6

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Property and Equipment [Line Items]
Impairment of long-lived assets	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Building
Property and Equipment [Line Items]
Building, equipment, furniture and fixtures useful life (in years)	40 years
Leasehold and other improvements | Minimum
Property and Equipment [Line Items]
Building, equipment, furniture and fixtures useful life (in years)	7 years
Leasehold and other improvements | Maximum
Property and Equipment [Line Items]
Building, equipment, furniture and fixtures useful life (in years)	10 years
Equipment, furniture and fixtures | Minimum
Property and Equipment [Line Items]
Building, equipment, furniture and fixtures useful life (in years)	3 years
Equipment, furniture and fixtures | Maximum
Property and Equipment [Line Items]
Building, equipment, furniture and fixtures useful life (in years)	7 years
Capitalized software | Minimum
Property and Equipment [Line Items]
Computer software useful life (in years)	3 years
Capitalized software | Maximum
Property and Equipment [Line Items]
Computer software useful life (in years)	10 years

Basis of Presentation and Sum_7

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Consideration from Vendors (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Incentives from vendors recognized	$ 25.3	$ 17.7	$ 13.1
Cost of Sales
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Incentives from vendors recognized	$ 3.1	$ 2.3	$ 1.8

Basis of Presentation and Sum_8

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Advertising Expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2023	Apr. 01, 2023	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Revenue collected for advertising fund (as a percent)	5.30%	5%
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents			$ 315,910	$ 90,216
Accounts receivable, net			19,661	12,408
Accounts payable			6,943	4,725
Cost of Sales
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Advertising expenses			6,300	4,900	$ 3,600
Ad Funds
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents			23,700	18,800
Accounts receivable, net			9,000	6,600
Accrued expenses			15,300	17,200
Accounts payable			$ 17,300	$ 8,100

Basis of Presentation and Sum_9

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Leases (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Minimum
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Lease possession period before restaurant's opening date (in months)	2 months
Maximum
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Lease possession period before restaurant's opening date (in months)	3 months

Earnings Per Share - Summary (D

Earnings Per Share - Summary (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	29,262	29,769	29,893
Dilutive shares (in shares)	122	87	70
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	29,384	29,856	29,963

Earnings Per Share - Narrative

Earnings Per Share - Narrative (Details) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Equity awards outstanding (in shares)	1,000	0	19,000

Stockholders' Deficit (Details)

Stockholders' Deficit (Details) - USD ($)				12 Months Ended
	Feb. 18, 2025	Dec. 09, 2024	Aug. 23, 2023	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 05, 2024	Aug. 17, 2023
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, common stock				$ 28,700,000	$ 24,400,000	$ 21,500,000
Dividends payable per share (in usd per share)					$ 0.82	$ 0.72
Purchases of common stock				$ 317,067,000	$ 126,276,000
Stock repurchased (in shares)				720,804	645,952
Share Repurchase Authorization
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Stock repurchase, authorized amount							$ 500,000,000	$ 250,000,000
Share repurchase program, remaining authorized, amount				$ 311,100,000
ASR Agreement
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Stock repurchase, authorized amount		$ 250,000,000	$ 125,000,000
Purchases of common stock		$ 250,000,000	$ 125,000,000
Stock repurchased (in shares)		551,325	645,952	169,479
Percentage of total shares expected to be delivered		75%
Stock repurchased average share price (in usd per share)		$ 328.54	$ 193.51	$ 377.09
Ordinary Dividends 2024
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends payable per share (in usd per share)				$ 0.98
Special Dividends 2024
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, common stock						$ 119,500,000
Special Dividends 2023
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends, common stock					$ 0
Special Dividends 2022
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends payable per share (in usd per share)						$ 4
Subsequent event
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends payable per share (in usd per share)	$ 0.27
Dividends payable	$ 7,700,000

Fair Value Measurements (Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Nonrecurring - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023
Level 2 | Carrying Value | 2020-1 Class A-2 Senior Secured Notes
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt instrument at fair value	$ 472,800	$ 472,800
Level 2 | Carrying Value | 2022-1 Class A-2 Senior Secured Notes
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt instrument at fair value	248,125	248,125
Level 2 | Carrying Value | 2024-1 Class A-2 Senior Secured Notes
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt instrument at fair value	500,000	0
Level 2 | Fair Value | 2020-1 Class A-2 Senior Secured Notes
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt instrument at fair value	439,846	423,823
Level 2 | Fair Value | 2022-1 Class A-2 Senior Secured Notes
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt instrument at fair value	230,905	222,370
Level 2 | Fair Value | 2024-1 Class A-2 Senior Secured Notes
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt instrument at fair value	496,050	0
Level 3 | Carrying Value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments at fair value	3,699	3,557
Level 3 | Fair Value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments at fair value	$ 4,560	$ 4,306

Accounts Receivable, net (Detai

Accounts Receivable, net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, net	$ 19,661	$ 12,408
Vendor rebates receivable
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, net	7,575	5,311
Royalties receivable
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, net	8,641	5,717
Other receivables, net
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, net	$ 3,445	$ 1,380

Property and Equipment - Summar

Property and Equipment - Summary of Property and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023
Property and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 172,331	$ 133,139
Less: accumulated depreciation	(46,378)	(41,847)
Property and equipment, net	125,953	91,292
Building
Property and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	15,769	15,769
Construction in progress
Property and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	15,088	46,675
Equipment, furniture and fixtures
Property and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	21,900	41,268
Leasehold and other improvements
Property and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	37,560	26,599
Capitalized software
Property and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	79,186	0
Land
Property and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 2,828	$ 2,828

Property and Equipment - Narrat

Property and Equipment - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Depreciation expense	$ 16.2	$ 10.6	$ 8.7

Intangible Assets and Goodwil_2

Intangible Assets and Goodwill - Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill balance, beginning of period	$ 67,708	$ 62,514
Acquisition of restaurants, net	7,010	5,194
Goodwill balance, end of period	$ 74,718	$ 67,708

Intangible Assets and Goodwil_3

Intangible Assets and Goodwill - Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived assets	$ 32,700	$ 32,700
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Less: accumulated amortization	(27,814)	(24,488)
Intangible assets, net	52,065	48,680
Trademarks
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived assets	32,700	32,700
Customer relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Definite-lived assets, gross	26,300	26,300
Definite-lived assets	$ 6,476	7,740
Weighted Average Amortization Period (in years)	20 years
Franchise rights
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Definite-lived assets, gross	$ 20,879	14,168
Weighted Average Amortization Period (in years)	7 years 2 months 12 days
Customer relationships and franchise rights
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Definite-lived assets	$ 19,365	$ 15,980
Weighted Average Amortization Period (in years)	15 years 9 months 18 days

Intangible Assets and Goodwil_4

Intangible Assets and Goodwill - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortization expense of intangible assets	$ 3.3	$ 2.7	$ 2.2

Intangible Assets and Goodwil_5

Intangible Assets and Goodwill - Amortization (Details) - Customer relationships and franchise rights - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Fiscal year 2025	$ 3,613
Fiscal year 2026	3,368
Fiscal year 2027	3,230
Fiscal year 2028	3,041
Fiscal year 2029	2,834
Thereafter	3,279
Total	$ 19,365	$ 15,980

Other Current Liabilities - Oth

Other Current Liabilities - Other Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Accrued payroll and incentive compensation	$ 15,516	$ 14,331
Current portion of deferred revenues	5,963	4,846
Other accrued liabilities	25,303	19,394
Total	$ 46,782	$ 38,571

Income Taxes - Income Tax Expen

Income Taxes - Income Tax Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Current expense
Federal	$ 32,597	$ 19,398	$ 15,909
State	6,389	4,586	3,384
Foreign	1,296	610	328
Deferred expense (benefit)
Federal	(1,533)	(314)	(2,996)
State	(276)	(145)	(256)
Income tax expense	$ 38,473	$ 24,135	$ 16,369

Income Taxes - Reconciliation o

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount [Abstract]
US federal statutory tax rate	21%	21%	21%
Expected income tax expense at statutory rate	$ 30,910	$ 19,777	$ 14,556
Excess tax benefits from equity compensation	(2,404)	(1,275)	(522)
Non-deductible expenses	5,954	3,106	935
State tax expense, net of federal benefit	4,771	3,164	2,090
Foreign tax expense	1,296	610	328
Foreign tax and other tax credits	(2,708)	(1,760)	(1,001)
Increase in unrecognized tax benefit	672	398	337
Other	(18)	115	(354)
Income tax expense	$ 38,473	$ 24,135	$ 16,369

Income Taxes - Deferred Tax Ass

Income Taxes - Deferred Tax Asset and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023
Deferred tax assets:
Deferred revenue	$ 6,671	$ 6,067
Accrued incentive compensation	2,096	1,596
Stock based compensation	1,766	1,444
Lease liabilities	13,601	4,720
Intangible assets	294	196
Other	1,112	1,365
Net operating loss carry-forwards and credits	538	827
Valuation allowance	(577)	(577)
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance	25,501	15,638
Deferred tax liabilities:
Intangible assets	(11,008)	(10,397)
Right of use assets	(11,227)	(4,464)
Property and equipment	(4,351)	(4,498)
Deferred tax liabilities	(26,586)	(19,359)
Net deferred tax liability	$ (1,085)	$ (3,721)

Income Taxes - Narrative (Detai

Income Taxes - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 25, 2021
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Valuation allowance	$ 577	$ 577
Accrued interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits	900	700
Unrecognized tax benefits	2,323	1,701	$ 1,298	$ 1,055
State and Local Jurisdiction
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforward	$ 23,300	$ 23,300

Income Taxes - Unrecognized Tax

Income Taxes - Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Roll Forward]
Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of period	$ 1,701	$ 1,298	$ 1,055
Additions for tax positions of prior years	0	0	0
Subtractions for tax positions of prior years	(118)	(65)	(27)
Additions for tax positions of current year	740	468	270
Subtractions for tax positions of current year	0	0	0
Unrecognized tax benefits, end of period	$ 2,323	$ 1,701	$ 1,298

Investments (Details)

Investments (Details) - Lemmon Pepper Holdings Ltd - USD ($) $ in Millions	2 Months Ended
	Feb. 19, 2025	Dec. 28, 2024
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investments		$ 4.8
Additional ownership percentage acquired		15%
Aggregate amount of equity method investments		$ 76
Subsequent event
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Proceeds from Sale of Equity Method Investments	$ 107

Debt Obligations - Components o

Debt Obligations - Components of Long-term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Mar. 26, 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt issuance costs, net of amortization	$ (14,724)	$ (8,598)
Less: current portion of debt	0	0
Long-term debt, net	1,206,201	712,327
2020-1 Class A-2 Senior Secured Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Gross debt	472,800	472,800
2022-1 Class A-2 Senior Secured Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Gross debt	248,125	248,125
Debt issuance costs, net of amortization			$ (5,500)
2024-1 Class A-2 Senior Secured Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Gross debt	$ 500,000	$ 0

Debt Obligations - Schedule of

Debt Obligations - Schedule of Maturities (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 28, 2024 USD ($)
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Fiscal year 2025	$ 0
Fiscal year 2026	0
Fiscal year 2027	472,800
Fiscal year 2028	0
Fiscal year 2029	248,125
Thereafter	500,000
Total	$ 1,220,925

Debt Obligations - Narrative (D

Debt Obligations - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 26, 2022	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 03, 2024	Dec. 02, 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Loss on debt extinguishment		$ 0	$ 0	$ 814,000
Debt issuance costs incurred		$ 14,724,000	$ 8,598,000
2022-1 Class A-2 Senior Secured Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior secured note fixed interest rate (as a percent)		3.734%
Debt issuance costs incurred	$ 5,500,000
Debt instrument, annual amortization, percentage		1%
2020-1 Class A-2 Senior Secured Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior secured note fixed interest rate (as a percent)		2.84%
Covenant, leverage ratio		5
Debt instrument, annual amortization, percentage		1%
2022 Variable Funding Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, unused capacity, draw fee percentage		0.60%
Commitment fee on unused portion of note facility (in basis points)		0.30%
2022 Variable Funding Notes | Line of credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit		$ 0
2020 Variable Funding Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Loss on debt extinguishment	$ 800,000
2020 Variable Funding Notes | Line of credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit		$ 0
Line of credit | Secured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity for line of credit					$ 300,000,000
Line of credit | 2024-1 Class A-2 Senior Secured Notes | Secured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt face amount					$ 500,000,000
Senior secured note fixed interest rate (as a percent)					5.858%
Line of credit | 2022-1 Class A-2 Senior Secured Notes | Secured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity for line of credit					$ 300,000,000	$ 200,000,000

Leases - Narrative (Details)

Leases - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 28, 2024	Mar. 30, 2024
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating lease term of contract (in years)		13 years 9 months 18 days
Total future minimum lease payments	$ 86,648	$ 66,900
Minimum
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating lease term of contract (in years)	10 months 24 days
Maximum
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating lease term of contract (in years)	13 years 2 months 12 days
Operating lease renewal term (in years)	10 years

Leases - Components of Lease Ex

Leases - Components of Lease Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease cost	$ 6,813	$ 3,523	$ 3,244
Variable lease cost	987	733	448
Total lease cost	7,800	4,256	3,692
Operating cash flow information:
Cash paid (received) for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities	(3,658)	3,348	3,543
Non-cash activity:
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities	$ 43,101	$ 6,346	$ 3,923

Leases - Supplemental Balance S

Leases - Supplemental Balance Sheet Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023
Leases [Abstract]
Right-of-use assets	$ 49,046	$ 19,092
Current lease liabilities	1,059	2,380
Non-current lease liabilities	$ 58,169	$ 17,807

Leases - Weighted Average Infor

Leases - Weighted Average Information (Details)	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Leases [Abstract]
Weighted average remaining lease term of operating leases (in years)	11 years 3 months 18 days	7 years 1 month 6 days	7 years 6 months
Weighted average discount rate of operating leases (as a percent)	6.08%	4.52%	3.86%

Leases - Maturities of Lease Li

Leases - Maturities of Lease Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 28, 2024	Mar. 30, 2024
Leases [Abstract]
Fiscal year 2025	$ 4,248
Fiscal year 2026	7,789
Fiscal year 2027	7,665
Fiscal year 2028	7,714
Fiscal year 2029	7,390
Thereafter	51,842
Total future minimum lease payments	86,648	$ 66,900
Less: imputed interest	(27,420)
Total lease liabilities	$ 59,228

Employee Benefit Plan (Details)

Employee Benefit Plan (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Matching contributions	$ 1.2	$ 1.1	$ 0.9

Stock-Based Compensation - Stoc

Stock-Based Compensation - Stock Option Plan (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands, shares in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 22,100	$ 15,600	$ 4,200
Share-based payment arrangement, forfeited	800	1,300
Intrinsic value of stock options	2,000	$ 400	$ 1,100
Stock-based compensation expense, unrecognized	$ 40
Employee Stock Option
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense, recognition period (in years)	2 months 12 days
2015 Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Plan expiration period (in years)	10 years
Shares available for future grants (in shares)	1.8

Stock-Based Compensation - Sche

Stock-Based Compensation - Schedule of Stock Option Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023
Number of Shares (in thousands)
Options outstanding at beginning of period (in shares)	28
Options granted (in shares)	0
Options exercised (in shares)	(8)
Options forfeited (in shares)	0
Options outstanding at end of period (in shares)	20	28
Options exercisable (in shares)	16
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Weighted average exercise price of options outstanding at beginning of period (in usd per share)	$ 117.77
Weighted average exercise price of options granted (in usd per share)	0
Weighted average exercise price of options exercised (in usd per share)	98.88
Weighted average exercise price of options forfeited (in usd per share)	0
Weighted average exercise price of options outstanding at end of period (in usd per share)	125.17	$ 117.77
Weighted average exercise price of options exercisable (in usd per share)	$ 120.97
Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands)
Aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding	$ 3,266	$ 3,940
Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercisable	$ 2,646
Weighted Average Remaining Term (in years)
Weighted average remaining term of options outstanding (in years)	6 years 7 months 6 days	7 years 4 months 24 days
Weighted average remaining term of options exercisable (in years)	6 years 4 months 24 days

Stock-Based Compensation - Sc_2

Stock-Based Compensation - Schedule of Restricted Stock Units (Details) - Restricted Stock Units - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Award vesting period (in years)	3 years
Unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested RSUs	$ 10.9
Stock-based compensation expense, recognition period (in years)	1 year 4 months 24 days
Weighted average fair value at grant date, granted (in usd per share)	$ 362.70	$ 174.57	$ 116.30
Fair value of restricted stock units, vested	$ 4	$ 2.1	$ 2
Number of Shares (in thousands)
Outstanding at beginning of period (in shares)	79
Units granted (in shares)	29
Units vested (in shares)	(25)
Units forfeited (in shares)	(8)
Outstanding at end of period (in shares)	75	79
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Weighted average fair value at grant date at beginning of period (in usd per share)	$ 146.03
Weighted average fair value at grant date, granted (in usd per share)	362.70	$ 174.57	$ 116.30
Weighted average fair value at grant date, vested (in usd per share)	158.76
Weighted average fair value at grant date, forfeited (in usd per share)	208.15
Weighted average fair value at grant date at end of period (in usd per share)	$ 220.38	$ 146.03

Stock-Based Compensation - Sc_3

Stock-Based Compensation - Schedule of Performance Stock Units (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Performance Stock Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Performance units, service period (in years)	3 years
Unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested RSUs	$ 18.7
Stock-based compensation expense, recognition period (in years)	10 months 24 days
Weighted average fair value at grant date, granted (in usd per share)	$ 306.61	$ 145.15	$ 127.20
Fair value of performance stock units, vested	$ 2.5	$ 3.1	$ 1.7
Number of Shares (in thousands)
Outstanding at beginning of period (in shares)	81
Units granted (in shares)	33
Units vested (in shares)	(19)
Units forfeited (in shares)	(4)
Outstanding at end of period (in shares)	91	81
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Weighted average fair value at grant date at beginning of period (in usd per share)	$ 151.03
Weighted average fair value at grant date, granted (in usd per share)	306.61	$ 145.15	$ 127.20
Weighted average fair value at grant date, vested (in usd per share)	132.92
Weighted average fair value at grant date, forfeited (in usd per share)	210.22
Weighted average fair value at grant date at end of period (in usd per share)	$ 208.62	$ 151.03
Performance Stock Units | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
PSU vesting percentage (as a percent)	0%
Performance Stock Units | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
PSU vesting percentage (as a percent)	250%
Incremental Performance Stock Units
Number of Shares (in thousands)
Units vested (in shares)	(9)

Restaurant Transactions - Narra

Restaurant Transactions - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024 USD ($) restaurant	Dec. 30, 2023 restaurant	Dec. 31, 2022 restaurant
Business Combination, Asset Acquisition, and Joint Venture Formation [Abstract]
Number of restaurants sold to existing franchisees | restaurant	7
Proceeds from sale of restaurants	$ 4,000
Pre-tax gain on sale	1,000
Reduction in goodwill related to sale of restaurants	$ 31
Number of restaurants acquired from franchisees | restaurant	4	3	3

Restaurant Transactions - Alloc

Restaurant Transactions - Allocation of Acquisition Purchase Price (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 74,718	$ 67,708	$ 62,514
Restaurant Transactions
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Working capital	44	0	17
Property and equipment	253	217	155
Reacquired franchise rights	6,710	5,330	2,000
Goodwill	7,041	5,285	5,637
Total purchase price	$ 14,048	$ 10,832	$ 7,809

Revenue from Contracts with C_3

Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 625,807	$ 460,055	$ 357,521
Average franchise license term (in years)	10 years
Deferred revenue not yet being amortized	$ 13,500	9,300
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2024-12-29
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Remaining amortization period for deferred revenue related to open restaurants (in years)	7 years 2 months 12 days
Royalty revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 259,632	186,455	142,900
Advertising fees
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	217,630	157,138	119,011
Franchise fees
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 6,080	$ 5,064	$ 4,357

Segment Information - Narrative

Segment Information - Narrative (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024 segment territory
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments | segment	1
Number of countries and territories | territory	11

Segment Information - Financial

Segment Information - Financial Information for the Company’s Reportable Segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue		$ 625,807	$ 460,055	$ 357,521
Cost of sales:
Total cost of sales	[1]	91,632	70,646	63,395
Advertising expenses		233,306	166,583	123,069
Selling, general & administrative:
Stock-based compensation expense		22,100	15,600	4,200
Total selling, general and administrative		116,801	96,898	67,061
Depreciation and amortization		19,490	13,239	10,899
(Gain) loss on disposal of assets		(1,038)	95	1,164
Interest expense, net		21,292	18,227	21,230
Loss on debt extinguishment and financing transactions		0	0	814
Other (income) expense		(2,866)	57	573
Income tax expense		38,473	24,135	16,369
Restaurants Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue		625,807	460,055	357,521
Cost of sales:
Food, beverage and packaging costs		43,371	31,697	30,579
Labor		28,317	22,963	19,234
Other operating costs		23,025	18,314	15,380
Vendor rebates		(3,081)	(2,328)	(1,798)
Total cost of sales		91,632	70,646	63,395
Advertising expenses		233,306	166,583	123,069
Selling, general & administrative:
Transaction costs		316	0	310
Consulting fees		0	5,150	875
System implementation costs		1,713	0	0
Stock-based compensation expense		22,060	15,558	4,200
Other segment expense		92,712	76,190	61,676
Total selling, general and administrative		116,801	96,898	67,061
Depreciation and amortization		19,490	13,239	10,899
(Gain) loss on disposal of assets		(1,038)	95	1,164
Interest expense, net		21,292	18,227	21,230
Loss on debt extinguishment and financing transactions		0	0	814
Other (income) expense		(2,866)	57	573
Income tax expense		38,473	24,135	16,369
Net income		108,717	70,175	52,947
Royalty revenue, franchise fees and other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue		288,354	207,077	158,614
Royalty revenue, franchise fees and other | Restaurants Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue		288,354	207,077	158,614
Advertising fees
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue		217,630	157,138	119,011
Advertising fees | Restaurants Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue		217,630	157,138	119,011
Company-owned restaurant sales
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue		119,823	95,840	79,896
Company-owned restaurant sales | Restaurants Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue		$ 119,823	$ 95,840	$ 79,896
[1]Cost of sales includes all operating expenses of company-owned restaurants, including advertising expenses, and excludes depreciation and amortization, which are presented separately.