Carrols Restaurant (TAST) 10-K 8 Mar 24 2023 FY Annual report Financial data

Cover Page

Cover Page - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Mar. 01, 2024	Jul. 02, 2023
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2023
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity File Number	001-33174
Entity Registrant Name	CARROLS RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.
Entity Address, Address Line One	968 James Street
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	13203
Entity Address, City or Town	Syracuse,
Entity Address, State or Province	NY
City Area Code	315
Local Phone Number	424-0513
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, par value $.01 per share
Trading Symbol	TAST
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		57,384,646
Entity Public Float			$ 182,347,205
Documents Incorporated by Reference	None
Entity Central Index Key	0000809248
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2023
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Financial Statement Error Correction	false
Amendment Flag	false
Document Annual Report	true
Document Transition Report	false
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	83-3804854
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag	false
Entity Small Business	true
Auditor Location	Rochester, New York
Auditor Firm ID	34

Audit Information

Audit Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Audit Information [Abstract]
Auditor Location	Rochester, New York
Auditor Name	Deloitte & Touche LLP
Auditor Firm ID	34

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2023	Jan. 01, 2023
ASSETS
Cash	$ 44,504
Receivables, Net, Current	22,438	$ 19,933
Inventory, Net	15,237	14,417
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	17,521	15,562
Total current assets	99,700	68,276
Property and equipment, net	307,526	312,346
Franchise rights, net	298,626	312,804
Goodwill	107,751	107,751
Franchise agreements, net	26,048	28,256
Operating right-of-use assets, net	743,250	763,935
Other assets	9,591	14,350
Total assets	1,592,492	1,607,718
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current portion of long-term debt	7,159	7,341
Less: current portion	49,424	47,408
Accounts payable	37,797	30,491
Accrued interest	8,705	9,643
Accrued payroll, related taxes and benefits	63,787	49,934
Accrued real estate taxes	8,963	8,896
Other liabilities	29,120	25,687
Total current liabilities	204,955	179,400
Total Long-term Debt	421,788	479,756
Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent	758,115	776,465
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net	11,090	7,665
Accrued postretirement benefits	1,249	1,347
Other liabilities	10,062	12,243
Total liabilities	1,407,259	1,456,876
Commitments and Contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, par value $.01	0	0
Voting common stock, par value $.01	539	530
Additional paid-in capital	296,972	292,708
Retained Earnings	(103,172)	(136,968)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	5,320	8,702
Treasury stock, at cost	(14,426)	(14,130)
Total stockholders' equity	185,233	150,842
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 1,592,492	$ 1,607,718

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2023	Jan. 01, 2023
Franchise rights, accumulated amortization	$ 19,299	$ 16,975
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	20,000,000	20,000,000
Preferred Stock, shares issued	100	100
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	100	100
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	56,738,837	54,928,225
Common stock, shares outstanding	51,602,340	50,903,111

Consolidated Statements Of Oper

Consolidated Statements Of Operations And Comprehensive Loss - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Jan. 01, 2023	Jan. 02, 2022
Revenue	$ 1,876,504	$ 1,730,440	$ 1,652,370
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales	522,163	534,238	499,685
Restaurant wages and related expenses	608,582	585,204	549,933
Lessee, Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net	128,804	125,481	122,662
Other restaurant operating expenses	292,564	274,557	257,774
Advertising expense	76,243	69,389	65,433
General and administrative	105,930	88,072	83,660
Depreciation and amortization	74,161	78,068	80,798
Impairment and other lease charges	7,609	21,877	4,470
Other expense (income)	(6,058)	(926)	(1,186)
Total operating expenses	1,809,998	1,775,960	1,663,229
Income (loss) from operations	66,506	(45,520)	(10,859)
Interest Expense	29,112	30,841	28,791
Loss on extinguishment of debt	(875)	0	8,538
Income (loss) before income taxes	38,269	(76,361)	(48,188)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	4,473	(789)	(5,159)
Net income (loss)	$ 33,796	$ (75,572)	$ (43,029)
Basic net income (loss) per share (dollars per share)	$ 0.53	$ (1.49)	$ (0.86)
Diluted net income (loss) per share (dollars per share)	$ 0.53	$ (1.49)	$ (0.86)
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding	51,530,360	50,718,387	49,899,274
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding	62,412,573	50,718,387	49,899,274
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Net income (loss)	$ 33,796	$ (75,572)	$ (43,029)
Change in postretirement benefit obligations, net of tax	(3,382)	7,291	4,426
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ 30,414	$ (68,281)	$ (38,603)
Revenue, Product and Service [Extensible Enumeration]	Restaurant sales	Restaurant sales	Restaurant sales

Consolidated Statements Of Comp

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Loss) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Jan. 01, 2023	Jan. 02, 2022
Income Statement [Abstract]
Stock-based compensation	$ 5,551	$ 4,902	$ 6,234

Consolidated Statement of Stock

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Preferred Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Accumulated Deficit	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Treasury Stock
Common stock, shares outstanding at Jan. 03, 2021		51,486,116	100				2,096,734
Balance at Jan. 03, 2021	$ 271,532	$ 515		$ 306,469	$ (18,367)	$ (3,015)	$ (14,070)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock-based compensation	6,234			6,234
Vesting of non-vested shares, shares		551,395
Vesting of non-vested shares	0	$ 5		(5)
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired							8,219
Repurchase of treasury stock	(57)						$ (57)
Special cash dividend	(24,882)			(24,882)
Net income (loss)	(43,029)				(43,029)
Change in Valuation of Interest Rate Swap	(4,710)					4,710
Change in postretirement benefit obligations	(284)					(284)
Balance at Jan. 02, 2022	214,224	$ 520		287,816	(61,396)	1,411	$ (14,127)
Common stock, shares outstanding at Jan. 02, 2022		52,037,511	100				2,104,953
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock-based compensation	4,902			4,902
Vesting of non-vested shares, shares		972,903
Vesting of non-vested shares	0	$ 10		(10)
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired							2,350
Repurchase of treasury stock	(3)						$ (3)
Net income (loss)	(75,572)				(75,572)
Change in Valuation of Interest Rate Swap	7,273					7,273
Change in postretirement benefit obligations	18					18
Balance at Jan. 01, 2023	$ 150,842	$ 530		292,708	(136,968)	8,702	$ (14,130)
Common stock, shares outstanding at Jan. 01, 2023	50,903,111	53,010,414	100				2,107,303
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock-based compensation	$ 5,551			5,551
Vesting of non-vested shares, shares		843,663
Vesting of non-vested shares	0	$ 9		(9)
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired							144,434
Repurchase of treasury stock	(296)						$ (296)
Special cash dividend	(1,278)			(1,278)
Net income (loss)	33,796				33,796
Change in Valuation of Interest Rate Swap	(3,266)					(3,266)
Change in postretirement benefit obligations	(116)					(116)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2023	$ 185,233	$ 539		$ 296,972	$ (103,172)	$ 5,320	$ (14,426)
Common stock, shares outstanding at Dec. 31, 2023	51,602,340	53,854,077	100				2,251,737

Consolidated Statement of Sto_2

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity Parentheticals - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Jan. 01, 2023	Jan. 02, 2022
Common stock, shares outstanding	51,602,340	50,903,111
Change in Valuation of Interest Rate Swap	$ (3,266)	$ 7,273	$ (4,710)
Special cash dividend	(1,278)		(24,882)
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax		6	94
Accumulated Gain (Loss), Net, Cash Flow Hedge, Parent
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax	$ 304	$ 800	$ 2,002
Preferred Stock
Common stock, shares outstanding	100	100	100
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Change in Valuation of Interest Rate Swap	$ (3,266)	$ 7,273	$ 4,710

Consolidated Statements Of Cash

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Jan. 01, 2023	Jan. 02, 2022
Cash flows provided from (used for) operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 33,796	$ (75,572)	$ (43,029)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided from operating activities:
Loss (gain) on disposals of property and equipment	(1,617)	1,572	8
Stock-based compensation	5,551	4,902	6,234
Impairment and other lease charges	7,609	21,877	4,470
Depreciation and amortization	74,161	78,068	80,798
Amortization of deferred financing costs	2,162	2,165	2,446
Amortization of bond premium and discount on debt	129	128	487
Deferred income taxes	3,761	(752)	(5,123)
Loss on extinguishment of debt	(875)	0	8,538
Trade and other receivables	(1,595)	(3,853)	3,218
Accounts payable	4,763	252	1,100
Accrued interest	(939)	210	8,777
Accrued payroll, related taxes and benefits	13,853	(11,729)	1,438
Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Liabilities	(793)	706	903
Change in operating right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities, net	2,166	3,978	8,147
Other	(2,984)	(1,148)	(7,541)
Net cash provided from operating activities	139,148	20,804	70,871
Cash flows used for investing activities:
New restaurant development	(9,733)	(8,881)	(9,000)
Restaurant remodeling	(16,251)	(9,139)	(16,712)
Other restaurant capital expenditures	(21,971)	(16,639)	(17,045)
Corporate and restaurant information systems	(6,608)	(3,560)	(9,006)
Total capital expenditures	(54,563)	(38,219)	(51,763)
Acquisition of restaurants, net of cash acquired	0	0	(30,819)
Proceeds from Sale of Other Assets, Investing Activities	0	864	229
Proceeds from insurance recoveries	2,351	54	1,523
Properties purchased for sale-leaseback	(5,935)	(3,996)	0
Proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions	5,193	4,052	22,251
Net cash used for investing activities	(52,954)	(37,245)	(58,579)
Cash flows provided from (used for) financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of senior secured second lien notes	0	0	300,000
Principal payments on Term B and B-1 Loans	(34,250)	(4,250)	(321,375)
Senior Notes Repurchase	8,656	0	0
Borrowings Under Prior Revolving Credit Facility	11,000	109,000	47,063
Repayments Under Prior Revolving Credit Facility	(23,500)	(96,500)	(47,063)
Proceeds from lease financing obligations	0	0	4,594
Payment of Special Cash Dividend, Financing Activities	(1,278)	0	(24,882)
Payments on finance lease liabilities	(3,074)	(2,552)	(981)
Costs associated with financing long-term debt	0	(41)	(5,404)
Purchase of treasury shares	(296)	(3)	(57)
Net cash provided from (used for) financing activities	(60,054)	5,654	(48,105)
Net increase (decrease) in cash	26,140	(10,787)	(35,813)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	18,364	29,151	64,964
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	44,504	18,364	29,151
Supplemental disclosures:
Interest paid on long-term debt	29,315	27,952	16,976
Interest paid on lease financing obligations	0	103	104
Interest paid on finance leases	754	723	133
Accruals for capital expenditures	3,229	1,912	2,858
Income taxes paid (refunded), net	434	0	(13)
Finance lease obligations acquired or incurred	0	9,085	6,383
Gain (loss) on sale-leaseback transactions	1,179	(425)	(22)
Operating lease assets and liabilities resulting from lease modifications and new leases	36,223	23,773	36,633
Operating cash flows related to operating leases	$ 103,252	$ 102,529	$ 100,660

Basis of Presentation (Notes)

Basis of Presentation (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis Of Presentation	Business DescriptionAt December 31, 2023 Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc. ("Carrols Restaurant Group") operated, as franchisee, 1,022 Burger King restaurants in 23 Northeastern, Midwestern, Southcentral and Southeastern states and 60 Popeyes restaurants in six Southeastern states. Carrols Restaurant Group is a holding company and conducts all of its operations through its direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries Carrols Corporation and New CFH, LLC and their wholly-owned subsidiaries. Carrols Corporation's material direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries include its wholly-owned subsidiary Carrols LLC, a Delaware limited liability company. New CFH LLC's material direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries include Frayser Quality, LLC and Nashville Quality, LLC (and together with New CFH, LLC's immaterial direct and indirect subsidiaries, collectively, "New CFH"). Unless the context otherwise requires, Carrols Restaurant Group and its direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries are collectively referred to as the "Company".

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies	Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Consolidation. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Fiscal Year. The Company uses a 52-53 week fiscal year ending on the Sunday closest to December 31. The fiscal years ended December 31, 2023, January 1, 2023 and January 2, 2022 each contained 52 weeks. Use of Estimates. The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Significant items subject to such estimates include accrued occupancy costs, insurance liabilities, lease accounting matters, the valuation of acquired assets and liabilities, interest rate swap valuation, the valuation of deferred income tax assets and liabilities, and the evaluation for impairment of goodwill, long-lived assets and franchise rights. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Cash and Cash Equivalents. The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. At December 31, 2023 the Company had $5.5 million of cash invested in money market funds classified as cash equivalents on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Company did not have any cash invested in money market funds which were classified as cash equivalents on the consolidated balance sheets as of January 1, 2023. Inventories. Inventories, consisting primarily of food, beverage, and paper supplies, are stated at the lower of cost (determined on the first-in, first-out method) or net realizable value. Net realizable value is determined as the estimated selling price in the normal course of business minus the cost of disposal and transportation. Property and Equipment. Property and equipment is recorded at cost. The Company capitalizes all direct costs incurred to develop, construct and substantially improve its restaurants. These costs are depreciated and charged to expense based upon their property classification when placed in service. Repairs and maintenance expenditures are expensed as incurred. Depreciation and amortization is provided using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives: Owned buildings 9 to 30 years Equipment 3 to 7 years Computer hardware and software 3 to 7 years Assets subject to finance leases Shorter of useful life or lease term Building costs incurred for new restaurants on leased land are amortized over the lease term, which is generally a period of twenty years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the underlying expected lease term. The Company includes renewal option periods when determining the expected lease term in circumstances where the non-exercise of one or more renewal options under the lease would result in an economic penalty. Franchise Agreements. Fees for initial franchises and renewals are amortized using the straight-line method over the term of each individual agreement, which is generally twenty years. Business Combinations. In accordance with ASC 805, the Company allocates the purchase price of an acquired business to its identifiable assets and liabilities based on the estimated fair values. The excess of the purchase price over the amount allocated to the assets and liabilities, if any, is recorded as goodwill. The excess value of the net identifiable assets and liabilities acquired over the purchase price, if any, is recorded as a bargain purchase gain. The Company uses all available information to estimate fair values of identifiable intangible assets and property acquired. In making these determinations, the Company may engage an independent third party valuation specialist to assist with the valuation of certain leasehold improvements, franchise rights and favorable and unfavorable leases. The Company estimates that the seller's carrying value of acquired restaurant equipment, subject to certain adjustments, is equivalent to the fair value of this equipment at the date of the acquisition. The fair values of assumed franchise agreements are valued as if the remaining term of the agreement is at the market rate. The fair values of acquired land, buildings, certain leasehold improvements, and restaurant equipment subject to finance leases are determined using both the cost approach and market approach and include significant inputs observable in the open market. The Company categorizes these inputs as Level 2 inputs under ASC 820. The fair value of acquired franchise rights and favorable or unfavorable lease positions are determined using the income approach and includes unobservable inputs. The Company categorizes these inputs as Level 3 inputs under ASC 820. Franchise Rights. To determine the fair value attributable to franchise rights of restaurant acquisitions, the Company estimates the acquired restaurants' future earnings, discounts those earnings using an appropriate market discount rate and subtracts a contributory charge for net working capital, property and equipment and assembled workforce. Amounts allocated to franchise rights for each acquisition are amortized using the straight-line method over the average remaining term of the acquired franchise agreements plus one twenty Goodwill. Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the value assigned to the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets of the businesses acquired. Goodwill is not amortized, but is tested for impairment annually, or more frequently when events and circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may be impaired. The Company conducts its annual goodwill impairment as of the end of the eighth month of its fiscal year. The Company's measurement of the fair value of reporting units is a Level 3 measurement under the fair value hierarchy. Refer to Note 5 herein for further discussion. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Other Lease Charges. The Company reviews its long-lived assets, principally property and equipment and lease related balances, for impairment at the restaurant level. If an indicator of impairment exists for any of its assets, an estimate of the undiscounted future cash flows over the life of the primary asset for each restaurant is compared to that long-lived asset's carrying value. If the carrying value is greater than the undiscounted cash flow, the Company then determines the fair value of the asset and if an asset is determined to be impaired, the loss is measured by the excess of the carrying amount of the asset over its fair value. Impairment is reviewed whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of these assets may not be fully recoverable. Impairment indicators at the restaurant level include sustained low or negative restaurant-level operating cash flows, sustained declining restaurant-level sales and if the ratio of trailing twelve months cash flows extended over the remaining lease term does not exceed the net book value of the asset group. For closed restaurant locations, the Company reviews the future minimum lease payments and related ancillary costs from the date of the restaurant closure to the end of the remaining lease term and records a lease charge for any ROU (as defined below) lease asset impairment or lease-related costs during the remaining term, net of any estimated sublease recoveries. The Company determines the fair value of restaurant equipment, for those restaurants reviewed for impairment, based on current economic conditions. The Company determines the fair value of ROU lease assets based on an assessment of market rents and a discounted future cash flow model. These fair value asset measurements rely on significant unobservable inputs and are considered Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. Deferred Financing Costs. Financing costs incurred in obtaining long-term debt and lease financing obligations are capitalized and amortized over the life of the related obligation as interest expense using the effective interest method. Long-term debt on the consolidated balance sheets is presented net of the unamortized amount of the financing costs related to long-term borrowings. Leases. The Company utilizes land and buildings in its operations under various lease agreements. The Company does not consider any one of these individual leases material to the Company's operations. Initial lease terms are generally for twenty years and provide for renewal options with rent escalations. The exercise of such renewal options are generally at the Company's sole discretion. The Company evaluates renewal options at lease commencement (and any subsequent amendment or modification) to determine if such options are reasonably certain to be exercised based on economic factors. Certain leases also require variable rent, determined as a percentage of sales as defined by the terms of the applicable lease agreement. For most locations, the Company is obligated for occupancy related costs including payment of property taxes, insurance and utilities. Right-of-use ("ROU") lease assets represent the Company's right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the Company's obligation to make payments in exchange for that right of use. As the rate implicit within our leases is not readily determinable, the Company uses market and term specific incremental borrowing rates which consider the rate of interest it expects to pay on a collateralized basis to borrow an amount equal to the lease payments under similar terms. ROU assets are reduced by lease incentives, increased for initial direct costs and adjusted by favorable lease assets and unfavorable lease liabilities. Variable lease components represent amounts that are contractually fixed as a percentage of sales and are recognized in expense as incurred. Leases with a term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the consolidated balance sheets and are recognized as lease expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company does not account for lease components (e.g., fixed payments including rent) separately from the non-lease components (e.g., common area maintenance) except in instances where the lease components are considered variable in nature. For certain leases where rent escalates based upon a change in a financial index, such as the Consumer Price Index, the difference between the rate at lease inception and the subsequent fluctuations in that rate are included in variable lease costs. Additionally, because the Company has elected to not separate lease and non-lease components, in limited instances variable costs also include payments to the landlord for common area maintenance, real estate taxes, insurance and other operating expenses. Rent expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term, with variable lease payments recognized in the period those payments are incurred. The Company also utilizes certain restaurant equipment under various finance lease agreements with initial terms of generally three eight Revenue Recognition . Revenues from Company restaurants are recognized net of sales discounts and refunds, when payment is tendered at the time of sale or upon fulfillment of delivery orders. Revenues are reported net of sales tax collected from customers and remitted to governmental taxing authorities. Gift cards. The Company sells gift cards in its restaurants that are issued under the gift card program of Restaurant Brands International, Inc. ("RBI"). Proceeds from the sale of Burger King and Popeyes gift cards at the Company's restaurants are remitted to RBI, and RBI reimburses the Company for any gift card redemptions at its restaurants. The Company recognizes revenue for restaurant sales upon redemption of gift cards by the customer. Food, beverage and packaging costs. The Company includes food, beverage and paper costs and delivery commissions, net of any vendor purchase discounts and rebates, in food, beverage and packaging costs. Other restaurant operating expenses. The Company includes restaurant-level operating costs other than food, beverage and packaging costs, restaurant wages and related expenses, rent expense and advertising costs in other restaurant operating expenses. Its major components include royalty expenses paid to its franchisors, utilities, repairs and maintenance, operating supplies, real estate taxes and credit card fees. Advertising Costs. All advertising costs are expensed as incurred. For the years ended December 31, 2023, January 1, 2023 and January 2, 2022, advertising costs were $76.2 million, $69.4 million and $65.4 million, respectively. Income Taxes. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are based on the difference between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities as measured by the tax rates that are anticipated to be in effect when those differences reverse. The deferred tax provision generally represents the net change in deferred tax assets and liabilities during the period, including any changes in valuation allowances. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the results of operations in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is established when it is necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to an amount for which realization is likely. The Company recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The Company and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return. Insurance. The Company is self-insured for general liability, medical insurance and most workers' compensation claims under policies where it pays all claims, subject to stop-loss limitations both for individual claims and in certain cases claims in the aggregate. Losses are accrued based upon the Company's estimates of the aggregate liability for claims based on Company experience and other methods used to measure such estimates. The Company does not discount any of its self-insurance obligations. Fair Value of Financial Instruments. 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 on the measurement date. In determining fair value, the accounting standards establish a three-level hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value as follows: Level 1 inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2 inputs are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, including quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities; and Level 3 inputs are unobservable and reflect the Company's own assumptions. Financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables, accounts payable and long-term debt. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the short-term nature of these financial instruments. Borrowings under the Company's Senior Credit Facilities (including its term B loans) accrue interest at a floating rate tied to a standard short-term borrowing index selected at the Company's option, plus an applicable margin. The Company's liability for its Senior Credit Facilities and 5.875% Senior Notes due 2029 are carried at historical cost in the accompanying balance sheets. The fair value of our term B loans and 5.875% Senior Notes due 2029 is based on recent trading activity, which are Level 2 inputs in the fair value hierarchy. As of December 31, 2023, the term B loans traded at 97.8% of par value and the 5.875% Senior Notes due 2029 traded at 87.5% of par value. The Company recognizes its derivative arrangements on the balance sheet at fair value, which is considered a Level 2 input. The Company's only derivative is an interest rate swap (the "Swap") which is designated as a cash flow hedge. Accordingly, the effective portion of the changes in the fair value of this arrangement is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. Any ineffective portion of the changes in the fair value of this arrangement is immediately recognized in earnings as interest expense, as applicable. The Company classifies cash inflows and outflows from derivatives within operating activities on the consolidated statements of cash flows. The Swap had an asset value of $5.1 million and $8.6 million as of December 31, 2023 and January 1, 2023, respectively, and it is classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. Fair value measurements of non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities are primarily used in the impairment analysis of long-lived assets, goodwill and intangible assets. Long-lived assets and definite-lived intangible assets are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis using Level 3 inputs. As described in Notes 5 and 6, the Company recorded long-lived asset impairment charges of $1.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2023. The Company recorded goodwill impairment charges of $16.7 million, franchise rights impairment charges of $0.2 million and long-lived asset impairment charges of $2.8 million during the year ended January 1, 2023. The Company recorded long-lived asset impairment charges of $3.9 million during the year ended January 2, 2022. Stock-Based Compensation. The Company has an incentive stock plan under which incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, restricted stock units, time-based non-vested shares, performance-based non-vested shares and performance-based stock units may be granted to employees and non-employee directors. The Company has granted time-based non-vested shares, performance-based non-vested shares, performance-based restricted stock units, stock options, and restricted stock units under this plan to its corporate employees and non-employees directors. Time-vested non-vested shares, options, and restricted stock units granted to corporate employees and non-employee directors generally vest in equal installments over three years, with provisions that require accelerated vesting upon a change of control at the Company. For time-based non-vested stock awards and restricted stock units, the fair market value of the award is determined based upon the closing value of the Company's stock price on the grant date and is recorded to compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. For stock options, the fair-value of the options is estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model based on assumptions for the risk-free rate of interest, expected dividend yield, expected volatility, and the expected term of the award. Compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. For performance-based restricted shares, the fair value of the market-based restricted shares was determined using a Monte Carlo simulation valuation model and expense was recognized over the associated service period based on the probability of the Company's attainment of the contractually defined performance targets. For performance-based stock units, the fair market value of the award is determined based upon the closing value of the Company's stock price on the grant date and expense is being recognized over the associated service period based on the probability of the Company's attainment of the contractually defined performance targets, with provisions that require accelerated vesting upon a change of control at the Company. See Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Concentrations of Credit Risk. Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents. The Company maintains its day-to-day operating cash balances in interest-bearing transaction accounts at financial institutions, which are insured up to the respective Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation limit. Although the Company maintains balances that exceed the federally insured limit, it has not experienced any losses related to these balances and believes its credit risk to be minimal. Segment Information. Operating segments are components of an entity for which separate financial information is available and is regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker to allocate resources and assess performance. The Company's chief operating decision maker currently evaluates the Company's operations from a number of different operational perspectives; however resource allocation decisions are made based on the chief operating decision maker's evaluation of the total Company operations. The Company derives all significant revenues from a single operating segment. Accordingly, the Company views the operating results of its restaurants as one reportable segment. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted. In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. The amendments in this update require disclosure of incremental segment information and the title and position of the chief operating decision maker ("CODM"). The Company will be required to disclose significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the CODM, as well as additional information on segment profit and loss measures and how such information is used by the CODM to assess segment performance and allocate resources. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, on a retrospective basis. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASU on its disclosures. In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. The amendments in this update require enhanced income tax disclosures, particularly related to a reporting entity's effective tax rate reconciliation and income taxes paid. For the rate reconciliation table, the update requires additional categories of information about federal, state, and foreign taxes and details about significant reconciling items, subject to a quantitative threshold. Income taxes paid must be similarly disaggregated by federal, state, and foreign based on a quantitative threshold. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. The guidance shall be applied on a prospective basis with the option to apply retrospectively. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASU on its disclosures. Subsequent events. The Company reviewed and evaluated subsequent events through the issuance date of the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements. See Note 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Acquisition

Acquisition	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Business Combination and Asset Acquisition [Abstract]
Acquisition [Text Block]	Acquisitions 2021 Acquisitions In 2021, the Company acquired an aggregate of 19 Burger King restaurants from other franchisees in the following transactions (in thousands except number of restaurants): Closing Date Number of Restaurants Purchase Price Fee-Owned (1)(2) Market Location June 17, 2021 14 $ 27,603 12 Fort Wayne, Indiana June 23, 2021 5 3,216 1 Battle Creek, Michigan 19 $ 30,819 13 (1) The 2021 acquisitions included the purchase of 13 fee-owned restaurants, of which 12 were sold in subsequent sale-leaseback transactions during the third quarter of 2021 for net proceeds of approximately $20.2 million. (2) One of the fee-owned restaurants was closed at the end of 2021 and subsequently sold in the second quarter of 2022 for proceeds of $0.2 million. The Company allocated the aggregate purchase price for the 2021 acquisitions at their estimated fair values. The following table summarizes the final allocation of the aggregate purchase price for the 2021 acquisitions: Inventory $ 229 Land and buildings 20,376 Restaurant equipment 850 Restaurant equipment - subject to finance leases 29 Right-of-use assets 2,997 Leasehold improvements 550 Franchise fees 411 Franchise rights 6,025 Deferred income taxes 484 Goodwill 1,832 Operating lease liabilities (2,900) Finance lease liabilities for restaurant equipment (35) Accounts payable (29) Net assets acquired $ 30,819 Goodwill recorded in connection with the 2021 acquisitions represents costs in excess of fair values assigned to the underlying net assets of acquired restaurants. Acquired goodwill that was expected to be deductible for income tax purposes was $1.8 million in 2021. The results of operations for the restaurants acquired are included from the closing date of the respective acquisition. The 2021 acquired restaurants contributed restaurant sales of $23.6 million in the year ended December 31, 2023, $21.9 million in the year ended January 1, 2023 and $12.9 million in the year ended January 2, 2022. It is impracticable to disclose net earnings for the post-acquisition period for the acquired restaurants as net earnings of these restaurants were not tracked on a collective basis due to the integration of administrative functions, including field supervision. The pro forma impact on the results of operations for the restaurants acquired in 2021 is included below. The pro forma results of operations are not necessarily indicative of the results that would have occurred had the acquisitions been consummated at the beginning of the periods presented, nor are they necessarily indicative of any future consolidated operating results. The following table summarizes the Company's unaudited pro forma operating results: Year Ended January 2, 2022 Total revenue $ 1,663,860 Net loss (41,796) Basic and diluted net loss per share (0.84) This pro forma financial information did not give effect to any anticipated synergies, operating efficiencies, cost savings or integration costs related to the 2021 acquired restaurants. The pro forma financial results excluded transaction costs recorded as general and administrative expense s of $0.4 million dur ing the year ended January 2, 2022.

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and equipment	Property and Equipment Property and equipment at December 31, 2023 and January 1, 2023 consisted of the following: December 31, 2023 January 1, 2023 Land $ 9,990 $ 7,685 Owned buildings 13,799 12,895 Leasehold improvements 472,125 454,134 Equipment 352,426 342,118 Assets subject to finance leases 29,248 30,873 877,588 847,705 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (570,062) (535,359) $ 307,526 $ 312,346

Intangible Assets (Notes)

Intangible Assets (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Intangible Assets	Intangible Assets Franchise Rights. Amounts allocated to franchise rights for each acquisition of Burger King and Popeyes restaurants are amortized using the straight-line method over the average remaining term of the acquired franchise agreements plus one twenty Amortization expense related to franchise rights for the years ended December 31, 2023, January 1, 2023 and January 2, 2022 was $13.9 million, $14.0 million and $13.9 million, respectively. The Company expects annual amortization to be $13.9 million in each of 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027 and 2028. Goodwill. The Company is required to review goodwill for impairment annually, or more frequently when events and circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may be impaired. If the determined fair value of the reporting unit is less than the related carrying amount, an impairment loss is recognized. The Company performs its annual goodwill impairment test as of the end of the eighth month of its fiscal year. As part of the annual goodwill impairment test, the Company considered certain qualitative and quantitative factors, such as the Company's performance, business forecasts, capital expenditure plans, a discount rate approximating the Company's weighted average cost of capital, and an evaluation of peer company multiples, among other factors. Given the nature of the qualitative and quantitative factors considered, there is a degree of uncertainty associated with these judgments and estimates. Notably, the business forecasts and market conditions considered within the Company's annual goodwill impairment test reflect the Company's long-standing history of operating Burger King restaurants in various business cycles. The Company assessed events and circumstances from the date of its annual goodwill impairment test through December 31, 2023 and there were no indicators representing a triggering event, nor were any goodwill related impairments recognized during the year ended December 31, 2023. In 2022, the Company evaluated the impact of a sustained decline in the Company's stock price which resulted in an implied equity premium that was outside of an observable range and was determined to be an indicator of an impairment. As a result, the Company performed a quantitative interim goodwill impairment test for its reporting units in the second quarter of 2022. As part of this interim goodwill impairment test, the Company considered certain qualitative and quantitative factors, such as the Company's performance, business forecasts, capital expenditure plans, a discount rate approximating the Company's weighted average cost of capital, and an evaluation of peer company multiples, among other factors. Using both the income approach and the market approach, the Company compared the fair value of each of its reporting units to their respective carrying values. Based on the results of this analysis, the Company determined that the fair value of its Popeyes reporting unit was less than its carrying value, and as a result, recorded a non-cash goodwill impairment of $16.7 million. The non-cash goodwill impairment represented a full write-down of the goodwill for the Popeyes reporting unit and was included in impairment and other lease charges on the condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). The following reflects the changes in goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2023 and January 1, 2023. Goodwill at January 2, 2022 $ 124,451 Impairment of goodwill (16,700) Goodwill at January 1, 2023 107,751 Impairment of goodwill — Goodwill at December 31, 2023 $ 107,751

Impairment Of Long-Lived Assets

Impairment Of Long-Lived Assets And Other Lease Charges	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Restructuring Costs and Asset Impairment Charges [Abstract]
Asset Impairment Charges [Text Block]	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Other Lease Charges During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company recorded impairment and other lease charges During the year ended January 1, 2023, the Company recorded impairment and other lease charges of $4.9 million consisting of $2.1 million related to initial impairment charges for 15 underperforming restaurants, capital expenditures at previously impaired restaurants of $0.7 million and other lease charges of $2.1 million, which included $1.7 million related to eight restaurants closed during the year. During the year ended January 2, 2022, the Company recorded impairment and other lease charges of $4.5 million consisting of $0.5 million for capital expenditures at previously impaired restaurants, $1.5 million related to initial impairment charges for nine underperforming restaurants, other lease charges of $0.6 million and $1.9 million related to impairment of certain owned non-operating properties.

Other Liabilities, Long-Term (N

Other Liabilities, Long-Term (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block]	Other Liabilities, Long-Term Other liabilities, long-term, at December 31, 2023 and January 1, 2023 consisted of the following: December 31, 2023 January 1, 2023 Accrued occupancy costs $ 1,766 $ 1,797 Accrued workers' compensation and general liability claims 3,994 5,239 Deferred compensation 3,162 3,002 Lease financing obligations 25 1,179 Other 1,115 1,026 $ 10,062 $ 12,243

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	Leases During the years ended December 31, 2023, January 1, 2023 and January 2, 2022, the Company sold four, two and 13 restaurant properties, respectively, in sale-leaseback transactions for net proceeds of $5.2 million, $4.1 million and $22.3 million, respectively. These leases have been classified as operating leases and generally contain a twenty-year initial term plus renewal options. Rent commitments under finance and non-cancelable operating leases at December 31, 2023 were as follows: Fiscal year ending: Operating Leases Finance Leases December 29, 2024 $ 104,289 $ 3,460 December 28, 2025 102,813 3,338 December 27, 2026 101,195 3,249 January 2, 2028 98,895 768 December 31, 2028 95,947 5 Thereafter 732,541 — Total lease payments 1,235,680 10,820 Less: imputed interest (428,141) (1,068) Present value of lease liabilities 807,539 9,752 Less: current portion (49,424) (2,909) Total long-term lease liabilities $ 758,115 $ 6,843 Lease Cost The components and classification of lease expense for the years ended December 31, 2023, January 1, 2023 and January 2, 2022 are as follows: Year ended Lease cost Classification December 31, 2023 January 1, 2023 January 2, 2022 Operating lease cost (1) Restaurant rent expense $ 105,467 $ 105,285 $ 103,733 Operating lease cost (2) General and administrative 1,305 853 946 Variable lease cost - variable rent Restaurant rent expense 23,337 20,196 18,929 Variable lease cost - common area maintenance Other restaurant operating expenses 675 578 585 Finance lease cost: Amortization of right-of-use assets Depreciation and amortization 3,290 2,798 755 Interest on lease liabilities Interest expense 754 723 133 Total lease cost $ 134,828 $ 130,433 $ 125,081 (1) Includes short-term leases which are not material. (2) Represents operating lease costs for property and equipment not directly related to restaurant operations. Lease Position Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows as of December 31, 2023 and January 1, 2023: Leases Classification December 31, 2023 January 1, 2023 Assets Operating leases Operating right-of-use assets, net $ 743,250 $ 763,935 Finance leases Property and equipment, net 9,158 12,429 Total leased assets $ 752,408 $ 776,364 Liabilities Current Operating leases Current portion of operating lease liabilities $ 49,424 $ 47,408 Finance leases Current portion of long-term debt and finance lease liabilities 2,909 3,091 Long-term Operating leases Operating lease liabilities 758,115 776,465 Finance leases Long-term debt and finance lease liabilities 6,843 9,735 Total lease liabilities $ 817,291 $ 836,699 Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Operating leases 12.3 years 12.9 years Finance leases 3.2 years 4.1 years Weighted Average Discount Rate Operating leases 7.1 % 7.0 % Finance leases 6.8 % 6.7 %
Leases	Leases During the years ended December 31, 2023, January 1, 2023 and January 2, 2022, the Company sold four, two and 13 restaurant properties, respectively, in sale-leaseback transactions for net proceeds of $5.2 million, $4.1 million and $22.3 million, respectively. These leases have been classified as operating leases and generally contain a twenty-year initial term plus renewal options. Rent commitments under finance and non-cancelable operating leases at December 31, 2023 were as follows: Fiscal year ending: Operating Leases Finance Leases December 29, 2024 $ 104,289 $ 3,460 December 28, 2025 102,813 3,338 December 27, 2026 101,195 3,249 January 2, 2028 98,895 768 December 31, 2028 95,947 5 Thereafter 732,541 — Total lease payments 1,235,680 10,820 Less: imputed interest (428,141) (1,068) Present value of lease liabilities 807,539 9,752 Less: current portion (49,424) (2,909) Total long-term lease liabilities $ 758,115 $ 6,843 Lease Cost The components and classification of lease expense for the years ended December 31, 2023, January 1, 2023 and January 2, 2022 are as follows: Year ended Lease cost Classification December 31, 2023 January 1, 2023 January 2, 2022 Operating lease cost (1) Restaurant rent expense $ 105,467 $ 105,285 $ 103,733 Operating lease cost (2) General and administrative 1,305 853 946 Variable lease cost - variable rent Restaurant rent expense 23,337 20,196 18,929 Variable lease cost - common area maintenance Other restaurant operating expenses 675 578 585 Finance lease cost: Amortization of right-of-use assets Depreciation and amortization 3,290 2,798 755 Interest on lease liabilities Interest expense 754 723 133 Total lease cost $ 134,828 $ 130,433 $ 125,081 (1) Includes short-term leases which are not material. (2) Represents operating lease costs for property and equipment not directly related to restaurant operations. Lease Position Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows as of December 31, 2023 and January 1, 2023: Leases Classification December 31, 2023 January 1, 2023 Assets Operating leases Operating right-of-use assets, net $ 743,250 $ 763,935 Finance leases Property and equipment, net 9,158 12,429 Total leased assets $ 752,408 $ 776,364 Liabilities Current Operating leases Current portion of operating lease liabilities $ 49,424 $ 47,408 Finance leases Current portion of long-term debt and finance lease liabilities 2,909 3,091 Long-term Operating leases Operating lease liabilities 758,115 776,465 Finance leases Long-term debt and finance lease liabilities 6,843 9,735 Total lease liabilities $ 817,291 $ 836,699 Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Operating leases 12.3 years 12.9 years Finance leases 3.2 years 4.1 years Weighted Average Discount Rate Operating leases 7.1 % 7.0 % Finance leases 6.8 % 6.7 %

Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Long-Term Debt, Unclassified [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt	Long-term Debt Long-term debt at December 31, 2023 and January 1, 2023 consisted of the following: December 31, 2023 January 1, 2023 Senior Credit Facility: Term B Loans $ 133,375 $ 167,625 Revolving credit borrowings — 12,500 Senior Notes Due 2029 290,093 300,000 Finance lease liabilities 9,752 12,826 Total Funded debt 433,220 492,951 Less: current portion of long-term debt and finance lease liabilities (7,159) (7,341) Less: unamortized debt issuance costs (4,010) (5,401) Less: original issue discount (263) (453) Total Long-term Debt $ 421,788 $ 479,756 Senior Credit Facilities . On April 30, 2019, the Company entered into senior secured credit facilities in an aggregate principal amount of $550.0 million, consisting of (i) a Term Loan B Facility in an aggregate principal amount of $425.0 million (the "Term Loan B Facility") maturing on April 30, 2026 and (ii) a revolving credit facility (including a sub-facility of $35.0 million for standby letters of credit) in an aggregate principal amount of $125.0 million originally maturing on April 30, 2024 (the "Revolving Credit Facility" and, together with the Term Loan B Facility, the "Senior Credit Facilities"). As of December 31, 2023, the Senior Credit Facilities, as amended, provide for an aggregate maximum commitment available for borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility of $215.0 million, and the Revolving Credit Facility matures on January 29, 2026. The Company's obligations under the Senior Credit Facilities are guaranteed by its subsidiaries and are secured by first priority liens on substantially all of the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries, including a pledge of all of the capital stock and equity interests of its subsidiaries. Under the Senior Credit Facilities, the Company is required to make mandatory prepayments of borrowings in the event of dispositions of assets, debt issuances and insurance and condemnation proceeds (all subject to certain exceptions). The Senior Credit Facilities contain certain covenants, including, without limitation, those limiting the Company's and its subsidiaries' ability to, among other things, incur indebtedness, incur liens, sell or acquire assets or businesses, change the character of its business in all material respects, engage in transactions with related parties, make certain investments, make certain restricted payments or pay dividends. In addition, the Senior Credit Facilities require the Company to meet a First Lien Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Senior Credit Facilities) under certain circumstances. The Company is only required to maintain a First Lien Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Senior Credit Facilities) of not greater than 5.75 to 1.00 (as measured on a most recent four quarter basis) if, and only if, on the last day of any fiscal quarter, the sum of the aggregate principal amount of outstanding revolving credit borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility and the aggregate face amount of letters of credit issued under the Revolving Credit Facility (excluding undrawn letters of credit in an aggregate face amount up to $12.0 million) exceed 35% of the aggregate borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility. The Senior Credit Facilities contain customary default provisions, including that the lenders may terminate their obligation to advance and may declare the unpaid balance of borrowings, or any part thereof, immediately due and payable upon the occurrence and during the continuance of customary events of default which include, without limitation, payment default, covenant default, bankruptcy default, cross-default on other indebtedness, judgment default and the occurrence of a change of control. As of December 31, 2023, there were no revolving credit borrowings outstanding and $11.0 million of letters of credit issued under the Revolving Credit Facility. After reserving for issued letters of credit and outstanding revolving credit borrowings, $204.0 million was available for revolving credit borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility at December 31, 2023. The Term Loan B Facility requires quarterly installment payments, which began on September 30, 2019. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company made a voluntary prepayment of $30.0 million on the outstanding principal amount of its Term Loan B borrowings under its Senior Credit Facilities which resulted in a loss of $0.3 million on debt extinguishment. Amounts outstanding at December 31, 2023 are due and payable as follows: (i) nine quarterly installments of $1.1 million; (ii) one final payment o f $123.8 million on April 30, 2026. At December 31, 2023, borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan B Facility each bore interest at a rate per annum equal to (a) the Alternate Base Rate (as defined in the Senior Credit Facilities) plus 2.25% or (b) Adjusted Term SOFR (as defined in the Senior Credit Facilities) plus 3.25% (subject to interest rate swap as described below). Senior Notes due 2029 . On June 28, 2021, the Company issued $300.0 million principal amount of 5.875% Senior Notes due 2029 (the "Notes") in a private placement. Carrols Restaurant Group and certain of its subsidiaries (the "Guarantors") entered into the Indenture (the "Indenture") dated as of June 28, 2021 with the Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company governing the Notes. The Indenture provides that the Notes will mature on July 1, 2029 and will bear interest at the rate of 5.875% per annum, payable semi-annually on July 1 and January 1 of each year, beginning on January 1, 2022. The entire principal amount of the Notes will be due and payable in full on the maturity date. The Indenture further provides that the Company (i) may redeem some or all of the Notes at any time after July 1, 2024 at the redemption prices described therein, (ii) may redeem up to 40% of the Notes using the proceeds of certain equity offerings completed before July 1, 2024 and (iii) must offer to purchase the Notes if it sells certain of its assets or if specific kinds of changes in control occur, all as set forth in the Indenture. The Notes are senior unsecured obligations of Carrols Restaurant Group and are guaranteed on an unsecured basis by the Guarantors. The Indenture contains certain covenants that limit the ability of Carrols Restaurant Group and the Guarantors to, among other things: incur indebtedness or issue preferred stock; incur liens; pay dividends or make distributions in respect of capital stock or make certain other restricted payments or investments; sell assets; agree to payment restrictions affecting Restricted Subsidiaries (as defined in the Indenture); enter into transactions with affiliates; or merge, consolidate or sell substantially all of the assets. Such restrictions are subject to certain exceptions and qualifications all as set forth in the Indenture. The Company was in compliance with all such covenants as of December 31, 2023. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company repurchased $9.9 million of its outstanding Notes in the open market, resulting in a gain on debt extinguishment of $1.1 million. Interest Rate Swap. In March 2020, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement with certain of its lenders under the Senior Credit Facilities to mitigate the risk of increases in the variable interest rate related to term loan borrowings under the Senior Credit Facilities. The interest rate swap originally fixed the interest rate on 50% of the outstanding borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility at 0.915% plus the applicable margin in its Senior Credit Facilities with the differences settled monthly. The Company received $5.0 million to settle the interest rate swap during the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 and received, net, $1.0 million to settle the interest rate swap during the twelve months ended January 1, 2023. The agreement matures on February 28, 2025 and had an original notional amount of $220.0 million. On November 12, 2021, the Company partially terminated this interest rate swap to reduce the notional amount hedged from $220.0 million to $120.0 million. The reduction, which settled with net proceeds to the Company of $0.2 million, left the fixed rate and other terms of the swap arrangement unchanged and provided the flexibility to repay borrowings under the Senior Credit Facilities which previously needed to be maintained at the hedged $220.0 million notional amount. On December 15, 2022, the Company executed an amendment to its interest rate swap to transition from LIBOR to SOFR as the benchmark rate for purposes of calculating interest, which also changed the fixed rate of interest from 0.915% plus the applicable margin to 0.854% plus the applicable margin. No other changes were made to the terms of the interest rate swap. The fair value of the Company's interest rate swap agreement was an asset of $5.1 million as of December 31, 2023 which is included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Changes in the valuation of the Company's interest rate swap are included as a component of other comprehensive income and will be reclassified to earnings as the income or losses are realized. The Company expects to reclassify net gains totaling $4.9 million into earnings in the next twelve months. The Company's counterparties under this arrangement provided the Company with quarterly statements of the market values of these instruments based on significant inputs that were observable or could be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. The Company classified this within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy described in Note 2. The impact on the derivative liabilities for the Company and the counterparties' non-performance risk to the derivative trades was considered when measuring the fair value of derivative liabilities. At December 31, 2023, principal payments required on long-term debt, including finance leases, were as follows: Fiscal year ending: December 29, 2024 $ 7,159 December 28, 2025 7,232 December 27, 2026 127,973 January 2, 2028 759 December 31, 2028 4 Thereafter 290,093 $ 433,220

Other Income (Notes)

Other Income (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Other Income	Other Income, net In 2023, the Company recorded other income, net of $6.1 million, which primarily consisted of a $4.3 million gain from a settlement with BKC under the territorial rights provision of our franchise agreement, net gains from insurance recoveries of $1.7 million and a loss on disposal of assets of $1.4 million. In 2022, the Company recorded other income, net of $0.9 million, which consisted of a $2.5 million gain from a settlement with a vendor, a loss on disposal of assets of $1.2 million and a loss on sale-leaseback transactions of $0.4 million. In 2021, the Company recorded other income, net

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The provision (benefit) for income taxes was comprised of the following: Year ended December 31, 2023 January 1, 2023 January 2, 2022 Current: Federal $ 273 $ — $ — State 439 (37) (36) 712 (37) (36) Deferred: Federal 4,383 (16,790) (12,374) State 1,489 (5,027) (4,021) 5,872 (21,817) (16,395) Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance (2,111) 21,065 11,272 Provision (benefit) for income taxes $ 4,473 $ (789) $ (5,159) Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amount used for income tax purposes. The components of deferred income tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2023 and January 1, 2023 were as follows: December 31, 2023 January 1, 2023 Deferred income tax assets: Operating lease liabilities $ 208,884 $ 211,000 Federal net operating loss carryforwards 13,054 26,122 Tax credit carryforwards 47,328 43,906 State net operating loss carryforwards 6,241 8,216 Interest expense limitation under section 163 (j) 7,139 8,090 Stock-based compensation expense 2,001 1,467 Accrued vacation benefits 3,329 2,904 Postretirement benefit obligations 671 721 Intangible Assets — 757 Other deferred income tax assets 10,172 5,981 Gross deferred income tax assets 298,819 309,164 Less: Valuation allowance (42,713) (44,263) Total deferred income tax assets $ 256,106 $ 264,901 Deferred income tax liabilities: Operating right-of-use assets (192,269) (195,705) Property and equipment depreciation (11,207) (12,247) Franchise rights (61,080) (61,755) Intangible Assets (687) — Accumulated other comprehensive income-postretirement benefits (355) (386) Accumulated other comprehensive income-accrued interest rate swap (1,294) (2,160) Other deferred income tax liabilities (304) (313) Total deferred income tax liabilities (267,196) (272,566) Net long-term deferred income tax liabilities $ (11,090) $ (7,665) The Company's federal net operating loss carryforwards can be carried forward indefinitely but are subject to a limit of 80% of taxable income each year. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had federal net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $62.2 million, general business credits ("GBC") carryforwards of $47.3 million and approximately $133.2 million in state net operating loss carryforwards. The Company's GBC carryforwards begin to expire in 2032 and state net operating loss carryforwards begin to expire in 2024. The Company has performed the required assessment of positive and negative evidence regarding the realization of deferred income tax assets in accordance with ASC 740 at December 31, 2023 and January 1, 2023. Under ASC 740, the weight given to negative and positive evidence is commensurate only to the extent that such evidence can be objectively verified. ASC 740 prescribes that objective historical evidence, in particular the Company's three-year cumulative loss position at December 31, 2023, be given a greater weight than subjective evidence, including the Company's forecast of future taxable income, which include assumptions that cannot be objectively verified. In determining the likelihood of future realization of the deferred income tax assets as of December 31, 2023 and January 1, 2023, the Company considered both positive and negative evidence and weighted the effect of such evidence based upon its objectivity. Based on the required weight of evidence under ASC 740, as of December 31, 2023 and January 1, 2023, the Company determined the valuation allowance needed for certain federal income tax credits, federal net operating losses and state net operating losses that may expire prior to their utilization by the Company was $42.7 million and $44.3 million, respectively. The amount of the deferred tax asset to be considered realizable, however, could be adjusted if estimates of future taxable income during the carryforward period are reduced or increased or if objective negative evidence in the form of cumulative losses is no longer present and additional weight may be given to subjective evidence such as projections for growth. The Company recorded an income tax benefit of $2.1 million in fiscal 2023 and recorded income tax expense of $21.1 million and $11.3 million in fiscal 2022 and 2021, respectively, relative to this valuation allowance reserve. The Company records goodwill as a result of acquisitions which is not amortized for financial reporting purposes, however, has a tax deductible life of 15 years. This results in a deferred tax expense and deferred tax liability for the indefinitely lived asset which is known as a naked credit. The deferred tax liability will have an indefinite life and is expected to increase over the 15-year amortization period. Due to the indefinite life of the cumulative losses the Company incurred in 2021 and 2022, the federal deferred tax liability from amortization of the goodwill was offset against the federal operating net losses to the extent allowed. The remaining deferred tax liability may remain on the Company's consolidated balance sheet indefinitely unless there is a financial statement impairment of goodwill recorded, or if a portion of the business is sold. Due to the potential for an indefinite life of the previously mentioned liability, it is not netted against the deferred tax assets for purposes of determining the required valuation allowance. A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax provision to the income tax provision (benefit) for the years ended December 31, 2023, January 1, 2023, and January 2, 2022 was as follows: Year ended December 31, 2023 January 1, 2023 January 2, 2022 Statutory federal income tax provision (benefit) $ 7,867 $ (16,036) $ (10,119) State income taxes, net of federal benefit 1,681 (4,085) (2,934) Employment tax credits (3,173) (2,817) (3,274) Change in valuation allowances (2,111) 21,065 11,272 Non-deductible expenses 181 597 431 Stock-based compensation 310 684 127 Rate change — — (163) Other (282) (197) (499) Provision (benefit) for income taxes $ 4,473 $ (789) $ (5,159) The Company's policy is to recognize interest and/or penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. At December 31, 2023 and January 1, 2023, the Company had no unrecognized tax benefits and no accrued interest related to uncertain tax positions. The tax years 2020 - 2022 remain open to examination by the major taxing jurisdictions to which the Company files tax returns. Although it is not reasonably possible to estimate the amount by which unrecognized tax benefits may increase within the next twelve months due to uncertainties regarding the timing of examinations, the Company does not expect unrecognized tax benefits to significantly change in the next twelve months.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation 2016 Stock Incentive Plan. In 2016, the Company adopted a stock plan entitled the 2016 Stock Incentive Plan (the "2016 Plan") and reserved and authorized a total of 4,000,000 shares of common stock for grant thereunder. On June 18, 2021, at the 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the Company' stockholders approved the Second Amendment to the 2016 Plan increasing the authorized total by 3,500,000 to 7,500,000 shares of common stock for grant thereunder. On June 16, 2023, at the 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the Company' stockholders approved an amendment to the 2016 Plan increasing the shares reserved for grant thereunder by 4,500,000 to 12,000,000 shares of common stock for grant thereunder. As of December 31, 2023, 3,323,708 shares were available for future grant or issuance. Stock-based compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2023, January 1, 2023, and January 2, 2022 was $5.6 million, $4.9 million and $6.2 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2023, the total remaining stock-based compensation expense relating to time-based non-vested shares and performance-based restricted stock units was approximately $10.9 million. T he remaining weighted average vesting period for time-based non-vested shares was 1.6 years and performance-based restricted stock units was 2.2 years. Time-based Non-vested Shares . During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company granted 1,007,915 non-vested shares of common stock to certain employees and officers of the Company and 384,807 non-vested shares of common stock to outside directors of the Company. These shares generally vest in equal installments ov er their three-year service period, provided the participant has continuously remained an employee, officer, or director of the Company. In addition, on May 1, 2023, the Company granted 417,320 time-based restricted shares to its current CEO, which will vest 34% on the one year anniversary, 33% on each of January 15, 2025 and 2026. During the year ended January 1, 2023, the Company granted 1,116,000 non-vested shares of common stock to certain employees and officers of the Company and 226,584 non-vested shares of common stock to outside directors of the Company. These shares generally vest in equal installments over t heir three-year service period, provided the participant has continuously remained an employee, officer, or director of the Company. In addition, on April 1, 2022, the Company granted 100,000 time-vested restricted shares with an original two-year vesting period to its former CEO, which became fully vested on December 31, 2022. During the year ended January 2, 2022, the Company granted 895,000 non-vested shares of common stock to certain employees and officers of the Compan y and 92,744 non-vested sh ares of common stock to non-employee directors. These shares generally vest in equal installments over their three-year service period provided that the participant has continuously remained an employee, officer or director of the Company. A summary of all non-vested common share activity for the year ended December 31, 2023 was as follows: Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Price Non-vested at January 1, 2023 1,767,811 $ 3.79 Granted 1,810,042 $ 2.50 Vested (822,368) $ 4.17 Forfeited (20,725) $ 2.60 Non-vested at December 31, 2023 2,734,760 $ 2.84 The fair value of the time-based non-vested shares is based on the closing price of the Company's common stock on the date of grant. Performance-based Restricted Shares . On April 1, 2022, 600,000 performance-based restricted shares were granted to the Company's former CEO, of which 450,000 shares were subsequently forfeited on December 31, 2022. The remaining shares fully vest on the third anniversary of the grant date based on the achievement of contractually defined EBITDA and share price growth targets. The fair value of the performance-based restricted shares was determined using a Monte Carlo simulation valuation model and these shares were expensed their service period according to the probability of the Company's attainment of the contractually defined targets. Performance-based Restricted Stoc k Units. On July 1, 2023, the Company granted 797,915 per formance-based restricted stock units to its executive officers. The number of performance-based restricted stock units that will ultimately vest and be received by the participants is based on achievement of contractually defined EBITDA growth targets to be measured over the period ending fiscal 2025. The Company estimates the fair-value of performance-based restricted stock units based on the closing stock price on the date of the grant which was $5.04. As the maximum EBITDA growth targets have been met with 2023’s Adjusted EBITDA performance, expense is being recognized over the applicable service period at this maximum attainment level. Stock Options. During the twelve months ended January 3, 2021, the Company granted in the aggregate options to purchase 1,075,000 shares of its common stock to certain employees and officers of the Company, consisting of 739,340 shares of non-qualified stock options and 335,660 shares of incentive stock options ("ISOs"). These options became exercisable in three annual installments and were expensed over their three-year service period. The options expire seven years from the date of the grant and were issued with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the stock price, or $7.12 per share of common stock, on the date of grant. A summary of all stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2023 was as follows: Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Average Remaining Contractual Life Aggregate Intrinsic Value (1) Options outstanding at January 1, 2023 975,500 $ 7.12 Forfeited — Cancelled (50,500) $ 7.12 Options Outstanding at December 31, 2023 925,000 $ 7.12 3.6 $ 703 Vested or expected to vest at December 31, 2023 925,000 $ 7.12 3.6 $ 703 Options exercisable at December 31, 2023 925,000 $ 7.12 3.6 $ 703 (1) The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated using the difference between the market price of the Company's common stock at December 31, 2023 of $7.88 and the grant date exercise price for only those awards that have a grant date exercise price that is less than the market price of the Company's common stock at December 31, 2023. Restricted Stock Units. The Company has issued restricted stock units RSUs on shares of the Company's common shares to certain officers of the Company. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, 21,295 RSUs vested into shares of the Company's common stock at a weighted average price of $2.22 per share. A summary of all RSU activity for the year ended December 31, 2023 was as follows: Units Non-vested at January 1, 2023 38,770 Issued dividend equivalents 48 Vested (21,295) Non-vested at December 31, 2023 17,523

Stockholder's Equity

Stockholder's Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Preferred Stock, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosure [Abstract]
Stockholder's Equity	Stockholders' Equity Preferred Stock . In 2012, Carrols Restaurant Group issued to BKC 100 shares of the Company's Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (the "Series A Convertible Preferred Stock") pursuant to a certificate of designation. These shares were convertible into 9,414,580 shares of Carrols Restaurant Group Common Stock ("Carrols Common Stock"). In 2018, Carrols Restaurant Group, BKC and Blue Holdco 1, LLC ("Blue Holdco" and together with BKC, the "BKC Stockholders") exchanged the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock for Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (the "Series B Convertible Preferred Stock"), with substantially the same powers, preferences and rights of the shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, except to provide that such shares will be transferable by the BKC Stockholders solely to certain of its affiliates or subsidiaries. In 2022, Carrols Restaurant Group entered into a Preferred Stock Exchange Agreement with two wholly-owned indirect subsidiaries of Restaurant Brands International, Inc. RBI and Restaurant Brands International Limited Partnership ("RBI LP") (collectively, such subsidiaries are referred to herein as the "Investors") to exchange all Series B Convertible Preferred Stock for Series D Convertible Preferred Stock (the "Series D Preferred Stock") with substantially the same powers, preferences and rights of the shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock except that the Series D Preferred Stock may be transferred by the holders of the Series D Preferred Stock to certain other entities that are both the franchisor of the Burger King brand or an affiliate thereof and a wholly-owned direct or indirect subsidiary of either RBI or RBI LP, each an indirect parent of the Investors. The Series D Convertible Preferred Stock ranks senior to Carrols Common Stock with respect to rights on liquidation, winding-up and dissolution of Carrols Restaurant Group. The Series D Convertible Preferred Stock is perpetual, will receive any dividends and amounts upon a liquidation event on an as converted basis, does not pay interest and has no mandatory prepayment features. The BKC Stockholders also have certain approval and voting rights as set forth in the certificate of designation for the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock so long as they own greater than 7.5% of the outstanding shares of Carrols Common Stock (on an as-converted basis). The Series D Convertible Preferred Stock will vote with the Company's Common Stock on an as converted basis and provides for the right of the BKC Stockholders to elect (a) two members to the Company's Board of Directors until the date on which the number of shares of common stock into which the outstanding shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock held by the BKC stockholders are then convertible constitutes less than 11.5% of the total number of outstanding shares of the Company's Common Stock and (b) one member to the Company's Board of Directors until the BKC Stockholders own Series D Convertible Preferred Stock (on an as converted basis) of less than 7.5% of the total number of outstanding shares of the Company's Common Stock. In connection with an acquisition of Burger King restaurants in 2019 from Cambridge Holdings, Cambridge Holdings was issued 10,000 shares of the Company's Series C Convertible Preferred Stock (the "Series C Convertible Preferred Stock") that was automatically converted during the third quarter of 2019 into approximately 7.5 million shares of the Company's Common Stock when such conversion was approved by the Company's stockholders at the Company's annual stockholders meeting on August 29, 2019. A Registration Rights and Stockholders' Agreement was entered into between the Company and Cambridge Holdings in connection with the issuance of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock which requires (a) two members to be nominated for election or re-election to the Company's Board of Directors until the date on which the number of shares of common stock held by Cambridge Holdings is less than 14.5% of the total number of outstanding shares of the Company's Common Stock and (b) one member to be nominated for election or re-election to the Company's Board of Directors until the date on which the number of shares of common stock held by Cambridge Holdings is less than 10% of the total number of outstanding shares of the Company's Common Stock. As of December 31, 2023 Cambridge Holdings beneficially owns approximately 19.5% of the Company's outstanding Common Stock after giving effect to treasury share repurchases. Stock Repurchase Program. On August 2, 2019, the Company's Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase plan ("Repurchase Program") under which the Company may repurchase up to $25.0 million of its outstanding common stock. The authorization became effective August 2, 2019. In August 2023, the Company's Board of Directors approved an extension of the Company's Repurchase Program with approximately $11.0 million of its original $25 million in capacity remaining. The authorization will expire on August 2, 2025, unless terminated earlier by the Board of Directors. Purchases under the Repurchase Program may be made from time to time in open market transactions at prevailing market prices or in privately negotiated transactions (including, without limitation, the use of Rule 10b5-1 plans) in compliance with applicable federal securities laws, including Rule 10b-18 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Company has no obligation to repurchase stock under the Repurchase Program, and the timing, actual number and value of shares purchased will depend on the Company's stock price, trading volume, general market and economic conditions, and other factors. At December 31, 2023, $11.0 million was available to repurchase shares under the Repurchase Program. Shares repurchased are being held in treasury until they are retired at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Cash Dividend. Effective November 9, 2023, the Board declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.02 per share on all issued and outstanding shares of common stock, including common stock issuable on the conversion of our Series D Convertible Preferred Stock. The cash dividend of $1.3 million was paid on December 15, 2023 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on November 21, 2023. Effective August 12, 2021, the Board declared a $0.41 per share special cash dividend on all issued and outstanding shares of common stock, including common stock issuable on the conversion of our Series B Convertible Preferred Stock. The special cash dividend of $24.9 million was paid on October 5, 2021 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on August 25, 2021.

Net Income (Loss) Per Share

Net Income (Loss) Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Income (Loss) Per Share	Net Income (Loss) per Share The Company applies the two-class method to calculate and present net income (loss) per share. The Company's non-vested restricted share awards and Series D Convertible Preferred Stock held by the BKC Stockholders contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends and are considered participating securities for purposes of computing net income (loss) per share pursuant to the two-class method. Under the two-class method, net earnings are reduced by the amount of dividends declared (whether paid or unpaid) and the remaining undistributed earnings are then allocated to common stock and participating securities, based on their respective rights to receive dividends. Basic net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the reporting period. Diluted net income (loss) per share reflects additional shares of common stock outstanding, where applicable, calculated using the treasury stock method or the two-class method. The following table sets forth the calculation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share: Year ended December 31, 2023 January 1, 2023 January 2, 2022 Basic net income (loss) per share: Net income (loss) $ 33,796 $ (75,572) $ (43,029) Less: Income attributable to non-vested shares (1,658) — — Less: Income attributable to preferred stock (4,963) — — Net income (loss) available to common stockholders $ 27,175 $ (75,572) $ (43,029) Weighted average common shares outstanding 51,530,360 50,718,387 49,899,274 Basic net income (loss) per share (1) $ 0.53 $ (1.49) $ (0.86) Diluted net income (loss) per share: Net income (loss) $ 33,796 $ (75,572) $ (43,029) Shares used in computing basic net income (loss) per share 51,530,360 50,718,387 49,899,274 Dilutive effect of preferred stock and non-vested shares 10,882,213 — — Shares used in computing diluted net income (loss) per share 62,412,573 50,718,387 49,899,274 Diluted net income (loss) per share (1)(2) $ 0.53 $ (1.49) $ (0.86) Shares excluded from diluted net income (loss) per share computations (1) — 9,624,963 9,681,878

Commitments And Contingencies

Commitments And Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	Commitments and Contingencies Lease Guarantees. Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. ("Fiesta"), a former wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, was spun-off in 2012 to the Company's stockholders. As of December 31, 2023, the Company is a guarantor under 17 leases from the time when Fiesta was its subsidiary, which have lease terms expiring on various dates through 2030. As of December 31, 2023, the guarantees include eight Fiesta restaurant property leases and nine Taco Cabana leases of which all but one Fiesta-owned restaurant is still operating. Eight of these guarantees are for leases with Pollo Operations, Inc, a wholly owned subsidiary of Fiesta, and nine of the guarantees are for leases with Texas Taco Cabana, L.P., an indirect subsidiary of Taco Cabana, Inc. (together with all direct and indirect subsidiaries, "Taco"). Taco was a wholly owned subsidiary of Fiesta until August 16, 2021 when Fiesta sold all of its outstanding capital stock of Taco Cabana, Inc. to YTC Enterprises, LLC, an affiliate of Yadav Enterprises, Inc. The Company is fully liable for all obligations under the terms of the leases in the event that a tenant fails to pay any sums due under the lease, subject to indemnification provisions of the Separation and Distribution Agreement entered into in connection with the spin-off of Fiesta. In October of 2023, Fiesta was acquired by affiliates of Garnett Station Partners ("GSP"). Matthew Perelman and Alexander Sloane, each a member of the Company’s Board of Directors, are affiliates of GSP and affiliates of Cambridge Franchise Holdings, LLC which owns approximately 19.5% of the outstanding shares of the Company's common stock. The maximum potential amount of future undiscounted rental payments the Company could be required to make under these leases at December 31, 2023 was $8.3 million, of which $5.1 million pertains to Fiesta restaurant property leases and $3.2 million pertains to Taco restaurant property leases. The obligations under these leases will generally continue to decrease over time as these operating leases expire, other than execution of option renewals that exist under the original leases. No payments related to these guarantees have been made by the Company to date and none are expected to be required to be made in the future. The Company has not recorded a liability for these guarantees in accordance with ASC 460 - Guarantees, as Fiesta has indemnified the Company for all such obligations and the Company did not believe it was probable it would be required to perform under any of the guarantees or direct obligations. Litigation. The Company is a party to various litigation matters that arise in the ordinary course of business. The Company does not believe that the ultimate resolution of any of these other matters will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial statements. Supplier Concentrations.

Related Parties

Related Parties	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2018
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block]	Transactions with Related Parties In connection with an acquisition of restaurants from BKC in 2012, the Company issued to BKC 100 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, which was exchanged for 100 shares of newly issued Series B Convertible Preferred Stock in 2018. The Series B Convertible Preferred Stock was further exchanged for 100 shares of newly issued Series D Convertible Preferred Stock in 2022. These preferred shares are convertible into 9,414,580 shares of common stock, which as of December 31, 2023 represents approximately 14.7% of the outstanding shares of the Company's common stock after giving effect to the conversion of the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock and excluding shares held in treasury. See Note 13—Stockholder's Equity for further information. Pursuant to the Certificate of Designation of the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock (the "Certificate of Designation"), the BKC Stockholders are entitled to elect two representatives on the Company's Board of Directors. The approval of the BKC Stockholders is also required before the Company can take certain actions, including, among other things, amending the Company's certificate of incorporation or bylaws, declaring or paying a special cash dividend, amending the size of the Company's Board of Directors, or engaging in any business other than the ownership and operation of Burger King restaurants, in each case as more particularly described in the Certificate of Designation. The Company operates its Burger King restaurants under franchise agreements with BKC and its Popeyes restaurants under franchise agreements with PLK, both subsidiaries of RBI. These franchise agreements generally provide for an initial term of twenty years and currently have an initial franchise fee of $50,000. With BKC's and PLK's respective approval, the Company can elect to extend franchise agreements for additional 20-year terms, provided that the restaurant meets the current restaurant image standard and the Company is not in default under terms of the franchise agreement. As a franchise operator, the Company’s franchised restaurants routinely and expectedly come up for renewal in the ordinary course of business, in connection with the expiration of franchise terms. The Company has a history of successfully renegotiating franchise agreements as they become available for renewal, and does not anticipate that existing franchise expirations or anticipated franchise expirations to have a material impact on the Company’s ability to operate its franchised restaurant locations. In addition to the initial franchise fee, the Company generally pays BKC a monthly royalty at a rate of 4.5% of its Burger King sales and PLK a weekly royalty at a rate of 5.0% of its Popeyes sales. Royalty expense was $83.9 million, $76.8 million, and $72.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, January 1, 2023 and January 2, 2022, respectively and is included in other restaurant operating expenses in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). Beginning in May of 2021, the Company also pays a per-use transaction fee to BKC for use of its digital platform which was $3.0 million, $2.1 million and $1.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, January 1, 2023 and January 2, 2022, respectively, and is included in other restaurant operating expenses in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). The Company is also generally required to contribute 4% of restaurant sales from the Company's restaurants to the advertising funds utilized by BKC and PLK for their advertising, promotional programs and public relations activities, and amounts for additional local advertising in markets that approve such advertising. Advertising expense associated with these expenditures was $73.8 million, $67.7 million and $64.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, January 1, 2023 and January 2, 2022, respectively. As of December 31, 2023, January 1, 2023, and January 2, 2022, the Company leased 217, 217 and 225 of its restaurant locations from BKC, respectively. As of December 31, 2023, the terms and conditions of the leases with BKC are identical to those between BKC and their third-party lessor for 95 of the restaurants. Aggregate rent under these BKC leases for the years ended December 31, 2023, January 1, 2023 and January 2, 2022 was $29.4 million, $27.7 million, and $26.9 million, respectively. The Company does not believe that such lease terms have been significantly affected by the fact that the Company and BKC are deemed to be related parties. As of December 31, 2023 and January 1, 2023, the Company owed BKC $16.9 million and $16.0 million respectively, related to the payment of advertising, royalties, digital fees, rent and real estate taxes, which is normally remitted on a monthly basis. These costs are included in accounts payable, other current liabilities, and accrued real estate taxes on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Company, Carrols Corporation, Carrols LLC, and BKC entered into an Amended and Restated Area Development Agreement on January 4, 2021 (the "Amended ADA"). Under the Amended ADA, Carrols LLC has agreed to open, build and operate a total of 50 new Burger King restaurants, 80% of which must be in Kentucky, Tennessee and Indiana. This includes four Burger King restaurants by September 30, 2021 (which were completed in 2021), 10 additional Burger King restaurants by September 30, 2022 (of which six were completed in 2022), 12 additional Burger King restaurants by September 30, 2023 (of which three were completed in 2023), 12 additional Burger King restaurants by September 30, 2024 and 12 additional Burger King restaurants by September 30, 2025. There is a 90-day cure period to meet the required restaurant development each development year. The Company is in ongoing discussions with BKC regarding its development plans, and does not believe the penalties, if any, associated with not meeting these commitments will be material. In addition, pursuant to the Amended ADA, BKC granted Carrols LLC franchise pre-approval to build new Burger King restaurants or acquire Burger King restaurants from Burger King franchisees with respect to 500 Burger King restaurants in the aggregate in (i) Kentucky, Tennessee and Indiana (excluding certain geographic areas in Indiana) and (ii) (a) 16 states, which include Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont and Virginia (subject to certain exceptions for certain limited geographic areas within certain states) and (b) any other geographic locations that Carrols LLC enters after the commencement date of the Amended ADA pursuant to BKC procedures subject to certain limitations. This pre-approval may be suspended as long as the Company is not in compliance with its development commitments described above. In connection with an acquisition of restaurants in 2019, the Company assumed a development agreement for Popeyes, which included an assignment by PLK of its right of first refusal under its franchise agreements with its franchisees for acquisitions in two southern states, as well as a development commitment to open, build and operate approximately 80 new Popeyes restaurants over six years. This development agreement with PLK was terminated on March 17, 2021, with certain covenants applicable to the Company surviving the termination. PLK reserved the right to charge the Company a $0.6 million fee if PLK and the Company are not able to come to a mutually agreeable solution with respect to such fee within a six-month period. The Company has not recorded a liability for such amount as the risk of loss is considered less than reasonably possible at this time. In 2022, the Company entered an agreement with BKC in connection with their "Reclaim the Flame" investment plan. Pursuant to this initiative, BKC has agreed to fund $120 million in additional advertising expenditures over the period October 1, 2022 through December 31, 2024. Following the franchisor's investment period in 2023 and 2024, participating franchisees have agreed to increase their advertising fund contributions by 50 basis points through 2026 if a profitability threshold for the Burger King system is met for the full fiscal year 2024, and further through 2028 if a secondary profitability threshold is met for the full fiscal year 2026. In 2023, certain subsidiaries of the Company entered into certain agreements and related documentation with BKC related to its Royal Reset program and BKC's restaurant technology initiatives: • With respect to BKC's initiative to match restaurant maintenance expenses with restaurant technology investments, BKC will provide the Company with the use of certain restaurant technology equipment worth approximately $12.2 million, conditioned upon the Company completing certain repairs, replacements and improvements with respect to its restaurant assets at a cost of approximately $12.2 million by March 31, 2024. As of December 31, 2023, $8.4 million in equipment has been received by the Company related to this arrangement, including approximately $0.5 million for self-ordering kiosks at 64 restaurants, and the Company has completed $13.1 million in qualified repairs, replacements and improvements. • With respect to BKC's initiative to accelerate the pace of restaurant remodeling, the Company entered into an agreement with BKC to remodel 64 restaurants in total between 2023 and 2024 in connection with their "Reclaim the Flame" remodel incentive program. As of December 31, 2023, three locations have been remodeled in connection with this arrangement. Contributions of $0.7 million were received from BKC in 2023 and an additional $0.9 million is included as a receivable related to related to these remodel projects. • In December 2023, the Company entered into an agreement with BKC under which BKC has agreed to provide the Company with self-order kiosks conditioned upon the purchase of additional self-order kiosks for the restaurants beyond the restaurant technology investments as part of BKC's Royal Reset agreements. Among other things, under this agreement, if the Company provides written notice to BKC by March 31, 2024 to purchase kiosks worth $1.7 million, BKC will provide the Company with an additional $2.5 million of kiosks for use in the restaurants, for a total of $4.2 million of kiosks. These kiosks must be installed by September 30, 2024. The Company may also elect to further expand kiosk installation and if, by written notice to BKC no later than May 31, 2024, the Company agrees to purchase up to an additional $2.5 million of kiosks, BKC will provide the Company with additional kiosks worth up to $3.7 million for use in the restaurants for a total additional amount of up to $6.2 million of kiosks. These additional kiosks must be installed by December 31, 2024. In October of 2023, Fiesta was acquired by affiliates of Garnett Station Partners ("GSP"). Matthew Perelman and Alexander Sloane, each a member of the Company’s Board of Directors, are affiliates of GSP and affiliates of Cambridge Franchise Holdings, LLC which owns approximately 19.5% of the outstanding shares of the Company's common stock. As disclosed in Note 15, Fiesta is a former wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company and the Company remains guarantor on eight Fiesta restaurant property leases.

Retirement Plans

Retirement Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block]	Retirement Plans The Company offers its salaried employees the option to participate in the Carrols Corporation Retirement Savings Plan (the "Retirement Plan"). The Retirement Plan includes a savings option pursuant to section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code in addition to a post-tax savings option. Participating employees may contribute up to 50% of their salary annually to either of the savings options, subject to other limitations. The employees may allocate their contributions to various investment options available under a trust established by the Retirement Plan. The Company may elect to contribute to the Retirement Plan on an annual basis. The Company contributes an amount equal to $0.75 on the dollar of each participant’s contribution, up to a maximum Company contribution of three percent of the participants deferred salary, per year, per participant. The Company contribution begins to vest after one year of service and fully vests after five years of service. A year of service is defined as a plan year during which an employee completes at least 1,000 hours of service. Expense recognized for the Company's contributions to the Retirement Plan was $2.0 million, $1.9 million and $1.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, January 1, 2023 and January 2, 2022, respectively.

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events On January 16, 2024, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with RBI, and BK Cheshire Corp, a Delaware corporation and subsidiary of RBI, (“Merger Sub”, and together with RBI, the “Buyer Parties”), providing for the merger of Merger Sub with and into the Company, with the Company continuing as the surviving corporation (the “Merger”). A special transaction committee (the “Special Committee”) of independent and disinterested members of the Company’s board of directors (the “Company Board”) unanimously adopted resolutions recommending that the Company Board approve and adopt the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby and agree to recommend that the Unaffiliated Company Stockholders (as defined in the Merger Agreement) adopt the Merger Agreement. Thereafter, the Company Board unanimously approved the Merger Agreement and agreed to recommend that the stockholders of the Company adopt the Merger Agreement. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, each share of our common stock, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger (the “Effective Time”) will, at the Effective Time, automatically be converted into the right to receive $9.55 in cash, without interest, subject to any required tax withholding. If the Merger is consummated, the Company's common stock will be delisted from The NASDAQ Global Market and deregistered under the Exchange Act, as promptly as practicable following the Effective Time. The Merger Agreement includes a 30-day “go shop” period that allowed the Company to affirmatively solicit alternative proposals from interested parties. As of the report date of this Consolidated Financial Statements, the 30-day go shop has expired and the Merger is expected to close in the second quarter of 2024 subject the conditions set forth below. Consummation of the Merger is subject to certain conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, including, but not limited to, the: (A) affirmative vote of the holders of (i) a majority of all of the outstanding shares of Company capital stock to adopt the Merger Agreement and (ii) a majority of all of the outstanding shares of Carrols Common Stock held by the Unaffiliated Company Stockholders to adopt the Merger Agreement; (B) expiration or termination of any waiting periods (and any extensions thereof) applicable to the consummation of the Merger under the HSR Act; (C) absence of any law or order in the United States restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the Merger; and (D) absence of a Company Material Adverse Effect (as defined in the Merger Agreement). The Merger Agreement contains certain termination rights for the Company, on the one hand, and the Buyer Parties, on the other hand. Upon termination of the Merger Agreement under specified circumstances, the Company will be required to pay RBI a termination fee of $19,000,000 (or, if termination occurs in certain circumstances prior to the No-Shop Period Start Date (as defined in the Merger Agreement), $9,500,000). In addition to the foregoing termination rights, and subject to certain limitations, the Company or RBI may terminate the Merger Agreement if the Merger is not consummated by November 30, 2024.

Valuation and Qualifying Accoun

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block]	Column B Column C Column D Column E Description Balance at Beginning of Period Charged to Costs and Expenses Charged to other accounts Deductions Balance at End of Period Year Ended December 31, 2023 Deferred income tax valuation allowance $ 44,263 (2,111) 561 $ — $ 42,713 Year Ended January 1, 2023 Deferred income tax valuation allowance $ 24,410 21,065 (1,212) $ — $ 44,263 Year Ended January 2, 2022 Deferred income tax valuation allowance $ 13,138 11,272 — $ — $ 24,410

Significant Accounting Polici_2

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Consolidation	Basis of Consolidation. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Fiscal Year	Fiscal Year. The Company uses a 52-53 week fiscal year ending on the Sunday closest to December 31. The fiscal years ended December 31, 2023, January 1, 2023 and January 2, 2022 each contained 52 weeks.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates. The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Significant items subject to such estimates include accrued occupancy costs, insurance liabilities, lease accounting matters, the valuation of acquired assets and liabilities, interest rate swap valuation, the valuation of deferred income tax assets and liabilities, and the evaluation for impairment of goodwill, long-lived assets and franchise rights. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents. The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. At December 31, 2023 the Company had $5.5 million of cash invested in money market funds classified as cash equivalents on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Company did not have any cash invested in money market funds which were classified as cash equivalents on the consolidated balance sheets as of January 1, 2023.
Inventories	Inventories. Inventories, consisting primarily of food, beverage, and paper supplies, are stated at the lower of cost (determined on the first-in, first-out method) or net realizable value. Net realizable value is determined as the estimated selling price in the normal course of business minus the cost of disposal and transportation.
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment. Property and equipment is recorded at cost. The Company capitalizes all direct costs incurred to develop, construct and substantially improve its restaurants. These costs are depreciated and charged to expense based upon their property classification when placed in service. Repairs and maintenance expenditures are expensed as incurred. Depreciation and amortization is provided using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives: Owned buildings 9 to 30 years Equipment 3 to 7 years Computer hardware and software 3 to 7 years Assets subject to finance leases Shorter of useful life or lease term
Business Combinations	Business Combinations. In accordance with ASC 805, the Company allocates the purchase price of an acquired business to its identifiable assets and liabilities based on the estimated fair values. The excess of the purchase price over the amount allocated to the assets and liabilities, if any, is recorded as goodwill. The excess value of the net identifiable assets and liabilities acquired over the purchase price, if any, is recorded as a bargain purchase gain. The Company uses all available information to estimate fair values of identifiable intangible assets and property acquired. In making these determinations, the Company may engage an independent third party valuation specialist to assist with the valuation of certain leasehold improvements, franchise rights and favorable and unfavorable leases. The Company estimates that the seller's carrying value of acquired restaurant equipment, subject to certain adjustments, is equivalent to the fair value of this equipment at the date of the acquisition. The fair values of assumed franchise agreements are valued as if the remaining term of the agreement is at the market rate. The fair values of acquired land, buildings, certain leasehold improvements, and restaurant equipment subject to finance leases are determined using both the cost approach and market approach and include significant inputs observable in the open market. The Company categorizes these inputs as Level 2 inputs under ASC 820. The fair value of acquired franchise rights and favorable or unfavorable lease positions are determined using the income approach and includes unobservable inputs. The Company categorizes these inputs as Level 3 inputs under ASC 820.
Franchise Rights	Franchise Agreements. Fees for initial franchises and renewals are amortized using the straight-line method over the term of each individual agreement, which is generally twenty years. Franchise Rights. To determine the fair value attributable to franchise rights of restaurant acquisitions, the Company estimates the acquired restaurants' future earnings, discounts those earnings using an appropriate market discount rate and subtracts a contributory charge for net working capital, property and equipment and assembled workforce. Amounts allocated to franchise rights for each acquisition are amortized using the straight-line method over the average remaining term of the acquired franchise agreements plus one twenty
Goodwill	Goodwill. Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the value assigned to the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets of the businesses acquired. Goodwill is not amortized, but is tested for impairment annually, or more frequently when events and circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may be impaired. The Company conducts its annual goodwill impairment as of the end of the eighth month of its fiscal year. The Company's measurement of the fair value of reporting units is a Level 3 measurement under the fair value hierarchy. Refer to Note 5 herein for further discussion.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Other Lease Charges. The Company reviews its long-lived assets, principally property and equipment and lease related balances, for impairment at the restaurant level. If an indicator of impairment exists for any of its assets, an estimate of the undiscounted future cash flows over the life of the primary asset for each restaurant is compared to that long-lived asset's carrying value. If the carrying value is greater than the undiscounted cash flow, the Company then determines the fair value of the asset and if an asset is determined to be impaired, the loss is measured by the excess of the carrying amount of the asset over its fair value. Impairment is reviewed whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of these assets may not be fully recoverable. Impairment indicators at the restaurant level include sustained low or negative restaurant-level operating cash flows, sustained declining restaurant-level sales and if the ratio of trailing twelve months cash flows extended over the remaining lease term does not exceed the net book value of the asset group. For closed restaurant locations, the Company reviews the future minimum lease payments and related ancillary costs from the date of the restaurant closure to the end of the remaining lease term and records a lease charge for any ROU (as defined below) lease asset impairment or lease-related costs during the remaining term, net of any estimated sublease recoveries. The Company determines the fair value of restaurant equipment, for those restaurants reviewed for impairment, based on current economic conditions. The Company determines the fair value of ROU lease assets based on an assessment of market rents and a discounted future cash flow model. These fair value asset measurements rely on significant unobservable inputs and are considered Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
Deferred Financing Costs	Deferred Financing Costs.
Leases	Leases. The Company utilizes land and buildings in its operations under various lease agreements. The Company does not consider any one of these individual leases material to the Company's operations. Initial lease terms are generally for twenty years and provide for renewal options with rent escalations. The exercise of such renewal options are generally at the Company's sole discretion. The Company evaluates renewal options at lease commencement (and any subsequent amendment or modification) to determine if such options are reasonably certain to be exercised based on economic factors. Certain leases also require variable rent, determined as a percentage of sales as defined by the terms of the applicable lease agreement. For most locations, the Company is obligated for occupancy related costs including payment of property taxes, insurance and utilities. Right-of-use ("ROU") lease assets represent the Company's right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the Company's obligation to make payments in exchange for that right of use. As the rate implicit within our leases is not readily determinable, the Company uses market and term specific incremental borrowing rates which consider the rate of interest it expects to pay on a collateralized basis to borrow an amount equal to the lease payments under similar terms. ROU assets are reduced by lease incentives, increased for initial direct costs and adjusted by favorable lease assets and unfavorable lease liabilities. Variable lease components represent amounts that are contractually fixed as a percentage of sales and are recognized in expense as incurred. Leases with a term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the consolidated balance sheets and are recognized as lease expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company does not account for lease components (e.g., fixed payments including rent) separately from the non-lease components (e.g., common area maintenance) except in instances where the lease components are considered variable in nature. For certain leases where rent escalates based upon a change in a financial index, such as the Consumer Price Index, the difference between the rate at lease inception and the subsequent fluctuations in that rate are included in variable lease costs. Additionally, because the Company has elected to not separate lease and non-lease components, in limited instances variable costs also include payments to the landlord for common area maintenance, real estate taxes, insurance and other operating expenses. Rent expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term, with variable lease payments recognized in the period those payments are incurred. The Company also utilizes certain restaurant equipment under various finance lease agreements with initial terms of generally three eight
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition
Gift cards	Gift cards.
Advertising Costs	Advertising Costs.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are based on the difference between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities as measured by the tax rates that are anticipated to be in effect when those differences reverse. The deferred tax provision generally represents the net change in deferred tax assets and liabilities during the period, including any changes in valuation allowances. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the results of operations in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is established when it is necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to an amount for which realization is likely. The Company recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The Company and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return.
Insurance	Insurance.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments. 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 on the measurement date. In determining fair value, the accounting standards establish a three-level hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value as follows: Level 1 inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2 inputs are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, including quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities; and Level 3 inputs are unobservable and reflect the Company's own assumptions. Financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables, accounts payable and long-term debt. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the short-term nature of these financial instruments. Borrowings under the Company's Senior Credit Facilities (including its term B loans) accrue interest at a floating rate tied to a standard short-term borrowing index selected at the Company's option, plus an applicable margin. The Company's liability for its Senior Credit Facilities and 5.875% Senior Notes due 2029 are carried at historical cost in the accompanying balance sheets. The fair value of our term B loans and 5.875% Senior Notes due 2029 is based on recent trading activity, which are Level 2 inputs in the fair value hierarchy. As of December 31, 2023, the term B loans traded at 97.8% of par value and the 5.875% Senior Notes due 2029 traded at 87.5% of par value. The Company recognizes its derivative arrangements on the balance sheet at fair value, which is considered a Level 2 input. The Company's only derivative is an interest rate swap (the "Swap") which is designated as a cash flow hedge. Accordingly, the effective portion of the changes in the fair value of this arrangement is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. Any ineffective portion of the changes in the fair value of this arrangement is immediately recognized in earnings as interest expense, as applicable. The Company classifies cash inflows and outflows from derivatives within operating activities on the consolidated statements of cash flows. The Swap had an asset value of $5.1 million and $8.6 million as of December 31, 2023 and January 1, 2023, respectively, and it is classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. Fair value measurements of non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities are primarily used in the impairment analysis of long-lived assets, goodwill and intangible assets. Long-lived assets and definite-lived intangible assets are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis using Level 3 inputs. As described in Notes 5 and 6, the Company recorded long-lived asset impairment charges of $1.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2023. The Company recorded goodwill impairment charges of $16.7 million, franchise rights impairment charges of $0.2 million and long-lived asset impairment charges of $2.8 million during the year ended January 1, 2023. The Company recorded long-lived asset impairment charges of $3.9 million during the year ended January 2, 2022.
Stock-based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation. The Company has an incentive stock plan under which incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, restricted stock units, time-based non-vested shares, performance-based non-vested shares and performance-based stock units may be granted to employees and non-employee directors. The Company has granted time-based non-vested shares, performance-based non-vested shares, performance-based restricted stock units, stock options, and restricted stock units under this plan to its corporate employees and non-employees directors. Time-vested non-vested shares, options, and restricted stock units granted to corporate employees and non-employee directors generally vest in equal installments over three years, with provisions that require accelerated vesting upon a change of control at the Company. For time-based non-vested stock awards and restricted stock units, the fair market value of the award is determined based upon the closing value of the Company's stock price on the grant date and is recorded to compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. For stock options, the fair-value of the options is estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model based on assumptions for the risk-free rate of interest, expected dividend yield, expected volatility, and the expected term of the award. Compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. For performance-based restricted shares, the fair value of the market-based restricted shares was determined using a Monte Carlo simulation valuation model and expense was recognized over the associated service period based on the probability of the Company's attainment of the contractually defined performance targets. For performance-based stock units, the fair market value of the award is determined based upon the closing value of the Company's stock price on the grant date and expense is being recognized over the associated service period based on the probability of the Company's attainment of the contractually defined performance targets, with provisions that require accelerated vesting upon a change of control at the Company. See Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Concentrations of Credit Risk	Concentrations of Credit Risk. Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents. The Company maintains its day-to-day operating cash balances in interest-bearing transaction accounts at financial institutions, which are insured up to the respective Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation limit. Although the Company maintains balances that exceed the federally insured limit, it has not experienced any losses related to these balances and believes its credit risk to be minimal.
Segment Information	Segment Information. Operating segments are components of an entity for which separate financial information is available and is regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker to allocate resources and assess performance. The Company's chief operating decision maker currently evaluates the Company's operations from a number of different operational perspectives; however resource allocation decisions are made based on the chief operating decision maker's evaluation of the total Company operations. The Company derives all significant revenues from a single operating segment. Accordingly, the Company views the operating results of its restaurants as one reportable segment.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted. In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. The amendments in this update require disclosure of incremental segment information and the title and position of the chief operating decision maker ("CODM"). The Company will be required to disclose significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the CODM, as well as additional information on segment profit and loss measures and how such information is used by the CODM to assess segment performance and allocate resources. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, on a retrospective basis. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASU on its disclosures. In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. The amendments in this update require enhanced income tax disclosures, particularly related to a reporting entity's effective tax rate reconciliation and income taxes paid. For the rate reconciliation table, the update requires additional categories of information about federal, state, and foreign taxes and details about significant reconciling items, subject to a quantitative threshold. Income taxes paid must be similarly disaggregated by federal, state, and foreign based on a quantitative threshold. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. The guidance shall be applied on a prospective basis with the option to apply retrospectively. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASU on its disclosures.
Food, Beverage And Packaging Costs	Food, beverage and packaging costs. The Company includes food, beverage and paper costs and delivery commissions, net of any vendor purchase discounts and rebates, in food, beverage and packaging costs. Other restaurant operating expenses. The Company includes restaurant-level operating costs other than food, beverage and packaging costs, restaurant wages and related expenses, rent expense and advertising costs in other restaurant operating expenses. Its major components include royalty expenses paid to its franchisors, utilities, repairs and maintenance, operating supplies, real estate taxes and credit card fees.
Subsequent Events, Policy	Subsequent events.

Net Income (Loss) Per Share Ear

Net Income (Loss) Per Share Earnings per share narrative (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]	The Company applies the two-class method to calculate and present net income (loss) per share. The Company's non-vested restricted share awards and Series D Convertible Preferred Stock held by the BKC Stockholders contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends and are considered participating securities for purposes of computing net income (loss) per share pursuant to the two-class method. Under the two-class method, net earnings are reduced by the amount of dividends declared (whether paid or unpaid) and the remaining undistributed earnings are then allocated to common stock and participating securities, based on their respective rights to receive dividends. Basic net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the reporting period. Diluted net income (loss) per share reflects additional shares of common stock outstanding, where applicable, calculated using the treasury stock method or the two-class method.

Significant Accounting Polici_3

Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Depreciation and Amortization	Depreciation and amortization is provided using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives: Owned buildings 9 to 30 years Equipment 3 to 7 years Computer hardware and software 3 to 7 years Assets subject to finance leases Shorter of useful life or lease term Property and equipment at December 31, 2023 and January 1, 2023 consisted of the following: December 31, 2023 January 1, 2023 Land $ 9,990 $ 7,685 Owned buildings 13,799 12,895 Leasehold improvements 472,125 454,134 Equipment 352,426 342,118 Assets subject to finance leases 29,248 30,873 877,588 847,705 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (570,062) (535,359) $ 307,526 $ 312,346

Acquisition (Tables)

Acquisition (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block]	In 2021, the Company acquired an aggregate of 19 Burger King restaurants from other franchisees in the following transactions (in thousands except number of restaurants): Closing Date Number of Restaurants Purchase Price Fee-Owned (1)(2) Market Location June 17, 2021 14 $ 27,603 12 Fort Wayne, Indiana June 23, 2021 5 3,216 1 Battle Creek, Michigan 19 $ 30,819 13 (1) The 2021 acquisitions included the purchase of 13 fee-owned restaurants, of which 12 were sold in subsequent sale-leaseback transactions during the third quarter of 2021 for net proceeds of approximately $20.2 million. (2) One of the fee-owned restaurants was closed at the end of 2021 and subsequently sold in the second quarter of 2022 for proceeds of $0.2 million.
Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation [Table Text Block]	The Company allocated the aggregate purchase price for the 2021 acquisitions at their estimated fair values. The following table summarizes the final allocation of the aggregate purchase price for the 2021 acquisitions: Inventory $ 229 Land and buildings 20,376 Restaurant equipment 850 Restaurant equipment - subject to finance leases 29 Right-of-use assets 2,997 Leasehold improvements 550 Franchise fees 411 Franchise rights 6,025 Deferred income taxes 484 Goodwill 1,832 Operating lease liabilities (2,900) Finance lease liabilities for restaurant equipment (35) Accounts payable (29) Net assets acquired $ 30,819
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the Company's unaudited pro forma operating results: Year Ended January 2, 2022 Total revenue $ 1,663,860 Net loss (41,796) Basic and diluted net loss per share (0.84)

Property and Equipment (Tables)

Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Summary of Depreciation and Amortization	Depreciation and amortization is provided using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives: Owned buildings 9 to 30 years Equipment 3 to 7 years Computer hardware and software 3 to 7 years Assets subject to finance leases Shorter of useful life or lease term Property and equipment at December 31, 2023 and January 1, 2023 consisted of the following: December 31, 2023 January 1, 2023 Land $ 9,990 $ 7,685 Owned buildings 13,799 12,895 Leasehold improvements 472,125 454,134 Equipment 352,426 342,118 Assets subject to finance leases 29,248 30,873 877,588 847,705 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (570,062) (535,359) $ 307,526 $ 312,346

Intangible Assets (Tables)

Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]	The following reflects the changes in goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2023 and January 1, 2023. Goodwill at January 2, 2022 $ 124,451 Impairment of goodwill (16,700) Goodwill at January 1, 2023 107,751 Impairment of goodwill — Goodwill at December 31, 2023 $ 107,751

Other Liabilities, Long-Term (T

Other Liabilities, Long-Term (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Schedule of Other Liabilities [Table Text Block]	Other liabilities, long-term, at December 31, 2023 and January 1, 2023 consisted of the following: December 31, 2023 January 1, 2023 Accrued occupancy costs $ 1,766 $ 1,797 Accrued workers' compensation and general liability claims 3,994 5,239 Deferred compensation 3,162 3,002 Lease financing obligations 25 1,179 Other 1,115 1,026 $ 10,062 $ 12,243

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Leases [Abstract]
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block]	Rent commitments under finance and non-cancelable operating leases at December 31, 2023 were as follows: Fiscal year ending: Operating Leases Finance Leases December 29, 2024 $ 104,289 $ 3,460 December 28, 2025 102,813 3,338 December 27, 2026 101,195 3,249 January 2, 2028 98,895 768 December 31, 2028 95,947 5 Thereafter 732,541 — Total lease payments 1,235,680 10,820 Less: imputed interest (428,141) (1,068) Present value of lease liabilities 807,539 9,752 Less: current portion (49,424) (2,909) Total long-term lease liabilities $ 758,115 $ 6,843
Finance Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block]	Rent commitments under finance and non-cancelable operating leases at December 31, 2023 were as follows: Fiscal year ending: Operating Leases Finance Leases December 29, 2024 $ 104,289 $ 3,460 December 28, 2025 102,813 3,338 December 27, 2026 101,195 3,249 January 2, 2028 98,895 768 December 31, 2028 95,947 5 Thereafter 732,541 — Total lease payments 1,235,680 10,820 Less: imputed interest (428,141) (1,068) Present value of lease liabilities 807,539 9,752 Less: current portion (49,424) (2,909) Total long-term lease liabilities $ 758,115 $ 6,843
Lease, Cost [Table Text Block]	The components and classification of lease expense for the years ended December 31, 2023, January 1, 2023 and January 2, 2022 are as follows: Year ended Lease cost Classification December 31, 2023 January 1, 2023 January 2, 2022 Operating lease cost (1) Restaurant rent expense $ 105,467 $ 105,285 $ 103,733 Operating lease cost (2) General and administrative 1,305 853 946 Variable lease cost - variable rent Restaurant rent expense 23,337 20,196 18,929 Variable lease cost - common area maintenance Other restaurant operating expenses 675 578 585 Finance lease cost: Amortization of right-of-use assets Depreciation and amortization 3,290 2,798 755 Interest on lease liabilities Interest expense 754 723 133 Total lease cost $ 134,828 $ 130,433 $ 125,081 (1) Includes short-term leases which are not material. (2) Represents operating lease costs for property and equipment not directly related to restaurant operations.
Assets And Liabilities, Lessee [Table Text Block]	Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows as of December 31, 2023 and January 1, 2023: Leases Classification December 31, 2023 January 1, 2023 Assets Operating leases Operating right-of-use assets, net $ 743,250 $ 763,935 Finance leases Property and equipment, net 9,158 12,429 Total leased assets $ 752,408 $ 776,364 Liabilities Current Operating leases Current portion of operating lease liabilities $ 49,424 $ 47,408 Finance leases Current portion of long-term debt and finance lease liabilities 2,909 3,091 Long-term Operating leases Operating lease liabilities 758,115 776,465 Finance leases Long-term debt and finance lease liabilities 6,843 9,735 Total lease liabilities $ 817,291 $ 836,699 Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Operating leases 12.3 years 12.9 years Finance leases 3.2 years 4.1 years Weighted Average Discount Rate Operating leases 7.1 % 7.0 % Finance leases 6.8 % 6.7 %

Long-Term Debt Long-Term Debt (

Long-Term Debt Long-Term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Long-Term Debt, Unclassified [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]	Long-term debt at December 31, 2023 and January 1, 2023 consisted of the following: December 31, 2023 January 1, 2023 Senior Credit Facility: Term B Loans $ 133,375 $ 167,625 Revolving credit borrowings — 12,500 Senior Notes Due 2029 290,093 300,000 Finance lease liabilities 9,752 12,826 Total Funded debt 433,220 492,951 Less: current portion of long-term debt and finance lease liabilities (7,159) (7,341) Less: unamortized debt issuance costs (4,010) (5,401) Less: original issue discount (263) (453) Total Long-term Debt $ 421,788 $ 479,756
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]	At December 31, 2023, principal payments required on long-term debt, including finance leases, were as follows: Fiscal year ending: December 29, 2024 $ 7,159 December 28, 2025 7,232 December 27, 2026 127,973 January 2, 2028 759 December 31, 2028 4 Thereafter 290,093 $ 433,220

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]	The provision (benefit) for income taxes was comprised of the following: Year ended December 31, 2023 January 1, 2023 January 2, 2022 Current: Federal $ 273 $ — $ — State 439 (37) (36) 712 (37) (36) Deferred: Federal 4,383 (16,790) (12,374) State 1,489 (5,027) (4,021) 5,872 (21,817) (16,395) Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance (2,111) 21,065 11,272 Provision (benefit) for income taxes $ 4,473 $ (789) $ (5,159)
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	The components of deferred income tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2023 and January 1, 2023 were as follows: December 31, 2023 January 1, 2023 Deferred income tax assets: Operating lease liabilities $ 208,884 $ 211,000 Federal net operating loss carryforwards 13,054 26,122 Tax credit carryforwards 47,328 43,906 State net operating loss carryforwards 6,241 8,216 Interest expense limitation under section 163 (j) 7,139 8,090 Stock-based compensation expense 2,001 1,467 Accrued vacation benefits 3,329 2,904 Postretirement benefit obligations 671 721 Intangible Assets — 757 Other deferred income tax assets 10,172 5,981 Gross deferred income tax assets 298,819 309,164 Less: Valuation allowance (42,713) (44,263) Total deferred income tax assets $ 256,106 $ 264,901 Deferred income tax liabilities: Operating right-of-use assets (192,269) (195,705) Property and equipment depreciation (11,207) (12,247) Franchise rights (61,080) (61,755) Intangible Assets (687) — Accumulated other comprehensive income-postretirement benefits (355) (386) Accumulated other comprehensive income-accrued interest rate swap (1,294) (2,160) Other deferred income tax liabilities (304) (313) Total deferred income tax liabilities (267,196) (272,566) Net long-term deferred income tax liabilities $ (11,090) $ (7,665)
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax provision to the income tax provision (benefit) for the years ended December 31, 2023, January 1, 2023, and January 2, 2022 was as follows: Year ended December 31, 2023 January 1, 2023 January 2, 2022 Statutory federal income tax provision (benefit) $ 7,867 $ (16,036) $ (10,119) State income taxes, net of federal benefit 1,681 (4,085) (2,934) Employment tax credits (3,173) (2,817) (3,274) Change in valuation allowances (2,111) 21,065 11,272 Non-deductible expenses 181 597 431 Stock-based compensation 310 684 127 Rate change — — (163) Other (282) (197) (499) Provision (benefit) for income taxes $ 4,473 $ (789) $ (5,159)

Stock-based Compensation Stock-

Stock-based Compensation Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Schedule of Nonvested Share Activity	A summary of all non-vested common share activity for the year ended December 31, 2023 was as follows: Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Price Non-vested at January 1, 2023 1,767,811 $ 3.79 Granted 1,810,042 $ 2.50 Vested (822,368) $ 4.17 Forfeited (20,725) $ 2.60 Non-vested at December 31, 2023 2,734,760 $ 2.84
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Activity	A summary of all stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2023 was as follows: Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Average Remaining Contractual Life Aggregate Intrinsic Value (1) Options outstanding at January 1, 2023 975,500 $ 7.12 Forfeited — Cancelled (50,500) $ 7.12 Options Outstanding at December 31, 2023 925,000 $ 7.12 3.6 $ 703 Vested or expected to vest at December 31, 2023 925,000 $ 7.12 3.6 $ 703 Options exercisable at December 31, 2023 925,000 $ 7.12 3.6 $ 703 (1)
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Unit, Activity	A summary of all RSU activity for the year ended December 31, 2023 was as follows: Units Non-vested at January 1, 2023 38,770 Issued dividend equivalents 48 Vested (21,295) Non-vested at December 31, 2023 17,523

Net Income (Loss) Per Share E_2

Net Income (Loss) Per Share Earnings per Share Table (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	The following table sets forth the calculation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share: Year ended December 31, 2023 January 1, 2023 January 2, 2022 Basic net income (loss) per share: Net income (loss) $ 33,796 $ (75,572) $ (43,029) Less: Income attributable to non-vested shares (1,658) — — Less: Income attributable to preferred stock (4,963) — — Net income (loss) available to common stockholders $ 27,175 $ (75,572) $ (43,029) Weighted average common shares outstanding 51,530,360 50,718,387 49,899,274 Basic net income (loss) per share (1) $ 0.53 $ (1.49) $ (0.86) Diluted net income (loss) per share: Net income (loss) $ 33,796 $ (75,572) $ (43,029) Shares used in computing basic net income (loss) per share 51,530,360 50,718,387 49,899,274 Dilutive effect of preferred stock and non-vested shares 10,882,213 — — Shares used in computing diluted net income (loss) per share 62,412,573 50,718,387 49,899,274 Diluted net income (loss) per share (1)(2) $ 0.53 $ (1.49) $ (0.86) Shares excluded from diluted net income (loss) per share computations (1) — 9,624,963 9,681,878 (1) The Company has considered the impact of dividends paid when determining undistributed earnings in the use of the two class method, and has not reflected that in the table above as the computation has not yielded a change in the calculated basic and diluted net income (loss) per share. (2) Shares issuable upon conversion of preferred stock and non-vested shares (including non-vested restricted stock units) were excluded from the computation in periods of net loss because their effect would have been anti-dilutive in such periods.

Basis Of Presentation Narrative

Basis Of Presentation Narrative (Details)	Dec. 31, 2023
Entity Information [Line Items]
Number of states	23
Burger King Corporate [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]
Number of restaurants	1,022
Popeyes Franchises [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]
Number of restaurants	60
Number of states	6

Significant Accounting Polici_4

Significant Accounting Policies - Summary of Depreciation and Amortization (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023 segment
Property and equipment [Line Items]
Number of Reportable Segments	1
Minimum [Member] | Owned buildings
Property and equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	9 years
Minimum [Member] | Equipment
Property and equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	3 years
Minimum [Member] | Computer hardware and software
Property and equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	3 years
Maximum [Member] | Owned buildings
Property and equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	30 years
Maximum [Member] | Equipment
Property and equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	7 years
Maximum [Member] | Computer hardware and software
Property and equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	7 years

Significant Accounting Polici_5

Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 15, 2019	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2023	Jan. 01, 2023	Jan. 02, 2022	Jan. 03, 2021
Entity Information [Line Items]
Operating leases, term			20 years
Franchise agreement, term			20 years
Sale-leaseback obligations			$ 25	$ 1,179
Marketing and Advertising Expense			76,243	69,389	$ 65,433
Fair value of swap			5,100	8,600
Goodwill impairment loss			0	16,700
Franchise rights impairment			0	200	0
Impairment charges			1,700	$ 2,800	$ 3,900
Stock Award Vesting Period						3 years
Money Market Funds, at Carrying Value			$ 5,500
Term Loan B Facility [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]
Trading percentage			97.80%
Senior Notes due 2029
Entity Information [Line Items]
Interest Rate			5.875%
Senior Loans
Entity Information [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Percentage Of Par Value Traded			0.875
Management [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]
Stock Award Vesting Period	3 years	2 years
Corporate Employees and Non-Employees
Entity Information [Line Items]
Stock Award Vesting Period			3 years
Maximum [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]
Finance lease terms			8 years
Minimum [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]
Finance lease terms			3 years

Acquisition Narrative (Details)

Acquisition Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands			3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 23, 2021 restaurant	Jun. 17, 2021 restaurant	Jul. 02, 2023 USD ($)	Oct. 03, 2021 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2023 USD ($) restaurant	Jan. 01, 2023 USD ($)	Jan. 02, 2022 USD ($) restaurant
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Proceeds From Sale Of Fee-Owned Properties			$ 200
Number Of Businesses Acquired, Fee Owned | restaurant	1	12			13
Sale Leaseback Transaction, Number Of Restaurants Expected To Be Sold | restaurant					12
Number of Businesses Sold, Fee Owned | restaurant							1
Deferred income taxes					$ 1,800
Revenue					1,876,504	$ 1,730,440	$ 1,652,370
Pro forma transaction costs							400
Sale Leaseback Transaction, Net Proceeds, Financing Activities				$ 20,200
2021 Acquisitions
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenue					$ 23,600	$ 21,900	$ 12,900

Acquisition Table of Acquisitio

Acquisition Table of Acquisitions (Details) $ in Thousands			12 Months Ended
	Jun. 23, 2021 USD ($) restaurant	Jun. 17, 2021 USD ($) restaurant	Dec. 31, 2023 USD ($) restaurant	Jan. 01, 2023 USD ($)	Jan. 02, 2022 USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Restaurants Acquired	5	14	19
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross | $	$ 3,216	$ 27,603	$ 30,819
Acquisition of restaurants, net of cash acquired | $			$ 0	$ 0	$ (30,819)
Number Of Businesses Acquired, Fee Owned	1	12	13
Sale Leaseback Transaction, Number Of Restaurants Expected To Be Sold			12

Acquisition Purchase Price Allo

Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation, Acquisitions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2023	Jan. 01, 2023	Jan. 02, 2022
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 107,751	$ 107,751	$ 124,451
2021 Acquisitions
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Inventory			229
Land and building			20,376
Restaurant equipment			850
Restaurant equipment - subject to capital lease			29
Right-of-use assets			2,997
Leasehold improvements			550
Franchise fees			411
Franchise rights			6,025
Goodwill			1,832
Finance lease obligations for restaurant equipment			(35)
Operating lease liabilities			(2,900)
Accounts payable			(29)
Net assets acquired			30,819
Deferred taxes			$ 484

Acquisition Pro Forma Informati

Acquisition Pro Forma Information, Acquisitions (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 01, 2023	Jan. 02, 2022
Business Combination and Asset Acquisition [Abstract]
Restaurant sales	$ 1,663,860
Net income	$ (41,796)
Basic net loss per share (dollars per share)	$ (0.84)
Diluted net loss per share (dollars per share)	$ (0.84)
Pro forma transaction costs		$ 400

Property and Equipment (Details

Property and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Jan. 01, 2023	Jan. 02, 2022
Property and equipment [Line Items]
Land	$ 9,990	$ 7,685
Owned buildings	13,799	12,895
Leasehold improvements	472,125	454,134
Equipment	352,426	342,118
Assets subject to capital leases	29,248	30,873
Propert and equipment, gross	877,588	847,705
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(570,062)	(535,359)
Property and equipment, net	307,526	312,346
Depreciation expense	74,161	78,068	$ 80,798
Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Accumulated Amortization	20,100	18,400
Property and Equipment [Member]
Property and equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation expense	$ 57,800	$ 61,400	$ 64,500

Intangible Assets - Summary of

Intangible Assets - Summary of Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Jan. 01, 2023	Jan. 02, 2022
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Franchise rights impairment	$ 0	$ (0.2)	$ 0
Franchise Rights [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization expense	$ 13.9	$ 14	$ 13.9

Intangible Assets - Schedule of

Intangible Assets - Schedule of Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Jan. 01, 2023
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill	$ 107,751	$ 124,451
Goodwill	107,751	107,751
Goodwill impairment loss	$ 0	$ (16,700)

Intangible Assets - Additional

Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Jan. 01, 2023	Jan. 02, 2022
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Franchise agreement, term	20 years
Franchise rights impairment	$ 0	$ 200	$ 0
Expected Amortization, year three	13,900
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two	13,900
Expected Amortization, next fiscal year	13,900
Expected Amortization, year five	13,900
Expected Amortization, year four	13,900
Goodwill impairment loss	0	16,700
Franchise Rights [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization expense	$ 13,900	$ 14,000	$ 13,900

Impairment Of Long-Lived Asse_2

Impairment Of Long-Lived Assets And Other Lease Charges (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023 USD ($) restaurant	Jan. 01, 2023 USD ($) restaurant	Jan. 02, 2022 USD ($)
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Impairment and other lease charges	$ 7.6	$ 4.9	$ 4.5
Impairment charges	1.7	2.8	3.9
Other lease charges	$ 5.9	$ 2.1	$ 0.6
Asset impairment charges, number of restaurants	3	15	9
Impairment, Intangible Asset, Finite-Lived, Statement of Income or Comprehensive Income [Extensible Enumeration]	Impairment and other lease charges
Previously Impaired [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Impairment charges	$ 1	$ 0.7	$ 0.5
Initial Impairments [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Impairment charges	0.7	2.1	1.5
Other Lease Charges
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Long-lived Assets Impairment and Other Lease Charges	$ 5.7	$ 1.7
Closed Restaurants [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges, Number of Restaurant Closures | restaurant	8	8
Non-Operating Properties
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Impairment charges			$ 1.9

Other Liabilities, Long-Term (D

Other Liabilities, Long-Term (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2023	Jan. 01, 2023
Unusual or Infrequent Item, or Both [Line Items]
Accrued Occupancy Costs	$ 1,766	$ 1,797
Accrued workers' compensation and general liability claims	3,994	5,239
Deferred compensation	3,162	3,002
Sale-leaseback obligations	25	1,179
Other Accrued Liabilities, Noncurrent	1,115	1,026
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent	$ 10,062	$ 12,243

Leases (Details)

Leases (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023 USD ($) restaurant	Jan. 01, 2023 USD ($) restaurant	Jan. 02, 2022 USD ($) restaurant
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating leases, term	20 years
Properties sold in sale-leaseback transactions | restaurant	4	2	13
Proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions | $	$ 5,193	$ 4,052	$ 22,251

Leases - Minimum Rent Commitmen

Leases - Minimum Rent Commitments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2023	Jan. 01, 2023
Leases [Abstract]
January, 3, 2021	$ 104,289
January 2, 2022	102,813
January, 1, 2023	101,195
46754	98,895
47118	95,947
Thereafter	732,541
Total lease payments	1,235,680
Less: imputed interest	$ (428,141)
Finance Lease, Liability, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration]	Total Long-term Debt	Total Long-term Debt
Present value of lease liabilities	$ 807,539
Finance Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration]	Current portion of long-term debt	Current portion of long-term debt
Less: current portion	$ (49,424)	$ (47,408)
Total long-term lease liabilities	758,115	776,465
Finance Leases
January, 3, 2021	3,460
January 2, 2022	3,338
January, 1, 2023	3,249
46754	768
47118	5
Thereafter	0
Total lease payments	10,820
Less: imputed interest	(1,068)
Present value of lease liabilities	9,752
Less: current portion	(2,909)
Total long-term lease liabilities	$ 6,843	$ 9,735

Leases - Cost (Details)

Leases - Cost (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Jan. 01, 2023	Jan. 02, 2022
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Amortization	$ 3,290	$ 2,798	$ 755
Finance Lease, Interest Expense	754	723	133
Lease, Cost	134,828	130,433	125,081
Restaurant Rent Expense [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating Lease, Cost	105,467	105,285	103,733
Variable Lease, Cost	23,337	20,196	18,929
General and Administrative Expense [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating Lease, Cost	1,305	853	946
Other Restaurant Operating Expenses [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Variable Lease, Cost	$ 675	$ 578	$ 585

Leases - Balance Sheet (Details

Leases - Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2023	Jan. 01, 2023
Leases [Abstract]
Operating right-of-use assets, net	$ 743,250	$ 763,935
Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration]	Property and equipment, net	Property and equipment, net
Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset	$ 9,158	$ 12,429
Leased Assets	752,408	776,364
Less: current portion	49,424	47,408
Long-term Debt and Lease Obligation, Including Current Maturities	2,909	3,091
Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent	758,115	776,465
Finance Lease, Liability, Noncurrent	6,843	9,735
Lease Liabilities	$ 817,291	$ 836,699
Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term	12 years 3 months 18 days	12 years 10 months 24 days
Finance Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term	3 years 2 months 12 days	4 years 1 month 6 days
Operating Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent	7.10%	7%
Finance Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent	6.80%	6.70%

Leases - Cash Flow (Details)

Leases - Cash Flow (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Jan. 01, 2023	Jan. 02, 2022
Leases [Abstract]
Gain (loss) on sale-leaseback transactions	$ 1,179	$ (425)	$ (22)
Operating cash flows related to operating leases	103,252	102,529	100,660
Interest paid on finance leases	754	723	133
Finance Lease, Principal Payments	3,074	2,552	981
Operating lease assets and liabilities resulting from lease modifications and new leases	$ 36,223	$ 23,773	$ 36,633

Long-Term Debt Long Term Debt (

Long-Term Debt Long Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
	May 01, 2023	Dec. 31, 2023	Jan. 01, 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Line of Credit		$ 0
Finance Lease Obligations		9,752	$ 12,826
Long-term Debt		433,220	492,951
Less: current portion of long-term debt and finance lease liabilities		(7,159)	(7,341)
Less: unamortized debt issuance costs		4,010	5,401
Less: original issue discount		(263)	(453)
Total Long-term Debt		421,788	479,756
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount		11,000
Payments for (Proceeds from) Derivative Instrument, Financing Activities		5,000
Certain Employees and Officers | Restricted Stock [Member] | Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Tranche One
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage	34%
Certain Employees and Officers | Restricted Stock [Member] | Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Tranche Two
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage	33%
Certain Employees and Officers | Restricted Stock [Member] | Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Tranche Three
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage	33%
Term Loan B Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Line of Credit		133,375	167,625
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Line of Credit		0	12,500
Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2029
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt		$ 290,093	$ 300,000

Long-Term Debt Senior Secured S

Long-Term Debt Senior Secured Second Lien Notes (Details)			12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2026 USD ($)	Jun. 28, 2021	Dec. 31, 2023 USD ($)	Jan. 01, 2023 USD ($)	Jan. 02, 2022 USD ($)	Apr. 02, 2023	Dec. 13, 2019	Apr. 30, 2019 USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount			$ 11,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Borrowing Capacity			204,000,000
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage		40%
Proceeds from issuance of senior secured second lien notes			0	$ 0	$ 300,000,000
Debt Issuance Costs, Net			4,010,000	5,401,000
Long-term Line of Credit			0
Borrowings Under Prior Revolving Credit Facility			11,000,000	109,000,000	47,063,000
Senior Notes Repurchase			8,656,000	0	0
Loss on extinguishment of debt			875,000	$ 0	$ (8,538,000)
Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes Repurchase			9,900,000
Loss on extinguishment of debt			1,100,000
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity								$ 550,000,000
Interest Rate				0.854%		0.915%
First Lien Leverage Ratio							5.75
Term Loan B Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity								425,000,000
Repayment of Debt Quarterly Payment			1,100,000
Long-term Line of Credit			133,375,000	$ 167,625,000
Senior Notes Repurchase			30,000,000
Loss on extinguishment of debt			(300,000)
Standby Letters of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity								35,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity								$ 125,000,000
Debt, Percent of Aggregate Amount of Borrowing							35%
Long-term Line of Credit			$ 0	$ 12,500,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Base Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			2.25%
Term Loan B And B-1 Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt, Number of Payments			9
Senior Unsecured Notes Due 2029 | Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Rate			5.875%
Debt Instrument, Face Amount			$ 300,000,000
Seventh Amendment, Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity			$ 215,000,000
Scenario, Forecast | Term Loan B Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Debt	$ 123,800,000

Long-Term Debt Senior Credit Fa

Long-Term Debt Senior Credit Facility (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023 USD ($) Rate	Jan. 01, 2023 USD ($) Rate	Jan. 02, 2022 USD ($) Rate	Apr. 02, 2023	Dec. 13, 2019 USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2019 USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from issuance of senior secured second lien notes	$ 0	$ 0	$ 300,000
Loss on extinguishment of debt	875	$ 0	$ (8,538)
Long-term Line of Credit	0
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	11,000
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Borrowing Capacity	$ 204,000
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate | Rate	5.70%	5.30%	4.80%
Interest Expense, Debt	$ 31,800	$ 30,700	$ 28,700
Letters Of Credit, Undrawn, Maximum					$ 12,000
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity						$ 550,000
Interest Rate		0.854%		0.915%
First Lien Leverage Ratio					5.75
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity						$ 125,000
Long-term Line of Credit	$ 0	$ 12,500
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) 1
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	3.25%

Long-Term Debt Future Maturitie

Long-Term Debt Future Maturities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2023	Jan. 01, 2023
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Next Twelve Months	$ 7,159
Year Two	7,232
Year Three	127,973
Year Four	759
Year Five	4
Thereafter	290,093
Long-term Debt	$ 433,220	$ 492,951

Long-Term Debt - Interest Rate

Long-Term Debt - Interest Rate Swap (Details) - USD ($)		1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 12, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2023	Apr. 02, 2023	Jan. 01, 2023	Dec. 12, 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount			$ 220,000,000			$ 120,000,000
Payments for Derivative Instrument, Financing Activities			1,000,000
Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve Months			4,900,000
Proceeds from Derivative Instrument, Financing Activities	$ 200,000
Fair value of swap			$ 5,100,000		$ 8,600,000
Term Loan B Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Derivative, Interest Rate Swap Debt Fix		$ 0.50
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Rate				0.915%	0.854%

Other Income (Details)

Other Income (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023 USD ($)	Jan. 01, 2023 USD ($)	Jan. 02, 2022 USD ($) restaurant
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Other Operating Income (Expense), Net	$ (6,058)	$ (926)	$ (1,186)
Sale and Leaseback Transaction, Gain (Loss), Net	(1,179)	425	22
Property, Plant and Equipment, Disposals	1,400	1,200	1,200
Gain on insurance recoveries	(1,700)		$ (1,300)
Number Of Restaurants Subject To Insurance Recovery | restaurant			2
Sales-type and Direct Financing Leases, Profit (Loss)		(400)
Gain (Loss) Related to Litigation Settlement	$ (4,300)
Litigation Settlement, Amount Awarded from Other Party		$ (2,500)	$ (1,100)
Gain on Business Interruption Insurance Recovery, Statement of Income or Comprehensive Income [Extensible Enumeration]	Other Operating Income (Expense), Net

Income Taxes Schedule of Compon

Income Taxes Schedule of Components of income Tax Expense (Benefit) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Jan. 01, 2023	Jan. 02, 2022
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Federal	$ 273	$ 0	$ 0
State	439	(37)	(36)
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	712	(37)	(36)
Federal	4,383	(16,790)	(12,374)
State	1,489	(5,027)	(4,021)
Deferred	5,872	(21,817)	(16,395)
Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance	(2,111)	21,065	11,272
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	$ 4,473	$ (789)	$ (5,159)

Income Taxes Schedule of Deferr

Income Taxes Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2023	Jan. 01, 2023	Jan. 02, 2022	Jan. 03, 2021
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Deferred Tax Assets, Interest Expense	$ 7,139	$ 8,090
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Lease Liabilities	208,884	211,000
Postretirement benefit expenses	671	721
Intangible assets	0	757
Stock-based compensation expense	2,001	1,467
Federal net operating loss carryforwards	13,054	26,122
State net operating loss carryforwards	6,241	8,216
Tax credit carryforwards	47,328	43,906
Accrued vacation benefits	3,329	2,904
Accumulated other comprehensive income-postretirement benefits	(355)	(386)
Deferred Tax Assets, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Interest Rate Swap	(1,294)	(2,160)
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other	(304)	(313)
Other	10,172	5,981
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross, Total	298,819	309,164
Less: Valuation allowance	(42,713)	(44,263)	$ (24,410)	$ (13,138)
Net deferred income tax assets	256,106	264,901
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Operating Right-of-use Assets	(192,269)	(195,705)
Property and equipment depreciation	(11,207)	(12,247)
Deferred Tax Liability, Franchise Rights	61,080	61,755
Franchise rights	(687)	0
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross	(267,196)	(272,566)
Carrying value of net deferred income tax assets	$ (11,090)	$ (7,665)

Income Taxes Narrative (Details

Income Taxes Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Jan. 01, 2023	Jan. 02, 2022	Jan. 03, 2021
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Federal operating loss carryforwards	$ 62,200,000
Miscellaneous	(282,000)	$ (197,000)	$ (499,000)
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	0	0
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Accrued	0	0
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, General Business	47,300,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	42,713,000	44,263,000	24,410,000	$ 13,138,000
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense	(2,111,000)	$ 21,065,000	$ 11,272,000
State and Local Jurisdiction
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Federal operating loss carryforwards	$ 133,200,000

Income Taxes Effective Rate Rec

Income Taxes Effective Rate Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Jan. 01, 2023	Jan. 02, 2022
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent [Abstract]
Statutory federal income tax provision (benefit)	$ 7,867	$ (16,036)	$ (10,119)
State income taxes (benefit), net of federal provision (benefit)	1,681	(4,085)	(2,934)
Employment tax credits	(3,173)	(2,817)	(3,274)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount	(2,111)	21,065	11,272
Non-deductible expenses	181	597	431
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Share-based Payment Arrangement, Amount	310	684	127
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Amount	0	0	(163)
Miscellaneous	(282)	(197)	(499)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	$ 4,473	$ (789)	$ (5,159)

Stock-based Compensation Stoc_2

Stock-based Compensation Stock-Based Compensation - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Jul. 01, 2023

Jun. 16, 2023

Dec. 31, 2022

Jun. 18, 2021

Jan. 15, 2019

Dec. 31, 2022

Dec. 31, 2023

Jan. 01, 2023

Jan. 02, 2022

Jan. 03, 2021

May 01, 2023

Apr. 01, 2022

Jun. 30, 2016

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant

100,000

Stock Award Vesting Period

3 years

Stock-based compensation

$ 5,551

$ 4,902

$ 6,234

Nonvested stock-based compensation expense

$ 10,900

Remaining weighted average vesting period

1 year 7 months 6 days

Grants in Period

1,810,042

Granted (in dollars per share)

$ 7.12

Granted (in shares)

1,075,000

Share price (in dollars per share)

$ 7.88

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period

822,368

Management [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Restricted Stock Awards Issued During Period

1,116,000

895,000

Stock Award Vesting Period

3 years

2 years

Director [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Restricted Stock Awards Issued During Period

226,584

92,744

2016 Stock Incentive Plan [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Shares Authorized Under Stock Incentive Plan

12,000,000

7,500,000

4,000,000

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant

3,323,708

Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Number of Additional Shares Authorized

4,500,000

3,500,000

Restricted Stock [Member] | Certain Employees and Officers

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant

1,007,915

417,320

Restricted Stock [Member] | Outside Directors

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant

384,807

Non-Qualified Stock Options

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Granted (in shares)

739,340

Incentive Stock Options (ISOs)

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Granted (in shares)

335,660

Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period

7 years

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Remaining weighted average vesting period

2 years 2 months 12 days

Granted (in shares)

48

Share price (in dollars per share)

$ 2.22

Vested

(21,295)

Performance-based Restricted Stock | Chief Executive Officer

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant

600,000

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested Options Forfeited, Number of Shares

450,000

Performance-based Restricted Stock | Executive Officer

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant

797,915

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value

$ 5.04

Stock-based Compensation Summar

Stock-based Compensation Summary of Stock Activity (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023 $ / shares shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Nonvested shares at beginning of period | shares	1,767,811
Nonvested shares, Weighted Average Grant Date Price at beginning of period | $ / shares	$ 3.79
Grants in Period | shares	1,810,042
Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Price | $ / shares	$ 2.50
Vested | shares	(822,368)
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Price | $ / shares	$ 4.17
Forfeited | shares	(20,725)
Forfeited, Weighed Average Grant Date Price | $ / shares	$ 2.60
Nonvested shares at end of period | shares	2,734,760
Nonvested shares, Weighted Average Grant Date Price at end of period | $ / shares	$ 2.84

Stock-Based Compensation - Summ

Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Stock Options Activity (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023 USD ($) $ / shares shares
Options
Beginning balance (in shares) | shares	975,500
Forfeited (in shares) | shares	(50,500)
Ending balance (in shares) | shares	925,000
Options, Vested or expected to vest (in shares) | shares	925,000
Options, Options exercisable (in shares) | shares	925,000
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 7.12
Forfeited (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	7.12
Options Outstanding (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	7.12
Vested or expected to vest (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 7.12
Average Remaining Contractual Life
Options Outstanding at December 31, 2023	3 years 7 months 6 days
Vested or expected to vest at December 31, 2023	3 years 7 months 6 days
Options exercisable at December 31, 2023	3 years 7 months 6 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Options Outstanding at December 31, 2023 | $	$ 703,000
Vested or expected to vest at December 31, 2023 | $	703,000
Options exercisable at December 31, 2023 | $	$ 703,000
Share price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 7.88

Stock-Based Compensation Summ_2

Stock-Based Compensation Summary of RSU Activity (Details) (Details) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Jan. 03, 2021
Options
Granted (in shares)		1,075,000
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Options
Non-vested at December 29, 2019	38,770
Granted (in shares)	48
Vested	(21,295)
Non-vested at September 27, 2020	17,523

Stockholder's Equity - Preferre

Stockholder's Equity - Preferred Stock (Details)			12 Months Ended
	Aug. 12, 2021 $ / shares	Sep. 29, 2019	Dec. 31, 2023 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Jan. 01, 2023 USD ($) shares	Jan. 02, 2022 USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2012	Dec. 29, 2019 shares	Aug. 02, 2019 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 shares
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued | shares			100	100					100
Outstanding Shares		14.50%
Board of directors, number of members			2				2
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared | $ / shares	$ 0.41
Convertible Preferred Stock, Common Shares Issuable upon Conversion | shares			9,414,580						9,414,580
Payment of Special Cash Dividend, Financing Activities | $			$ 1,278,000	$ 0	$ 24,882,000
Dividends, Cash | $			$ 1,300,000
Quarterly Dividend Declared
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Cash dividend (in dollars per share) | $ / shares			$ 0.02
Minimum [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Board of directors, number of members						1
Maximum [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Board of directors, number of members						2	1
Repurchase Program [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount | $			$ 11,000,000
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued | shares			100
Outstanding Shares						7.50%
Series C Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred Units, Issued | shares							10,000
Common Stock | Repurchase Program [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount | $			$ 11,000,000
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount | $								$ 25,000,000
BKC [Member] | Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Outstanding Shares						11.50%
Outstanding Shares, Common Stock Held By Cambridge Holdings Less than 10%		0.10
Cambridge Holdings, LLC [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Convertible Preferred Stock, Shares Issued upon Conversion | shares							7,500,000
Cambridge Holdings, LLC [Member] | Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc.
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent			19.50%

Net Income (Loss) Per Share E_3

Net Income (Loss) Per Share Earnings Per Share Table (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023 USD ($) distributor bakery $ / shares shares	Jan. 01, 2023 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Jan. 02, 2022 USD ($) $ / shares shares
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Net income (loss)	$ 33,796,000	$ (75,572,000)	$ (43,029,000)
Net income available to common stockholders	$ 27,175,000	$ (75,572,000)	$ (43,029,000)
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding | shares	51,530,360	50,718,387	49,899,274
Net income (loss)	$ 33,796,000	$ (75,572,000)	$ (43,029,000)
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding | shares	51,530,360	50,718,387	49,899,274
Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment | shares	10,882,213	0	0
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding | shares	62,412,573	50,718,387	49,899,274
Basic net income (loss) per share (dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 0.53	$ (1.49)	$ (0.86)
Shares excluded from diluted net income (loss) per share computations (2) | shares	0	9,624,963	9,681,878
Diluted net income (loss) per share (dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 0.53	$ (1.49)	$ (0.86)
Guarantor Obligations, Expected Future Payments	$ 0
Number Of Bakeries | bakery	1
Number Of Distributors | distributor	3
Restricted Stock [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Less: income attributable to participating securities	$ (1,658,000)	$ 0	$ 0
Convertible Preferred Stock
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Less: income attributable to participating securities	$ (4,963,000)	$ 0	$ 0

Commitments And Contingencies L

Commitments And Contingencies Lease Guarantees (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023 USD ($) distributor
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Maximum potential undiscounted rental payments | $	$ 8.3
Loss Contingency Accrual, Payments | $	$ 0
Number Of Distributors | distributor	3
Fiesta Restaurant
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Maximum potential undiscounted rental payments | $	$ 5.1
Taco Restaraunt
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Maximum potential undiscounted rental payments | $	$ 3.2
Poultry Products
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Number Of Distributors | distributor	3
Poultry Products | Performance Food Service
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Number Of Distributors | distributor	1
All Other Products
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Number Of Distributors | distributor	2
McLane Company Inc. | Revenue Benchmark | Supplier Concentration Risk
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	31%
Lineage Foodservice Solutions | Revenue Benchmark | Supplier Concentration Risk
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	31%
Reinhart Food Service LLC | Revenue Benchmark | Supplier Concentration Risk
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	28%
Performance Food Service | Revenue Benchmark | Supplier Concentration Risk
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	10%
Performance Food Service | Revenue Benchmark | Supplier Concentration Risk | Poultry Products
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	85%
Performance Food Service | Revenue Benchmark | Supplier Concentration Risk | Non-poultry Products
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	94%
Property Lease Guarantee [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Property Leases	17
Property Lease Guarantee [Member] | Pollo Operations, Inc
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Property Leases	8
Property Lease Guarantee [Member] | Texas Taco Cabana, L.P.
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Property Leases	9
Closed Restaurants [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Property Leases	1

Related Parties (Details)

Related Parties (Details) $ in Thousands		1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2019	May 31, 2023 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2023 USD ($) yr Rate shares	Jan. 01, 2023 USD ($) restaurant shares	Jan. 02, 2022 USD ($) shares restaurant	Sep. 30, 2025 restaurant	Sep. 30, 2024 restaurant	Sep. 30, 2023 restaurant	Sep. 30, 2022 restaurant	Sep. 30, 2021 restaurant	Jan. 04, 2021 state restaurant	Dec. 29, 2019	Dec. 31, 2012 shares
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued | shares			100	100									100
Convertible Preferred Stock, Common Shares Issuable upon Conversion | shares			9,414,580										9,414,580
Franchise Term | yr			20
Board of directors, number of members			2									2
Advertising fund increase			0.0050
Franchise agreement, term			20 years
Related Party Transaction, Accounts Payable			$ 37,797	$ 30,491
Monthly Digital Platform Fee			3,000	2,100	$ 1,300
Area Development Agreement, Restaurants To Be Opened, Built, And Operated | restaurant								12	10	4	50
Area Development Agreement, Percentage Of New Restaurants To Be In Kentucky, Tennessee And Indiana											80%
Area Development Agreement, Number Of Restaurants To Be Acquired | restaurant											500
Area Development Agreement, Number Of States | state											16
Area Development Agreement, Prepaid Franchise Fees					600
Lessee, Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net			128,804	$ 125,481	122,662
Area Development Agreement, Restaurants Completed | restaurant				6
Burger King Corporate [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Technology Equipment, Right Of Use		$ 12,200	8,400
Repairs, Replacements, and Improvements Provided			$ 13,100
Scenario, Forecast | Subsequent Event
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Area Development Agreement, Restaurants To Be Opened, Built, And Operated | restaurant						12	12
Related Party, Burger King Corporate [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related Party Transaction, Royalty Fee Rate | Rate			4.50%
Royalty Expense			$ 83,900	$ 76,800	72,800
Related Party Transaction, Advertising Fee Rate | Rate			4%
Advertising Expense			$ 73,800	$ 67,700	$ 64,000
Leases, Number of Leased Restaurants			217	217	225
Related Party Transaction, Accounts Payable			$ 16,900	$ 16,000
Related Party Transaction, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired | Rate			14.70%
Lessee, Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net			$ 29,400	27,700	$ 26,900
Affiliated Entity [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Franchise Fees, Initial, Net			$ 50
Affiliated Entity [Member] | Burger King Corporate [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Related Parties, Maximum Borrowing Capacity				$ 120,000
Popeyes Franchises [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Right Of First Refusal, Number Of Franchises | restaurant					80
Right of First Refusal, Term	6 years
Related Party, PLK
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related Party Transaction, Royalty Fee Rate | Rate			5%
Property Leases Identical to BKC's Lease with Third Party [Member] | Affiliated Entity [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Leases, Number of Leased Restaurants			95
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued | shares			100
Popeyes Franchises [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Right of First Refusal, Number of States | shares					2

Retirement Plans (Details)

Retirement Plans (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Jan. 01, 2023	Jan. 02, 2022
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Annual Contributions Per Employee, Percent	50%
Company contribution amount per dollar	$ 0.75
Maximum company contribution, percent of salary	3%
Defined Contribution Plan, Requisite Service Period, Hours of Service	1,000
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost	$ 2,000,000	$ 1,900,000	$ 1,800,000
Deferred Compensation Arrangements, Interest Rate	8%
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Contributions by Employer	$ 0
Deferred Compensation Liability, Current and Noncurrent	$ 3,800,000	$ 3,100,000
Minimum [Member]
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Contribution Plan, Vesting Period of Company Contributions	1 year
Maximum [Member]
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Contribution Plan, Vesting Period of Company Contributions	5 years

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details) - Quarterly Dividend Declared - $ / shares		12 Months Ended
	Feb. 22, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Cash dividend (in dollars per share)		$ 0.02
Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Cash dividend (in dollars per share)	$ 0.02

Valuation and Qualifying Acco_2

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Jan. 01, 2023	Jan. 02, 2022
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Beginning of Year	$ 44,263	$ 24,410	$ 13,138
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense	(2,111)	21,065	11,272
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Other Accounts	561	(1,212)	0
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deduction	0	0	0
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance, End of Year	$ 42,713	$ 44,263	$ 24,410