The Wendy's Company (WEN) 10-Q 11 May 16 2016 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2016	May. 05, 2016
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	WENDY'S CO
Entity Central Index Key	30,697
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--01-01
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Apr. 3, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		266,532,514

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 03, 2016	Jan. 03, 2016
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 312,923	$ 327,216
Restricted cash	41,782	42,869
Accounts and notes receivable	87,999	104,854
Inventories	3,607	4,312
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	74,179	69,919
Advertising funds restricted assets	86,865	67,399
Total current assets	607,355	616,569
Properties	1,235,596	1,227,944
Goodwill	767,455	770,781
Other intangible assets	1,333,584	1,339,587
Investments	61,253	58,369
Other assets	145,067	95,470
Total assets	4,150,310	4,108,720
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt	23,462	23,290
Accounts payable	36,369	53,681
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	110,299	124,404
Advertising funds restricted liabilities	86,865	67,399
Total current liabilities	256,995	268,774
Long-term debt	2,478,581	2,402,823
Deferred income taxes	452,173	459,713
Other liabilities	228,972	224,496
Total liabilities	$ 3,416,721	$ 3,355,806
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, $0.10 par value; 1,500,000 shares authorized; 470,424 shares issued	$ 47,042	$ 47,042
Additional paid-in capital	2,873,246	2,874,752
Accumulated deficit	(347,486)	(356,632)
Common stock held in treasury, at cost; 202,028 and 198,109 shares, respectively	(1,781,511)	(1,741,425)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(57,702)	(70,823)
Total stockholders’ equity	733,589	752,914
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 4,150,310	$ 4,108,720

Condensed Consolidated Balance3

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets Balance Sheet Parentheticals - $ / shares shares in Thousands	Apr. 03, 2016	Jan. 03, 2016
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Common Stock, Par Value	$ 0.10	$ 0.10
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	1,500,000	1,500,000
Common Stock, Shares Issued	470,424	470,424
Treasury Stock, Shares	202,028	198,109

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2016	Mar. 29, 2015
Revenues:
Sales	$ 259,332	$ 357,569
Franchise revenues	119,455	94,200
Revenues	378,787	451,769
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales	214,736	305,111
General and administrative	64,646	59,698
Depreciation and amortization	32,345	35,545
System optimization (gains) losses, net	(8,426)	805
Reorganization and realignment costs	3,250	4,613
Impairment of long-lived assets	7,105	1,937
Other operating expense, net	1,302	6,149
Costs and expenses	314,958	413,858
Operating profit	63,829	37,911
Interest expense	(28,109)	(12,743)
Other income, net	262	239
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	35,982	25,407
Provision for income taxes	(10,619)	(7,257)
Income from continuing operations	25,363	18,150
Net income from discontinued operations	0	9,357
Net income	$ 25,363	$ 27,507
Basic income per share:
Continuing operations	$ 0.09	$ 0.05
Discontinued operations	0	0.03
Net income	0.09	0.08
Diluted income per share:
Continuing operations	0.09	0.05
Discontinued operations	0	0.03
Net income	0.09	0.07
Dividends per share	$ 0.06	$ 0.055

Condensed Consolidated Stateme5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2016	Mar. 29, 2015
Net income	$ 25,363	$ 27,507
Other comprehensive income (loss), net:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	12,676	(17,395)
Change in unrecognized pension loss, net of income tax benefit of $124	0	(203)
Effect of cash flow hedges, net of income tax (provision) benefit of $(278) and $1,502, respectively	445	(2,466)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	13,121	(20,064)
Comprehensive income	$ 38,484	$ 7,443

Condensed Consolidated Stateme6

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2016	Mar. 29, 2015
Change in unrecognized pension loss, net of income tax benefit of $124	$ 0	$ 124
Effect of cash flow hedges, net of income tax (provision) benefit of $(278) and $1,502, respectively	$ (278)	$ 1,502

Condensed Consolidated Stateme7

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2016	Mar. 29, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 25,363	$ 27,507
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	33,290	36,880
Share-based compensation	5,081	5,068
Impairment of long-lived assets	7,105	1,937
Deferred income tax	(8,365)	9,309
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	(933)	(26,978)
Non-cash rent (income) expense, net	(1,962)	1,789
Net receipt (recognition) of deferred vendor incentives	12,810	(2,532)
System optimization (gains) losses, net	(8,426)	813
Distributions received from TimWen joint venture	2,689	2,378
Equity in earnings in joint ventures, net	(1,899)	(2,042)
Accretion of long-term debt	304	300
Amortization of deferred financing costs	1,869	615
Reclassification of unrealized losses on cash flow hedges	723	0
Other, net	2,804	(2,804)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Restricted cash	42	0
Accounts and notes receivable	(1,843)	(5,040)
Inventories	431	891
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(3,665)	(5,641)
Accounts payable	854	4,043
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	(18,998)	(24,753)
Net cash provided by operating activities	47,274	21,740
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(38,858)	(61,280)
Acquisitions	(2,209)	(1,232)
Dispositions	41,185	6,283
Payments for investments	(64)	(2,000)
Notes receivable, net	(1,327)	(151)
Changes in restricted cash	1,045	0
Net cash used in investing activities	(228)	(58,380)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayments of long-term debt	(6,696)	(9,444)
Deferred financing costs	(138)	(112)
Repurchases of common stock	(47,601)	(36,963)
Dividends	(16,214)	(20,199)
Proceeds from stock option exercises	3,674	17,124
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	933	26,978
Net cash used in financing activities	(66,042)	(22,616)
Net cash used in operations before effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(18,996)	(59,256)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	4,703	(5,158)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(14,293)	(64,414)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	327,216	267,276
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	312,923	202,862
Cash paid for:
Interest	26,045	11,968
Income taxes, net of refunds	2,421	4,093
Supplemental non-cash investing and financing activities:
Capital expenditures included in accounts payable	13,847	30,781
Capitalized lease obligations	$ 79,946	$ 11,588

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements (the “Financial Statements”) of The Wendy’s Company (“The Wendy’s Company” and, together with its subsidiaries, the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our”) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and, therefore, do not include all information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In our opinion, the Financial Statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly our financial position as of April 3, 2016 and the results of our operations and cash flows for the three months ended April 3, 2016 and March 29, 2015 . The results of operations for the three months ended April 3, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full 2016 fiscal year. These Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements for The Wendy’s Company and notes thereto, included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2016 (the “Form 10-K”). The principal subsidiary of the Company is Wendy’s International, LLC and its subsidiaries (“Wendy’s”). The Company manages and internally reports its business geographically. The operation and franchising of Wendy’s ® restaurants in North America (defined as the United States of America (“U.S.”) and Canada) comprises virtually all of our current operations and represents a single reportable segment. The revenues and operating results of Wendy’s restaurants outside of North America are not material. We report on a fiscal year consisting of 52 or 53 weeks ending on the Sunday closest to December 31. All three month periods presented herein contain 13 weeks. All references to years and quarters relate to fiscal periods rather than calendar periods. On May 31, 2015, Wendy’s completed the sale of its company-owned bakery, The New Bakery Company, LLC and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Bakery”), a 100% owned subsidiary of Wendy’s. As a result of the sale of the Bakery, as further discussed in Note 2, the Bakery’s results of operations for the three months ended March 29, 2015 have been included in “Net income from discontinued operations” in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. In connection with the reimaging of restaurants as part of our Image Activation program, we have recorded accelerated depreciation of $1,822 during the three months ended April 3, 2016, on certain long-lived assets to reflect their use over shortened estimated useful lives. We describe the circumstances under which we record accelerated depreciation and amortization for properties in our Form 10-K. Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year presentation to conform to the current year presentation.

Discontinued Operations

Discontinued Operations	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2016
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Discontinued Operations	Discontinued Operations On May 31, 2015, Wendy’s completed the sale of 100% of its membership interest in the Bakery to East Balt US, LLC (the “Buyer”) for $78,500 in cash (subject to customary purchase price adjustments). The Company also assigned certain capital leases for transportation equipment to the Buyer but retained the related obligation. Pursuant to the sale agreement, the Company was obligated to continue to provide health insurance benefits to the Bakery’s employees at the Company’s expense through December 31, 2015. In conjunction with the Bakery sale, Wendy’s entered into a transition services agreement with the Buyer, pursuant to which Wendy’s provided certain continuing corporate and shared services to the Buyer through March 31, 2016 for no additional consideration. A purchasing cooperative, Quality Supply Chain Co-op, Inc. (“QSCC”), established by Wendy’s and its franchisees, agreed to continue to source sandwich buns from the Bakery, for a specified time period following the sale of the Bakery. As a result, Wendy’s paid the Buyer $2,602 for the purchase of sandwich buns during the three months ended April 3, 2016 , which has been recorded to “Cost of sales.” Information related to the Bakery has been reflected in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements as follows: • Balance sheets - As a result of our sale of the Bakery on May 31, 2015, there are no remaining Bakery assets and liabilities. • Statements of operations - The Bakery’s results of operations for the three months ended March 29, 2015 have been presented as discontinued operations. • Statements of cash flows - The Bakery’s cash flows for the three months ended March 29, 2015 have been included in, and not separately reported from, our consolidated cash flows. The following table presents the Bakery’s results of operations which have been included in discontinued operations: Three Months Ended March 29, Revenues (a) $ 14,477 Cost of sales (b) 1,839 16,316 General and administrative (614 ) Depreciation and amortization (c) (1,335 ) Other expense, net (d) (22 ) Income from discontinued operations before income taxes 14,345 Provision for income taxes (4,988 ) Net income from discontinued operations $ 9,357 _______________ (a) Includes sales of sandwich buns and related products previously reported in “Sales” as well as rental income. (b) Amount includes a reduction to cost of sales of $12,486 , as further described in the Form 10-K, resulting from the reversal of a liability recorded during 2013 associated with the Bakery’s withdrawal from a multiemployer pension plan. (c) Included in “Depreciation and amortization” in our condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the periods presented. (d) Includes net losses on sales of other assets. During the three months ended March 29, 2015, the Bakery received cash proceeds of $9 resulting in net losses on sales of other assets of $8 . The Bakery’s capital expenditures were $587 for the three months ended March 29, 2015 , which are included in “Capital expenditures” in our condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.

System Optimization (Gains) Los

System Optimization (Gains) Losses, Net	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
System Optimization (Gains) Losses, Net	System Optimization (Gains) Losses, Net In July 2013, the Company announced a system optimization initiative, as part of its brand transformation, which includes a shift from company-owned restaurants to franchised restaurants over time, through acquisitions and dispositions, as well as helping to facilitate franchisee-to-franchisee restaurant transfers. In February 2015, the Company announced plans to sell approximately 540 additional restaurants to franchisees and reduce its ongoing company-owned restaurant ownership to approximately 5% of the total system by the end of 2016. During 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company completed the sale of 327 , 255 and 244 company-owned restaurants to franchisees, respectively, which included the sale of all of its company-owned restaurants in Canada. In addition, the Company helped facilitate the transfer of 113 restaurants between franchisees during the three months ended April 3, 2016. The Company expects to complete its plan to reduce company-owned restaurant ownership to approximately 5% of the total system with the sale of approximately 260 restaurants during the remainder of 2016, of which 86 restaurants were classified as held for sale as of April 3, 2016. Gains and losses recognized on dispositions are recorded to “ System optimization (gains) losses, net ” in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. Costs related to our system optimization initiative are recorded to “ Reorganization and realignment costs ,” and include severance and employee related costs, professional fees and other associated costs, which are further described in Note 5. The following is a summary of the disposition activity recorded as a result of our system optimization initiative: Three Months Ended April 3, March 29, Number of restaurants sold to franchisees 55 17 Proceeds from sales of restaurants $ 39,615 $ 4,581 Net assets sold (a) (17,055 ) (2,222 ) Goodwill related to sales of restaurants (6,376 ) (1,023 ) Net unfavorable leases (b) (4,906 ) (528 ) Other (795 ) (402 ) 10,483 406 Post-closing adjustments on sales of restaurants (2,135 ) (1,573 ) Gain (loss) on sales of restaurants, net 8,348 (1,167 ) Gain on sales of other assets, net (c) 78 362 System optimization gains (losses), net $ 8,426 $ (805 ) _______________ (a) Net assets sold consisted primarily of inventory and equipment. (b) During the three months ended April 3, 2016 and March 29, 2015 , the Company recorded favorable lease assets of $183 and $2,379 , respectively, and unfavorable lease liabilities of $5,089 and $2,907 , respectively, as a result of leasing and/or subleasing land, buildings, and/or leasehold improvements to franchisees, in connection with sales of restaurants. (c) During the three months ended April 3, 2016 and March 29, 2015 , the Company received cash proceeds of $1,570 and $1,693 , respectively, primarily from the sale of surplus properties. Assets Held for Sale April 3, January 3, 2016 Number of restaurants classified as held for sale 86 99 Net restaurant assets held for sale (a) $ 41,622 $ 50,262 Other assets held for sale (a) $ 6,925 $ 7,124 _______________ (a) Net restaurant assets held for sale include company-owned restaurants and consist primarily of cash, inventory, equipment and an estimate of allocable goodwill. Other assets held for sale primarily consist of surplus properties. Assets held for sale are included in “ Prepaid expenses and other current assets .”

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2016
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	Acquisitions The table below presents the allocation of the total purchase price to the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed for acquisitions of franchised restaurants: Three Months Ended April 3, March 29, Restaurants acquired from franchisees 2 4 Total consideration paid, net of cash received $ 2,209 $ 1,232 Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed: Properties 2,218 1,350 Acquired franchise rights — 780 Other assets 9 109 Capital leases obligations — (706 ) Unfavorable leases — (440 ) Other liabilities (18 ) (40 ) Total identifiable net assets 2,209 1,053 Goodwill $ — $ 179

Reorganization and Realignment

Reorganization and Realignment Costs	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2016
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block]	Reorganization and Realignment Costs The following is a summary of the initiatives included in “Reorganization and realignment costs:” Three Months Ended April 3, March 29, G&A realignment $ 527 $ 4,163 System optimization initiative 2,723 450 Reorganization and realignment costs $ 3,250 $ 4,613 G&A Realignment In November 2014, the Company initiated a plan to reduce its general and administrative expenses. The plan included a realignment and reinvestment of resources to focus primarily on accelerated restaurant development and consumer-facing restaurant technology to drive long-term growth. The Company achieved the majority of the expense reductions through the realignment of its U.S. field operations and savings at its Restaurant Support Center in Dublin, Ohio, which was substantially completed by the end of the second quarter of 2015. The Company recognized costs totaling $527 during the three months ended April 3, 2016 and $23,795 in aggregate since inception. The Company expects to incur additional costs aggregating approximately $1,300 during the remainder of 2016, comprised primarily of recruitment and relocation costs for the reinvestment in resources to drive long-term growth. The following is a summary of the activity recorded as a result of our G&A realignment plan: Three Months Ended Total Incurred Since Inception April 3, March 29, Severance and related employee costs (a) $ (24 ) $ 1,982 $ 14,904 Recruitment and relocation costs 540 470 2,407 Other 11 32 148 527 2,484 17,459 Share-based compensation (b) — 1,679 6,336 Total G&A realignment $ 527 $ 4,163 $ 23,795 _______________ (a) The three months ended April 3, 2016 includes a reversal of an accrual of $32 as a result of a change in estimate. (b) Represents incremental share-based compensation resulting from the modification of stock options and performance-based awards in connection with the termination of employees under our G&A realignment plan. The tables below present a rollforward of our accruals for our G&A realignment plan, which are included in “Accrued expenses and other current liabilities” and “Other liabilities.” Balance January 3, 2016 Charges Payments Balance April 3, 2016 Severance and related employee costs $ 3,431 $ (24 ) $ (1,673 ) $ 1,734 Recruitment and relocation costs 144 540 (386 ) 298 Other — 11 (11 ) — $ 3,575 $ 527 $ (2,070 ) $ 2,032 Balance December 28, 2014 Charges Payments Balance March 29, 2015 Severance and related employee costs $ 11,609 $ 1,982 $ (3,386 ) $ 10,205 Recruitment and relocation costs 149 470 (398 ) 221 Other 5 32 (37 ) — $ 11,763 $ 2,484 $ (3,821 ) $ 10,426 System Optimization Initiative The Company has recognized costs related to its system optimization initiative which includes a shift from company-owned restaurants to franchised restaurants over time, through acquisitions and dispositions, as well as helping to facilitate franchisee-to-franchisee restaurant transfers. The Company expects to incur additional costs of approximately $5,900 during the remainder of 2016, which are primarily comprised of professional fees of approximately $5,200 and accelerated amortization of previously acquired franchise rights related to company-owned restaurants in territories that will be sold to franchisees of approximately $700 . The following is a summary of the costs recorded as a result of our system optimization initiative: Three Months Ended Total Incurred Since Inception April 3, March 29, Severance and related employee costs $ — $ 326 $ 18,152 Professional fees 1,701 41 10,874 Other 77 83 5,548 1,778 450 34,574 Accelerated depreciation and amortization (a) 945 — 24,743 Share-based compensation (b) — — 5,013 Total system optimization initiative $ 2,723 $ 450 $ 64,330 _______________ (a) Primarily includes accelerated amortization of previously acquired franchise rights related to company-owned restaurants in territories that will be or have been sold in connection with our system optimization initiative. (b) Represents incremental share-based compensation resulting from the modification of stock options and performance-based awards in connection with the termination of employees under our system optimization initiative. The tables below present a rollforward of our accrual for our system optimization initiative, which is included in “Accrued expenses and other current liabilities.” Balance January 3, 2016 Charges Payments Balance April 3, 2016 Severance and related employee costs $ 77 $ — $ (16 ) $ 61 Professional fees 708 1,701 (1,988 ) 421 Other 90 77 (117 ) 50 $ 875 $ 1,778 $ (2,121 ) $ 532 Balance December 28, 2014 Charges Payments Balance March 29, 2015 Severance and related employee costs $ 2,235 $ 326 $ (1,999 ) $ 562 Professional fees 146 41 (52 ) 135 Other 423 83 (3 ) 503 $ 2,804 $ 450 $ (2,054 ) $ 1,200

Investments

Investments	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2016
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Investments	Investments Equity Investments Wendy’s has a 50% share in a partnership in a Canadian restaurant real estate joint venture (“TimWen”) with a subsidiary of Restaurant Brands International Inc., a quick-service restaurant company that owns the Tim Hortons ® brand. (Tim Hortons ™ is a registered trademark of Tim Hortons USA Inc.) In addition, the Company has a 20% share in a joint venture for the operation of Wendy’s restaurants in Brazil (the “Brazil JV”). The Company has significant influence over these investees. Such investments are accounted for using the equity method of accounting, under which our results of operations include our share of the income (loss) of the investees in “Other operating expense, net.” Presented below is an unaudited summary of activity related to our investment in TimWen and the Brazil JV included in “Investments” in our condensed consolidated financial statements: Three Months Ended April 3, March 29, Balance at beginning of period $ 55,541 $ 69,790 Investment 64 — Equity in earnings for the period 2,449 2,625 Amortization of purchase price adjustments (a) (550 ) (583 ) 1,899 2,042 Distributions received (2,689 ) (2,378 ) Foreign currency translation adjustment included in “Other comprehensive income (loss), net” 3,609 (5,476 ) Balance at end of period $ 58,424 $ 63,978 _______________ (a) Purchase price adjustments which impacted the carrying value of the Company’s investment in TimWen are being amortized over the average original aggregate life of 21 years.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Valuation techniques under the accounting guidance related to fair value measurements are based on observable and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect readily obtainable data from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our market assumptions. These inputs are classified into the following hierarchy: Level 1 Inputs - Quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. Level 2 Inputs - Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable. Level 3 Inputs - Pricing inputs are unobservable for the assets or liabilities and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the assets or liabilities. The inputs into the determination of fair value require significant management judgment or estimation. Financial Instruments The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments: April 3, January 3, Carrying Amount Fair Value Carrying Amount Fair Value Fair Value Measurements Financial assets Cash equivalents $ 58,386 $ 58,386 $ 45,339 $ 45,339 Level 1 Non-current cost method investments (a) 2,829 269,393 2,828 249,870 Level 3 Financial liabilities Series 2015-1 Class A-2-I Notes (b) 870,625 853,648 872,813 849,106 Level 2 Series 2015-1 Class A-2-II Notes (b) 895,500 871,254 897,750 879,795 Level 2 Series 2015-1 Class A-2-III Notes (b) 497,500 483,060 498,750 484,648 Level 2 7% debentures, due in 2025 (b) 87,361 101,000 87,057 100,500 Level 2 Guarantees of franchisee loan obligations (c) 839 839 851 851 Level 3 _______________ (a) The fair value of our indirect investment in Arby’s Restaurant Group, Inc. (“Arby’s”) is based on applying a multiple to Arby’s adjusted earnings before income taxes, depreciation and amortization per its current unaudited financial information. The carrying value of our indirect investment in Arby’s was reduced to zero during 2013 in connection with the receipt of a dividend. The fair values of our remaining investments are not significant and are based on our review of information provided by the investment managers or investees which was based on (1) valuations performed by the investment managers or investees, (2) quoted market or broker/dealer prices for similar investments and (3) quoted market or broker/dealer prices adjusted by the investment managers for legal or contractual restrictions, risk of nonperformance or lack of marketability, depending upon the underlying investments. (b) The fair values were based on quoted market prices in markets that are not considered active markets. (c) Wendy’s has provided loan guarantees to various lenders on behalf of franchisees entering into debt arrangements for new restaurant development and equipment financing. In addition during 2012, Wendy’s provided a guarantee to a lender for a franchisee in connection with the refinancing of the franchisee’s debt. We have accrued a liability for the fair value of these guarantees, the calculation of which was based upon a weighted average risk percentage established at inception adjusted for a history of defaults. The carrying amounts of cash, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximated fair value due to the short-term nature of those items. The carrying amounts of accounts and notes receivable (both current and non-current) approximated fair value due to the effect of the related allowance for doubtful accounts. Our cash and cash equivalents and guarantees are the only financial assets and liabilities measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Derivative Instruments The Company’s primary objective for entering into interest rate swap agreements was to manage its exposure to changes in interest rates, as well as to maintain an appropriate mix of fixed and variable rate debt. Our derivative instruments for the three months ended March 29, 2015 included seven forward starting interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges to change the floating rate interest payments associated with $350,000 and $100,000 in borrowings under the Term A Loans and Term B Loans, respectively, to fixed rate interest payments beginning June 30, 2015 and maturing on December 31, 2017. In May 2015, the Company terminated these interest rate swaps and paid $7,275 , which was recorded against the derivative liability. The unrealized loss on the cash flow hedges at termination of $7,275 is being reclassified on a straight-line basis from “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” to “Interest expense” beginning June 30, 2015, the original effective date of the interest rate swaps through December 31, 2017, the original maturity date of the interest rate swaps. As a result, the three months ended April 3, 2016 include the reclassification of unrealized losses on the cash flow hedges of $723 from “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” to “Interest expense.” There was no hedge ineffectiveness from these cash flows hedges through their termination in May 2015. Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements Assets and liabilities remeasured to fair value on a non-recurring basis during the three months ended April 3, 2016 and the year ended January 3, 2016 resulted in impairment which we have recorded to “Impairment of long-lived assets” in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. Total losses for the three months ended April 3, 2016 and the year ended January 3, 2016 reflect the impact of remeasuring long-lived assets held and used (including land, buildings, leasehold improvements and favorable lease assets) to fair value as a result of the Company’s decision to lease and/or sublease the land and/or buildings to franchisees in connection with the sale or anticipated sale of restaurants. Total losses for the year ended January 3, 2016 also include the impact of remeasuring long-lived assets held and used (including land, buildings, leasehold improvements and favorable lease assets) to fair value as a result of declines in operating performance at company-owned restaurants. The fair value of long-lived assets held and used presented in the tables below represents the remaining carrying value and was estimated based on either discounted cash flows of future anticipated lease and sublease income or current market values. Total losses for the three months ended April 3, 2016 and the year ended January 3, 2016 also include the impact of remeasuring long-lived assets held for sale which primarily include surplus properties. The fair values of long-lived assets held for sale presented in the tables below represent the remaining carrying value and were estimated based on current market values. See Note 8 for more information on impairment of our long-lived assets. Fair Value Measurements Three Months Ended April 3, 2016 Total Losses April 3, Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Held and used $ 4,247 $ — $ — $ 4,247 $ 7,001 Held for sale 967 — — 967 104 Total $ 5,214 $ — $ — $ 5,214 $ 7,105 Fair Value Measurements 2015 Total Losses January 3, 2016 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Held and used $ 10,244 $ — $ — $ 10,244 $ 22,346 Held for sale 4,328 — — 4,328 2,655 Total $ 14,572 $ — $ — $ 14,572 $ 25,001

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2016
Asset Impairment Charges [Abstract]
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets During the three months ended April 3, 2016 and March 29, 2015 , the Company recorded impairment charges on long-lived assets as a result of (1) the Company’s decision to lease and/or sublease properties to franchisees in connection with the sale or anticipated sale of company-owned restaurants and (2) closing company-owned restaurants and classifying such properties as held for sale. The Company may recognize additional impairment charges resulting from leasing or subleasing additional properties to franchisees in connection with sales of company-owned restaurants to franchisees. Additionally, during the three months ended March 29, 2015 , the Company recorded impairment charges on long-lived assets as a result of the deterioration in operating performance of certain company-owned restaurants and charges for capital improvements in restaurants impaired in prior years which did not subsequently recover. The following is a summary of impairment losses recorded, which represent the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of the affected assets and are included in “Impairment of long-lived assets.” Three Months Ended April 3, March 29, Restaurants leased or subleased to franchisees $ 7,001 $ 705 Surplus properties 104 758 Company-owned restaurants — 474 $ 7,105 $ 1,937

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The Company’s effective tax rate on income from continuing operations for the three months ended April 3, 2016 and March 29, 2015 was 29.5% and 28.6% , respectively. The Company’s effective tax rate varies from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% due to the effect of (1) changes to valuation allowances on state net operating loss carryforwards, (2) state income taxes net of federal benefits, including changes to state deferred taxes, (3) the impact of non-deductible goodwill disposed of in connection with our system optimization initiative described in Note 3, (4) foreign rate differential, (5) employment credits and (6) adjustments related to prior year tax matters, including changes to unrecognized tax benefits. During the three months ended March 29, 2015, we concluded two state income tax examinations which resulted in the recognition of a net tax benefit of $1,872 .

Net Income Per Share

Net Income Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Income Per Share	Net Income Per Share Basic net income per share was computed by dividing net income amounts by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. The weighted average number of shares used to calculate basic and diluted net income per share were as follows: Three Months Ended April 3, March 29, Common stock: Weighted average basic shares outstanding 270,214 366,584 Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted shares 4,536 6,624 Weighted average diluted shares outstanding 274,750 373,208 Diluted net income per share for the three months ended April 3, 2016 and March 29, 2015 was computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of basic shares outstanding plus the potential common share effect of dilutive stock options and restricted shares. We excluded potential common shares of 3,726 and 765 for the three months ended April 3, 2016 and March 29, 2015 , respectively, from our diluted net income per share calculation as they would have had anti-dilutive effects.

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' Equity	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	Stockholders’ Equity Stockholders’ Equity The following is a summary of the changes in stockholders’ equity: Three Months Ended April 3, March 29, Balance at beginning of period $ 752,914 $ 1,717,576 Comprehensive income 38,484 7,443 Cash dividends (16,214 ) (20,199 ) Repurchases of common stock (48,268 ) (36,963 ) Share-based compensation 5,081 5,068 Exercises of stock options 3,216 16,533 Vesting of restricted shares (2,378 ) (502 ) Tax benefit from share-based compensation 708 26,858 Other 46 46 Balance at end of period $ 733,589 $ 1,715,860 Repurchases of Common Stock On June 1, 2015, our Board of Directors authorized a repurchase program for up to $1,400,000 of our common stock through January 1, 2017, when and if market conditions warrant and to the extent legally permissible. During the three months ended April 3, 2016, the Company repurchased 4,885 shares with an aggregate purchase price of $48,195 , of which $2,367 was accrued at April 3, 2016 and excluding commissions of $73 . As of April 3, 2016 , the Company had $329,961 remaining availability under its June 2015 authorization. Subsequent to April 3, 2016 through May 5, 2016 , the Company repurchased 1,981 shares with an aggregate purchase price of $21,855 , excluding commissions of $30 . In August 2014, our Board of Directors authorized a repurchase program for up to $100,000 of our common stock through December 31, 2015, when and if market conditions warrant and to the extent legally permissible. During the three months ended March 29, 2015, the Company repurchased 3,342 shares with an aggregate purchase price of $36,912 , excluding commissions of $51 . The August 2014 authorization was completed during the third quarter of 2015. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss The following table provides a rollforward of the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax as applicable: Foreign Currency Translation Cash Flow Hedges (a) Pension Total Balance at January 3, 2016 $ (66,163 ) $ (3,571 ) $ (1,089 ) $ (70,823 ) Current-period other comprehensive income 12,676 445 — 13,121 Balance at April 3, 2016 $ (53,487 ) $ (3,126 ) $ (1,089 ) $ (57,702 ) Balance at December 28, 2014 $ (28,363 ) $ (2,044 ) $ (887 ) $ (31,294 ) Current-period other comprehensive loss (17,395 ) (2,466 ) (203 ) (20,064 ) Balance at March 29, 2015 $ (45,758 ) $ (4,510 ) $ (1,090 ) $ (51,358 ) _______________ (a) Current-period other comprehensive loss for the three months ended March 29, 2015 includes the effect of changes in unrealized losses on cash flow hedges, net of tax. The three months ended April 3, 2016 includes the reclassification of unrealized losses on cash flow hedges of $445 from “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” to our condensed consolidated statements of operations consisting of $723 recorded to “Interest expense,” net of the related income tax benefit of $278 recorded to “Provision for income taxes.” See Note 7 for more information. The cumulative gains and losses on these items are included in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Transactions with Related Parti

Transactions with Related Parties	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2016
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Transactions with Related Parties	Transactions with Related Parties Except as described below, the Company did not have any significant changes in or transactions with its related parties during the current fiscal period since those reported in the Form 10-K. Transactions with QSCC Wendy’s received $46 of lease income from its purchasing cooperative, Quality Supply Chain Co-op, Inc. (“QSCC”) during both the three months ended April 3, 2016 and March 29, 2015 , which has been recorded as a reduction to “General and administrative.” TimWen Lease and Management Fee Payments A wholly-owned subsidiary of Wendy’s leases restaurant facilities from TimWen for the operation of Wendy’s/Tim Hortons combo units in Canada. Prior to the second quarter of 2015, Wendy’s operated certain of the Wendy’s/Tim Hortons combo units in Canada and subleased some of the restaurant facilities to franchisees. As a result of the Company completing its plan to sell all of its company-owned restaurants in Canada to franchisees during the second quarter of 2015, all of the restaurant facilities are subleased to franchisees. During the three months ended April 3, 2016 and March 29, 2015 , Wendy’s paid TimWen $2,636 and $2,628 , respectively, under these lease agreements. In addition, TimWen paid Wendy’s a management fee under the TimWen joint venture agreement of $50 and $56 during the three months ended April 3, 2016 and March 29, 2015 , respectively, which has been included as a reduction to “General and administrative.”

Guarantees and Other Commitment

Guarantees and Other Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Guarantees and Other Commitments and Contingencies	Guarantees and Other Commitments and Contingencies Refer to the Form 10-K for further information regarding the Company’s additional commitments and obligations. Franchisee Image Activation Incentive Programs In order to promote Image Activation new restaurant development, Wendy’s has an incentive program for franchisees that provides for reductions in royalty payments for the first three years of operation for qualifying new restaurants opened by December 31, 2016. Wendy’s also has incentive programs for 2016 and 2017 for franchisees that commence Image Activation restaurant remodels during those years. The incentive programs provide reductions in royalty payments for one year or two years after the completion of construction, depending on the type of remodel. In 2015, Wendy’s added an additional incentive to the 2016 program described above to include waiving the franchise agreement renewal fee for certain types of remodels. In addition, Wendy’s had incentive programs that included reductions in royalty payments in 2015. Franchisee Image Activation Financing Program Wendy’s executed an agreement in 2013 to partner with a third-party lender to establish a financing program for franchisees that participate in our Image Activation program. Under the program, the lender has agreed to provide loans to franchisees to be used for the reimaging of restaurants according to the guidelines and specifications under Wendy’s Image Activation program. To support the program, Wendy’s provided to the lender a $6,000 irrevocable stand-by letter of credit, which was issued on July 1, 2013 and was cash collateralized. During the three months ended April 3, 2016, the Company entered into an agreement to reduce the letter of credit from $6,000 to $1,000 due to franchisees successfully obtaining financing independently. Subsequent to April 3, 2016, the new irrevocable letter of credit of $1,000 was issued against the securitized financing facility and the $6,000 letter of credit was terminated. Lease Guarantees Wendy’s has guaranteed the performance of certain leases and other obligations, primarily from former company-owned restaurant locations now operated by franchisees, amounting to $36,215 as of April 3, 2016. These leases extend through 2050. We have not received any notice of default related to these leases as of April 3, 2016. In the event of default by a franchise owner, Wendy’s generally retains the right to acquire possession of the related restaurant locations. Wendy’s is contingently liable for certain other leases which have been assigned to unrelated third parties who have indemnified Wendy’s against future liabilities amounting to $1,553 as of April 3, 2016. These leases expire on various dates through 2021. Letters of Credit As of April 3, 2016, the Company had outstanding letters of credit with various parties totaling $39,996 , of which $12,165 were cash collateralized. The outstanding letters of credit include amounts outstanding against the securitized financing facility and for the Image Activation financing program described above. The related cash collateral is classified as “Restricted cash” in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. We do not expect any material loss to result from these letters of credit.

Legal and Environmental Matters

Legal and Environmental Matters	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2016
Loss Contingency [Abstract]
Legal and Environmental Matters	Legal and Environmental Matters We are involved in litigation and claims incidental to our current and prior businesses. We provide accruals for such litigation and claims when payment is probable and reasonably estimable. As of April 3, 2016 , the Company had accruals for all of its legal and environmental matters aggregating $4,441 . We cannot estimate the aggregate possible range of loss due to most proceedings being in preliminary stages, with various motions either yet to be submitted or pending, discovery yet to occur, and significant factual matters unresolved. In addition, most cases seek an indeterminate amount of damages and many involve multiple parties. Predicting the outcomes of settlement discussions or judicial or arbitral decisions is thus inherently difficult. Based on currently available information, including legal defenses available to us, and given the aforementioned accruals and our insurance coverage, we do not believe that the outcome of these legal and environmental matters will have a material effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

New Accounting Standards

New Accounting Standards	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2016
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
New Accounting Standards	New Accounting Standards New Accounting Standards In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an amendment which modifies several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions, including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures and statutory withholding requirements, as well as statement of cash flows presentation. The amendment is effective commencing with our 2017 fiscal year. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this standard on our consolidated financial statements. In March 2016, the FASB issued an amendment which clarifies the steps for assessing triggering events of embedded contingent put and call options within debt instruments. The amendment is effective commencing with our 2017 fiscal year. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this standard on our consolidated financial statements. In March 2016, the FASB issued an amendment related to equity method accounting which eliminates the requirement to retrospectively apply the equity method to an investment that subsequently qualifies for such accounting as a result of an increase in level of ownership interest or degree of influence. The amendment is effective commencing with our 2017 fiscal year. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this standard on our consolidated financial statements. In May 2014, the FASB issued amended guidance for revenue recognition. Subsequently, the FASB issued an amendment to defer for one year the effective date of the new standard on revenue recognition, as well as issued additional clarifying amendments. The new standard outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services. Additionally, the guidance requires improved disclosure to help users of financial statements better understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue that is recognized. The new standard supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance, and is now effective commencing with our 2018 fiscal year. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this standard on our consolidated financial statements. New Accounting Standards Adopted In September 2015, the FASB issued an amendment that requires an acquirer to recognize adjustments to provisional amounts during the measurement period, in the period such adjustments are identified, rather than retrospectively adjusting previously reported amounts. The Company adopted this amendment, prospectively, during the first quarter of 2016. The adoption of this guidance did not impact our consolidated financial statements. In April 2015, the FASB issued an amendment that clarifies the accounting for fees paid in a cloud computing arrangement. The amendment provides guidance to customers about whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. The Company adopted this amendment, prospectively, during the first quarter of 2016. The adoption of this guidance did not materially impact our consolidated financial statements. In February 2015, the FASB issued an amendment which revises the consolidation requirements and significantly changes the consolidation analysis required under current guidance. The Company adopted this amendment, prospectively, during the first quarter of 2016. The adoption of this guidance did not impact our consolidated financial statements. In June 2014, the FASB issued an amendment to clarify that a performance target that affects vesting and which could be achieved after the requisite service period should be treated as a performance condition and therefore should not be reflected in estimating the grant-date fair value of the award. The Company adopted this amendment during the first quarter of 2016. The adoption of this guidance did not impact our consolidated financial statements.

Discontinued Operations (Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2016
Bakery [Member] | Discontinued Operations [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block]	The following table presents the Bakery’s results of operations which have been included in discontinued operations: Three Months Ended March 29, Revenues (a) $ 14,477 Cost of sales (b) 1,839 16,316 General and administrative (614 ) Depreciation and amortization (c) (1,335 ) Other expense, net (d) (22 ) Income from discontinued operations before income taxes 14,345 Provision for income taxes (4,988 ) Net income from discontinued operations $ 9,357 _______________ (a) Includes sales of sandwich buns and related products previously reported in “Sales” as well as rental income. (b) Amount includes a reduction to cost of sales of $12,486 , as further described in the Form 10-K, resulting from the reversal of a liability recorded during 2013 associated with the Bakery’s withdrawal from a multiemployer pension plan. (c) Included in “Depreciation and amortization” in our condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the periods presented. (d) Includes net losses on sales of other assets. During the three months ended March 29, 2015, the Bakery received cash proceeds of $9 resulting in net losses on sales of other assets of $8 .

System Optimization (Gains) L24

System Optimization (Gains) Losses, Net (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]	The following is a summary of the disposition activity recorded as a result of our system optimization initiative: Three Months Ended April 3, March 29, Number of restaurants sold to franchisees 55 17 Proceeds from sales of restaurants $ 39,615 $ 4,581 Net assets sold (a) (17,055 ) (2,222 ) Goodwill related to sales of restaurants (6,376 ) (1,023 ) Net unfavorable leases (b) (4,906 ) (528 ) Other (795 ) (402 ) 10,483 406 Post-closing adjustments on sales of restaurants (2,135 ) (1,573 ) Gain (loss) on sales of restaurants, net 8,348 (1,167 ) Gain on sales of other assets, net (c) 78 362 System optimization gains (losses), net $ 8,426 $ (805 ) _______________ (a) Net assets sold consisted primarily of inventory and equipment. (b) During the three months ended April 3, 2016 and March 29, 2015 , the Company recorded favorable lease assets of $183 and $2,379 , respectively, and unfavorable lease liabilities of $5,089 and $2,907 , respectively, as a result of leasing and/or subleasing land, buildings, and/or leasehold improvements to franchisees, in connection with sales of restaurants. (c) During the three months ended April 3, 2016 and March 29, 2015 , the Company received cash proceeds of $1,570 and $1,693 , respectively, primarily from the sale of surplus properties.
Schedule of Assets Held-for-sale [Table Text Block]	Assets Held for Sale April 3, January 3, 2016 Number of restaurants classified as held for sale 86 99 Net restaurant assets held for sale (a) $ 41,622 $ 50,262 Other assets held for sale (a) $ 6,925 $ 7,124 _______________ (a) Net restaurant assets held for sale include company-owned restaurants and consist primarily of cash, inventory, equipment and an estimate of allocable goodwill. Other assets held for sale primarily consist of surplus properties. Assets held for sale are included in “ Prepaid expenses and other current assets .”

Acquisitions (Tables)

Acquisitions (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2016
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block]	The table below presents the allocation of the total purchase price to the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed for acquisitions of franchised restaurants: Three Months Ended April 3, March 29, Restaurants acquired from franchisees 2 4 Total consideration paid, net of cash received $ 2,209 $ 1,232 Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed: Properties 2,218 1,350 Acquired franchise rights — 780 Other assets 9 109 Capital leases obligations — (706 ) Unfavorable leases — (440 ) Other liabilities (18 ) (40 ) Total identifiable net assets 2,209 1,053 Goodwill $ — $ 179

Reorganization and Realignmen26

Reorganization and Realignment Costs (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2016
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block]	The following is a summary of the initiatives included in “Reorganization and realignment costs:” Three Months Ended April 3, March 29, G&A realignment $ 527 $ 4,163 System optimization initiative 2,723 450 Reorganization and realignment costs $ 3,250 $ 4,613
General and Administrative Realignment and Reinvestment [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block]	The following is a summary of the activity recorded as a result of our G&A realignment plan: Three Months Ended Total Incurred Since Inception April 3, March 29, Severance and related employee costs (a) $ (24 ) $ 1,982 $ 14,904 Recruitment and relocation costs 540 470 2,407 Other 11 32 148 527 2,484 17,459 Share-based compensation (b) — 1,679 6,336 Total G&A realignment $ 527 $ 4,163 $ 23,795 _______________ (a) The three months ended April 3, 2016 includes a reversal of an accrual of $32 as a result of a change in estimate. (b) Represents incremental share-based compensation resulting from the modification of stock options and performance-based awards in connection with the termination of employees under our G&A realignment plan.
Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost [Table Text Block]	The tables below present a rollforward of our accruals for our G&A realignment plan, which are included in “Accrued expenses and other current liabilities” and “Other liabilities.” Balance January 3, 2016 Charges Payments Balance April 3, 2016 Severance and related employee costs $ 3,431 $ (24 ) $ (1,673 ) $ 1,734 Recruitment and relocation costs 144 540 (386 ) 298 Other — 11 (11 ) — $ 3,575 $ 527 $ (2,070 ) $ 2,032 Balance December 28, 2014 Charges Payments Balance March 29, 2015 Severance and related employee costs $ 11,609 $ 1,982 $ (3,386 ) $ 10,205 Recruitment and relocation costs 149 470 (398 ) 221 Other 5 32 (37 ) — $ 11,763 $ 2,484 $ (3,821 ) $ 10,426
System Optimization [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block]	The following is a summary of the costs recorded as a result of our system optimization initiative: Three Months Ended Total Incurred Since Inception April 3, March 29, Severance and related employee costs $ — $ 326 $ 18,152 Professional fees 1,701 41 10,874 Other 77 83 5,548 1,778 450 34,574 Accelerated depreciation and amortization (a) 945 — 24,743 Share-based compensation (b) — — 5,013 Total system optimization initiative $ 2,723 $ 450 $ 64,330 _______________ (a) Primarily includes accelerated amortization of previously acquired franchise rights related to company-owned restaurants in territories that will be or have been sold in connection with our system optimization initiative. (b) Represents incremental share-based compensation resulting from the modification of stock options and performance-based awards in connection with the termination of employees under our system optimization initiative.
Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost [Table Text Block]	The tables below present a rollforward of our accrual for our system optimization initiative, which is included in “Accrued expenses and other current liabilities.” Balance January 3, 2016 Charges Payments Balance April 3, 2016 Severance and related employee costs $ 77 $ — $ (16 ) $ 61 Professional fees 708 1,701 (1,988 ) 421 Other 90 77 (117 ) 50 $ 875 $ 1,778 $ (2,121 ) $ 532 Balance December 28, 2014 Charges Payments Balance March 29, 2015 Severance and related employee costs $ 2,235 $ 326 $ (1,999 ) $ 562 Professional fees 146 41 (52 ) 135 Other 423 83 (3 ) 503 $ 2,804 $ 450 $ (2,054 ) $ 1,200

Investments (Tables)

Investments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2016
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block]	Presented below is an unaudited summary of activity related to our investment in TimWen and the Brazil JV included in “Investments” in our condensed consolidated financial statements: Three Months Ended April 3, March 29, Balance at beginning of period $ 55,541 $ 69,790 Investment 64 — Equity in earnings for the period 2,449 2,625 Amortization of purchase price adjustments (a) (550 ) (583 ) 1,899 2,042 Distributions received (2,689 ) (2,378 ) Foreign currency translation adjustment included in “Other comprehensive income (loss), net” 3,609 (5,476 ) Balance at end of period $ 58,424 $ 63,978 _______________ (a) Purchase price adjustments which impacted the carrying value of the Company’s investment in TimWen are being amortized over the average original aggregate life of 21 years.

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block]	The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments: April 3, January 3, Carrying Amount Fair Value Carrying Amount Fair Value Fair Value Measurements Financial assets Cash equivalents $ 58,386 $ 58,386 $ 45,339 $ 45,339 Level 1 Non-current cost method investments (a) 2,829 269,393 2,828 249,870 Level 3 Financial liabilities Series 2015-1 Class A-2-I Notes (b) 870,625 853,648 872,813 849,106 Level 2 Series 2015-1 Class A-2-II Notes (b) 895,500 871,254 897,750 879,795 Level 2 Series 2015-1 Class A-2-III Notes (b) 497,500 483,060 498,750 484,648 Level 2 7% debentures, due in 2025 (b) 87,361 101,000 87,057 100,500 Level 2 Guarantees of franchisee loan obligations (c) 839 839 851 851 Level 3 _______________ (a) The fair value of our indirect investment in Arby’s Restaurant Group, Inc. (“Arby’s”) is based on applying a multiple to Arby’s adjusted earnings before income taxes, depreciation and amortization per its current unaudited financial information. The carrying value of our indirect investment in Arby’s was reduced to zero during 2013 in connection with the receipt of a dividend. The fair values of our remaining investments are not significant and are based on our review of information provided by the investment managers or investees which was based on (1) valuations performed by the investment managers or investees, (2) quoted market or broker/dealer prices for similar investments and (3) quoted market or broker/dealer prices adjusted by the investment managers for legal or contractual restrictions, risk of nonperformance or lack of marketability, depending upon the underlying investments. (b) The fair values were based on quoted market prices in markets that are not considered active markets. (c) Wendy’s has provided loan guarantees to various lenders on behalf of franchisees entering into debt arrangements for new restaurant development and equipment financing. In addition during 2012, Wendy’s provided a guarantee to a lender for a franchisee in connection with the refinancing of the franchisee’s debt. We have accrued a liability for the fair value of these guarantees, the calculation of which was based upon a weighted average risk percentage established at inception adjusted for a history of defaults.
Fair Value, Nonrecurring	Fair Value Measurements Three Months Ended April 3, 2016 Total Losses April 3, Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Held and used $ 4,247 $ — $ — $ 4,247 $ 7,001 Held for sale 967 — — 967 104 Total $ 5,214 $ — $ — $ 5,214 $ 7,105 Fair Value Measurements 2015 Total Losses January 3, 2016 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Held and used $ 10,244 $ — $ — $ 10,244 $ 22,346 Held for sale 4,328 — — 4,328 2,655 Total $ 14,572 $ — $ — $ 14,572 $ 25,001

Impairment of Long-Lived Asse29

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2016
Asset Impairment Charges [Abstract]
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets by Type [Table Text Block]	The following is a summary of impairment losses recorded, which represent the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of the affected assets and are included in “Impairment of long-lived assets.” Three Months Ended April 3, March 29, Restaurants leased or subleased to franchisees $ 7,001 $ 705 Surplus properties 104 758 Company-owned restaurants — 474 $ 7,105 $ 1,937

Net Income Per Share (Tables)

Net Income Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Weighted average number of shares used to calculate basic and diluted net income per share	The weighted average number of shares used to calculate basic and diluted net income per share were as follows: Three Months Ended April 3, March 29, Common stock: Weighted average basic shares outstanding 270,214 366,584 Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted shares 4,536 6,624 Weighted average diluted shares outstanding 274,750 373,208

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Summary of Stockholders' Equity	The following is a summary of the changes in stockholders’ equity: Three Months Ended April 3, March 29, Balance at beginning of period $ 752,914 $ 1,717,576 Comprehensive income 38,484 7,443 Cash dividends (16,214 ) (20,199 ) Repurchases of common stock (48,268 ) (36,963 ) Share-based compensation 5,081 5,068 Exercises of stock options 3,216 16,533 Vesting of restricted shares (2,378 ) (502 ) Tax benefit from share-based compensation 708 26,858 Other 46 46 Balance at end of period $ 733,589 $ 1,715,860
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Table Text Block]	The following table provides a rollforward of the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax as applicable: Foreign Currency Translation Cash Flow Hedges (a) Pension Total Balance at January 3, 2016 $ (66,163 ) $ (3,571 ) $ (1,089 ) $ (70,823 ) Current-period other comprehensive income 12,676 445 — 13,121 Balance at April 3, 2016 $ (53,487 ) $ (3,126 ) $ (1,089 ) $ (57,702 ) Balance at December 28, 2014 $ (28,363 ) $ (2,044 ) $ (887 ) $ (31,294 ) Current-period other comprehensive loss (17,395 ) (2,466 ) (203 ) (20,064 ) Balance at March 29, 2015 $ (45,758 ) $ (4,510 ) $ (1,090 ) $ (51,358 ) _______________ (a) Current-period other comprehensive loss for the three months ended March 29, 2015 includes the effect of changes in unrealized losses on cash flow hedges, net of tax. The three months ended April 3, 2016 includes the reclassification of unrealized losses on cash flow hedges of $445 from “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” to our condensed consolidated statements of operations consisting of $723 recorded to “Interest expense,” net of the related income tax benefit of $278 recorded to “Provision for income taxes.” See Note 7 for more information.

Basis of Presentation Accelerat

Basis of Presentation Accelerated Depreciation on IA Remodels (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2016USD ($)
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Accelerated Depreciation and Amortization	$ 1,822

Discontinued Operations (Loss)

Discontinued Operations (Loss) Income from Discontinued Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2016	Mar. 29, 2015	Jan. 03, 2016	May. 31, 2015
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Income Statement Disclosures [Abstract]
Proceeds from sale	$ 41,185	$ 6,283
Gain (loss) on sales	8,426	(805)
Bakery [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Percentage of Membership Interests Sold				100.00%
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets	0		$ 0
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities	0
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Income Statement Disclosures [Abstract]
Capital Expenditure, Discontinued Operations		587
Discontinued Operations [Member] | Bakery [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration				$ 78,500
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Income Statement Disclosures [Abstract]
Revenues		14,477
Cost of sales		1,839
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Gross Profit (Loss)		16,316
General and administrative		(614)
Depreciation and amortization		(1,335)
Other expense, net		(22)
Income from discontinued operations before income taxes		14,345
Provision for income taxes		(4,988)
Net income from discontinued operations		9,357
Discontinued Operations [Member] | Withdrawal from Multiemployer Defined Benefit Plan [Member] | Bakery [Member]
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Income Statement Disclosures [Abstract]
Withdrawal Obligation, Period Increase (Decrease)		(12,486)
Sale of Other Assets [Member]
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Income Statement Disclosures [Abstract]
Proceeds from sale	1,570	1,693
Gain (loss) on sales	78	362
Sale of Other Assets [Member] | Discontinued Operations [Member] | Bakery [Member]
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Income Statement Disclosures [Abstract]
Proceeds from sale		9
Gain (loss) on sales		$ (8)
Cost of Sales [Member] | Bakery [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Discontinued Operation, Amount of Continuing Cash Flows after Disposal	$ 2,602

System Optimization (Gains) L34

System Optimization (Gains) Losses, Net Gains (Losses), Net (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2016USD ($)Restaurant	Mar. 29, 2015USD ($)Restaurant	Jan. 03, 2016Restaurant	Dec. 28, 2014Restaurant	Dec. 29, 2013Restaurant	Feb. 28, 2015Restaurant
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Significant Changes, Planned Franchises to Sell | Restaurant	260					540
Future company-owned restaurant ownership percentage						5.00%
Gain on Sale of Restaurants [Abstract]
Proceeds from sale	$ 41,185	$ 6,283
Gain (loss) on sales	$ 8,426	$ (805)
Sale of Company-Owned Restaurants to Franchisees [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Number of restaurants sold to franchisees | Restaurant	55	17	327	255	244
Gain on Sale of Restaurants [Abstract]
Proceeds from sale	$ 39,615	$ 4,581
Net assets sold	(17,055)	(2,222)
Goodwill related to sales of restaurants	(6,376)	(1,023)
Net unfavorable leases	(4,906)	(528)
Other	(795)	(402)
Gain on sales of restaurants, net, before post-closing adjustments	10,483	406
Post-closing adjustments on sales of restaurants	(2,135)	(1,573)
Gain (loss) on sales	8,348	(1,167)
Favorable Lease Assets	183	2,379
Unfavorable Lease Liabilities	$ 5,089	2,907
Sale of franchise-operated restaurant to franchisee [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Number of restaurants sold to franchisees | Restaurant	113
Sale of Other Assets [Member]
Gain on Sale of Restaurants [Abstract]
Proceeds from sale	$ 1,570	1,693
Gain (loss) on sales	$ 78	$ 362

System Optimization (Gains) L35

System Optimization (Gains) Losses, Net Assets Held for Sale (Details) $ in Thousands	Apr. 03, 2016USD ($)Restaurant	Jan. 03, 2016USD ($)Restaurant
Restaurant assets held for sale [Member]
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]
Number of Restaurants Classified as Assets Held for Sale | Restaurant	86	99
Assets held for sale	$ 41,622	$ 50,262
Other assets held for sale [Member]
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]
Assets held for sale	$ 6,925	$ 7,124

Acquisitions (Details)

Acquisitions (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2016USD ($)Restaurant	Mar. 29, 2015USD ($)Restaurant	Jan. 03, 2016USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 767,455		$ 770,781
Acquisitions [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Restaurants acquired from franchisees | Restaurant	2	4
Total consideration paid, net of cash received	$ 2,209	$ 1,232
Properties	2,218	1,350
Acquired franchise rights	0	780
Other assets	9	109
Capital leases obligations	0	(706)
Unfavorable leases	0	(440)
Other liabilities	(18)	(40)
Total identifiable net assets	2,209	1,053
Goodwill	$ 0	$ 179

Reorganization and Realignmen37

Reorganization and Realignment Costs Summary (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2016	Mar. 29, 2015
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Reorganization and realignment costs	$ 3,250	$ 4,613
General and Administrative Realignment and Reinvestment [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Reorganization and realignment costs	527	4,163
System Optimization [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Reorganization and realignment costs	$ 2,723	$ 450

Reorganization and Realignmen38

Reorganization and Realignment Costs G&A Realignment Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2016	Mar. 29, 2015
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	$ 3,250	$ 4,613
General and Administrative Realignment and Reinvestment [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost	527	2,484
Restructuring Charges	527	4,163
Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date	17,459
Restructuring Charges, Incurred to Date	23,795
General and Administrative Realignment and Reinvestment [Member] | Severance and related employee costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost	(24)	1,982
Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date	14,904
Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment	32
General and Administrative Realignment and Reinvestment [Member] | Recruitment and relocation costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost Remaining	1,300
Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost	540	470
Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date	2,407
General and Administrative Realignment and Reinvestment [Member] | Other [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost	11	32
Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date	148
General and Administrative Realignment and Reinvestment [Member] | Share Based Compensation Expense [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	0	$ 1,679
Restructuring Charges, Incurred to Date	$ 6,336

Reorganization and Realignmen39

Reorganization and Realignment Costs G&A Realignment Accrual Rollforward (Details) - General and Administrative Realignment and Reinvestment [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2016	Mar. 29, 2015
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 3,575	$ 11,763
Charges	527	2,484
Payments	(2,070)	(3,821)
Ending balance	2,032	10,426
Severance and related employee costs [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	3,431	11,609
Charges	(24)	1,982
Payments	(1,673)	(3,386)
Ending balance	1,734	10,205
Recruitment and relocation costs [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	144	149
Charges	540	470
Payments	(386)	(398)
Ending balance	298	221
Other [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	0	5
Charges	11	32
Payments	(11)	(37)
Ending balance	$ 0	$ 0

Reorganization and Realignmen40

Reorganization and Realignment Costs System Optimization Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2016	Mar. 29, 2015
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	$ 3,250	$ 4,613
System Optimization [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost Remaining	5,900
Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost	1,778	450
Restructuring Charges	2,723	450
Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date	34,574
Restructuring Charges, Incurred to Date	64,330
System Optimization [Member] | Severance and related employee costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost	0	326
Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date	18,152
System Optimization [Member] | Professional fees [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost Remaining	5,200
Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost	1,701	41
Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date	10,874
System Optimization [Member] | Other [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost	77	83
Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date	5,548
System Optimization [Member] | Accelerated Depreciation and Amortization [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost Remaining	700
Restructuring Charges	945	0
Restructuring Charges, Incurred to Date	24,743
System Optimization [Member] | Share Based Compensation Expense [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	0	$ 0
Restructuring Charges, Incurred to Date	$ 5,013

Reorganization and Realignmen41

Reorganization and Realignment Costs System Optimization Accrual Rollforward (Details) - System Optimization [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2016	Mar. 29, 2015
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 875	$ 2,804
Charges	1,778	450
Payments	(2,121)	(2,054)
Ending balance	532	1,200
Severance and related employee costs [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	77	2,235
Charges	0	326
Payments	(16)	(1,999)
Ending balance	61	562
Professional fees [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	708	146
Charges	1,701	41
Payments	(1,988)	(52)
Ending balance	421	135
Other [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	90	423
Charges	77	83
Payments	(117)	(3)
Ending balance	$ 50	$ 503

Investments (Details)

Investments (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2016USD ($)yr	Mar. 29, 2015USD ($)yr
Investment in Joint Venture [Roll Forward]
Equity in earnings for the period, net of amortization of purchase price adjustment	$ 1,899	$ 2,042
Distributions received	(2,689)	(2,378)
Foreign currency translation adjustment included in “Other comprehensive income (loss), net”	$ 12,676	$ (17,395)
TimWen [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	50.00%
Investment in Joint Venture [Roll Forward]
Equity Method Investment, Purchase Price Adjustment, Amortization Period | yr	21	21
Brazil JV [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	20.00%
Equity Method Investments [Member]
Investment in Joint Venture [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 55,541	$ 69,790
Investment	64	0
Equity in earnings for the period	2,449	2,625
Amortization of purchase price adjustments	(550)	(583)
Equity in earnings for the period, net of amortization of purchase price adjustment	1,899	2,042
Distributions received	(2,689)	(2,378)
Foreign currency translation adjustment included in “Other comprehensive income (loss), net”	3,609	(5,476)
Balance at end of period	$ 58,424	$ 63,978

Fair Value Measurements Financi

Fair Value Measurements Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 03, 2016	Jan. 03, 2016	Dec. 29, 2013
Reported Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	$ 58,386	$ 45,339
Non-current cost method investments	2,829	2,828
Guarantees of franchisee loan obligations	839	851
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Series 2015-1 Class A-2-I Notes [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt instrument	870,625	872,813
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Series 2015-1 Class A-2-II Notes [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt instrument	895,500	897,750
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Series 2015-1 Class A-2-III Notes [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt instrument	497,500	498,750
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | 7% Debentures [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt instrument	87,361	87,057
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Arby's Restaurant Group, Inc [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Non-current cost method investments			$ 0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	58,386	45,339
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Non-current cost method investments	269,393	249,870
Guarantees of franchisee loan obligations	839	851
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Series 2015-1 Class A-2-I Notes [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt instrument	853,648	849,106
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Series 2015-1 Class A-2-II Notes [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt instrument	871,254	879,795
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Series 2015-1 Class A-2-III Notes [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt instrument	483,060	484,648
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | 7% Debentures [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt instrument	$ 101,000	$ 100,500

Fair Value Measurements Derivat

Fair Value Measurements Derivative Instruments (Details) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015USD ($)	Apr. 03, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 28, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 29, 2015USD ($)cash_flow_hedge
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Number of interest rate derivatives held | cash_flow_hedge				7
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedging Instruments	$ (7,275)
Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedge Ineffectiveness, net			$ 0
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Before Tax		$ (723)
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Payments for termination of cash flow hedges	$ 7,275
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Term A Loan, 2018 [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Notional Amount				$ 350,000
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Term B Loan, 2019 [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Notional Amount				$ 100,000

Fair Value Measurements Non-Rec

Fair Value Measurements Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2016	Mar. 29, 2015	Jan. 03, 2016
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use	$ 7,001		$ 22,346
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of	104		2,655
Impairment of long-lived assets	7,105	$ 1,937	25,001
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets Held and Used, Long Lived, Fair Value Disclosure	4,247		10,244
Assets Held-for-sale, Long Lived, Fair Value Disclosure	967		4,328
Total	5,214		14,572
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets Held and Used, Long Lived, Fair Value Disclosure	0		0
Assets Held-for-sale, Long Lived, Fair Value Disclosure	0		0
Total	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets Held and Used, Long Lived, Fair Value Disclosure	0		0
Assets Held-for-sale, Long Lived, Fair Value Disclosure	0		0
Total	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets Held and Used, Long Lived, Fair Value Disclosure	4,247		10,244
Assets Held-for-sale, Long Lived, Fair Value Disclosure	967		4,328
Total	$ 5,214		$ 14,572

Impairment of Long-Lived Asse46

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2016	Mar. 29, 2015	Jan. 03, 2016
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Impairment of long-lived assets	$ 7,105	$ 1,937	$ 25,001
Restaurants leased or subleased to franchisees
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Impairment of long-lived assets	7,001	705
Company-owned restaurants
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Impairment of long-lived assets	0	474
Surplus properties
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Impairment of long-lived assets	$ 104	$ 758

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2016	Mar. 29, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations	29.50%	28.60%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent	35.00%	35.00%
State Income Tax Benefit from Tax Examination		$ 1,872

Net Income Per Share (Details)

Net Income Per Share (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2016	Mar. 29, 2015
Common Stock:
Weighted average basic shares outstanding	270,214	366,584
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted shares	4,536	6,624
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding	274,750	373,208
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	3,726	765

Stockholders' Equity Rollforwar

Stockholders' Equity Rollforward (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2016	Mar. 29, 2015
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 752,914	$ 1,717,576
Comprehensive Income	38,484	7,443
Cash dividends	(16,214)	(20,199)
Repurchases of common stock	(48,268)	(36,963)
Share-based compensation	5,081	5,068
Exercises of stock options	3,216	16,533
Vesting of restricted shares	(2,378)	(502)
Tax benefit from share-based compensation	708	26,858
Other	46	46
Balance at end of period	$ 733,589	$ 1,715,860

Stockholders' Equity Repurchase

Stockholders' Equity Repurchases of Common Stock (Details) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	May. 05, 2016	Apr. 03, 2016	Mar. 29, 2015	Jun. 01, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
$1.4 Billion Repurchase Program [Member]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount				$ 1,400,000
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount		$ 329,961
Stock Repurchase Program, Cost Incurred		$ 73
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired		4,885
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method, excluding Commissions		$ 48,195
Stock Repurchase Program, Repurchase Accrual		$ 2,367
$100 Million Repurchase Program [Member]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount					$ 100,000
Stock Repurchase Program, Cost Incurred			$ 51
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired			3,342
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method, excluding Commissions			$ 36,912
Subsequent Event [Member]
Stock Repurchase Program, Cost Incurred	$ 30
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired	1,981
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method, excluding Commissions	$ 21,855

Stockholders' Equity Accumulate

Stockholders' Equity Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2016	Mar. 29, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	$ (70,823)	$ (31,294)
Current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	13,121	(20,064)
Balance, end of the period	(57,702)	(51,358)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Net of Tax	445
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Tax	(278)
Foreign Currency Translation
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	(66,163)	(28,363)
Current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	12,676	(17,395)
Balance, end of the period	(53,487)	(45,758)
Cash Flow Hedges
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	(3,571)	(2,044)
Current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	445	(2,466)
Balance, end of the period	(3,126)	(4,510)
Pension
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	(1,089)	(887)
Current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	0	(203)
Balance, end of the period	$ (1,089)	$ (1,090)

Transactions with Related Par52

Transactions with Related Parties (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2016	Mar. 29, 2015
QSCC [Member] | General and Administrative Expense [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related Party Transaction, Other Revenues from Transactions with Related Party	$ 46	$ 46
TimWen [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party	2,636	2,628
TimWen [Member] | General and Administrative Expense [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related Party Transaction, Other Revenues from Transactions with Related Party	$ 50	$ 56

Guarantees and Other Commitme53

Guarantees and Other Commitments and Contingencies Franchisee Image Activation Programs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2016	May. 11, 2016
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	$ 39,996
Minimum [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Years of reduction in royalty payment attributable to incentive program	1 year
Maximum [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Years of reduction in royalty payment attributable to incentive program	2 years
Standby Letters of Credit [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	$ 6,000
Amended Letters of Credit, Amount	$ 1,000
Subsequent Event [Member] | Standby Letters of Credit [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount		$ 1,000
Letters of Credit, Terminated		$ 6,000

Guarantees and Other Commitme54

Guarantees and Other Commitments and Contingencies Lease Guarantees (Details) $ in Thousands	Apr. 03, 2016USD ($)
Property Lease Guarantee [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	$ 36,215
Indirect Guarantee of Indebtedness [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	$ 1,553

Guarantees and Other Commitme55

Guarantees and Other Commitments and Contingencies Letters of Credit (Details) $ in Thousands	Apr. 03, 2016USD ($)
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	$ 39,996
Collateral Supporting Letters of Credit [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	$ 12,165

Legal and Environmental Matte56

Legal and Environmental Matters (Details) $ in Thousands	Apr. 03, 2016USD ($)
Loss Contingency [Abstract]
Accruals for legal and environmental matters	$ 4,441