Denny's (DENN) 10-K 29 Feb 16 2015 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015	Feb. 24, 2016	Jul. 01, 2015
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	DENNYS CORP
Entity Central Index Key	852,772
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-30
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 842.1
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		77,008,685
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 30, 2015

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 1,671	$ 3,074
Receivables	16,552	18,059
Inventories	3,117	2,952
Assets held for sale	931	0
Current deferred income taxes	0	24,310
Prepaid and other current assets	14,143	7,676
Total current assets	36,414	56,071
Property	124,816	109,777
Goodwill	33,454	31,451
Intangible assets, net	46,074	46,278
Deferred financing costs, net	2,529	1,614
Noncurrent deferred income taxes	29,159	19,252
Other noncurrent assets	24,591	25,415
Total assets	297,037	289,858
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	0	4,125
Current maturities of capital lease obligations	3,246	3,609
Accounts payable	20,759	13,250
Other current liabilities	77,548	59,432
Total current liabilities	101,553	80,416
Long-term liabilities:
Long-term debt, less current maturities	195,000	135,875
Capital lease obligations, less current maturities	17,499	15,204
Liability for insurance claims, less current portion	15,949	18,005
Other noncurrent liabilities and deferred credits	27,631	38,775
Total long-term liabilities	256,079	207,859
Total liabilities	$ 357,632	$ 288,275
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders' equity
Common stock $0.01 par value; shares authorized - 135,000; December 30, 2015: 106,521 shares issued and 76,862 shares outstanding; December 31, 2014: 105,818 shares issued and 84,707 shares outstanding	$ 1,065	$ 1,058
Paid-in capital	565,364	571,674
Deficit	(402,245)	(438,221)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(23,777)	(24,602)
Shareholders’ equity before treasury stock	140,407	109,909
Treasury stock, at cost, 29,659 and 21,111 shares, respectively	(201,002)	(108,326)
Total shareholders' (deficit) equity	(60,595)	1,583
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 297,037	$ 289,858

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares shares in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, authorized (in shares)	135,000	135,000
Common stock, issued (in shares)	106,521	105,818
Common stock, outstanding (in shares)	76,862	84,707
Treasury stock, at cost (in shares)	29,659	21,111

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 25, 2013
Revenue:
Company restaurant sales	$ 353,073	$ 334,684	$ 328,334
Franchise and license revenue	138,220	137,611	134,259
Total operating revenue	491,293	472,295	462,593
Costs of company restaurant sales:
Product costs	89,660	86,825	85,540
Payroll and benefits	136,626	133,280	131,305
Occupancy	20,443	20,845	21,519
Other operating expenses	47,628	47,858	45,192
Total costs of company restaurant sales	294,357	288,808	283,556
Costs of franchise and license revenue	43,345	44,761	46,109
General and administrative expenses	66,602	58,907	56,835
Depreciation and amortization	21,472	21,218	21,501
Operating (gains), losses and other charges, net	2,366	1,270	7,071
Total operating costs and expenses, net	428,142	414,964	415,072
Operating income	63,151	57,331	47,521
Interest expense, net	9,283	9,182	10,282
Other nonoperating expense (income), net	139	(612)	1,139
Net income before income taxes	53,729	48,761	36,100
Provision for income taxes	17,753	16,036	11,528
Net income	$ 35,976	$ 32,725	$ 24,572
Basic net income per share	$ 0.44	$ 0.38	$ 0.27
Diluted net income per share	$ 0.42	$ 0.37	$ 0.26
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	82,627	86,323	90,829
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	84,729	88,355	92,903

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 25, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 35,976	$ 32,725	$ 24,572
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax expense (benefit) of $1,425, $(4,019) and $4,164	2,230	(6,304)	6,309
Recognition of unrealized (loss) gain on hedge transactions, net of tax (benefit) expense of $(898), $(933) and $1,184	(1,405)	(1,456)	1,848
Other comprehensive income (loss)	825	(7,760)	8,157
Total comprehensive income	$ 36,801	$ 24,965	$ 32,729

Consolidated Statements of Com6

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 25, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Minimum pension liability adjustment, tax expense (benefit)	$ 1,425	$ (4,019)	$ 4,164
Recognition of unrealized (loss) gain on hedged transactions, tax (benefit) expense	$ (898)	$ (933)	$ 1,184

Consolidated Statement of Share

Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Paid-in Capital [Member]	(Deficit) [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net [Member]
Balance at Dec. 26, 2012	$ (4,460)	$ 1,038	$ (47,638)	$ 562,657	$ (495,518)	$ (24,999)
Balance, common stock, share issued at Dec. 26, 2012		103,764
Balance, treasury stock, at cost, shares at Dec. 26, 2012			(11,535)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	24,572				24,572
Other comprehensive income (loss)	8,157					8,157
Share-based compensation on equity classified awards	2,292			2,292
Purchase of treasury stock	$ (24,698)		$ (24,698)
Purchase of treasury stock (in shares)	(4,200)		(4,247)
Issuance of common stock for share-based compensation	$ 0	$ 3		(3)
Issuance of common stock for share-based compensation (in shares)		351
Exercise of common stock options	2,955	$ 9		2,946
Exercise of common stock options (shares)		899
Tax benefit (expense) from share-based compensation	(387)			(387)
Balance at Dec. 25, 2013	8,431	$ 1,050	$ (72,336)	567,505	(470,946)	(16,842)
Balance, common stock, share issued at Dec. 25, 2013		105,014
Balance, treasury stock, at cost, shares at Dec. 25, 2013			(15,782)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	32,725				32,725
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(7,760)					(7,760)
Share-based compensation on equity classified awards	2,345			2,345
Purchase of treasury stock	$ (35,990)		$ (35,990)
Purchase of treasury stock (in shares)	(5,300)		(5,329)
Issuance of common stock for share-based compensation	$ 0	$ 1		(1)
Issuance of common stock for share-based compensation (in shares)		151
Exercise of common stock options	2,169	$ 7		2,162
Exercise of common stock options (shares)		653
Tax benefit (expense) from share-based compensation	(337)			(337)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 1,583	$ 1,058	$ (108,326)	571,674	(438,221)	(24,602)
Balance, common stock, share issued at Dec. 31, 2014	105,818	105,818
Balance, treasury stock, at cost, shares at Dec. 31, 2014	(21,111)		(21,111)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	$ 35,976				35,976
Other comprehensive income (loss)	825					825
Share-based compensation on equity classified awards	3,428			3,428
Purchase of treasury stock	$ (92,676)		$ (92,676)
Purchase of treasury stock (in shares)	(8,500)		(8,548)
Equity forward contract	$ (13,111)			(13,111)
Issuance of common stock for share-based compensation	0	$ 5		(5)
Issuance of common stock for share-based compensation (in shares)		503
Exercise of common stock options	732	$ 2		730
Exercise of common stock options (shares)		200
Tax benefit (expense) from share-based compensation	2,648			2,648
Balance at Dec. 30, 2015	$ (60,595)	$ 1,065	$ (201,002)	$ 565,364	$ (402,245)	$ (23,777)
Balance, common stock, share issued at Dec. 30, 2015	106,521	106,521
Balance, treasury stock, at cost, shares at Dec. 30, 2015	(29,659)		(29,659)

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 25, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 35,976	$ 32,725	$ 24,572
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash flows provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	21,472	21,218	21,501
Operating (gains), losses and other charges, net	2,366	1,270	7,071
Amortization of deferred financing costs	507	483	497
Loss (gain) on early extinguishments of debt	225	(33)	2,226
(Gain) loss on the change in fair value of interest rate caps	0	(11)	42
Deferred income tax expense	14,006	13,215	9,100
Reversal of tax valuation allowance	(130)	(270)	(420)
Share-based compensation	6,635	5,846	4,852
Decrease (increase) in assets:
Receivables	1,440	(1,119)	116
Inventories	(166)	(71)	9
Other current assets	(6,466)	(259)	984
Other assets	(78)	(2,118)	(2,110)
Increase (decrease) in liabilities:
Accounts payable	2,345	1,561	(5,520)
Accrued salaries and vacations	4,060	2,648	(2,545)
Accrued taxes	182	871	101
Other accrued liabilities	9,479	114	(746)
Other noncurrent liabilities and deferred credits	(11,216)	(1,159)	(2,688)
Net cash flows provided by operating activities	80,637	74,911	57,042
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(26,977)	(22,076)	(16,818)
Acquisition of restaurants and real estate	(5,803)	0	(3,980)
Proceeds from disposition of property	95	64	1,582
Collections on notes receivable	1,740	2,289	4,779
Issuance of notes receivable	(1,790)	(1,566)	(2,033)
Net cash flows used in investing activities	(32,735)	(21,289)	(16,470)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Revolver borrowings	231,000	32,200	124,200
Revolver payments	(121,250)	(42,200)	(28,950)
Term loan borrowings	0	0	60,000
Long-term debt payments	(58,344)	(7,237)	(176,729)
Debt transaction costs	0	0	(366)
Deferred financing costs	(1,716)	0	(1,374)
Purchase of treasury stock	(92,644)	(36,058)	(25,039)
Purchase of equity forward contract	(13,111)	0	0
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	732	2,169	2,955
Tax withholding on share-based payments	(982)	(419)	(796)
Tax benefit (expense) for share-based compensation	2,648	(337)	(387)
Net bank overdrafts	4,362	(1,609)	(4,708)
Net cash flows used in financing activities	(49,305)	(53,491)	(51,194)
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(1,403)	131	(10,622)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	3,074	2,943	13,565
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 1,671	$ 3,074	$ 2,943

Introduction and Basis of Repor

Introduction and Basis of Reporting	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Introduction and Basis of Reporting	Introduction and Basis of Reporting Denny’s Corporation, or Denny’s, is one of America’s largest franchised full-service restaurant chains based on number of restaurants. Denny’s restaurants are operated in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, two U.S. territories and ten foreign countries with principal concentrations in California ( 23% of total restaurants), Texas ( 11% ) and Florida ( 8% ). At December 30, 2015 , the Denny's brand consisted of 1,710 restaurants, 1,546 of which were franchised/licensed restaurants and 164 of which were company operated.

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies The following accounting policies significantly affect the preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements: Use of Estimates . In preparing our Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, management is required to make certain assumptions and estimates that affect reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and the disclosure of contingencies. In making these assumptions and estimates, management may from time to time seek advice and consider information provided by actuaries and other experts in a particular area. Actual amounts could differ materially from these estimates. Consolidation Policy . Our Consolidated Financial Statements include the financial statements of Denny’s Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiaries: Denny’s, Inc., DFO, LLC and Denny's Realty, LLC. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Fiscal Year . Our fiscal year ends on the last Wednesday in December. As a result, a fifty-third week is added to a fiscal year every five or six years. Fiscal 2014 included 53 weeks of operations, whereas 2015 and 2013 each included 52 weeks of operations. Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments. Our policy is to invest cash in excess of operating requirements in short-term highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less, which we consider to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents include short-term investments of $0.9 million and $5.0 million at December 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively. Receivables. Receivables, which are recorded at net realizable value, primarily consist of trade accounts receivables and financing receivables from franchisees (together “franchisee receivables”), vendor receivables and credit card receivables. Trade accounts receivables from franchisees consist of royalties, advertising and rent. Financing receivables from franchisees primarily consist of notes from franchisees related to the roll-out of new POS equipment. We accrue interest on notes receivable based on the contractual terms. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on pre-defined criteria and management’s judgment of existing receivables. Receivables that are ultimately deemed to be uncollectible, and for which collection efforts have been exhausted, are written off against the allowance for doubtful accounts. Inventories. Inventories consist of food and beverages and are valued primarily at the lower of average cost (first-in, first-out) or market. Property and Depreciation. Owned property is stated at cost. Property under capital leases is stated at the lesser of its fair value or the net present value of the related minimum lease payments at the lease inception. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. We depreciate owned property over its estimated useful life using the straight-line method. We amortize property held under capital leases (at capitalized value) over the lesser of its estimated useful life or the initial lease term. In certain situations, one or more option periods may be used in determining the depreciable life of certain leasehold improvements under operating lease agreements, if we deem that an economic penalty will be incurred and exercise of such option periods is reasonably assured. In either circumstance, our policy requires lease term consistency when calculating the depreciation period, in classifying the lease and in computing rent expense. Building assets are assigned estimated useful lives that range from five to 30 years. Equipment assets are assigned lives that range from two to ten years. Leasehold improvements are generally assigned lives between five and 15 years limited by the expected lease term. Goodwill. Amounts recorded as goodwill primarily represent excess reorganization value recognized as a result of our 1998 bankruptcy. We record goodwill in connection with the acquisition of restaurants from franchisees. Likewise, upon the sale of restaurant operations to franchisees, goodwill is decremented. We test goodwill for impairment at each fiscal year end, and more frequently if circumstances indicate impairment may exist. Such indicators include, but are not limited to, a significant decline in our expected future cash flows; a significant adverse decline in our stock price; significantly adverse legal developments; and a significant change in the business climate. Other Intangible Assets . Other intangible assets consist primarily of trade names, franchise and license agreements, and reacquired franchise rights. Trade names are considered indefinite-lived intangible assets and are not amortized. Franchise and license agreements and reacquired franchise rights are amortized using the straight-line basis over the term of the related agreement. We test trade name assets for impairment at each fiscal year end, and more frequently if circumstances indicate impairment may exist. We assess impairment of franchise and license agreements and reacquired franchise rights whenever changes or events indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Costs incurred to renew or extend the term of recognized intangible assets are recorded in general and administrative expenses in our Consolidated Statements of Income. Long-term Investments. Long-term investments include nonqualified deferred compensation plan assets held in a rabbi trust. Each plan participant's account is comprised of their contribution, our matching contribution and each participant's share of earnings or losses in the plan. The investments of the rabbi trust include debt and equity mutual funds. They are considered trading securities and are reported at fair value in other noncurrent assets with an offsetting liability included in other noncurrent liabilities and deferred credits in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The realized and unrealized holding gains and losses related to the investments are recorded in other income (expense) with an offsetting amount recorded in general and administrative expenses related to the liability in our Consolidated Statements of Income. During 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , we incurred net gains of $0.1 million , $0.5 million and $1.1 million , respectively. The fair value of the deferred compensation plan investments were $10.2 million and $9.3 million at December 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively. Deferred Financing Costs. Costs related to the issuance of debt are deferred and amortized as a component of interest expense using the effective interest method over the terms of the respective debt issuances. Cash Overdrafts. Accounts payable in our Consolidated Balance Sheets include cash overdrafts of $4.4 million at December 30, 2015 . There were no cash overdrafts at December 31, 2014 . Changes in such amounts are reflected in cash flows from financing activities in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Self-insurance Liabilities. We record liabilities for insurance claims during periods in which we have been insured under large deductible programs or have been self-insured for our medical claims and workers’ compensation, general/product and automobile insurance liabilities. The liabilities for prior and current estimated incurred losses are discounted to their present value based on expected loss payment patterns determined by independent actuaries using our actual historical payments. These estimates include assumptions regarding claims frequency and severity as well as changes in our business environment, medical costs and the regulatory environment that could impact our overall self-insurance costs. Total discounted workers’ compensation, general/product and automobile insurance liabilities at December 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were $21.1 million and $23.1 million , respectively, with each reflecting a 1.0% discount rate. The related undiscounted amounts at such dates were $21.6 million and $23.7 million , respectively. Income Taxes. We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. We early adopted ASU 2015-17 with prospective application. As a result, all deferred taxes are reported as noncurrent in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 30, 2015. Prior periods were not retrospectively adjusted. A valuation allowance reduces our net deferred tax asset to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. We make certain estimates and judgments in the calculation of our provision for incomes taxes, in the resulting tax liabilities, and in the recoverability of deferred tax assets. Leases and Subleases. Our policy requires the use of a consistent lease term for calculating the depreciation period for related buildings and leasehold improvements, classifying the lease and computing periodic rent expense increases where the lease terms include escalations in rent over the lease term. The lease term commences on the date we gain access to and control over the leased property. We account for rent escalations in leases on a straight-line basis over the expected lease term. Any rent holidays after lease commencement are recognized on a straight-line basis over the expected lease term, which includes the rent holiday period. Leasehold improvements that have been funded by lessors have historically been insignificant. Any leasehold improvements we make that are funded by lessor incentives or allowances under operating leases are recorded as leasehold improvement assets and amortized over the expected lease term. Such incentives are also recorded as deferred rent and amortized as reductions to lease expense over the expected lease term. We record contingent rent expense based on estimated sales for respective restaurants over the contingency period. Contingent rental income is recognized when earned. Fair Value Measurements. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivables, accounts payable and accrued expenses are deemed to approximate fair value due to the immediate or short-term maturity of these instruments. The fair value of notes receivable approximates the carrying value after consideration of recorded allowances and related risk-based interest rates. The liabilities under our credit facility are carried at historical cost. The estimated fair value (Level 2) of our senior secured term loan, held as of December 31, 2014, approximated its carrying value. The fair value of our long-term debt is determined based on market prices or, if market prices are not available, the present value of the underlying cash flows discounted at market rates. Employee Benefit Plans. Due to our early adoption of ASU 2015-04, beginning with fiscal year 2015, we measure and recognize the funded status of our defined benefit plans in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31. That date represents the month-end that is closest to our fiscal year-end. The funded status is adjusted for any contributions or significant events (such as a plan amendment, settlement, or curtailment that calls for a remeasurement) that occurs between our fiscal year-end and December 31. Derivative Instruments. We use derivative financial instruments to manage our exposure to interest rate risk. We do not enter into derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes. All derivatives are recognized on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value based upon quoted market prices. Changes in the fair values of derivatives are recorded in earnings or other comprehensive income ("OCI"), based on whether the instrument is designated as a hedge transaction. Gains or losses on derivative instruments reported in OCI are classified to earnings in the period the hedged item affects earnings. If the underlying hedge transaction ceases to exist, any associated amounts reported in OCI are reclassified to earnings at that time. Any ineffectiveness is recognized in earnings in the current period. By entering into derivative instruments, we are exposed to counterparty credit risk. When the fair value of a derivative instrument is in an asset position, the counterparty has a liability to us, which creates credit risk for us. We manage our exposure to this risk by selecting counterparties with investment grade credit ratings and regularly monitoring our market position with each counterparty. Contingencies and Litigation. We are subject to legal proceedings involving ordinary and routine claims incidental to our business, as well as legal proceedings that are nonroutine and include compensatory or punitive damage claims. Our ultimate legal and financial liability with respect to such matters cannot be estimated with certainty and requires the use of estimates in recording liabilities for potential litigation settlements. When the reasonable estimate is a range, the recorded loss will be the best estimate within the range. We record legal settlement costs as other operating expenses in our Consolidated Statements of Income as those costs are incurred. Comprehensive Income. Comprehensive income includes net income and OCI items that are excluded from net income under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. OCI items include additional minimum pension liability adjustments and the effective unrealized portion of changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges. Segment. Denny’s operates in only one segment. All significant revenues and pre-tax earnings relate to retail sales of food and beverages to the general public through either company or franchised restaurants. Company Restaurant Sales. Company restaurant sales are recognized when food and beverage products are sold at company restaurants. We present company restaurant sales net of sales taxes. Gift cards. We sell gift cards which have no stated expiration dates. We recognize revenue from gift cards when the gift card is redeemed by the customer or when we determine the likelihood of redemption is remote (gift card breakage). Breakage is based on our company-specific historical redemption patterns. We recognized $0.3 million , $0.4 million and $0.3 million in breakage on gift cards during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. We believe that the amounts recognized for breakage have been and will continue to be insignificant. Franchise and License Fees. We recognize initial franchise and license fees when all of the material obligations have been performed and conditions have been satisfied, typically when operations of a new franchised restaurant have commenced. Continuing fees, such as royalties and rents, are recorded as income. Royalties are recognized in the period in which the sales occurred. During 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , we recorded initial fees of $2.3 million , $1.8 million and $1.6 million , respectively, as a component of franchise and license revenue in our Consolidated Statements of Income. At December 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , deferred fees were $1.9 million and $1.6 million , respectively, and are included in other accrued liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. For 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , our ten largest franchisees accounted for 29% , 32% and 32% of our franchise revenues, respectively. Advertising Costs . We expense production costs for radio and television advertising in the year in which the commercials are initially aired. Advertising expense for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was $12.5 million , $12.3 million and $11.7 million , respectively, net of contributions from franchisees to our advertising programs, including local co-operatives, of $72.5 million , $70.3 million and $66.6 million , respectively. Advertising costs are recorded as a component of other operating expenses in our Consolidated Statements of Income. Restructuring and Exit Costs. Restructuring and exit costs consist primarily of the costs of future obligations related to closed restaurants, severance and other restructuring charges for terminated employees, and are included as a component of operating (gains), losses and other charges, net in our Consolidated Statements of Income. Discounted liabilities for future lease costs and the fair value of related subleases of closed restaurants are recorded when the restaurants are closed. All other costs related to closed restaurants are expensed as incurred. In assessing the discounted liabilities for future costs of obligations related to closed restaurants, we make assumptions regarding amounts of future assumed subleases. If these assumptions or their related estimates change in the future, we may be required to record additional exit costs or reduce exit costs previously recorded. Exit costs recorded for each of the periods presented include the effect of such changes in estimates. Disposal or Impairment of Long-lived Assets. We evaluate our long-lived assets for impairment at the restaurant level on a quarterly basis, when assets are identified as held for sale or whenever changes or events indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. For assets identified as held for sale, we use the market approach and consider proceeds from similar asset sales. We assess impairment of restaurant-level assets based on the operating cash flows of the restaurant, expected proceeds from the sale of assets and our plans for restaurant closings. Generally, all restaurants with negative cash flows from operations for the most recent twelve months at each quarter end are included in our assessment. For underperforming assets, we use the income approach to determine both the recoverability and estimated fair value of the assets. To estimate future cash flows, we make certain assumptions about expected future operating performance, such as revenue growth, operating margins, risk-adjusted discount rates, and future economic and market conditions. If the long-lived assets of a restaurant are not recoverable based upon estimated future, undiscounted cash flows, we write the assets down to their fair value. If these estimates or their related assumptions change in the future, we may be required to record additional impairment charges. These charges are included as a component of operating (gains), losses and other charges, net in our Consolidated Statements of Income. Assets held for sale consist of real estate properties and/or restaurant operations that we expect to sell within the next year. The assets are reported at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. We cease recording depreciation on assets that are classified as held for sale. If the determination is made that we no longer expect to sell an asset within the next year, the asset is reclassified out of held for sale. Discontinued Operations. We evaluate restaurant closures and assets reclassified to assets held for sale for potential disclosure as discontinued operations. Only disposals resulting in a strategic shift that will have a major effect on our operations and financial results are reported as discontinued operations. There were no such disposals, nor any disposals of individually significant components. The gains and losses related to restaurant closures and assets reclassified to assets held for sale are included as a component of operating (gain), losses and other charges, net in our Consolidated Statements of Income. Gains on Sales of Restaurants Operations to Franchisees, Real Estate and Other Assets. Generally, gains on sales of restaurant operations to franchisees (which may include real estate), real estate properties and other assets are recognized when the sales are consummated and certain other gain recognition criteria are met. Total gains are included as a component of operating (gains), losses and other charges, net in our Consolidated Statements of Income. Share-Based Compensation. Share-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and is recognized as an expense over the requisite service period. We estimate potential forfeitures of share-based awards and adjust the forfeiture rate over the requisite service period to the extent that actual forfeitures differ, or are expected to differ, from such estimates. Share-based compensation expense is included as a component of general and administrative expenses in our Consolidated Statements of Income. Tax expense or benefit recognized related to share-based compensation is included as a component of provision for income taxes in our Consolidated Statements of Income. Any tax expense or benefit in excess of recognized compensation cost is reported as a financing activity in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Compensation expense for options is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. Generally, compensation expense related to restricted stock units, performance shares, performance units and board deferred stock units is based on the number of shares and units expected to vest, the period over which they are expected to vest and the fair market value of our common stock on the date of the grant. For restricted stock units and performance shares that contain a market condition, compensation expense is based on the Monte Carlo valuation method, which utilizes multiple input variables to determine the probability of the Company achieving the market condition and the fair value of the award. The key assumptions used include expected volatility and risk-free interest rates over the term of the award. The amount of certain cash-settled awards is determined based on the date of payment. Therefore, compensation expense related to these cash-settled awards is adjusted to fair value at each balance sheet date. Subsequent to the vesting period, earned stock-settled restricted stock units and performance shares (both of which are equity classified) are paid to the holder in shares of our common stock, and the cash-settled restricted stock units and performance units (both of which are liability classified) are paid to the holder in cash, provided the holder is then still employed with Denny’s or an affiliate. Earnings Per Share . Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares and potential common shares outstanding during the period. Newly Adopted Accounting Standards Discontinued Operations ASU 2014-08, "Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity" Effective January 1, 2015, we adopted ASU 2014-08, which raises the threshold for a disposal to qualify as a discontinued operation and modifies the related disclosure requirements. Under the new guidance, only disposals resulting in a strategic shift that will have a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results will be reported as discontinued operations. ASU 2014-08 also removes the requirement that an entity not have any significant continuing involvement in the operations of the component after disposal to qualify for reporting of the disposal as a discontinued operation. This guidance requires entities to disclose information about disposals of individually significant components that do not meet the definition of discontinued operations. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Defined Benefit Plans ASU 2015-04,"Compensation—Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Practical Expedient for the Measurement Date of an Employer’s Defined Benefit Obligation and Plan Assets" Effective October 1, 2015, we early adopted ASU 2015-04, which provides a practical expedient for entities with a fiscal year-end that does not coincide with a month-end. The practical expedient permits an entity to measure defined benefit plan assets and obligations using the month-end that is closest to the entity’s fiscal year-end. As a result of our early adoption, the date used to measure our fiscal year 2015 plan assets and obligations for all plans is December 31, 2015. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Income Taxes ASU 2015-17,"Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes" In November, 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, which simplifies the presentation of deferred taxes by requiring that deferred tax assets and liabilities be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. We early adopted this guidance as of December 30, 2015 on a prospective basis. Therefore, as a result of our early adoption, all deferred taxes are reported as noncurrent in our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 30, 2015. Prior periods were not retrospectively adjusted. Accounting Standards to be Adopted Revenue Recognition ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" and ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date" In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, which clarifies the principles used to recognize revenue for all entities. The new guidance requires companies to recognize revenue when it transfers goods or service to a customer in an amount that reflects the consideration to which a company expects to be entitled. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, which defers the effective date for ASU 2014-09. The guidance is now effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017 (our fiscal 2018). The guidance allows for either a retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. Early application is permitted only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. We are currently evaluating the transition methods and the impact the adoption of this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements. Consolidation ASU 2015-02,"Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis" In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, which improves targeted areas of the consolidation guidance and reduces the number of consolidation models. ASU 2015-02 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015 (our fiscal 2016) with early adoption permitted. We do not believe the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Debt Issuance ASU 2015-03,"Interest—Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs" and ASU 2015-15,"Interest—Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements—Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to Staff Announcement at June 18, 2015 EITF Meeting (SEC Update)" In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, which simplifies the guidance on the presentation of debt issuance costs. The new guidance requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a reduction of the related debt liability rather than as an asset. ASU 2015-03 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015 (our fiscal 2016) with early adoption permitted. The new guidance is to be applied retrospectively to all prior periods. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-15, which addresses the SEC's comments related to the absence of authoritative guidance within ASU 2015-03 related to line-of-credit arrangements. The SEC would not object to an entity deferring and presenting debt issuance costs as an asset and subsequently amortizing the deferred debt issuance costs ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings on the line-of-credit arrangement. We do not believe the adoption of this guidance will have any impact on our consolidated financial statements and we expect to continue to classify debt issuance costs as an asset. Intangibles ASU 2015-05,"Intangibles – Goodwill and Other – Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement" In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-05, which provides guidance about whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. If a software license is included, the customer should account for the license consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. If a software license is not included, the arrangement should be accounted for as a service contract. ASU 2015-05 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015 (our fiscal 2016) with early adoption permitted. We do not believe the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Inventory ASU 2015-11,"Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory" In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, which requires inventory that is measured using the first-in, first-out method to be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is defined as the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. The guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016 (our fiscal 2017) with early adoption permitted. We do not believe the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Leases ASU 2016-02,"Leases (Topic 842)" In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, which provides guidance for accounting for leases. The new guidance requires companies to recognize the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by leased assets. The accounting guidance for lessors is largely unchanged. ASU 2016-02 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018 (our fiscal 2019) with early adoption permitted. It is to be adopted using a modified retrospective approach. We are currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements. We reviewed all other newly issued accounting pronouncements and concluded that they are either not applicable to our business or are not expected to have a material effect on our financial statements as a result of future adoption.

Receivables

Receivables	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015
Receivables [Abstract]
Receivables	Receivables, net were comprised of the following: December 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 (In thousands) Current assets: Receivables: Trade accounts receivable from franchisees $ 10,591 $ 10,929 Notes receivable from franchisees 1,352 1,419 Vendor receivables 3,049 2,534 Credit card receivables 1,606 1,661 Other 251 1,816 Allowance for doubtful accounts (297 ) (300 ) Total current receivables, net $ 16,552 $ 18,059 Noncurrent assets (included as a component of other noncurrent assets): Notes receivable from franchisees $ 541 $ 425

Property, Net

Property, Net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Net	Property, Net Property, net consisted of the following: December 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 (In thousands) Land $ 29,856 $ 27,198 Buildings and leasehold improvements 238,134 233,339 Other property and equipment 77,392 77,493 Total property owned 345,382 338,030 Less accumulated depreciation 235,967 241,678 Property owned, net 109,415 96,352 Buildings, vehicles and other equipment held under capital leases 27,429 26,836 Less accumulated amortization 12,028 13,411 Property held under capital leases, net 15,401 13,425 Total property, net $ 124,816 $ 109,777 The following table reflects the property assets, included in the table above, which were leased to franchisees: December 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 (In thousands) Land $ 16,192 $ 14,977 Buildings and leasehold improvements 61,551 63,098 Total property owned, leased to franchisees 77,743 78,075 Less accumulated depreciation 52,872 53,994 Property owned, leased to franchisees, net 24,871 24,081 Buildings held under capital leases, leased to franchisees 4,573 7,251 Less accumulated amortization 3,003 5,208 Property held under capital leases, leased to franchisees, net 1,570 2,043 Total property leased to franchisees, net $ 26,441 $ 26,124 Depreciation expense, including amortization of property under capital leases, for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was $20.0 million , $19.2 million and $18.6 million , respectively. Substantially all owned property is pledged as collateral for our Credit Facility. See Note 10.

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets The following table reflects the changes in carrying amounts of goodwill: December 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 (In thousands) Balance, beginning of year $ 31,451 $ 31,451 Additions related to acquisitions 2,050 — Write-offs and reclassifications associated with the sale of restaurants (47 ) — Balance, end of year $ 33,454 $ 31,451 Other intangible assets were comprised of the following: December 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization (In thousands) Intangible assets with indefinite lives: Trade names $ 44,068 $ — $ 44,065 $ — Liquor licenses 126 — 126 — Intangible assets with definite lives: Franchise and license agreements 12,237 12,026 22,366 21,426 Reacquired franchise rights 2,823 1,154 1,857 710 Intangible assets $ 59,254 $ 13,180 $ 68,414 $ 22,136 The $10.1 million decrease in franchise and license agreements primarily resulted from the removal of fully amortized agreements. The amortization expense for definite-lived intangibles and other assets for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was $1.5 million , $2.1 million and $2.9 million , respectively. Estimated amortization expense for intangible assets with definite lives in the next five years is as follows: (In thousands) 2016 $ 646 2017 230 2018 163 2019 163 2020 160 We performed an annual impairment test as of December 30, 2015 and determined that none of the recorded goodwill or other intangible assets with indefinite lives were impaired.

Other Current Liabilities

Other Current Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015
Other Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Other Current Liabilities	Other Current Liabilities Other current liabilities consisted of the following: December 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 (In thousands) Accrued salaries and vacation $ 30,549 $ 23,928 Accrued insurance, primarily current portion of liability for insurance claims 7,076 6,340 Accrued taxes 7,311 7,129 Accrued advertising 7,737 8,027 Accrued pension 9,648 224 Other 15,227 13,784 Other current liabilities 77,548 59,432

Operating (Gains), Losses and O

Operating (Gains), Losses and Other Charges, Net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Operating (Gains), Losses and Other Charges, Net	Operating (Gains), Losses and Other Charges, Net Operating (gains), losses and other charges, net were comprised of the following: Fiscal Year Ended December 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 December 25, 2013 (In thousands) Gains on sales of assets and other, net $ (93 ) $ (112 ) $ (66 ) Restructuring charges and exit costs 1,524 981 1,389 Impairment charges 935 401 5,748 Operating (gains), losses and other charges, net $ 2,366 $ 1,270 $ 7,071 Restructuring charges and exit costs were comprised of the following: Fiscal Year Ended December 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 December 25, 2013 (In thousands) Exit costs $ 697 $ 335 $ 630 Severance and other restructuring charges 827 646 759 Total restructuring charges and exit costs $ 1,524 $ 981 $ 1,389 The components of the change in accrued exit cost liabilities were as follows: December 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 (In thousands) Balance, beginning of year $ 2,142 $ 3,149 Exit costs (1) 697 335 Payments, net of sublease receipts (932 ) (1,426 ) Reclassification of certain lease liabilities, net — (95 ) Interest accretion 136 179 Balance, end of year 2,043 2,142 Less current portion included in other current liabilities 550 483 Long-term portion included in other noncurrent liabilities $ 1,493 $ 1,659 (1) Included as a component of operating (gains), losses and other charges, net. Estimated net cash payments related to exit cost liabilities in the next five years are as follows: (In thousands) 2016 $ 680 2017 397 2018 353 2019 276 2020 194 Thereafter 631 Total 2,531 Less imputed interest 488 Present value of exit cost liabilities $ 2,043 The present value of exit cost liabilities is net of $2.2 million of existing sublease arrangements and $1.1 million related to properties for which we assume we will enter into sublease agreements in the future. See Note 8 for a schedule of future minimum lease commitments and amounts to be received as lessor or sub-lessor for both open and closed restaurants. Impairment charges of $0.9 million for the year ended December 30, 2015 resulted primarily from the impairment of restaurants identified as assets held for sale. Impairment charges of $0.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 resulted primarily from the impairment of an underperforming restaurant. Impairment charges of $5.7 million for the year ended December 25, 2013 resulted primarily from the $4.8 million impairment of an underperforming restaurant and the $0.8 million impairment of restaurants and a piece of real estate identified as assets held for sale.

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	Leases Our operations utilize property, facilities and equipment leased from others. Buildings and facilities are primarily used for restaurants and support facilities. Many of our restaurants are operated under lease arrangements which generally provide for a fixed base rent, and, in many instances, contingent rent based on a percentage of gross revenues. Initial terms of land and restaurant building leases generally range from 10 to 15 years, exclusive of options to renew, which are typically for five year periods. Leases of other equipment consist primarily of restaurant equipment, computer systems and vehicles. Minimum future lease commitments and amounts to be received as lessor or sublessor under non-cancelable leases, including leases for both open and closed restaurants, at December 30, 2015 were as follows: Commitments Lease Receipts Capital Operating Operating (In thousands) 2016 $ 6,973 $ 30,157 $ 28,641 2017 6,540 27,564 26,683 2018 5,405 23,681 23,563 2019 4,673 19,649 19,617 2020 3,997 15,215 16,108 Thereafter 16,658 54,514 84,836 Total 44,246 $ 170,780 $ 199,448 Less imputed interest 23,501 Present value of capital lease obligations $ 20,745 Rent expense is a component of both occupancy expense and costs of franchise and license revenue in our Consolidated Statements of Income. Lease and sublease rental income is a component of franchise and license revenue in our Consolidated Statements of Income. Rental expense and income were comprised of the following: Fiscal Year Ended December 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 December 25, 2013 (In thousands) Rental expense: Base rents $ 30,749 $ 33,402 $ 35,667 Contingent rents 6,031 5,535 5,412 Total rental expense $ 36,780 $ 38,937 $ 41,079 Rental income: Base rents $ 30,166 $ 33,926 $ 36,183 Contingent rents 5,305 4,608 4,389 Total rental income $ 35,471 $ 38,534 $ 40,572

Fair Value of Financial Instrum

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below: Total Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Valuation Technique (In thousands ) Fair value measurements as of December 30, 2015: Deferred compensation plan investments (1) $ 10,159 $ 10,159 $ — $ — market approach Interest rate swaps (2) (1,660 ) — (1,660 ) — income approach Total $ 8,499 $ 10,159 $ (1,660 ) $ — Fair value measurements as of December 31, 2014: Deferred compensation plan investments (1) $ 9,295 $ 9,295 $ — $ — market approach Interest rate swaps (2) $ 642 $ — $ 642 $ — income approach Interest rate caps (2) $ 0 $ — $ 0 $ — income approach Total $ 9,937 $ 9,295 $ 642 $ — (1) The fair values of our deferred compensation plan investments are based on the closing market prices of the elected investments. (2) The fair values of our interest rate swaps and interest rate caps are based upon Level 2 inputs, which include valuation models as reported by our counterparties. The key inputs for the valuation models are quoted market prices, interest rates and forward yield curves. See Note 10 for details on the interest rate swaps and interest rate cap. See Note 11 for the disclosures related to the fair value of our pension plan assets. Those assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis are summarized below: Significant Other Observable Inputs Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Impairment Charges Valuation Technique Fair value measurements as of December 30, 2015: Assets held for sale (1) $ 931 $ — $ 264 market approach Fair value measurements as of December 31, 2014: Assets held and used (2) $ — $ — $ 320 income approach (1) As of December 30, 2015, assets held for sale were written down to their fair value. The fair value of assets held for sale is based upon Level 2 inputs, which include sales agreements. (2) As of December 31, 2014, impaired assets related to an underperforming restaurant were written down to their fair value. To determine fair value, we used the income approach, which assumes that the future cash flows reflect current market expectations. These fair value measurements require significant judgment using Level 3 inputs, such as discounted cash flows from operations, which are not observable from the market, directly or indirectly.

Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt	Long-Term Debt Long-term debt consisted of the following: December 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 (In thousands) Revolving loans due March 30, 2020 $ 195,000 $ — Revolving loans due April 24, 2018 — 85,250 Term loans due April 24, 2018 — 54,750 Capital lease obligations 20,745 18,813 Total long-term debt 215,745 158,813 Less current maturities 3,246 7,734 Noncurrent portion of long-term debt $ 212,499 $ 151,079 There are no future maturities of long-term debt due in 2016 through 2019. The $195.0 million of revolving loans are due in 2020. Refinancing and Amending of Credit Facility On March 30, 2015, Denny's Corporation and certain of its subsidiaries refinanced our credit facility (the "Old Credit Facility") and entered into a new five-year senior secured revolver (the “New Credit Facility”). On October 30, 2015, we amended the New Credit Facility (the "Amended New Credit Facility" or the "credit facility") to exercise the accordion feature that allowed us to increase the size of the revolver and to effect certain other changes. The Amended New Credit Facility is comprised of a $325 million senior secured revolver (with a $30 million letter of credit sublimit) and is available for working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes. Borrowings under the credit facility bear a tiered interest rate. A tiered commitment fee is paid on the unused portion of the credit facility. Both tiered rates are based on the Company's consolidated leverage ratio and were initially set at an interest rate of LIBOR plus 150 basis points and a commitment fee of 0.20% . The maturity date for the credit facility is March 30, 2020 . The Amended New Credit Facility is guaranteed by the Company and its material subsidiaries and is secured by assets of the Company and its subsidiaries, including the stock of the Company's subsidiaries. It includes negative covenants that are usual for facilities and transactions of this type. The Amended New Credit Facility also includes certain financial covenants with respect to a maximum consolidated leverage ratio and a minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio. During the fourth quarter of 2015, the Amended New Credit Facility was used to fund a $50 million accelerated share repurchase agreement. See Note 15 for the disclosures related to share repurchases. As a result of the debt refinancing and subsequent amendment, we recorded $0.3 million of losses on early extinguishment of debt from the write-off of deferred financing costs related to the Old Credit Facility. These losses are included as a component of other nonoperating expense in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. As of December 30, 2015 , we had outstanding revolver loans of $195.0 million and outstanding letters of credit under the senior secured revolver of $22.9 million . These balances resulted in availability of $107.1 million under the credit facility. Prior to considering the impact of our interest rate swap, described below, the weighted-average interest rate on outstanding revolver loans was 1.76% and 2.17% as of December 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively. Taking into consideration the interest rate swap that became effective on March 31, 2015, the weighted-average interest rate of outstanding revolver loans was 2.31% as of December 30, 2015 . Interest Rate Hedges We previously entered into interest rate hedges that capped the LIBOR rate on borrowings under our credit facility. The 200 basis point LIBOR cap applied to $125 million of borrowings from April 14, 2013 through April 13, 2014 and to $150 million of borrowings from April 14, 2014 through March 31, 2015. We also previously entered into an interest rate swap to hedge a portion of the cash flows of our floating rate debt from March 31, 2015 to March 29, 2018. During the first quarter of 2015, we entered into an additional interest rate swap to hedge a portion of the cash flows of our floating rate debt from March 29, 2018 through March 31, 2025. We designated these interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges of our exposure to variability in future cash flows attributable to payments of LIBOR due on a related $120 million notional debt obligation. In addition, during the fourth quarter of 2015, we entered into an additional interest rate swap to hedge a portion of the cash flows of our floating rate debt from March 29, 2018 through March 31, 2026. We designated this interest rate swap as a cash flow hedge of our exposure to variability in future cash flows attributable to payments of LIBOR due on a related $50 million notional debt obligation. Based on the interest rate as determined by our consolidated leverage ratio in effect as of December 30, 2015 , under the terms of the swaps, we will pay an average fixed rate of 2.63% on the $120 million notional amount from March 31, 2015 to March 29, 2018, pay an average fixed rate of 3.94% on both the $120 million and $50 million notional amounts from March 29, 2018 through March 31, 2025, pay an average fixed rate of 3.96% on the $50 million notional amount from April 1, 2025 through March 31, 2026. As of December 30, 2015 , the fair value of the interest rate swaps was a liability of $1.7 million , which is recorded as a component of other noncurrent liabilities and deferred credits on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 15 for the amounts recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss related to the interest rate swap. We believe that our estimated cash flows from operations for 2015 , combined with our capacity for additional borrowings under our credit facility, will enable us to meet our anticipated cash requirements and fund capital expenditures over the next twelve months.

Employee Benefit Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans	Employee Benefit Plans We maintain several defined benefit plans and defined contribution plans which cover a substantial number of employees. Benefits under our defined benefit plans are based upon each employee’s years of service and average salary. Our funding policy for these plans is based on the minimum amount required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. The Advantica Pension Plan (the "Pension Plan") was closed to new qualifying participants as of December 31, 1999. Benefits ceased to accrue for Pension Plan participants as of December 31, 2004. During 2014, our Board of Directors approved the termination of the Pension Plan as of December 31, 2014. We currently expect that the liquidation of the Pension Plan will be completed during the first half of 2016. See below for details on the expected impact of the termination and liquidation. Defined Benefit Plans The obligations and funded status for the Pension Plan and other defined benefit plans were as follows: Pension Plan Other Defined Benefit Plans December 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 December 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 (In thousands) Change in Benefit Obligation: Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 74,208 $ 64,391 $ 2,713 $ 2,716 Service cost 380 380 — — Interest cost 2,983 3,099 107 123 Actuarial (gains) losses (5,780 ) 12,313 43 298 Benefits paid (4,056 ) (5,975 ) (194 ) (195 ) Settlements — — — (229 ) Benefit obligation at end of year $ 67,735 $ 74,208 $ 2,669 $ 2,713 Accumulated benefit obligation $ 67,735 $ 74,208 $ 2,669 $ 2,713 Change in Plan Assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ 62,820 $ 61,094 $ — $ — Actual return on plan assets (386 ) 5,201 — — Employer contributions — 2,500 194 424 Benefits paid (4,056 ) (5,975 ) (194 ) (195 ) Settlements — — — (229 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year $ 58,378 $ 62,820 $ — $ — Funded status $ (9,357 ) $ (11,388 ) $ (2,669 ) $ (2,713 ) The amounts recognized in our Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows: Pension Plan Other Defined Benefit Plans December 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 December 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 (In thousands) Other current liabilities $ (9,357 ) $ — $ (291 ) $ (224 ) Other noncurrent liabilities and deferred credits — (11,388 ) (2,378 ) (2,489 ) Net amount recognized $ (9,357 ) $ (11,388 ) $ (2,669 ) $ (2,713 ) The amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income, that have not yet been recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost, were as follows: Pension Plan Other Defined Benefit Plans December 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 December 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 (In thousands) Unamortized actuarial losses, net $ (23,955 ) (27,574 ) (1,045 ) (1,081 ) When the Pension Plan is liquidated during the first half of fiscal 2016 , we will recognize the $24.0 million in unamortized actuarial losses that are currently recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income. In addition during fiscal 2016, less than $0.1 million of accumulated other comprehensive income will be recognized related to our other defined benefit plans. The components of the change in unamortized actuarial losses, net, included in accumulated other comprehensive loss were as follows: Fiscal Year Ended December 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 (In thousands) Pension Plan: Balance, beginning of year $ (27,574 ) $ (17,433 ) Benefit obligation actuarial gain (loss) 5,780 (12,313 ) Net (loss) gain (3,894 ) 1,248 Amortization of net loss 1,733 924 Balance, end of year $ (23,955 ) $ (27,574 ) Other Defined Benefit Plans: Balance, beginning of year $ (1,081 ) $ (899 ) Benefit obligation actuarial loss (43 ) (298 ) Amortization of net loss 79 66 Settlement loss recognized — 50 Balance, end of year $ (1,045 ) $ (1,081 ) Minimum pension liability adjustments, net of tax for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 were a reduction of $2.2 million , an addition of $6.3 million and a reduction of $6.3 million , respectively. Total minimum pension liability adjustments of $22.8 million (net of a tax benefit of $2.2 million ) and $25.0 million (net of a tax benefit of $3.7 million ) are included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net in our Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the years ended December 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively. The components of net periodic benefit cost were as follows: Fiscal Year Ended December 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 December 25, 2013 (In thousands) Pension Plan: Service cost $ 380 $ 380 $ 400 Interest cost 2,983 3,099 2,977 Expected return on plan assets (3,508 ) (3,953 ) (4,488 ) Amortization of net loss 1,733 924 1,653 Net periodic benefit cost $ 1,588 $ 450 $ 542 Other comprehensive (income) loss $ (3,619 ) $ 10,141 $ (10,364 ) Other Defined Benefit Plans: Interest cost $ 107 $ 123 $ 111 Amortization of net loss 79 66 71 Settlement loss recognized — 50 — Net periodic benefit cost $ 186 $ 239 $ 182 Other comprehensive (income) loss $ (36 ) $ 182 $ (109 ) Net pension and other defined benefit plan costs (including premiums paid to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation) for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 were $1.8 million , $0.7 million and $0.7 million , respectively. Assumptions Because the Pension Plan was closed to new qualifying participants as of December 31, 1999 and benefits ceased to accrue for Pension Plan participants as of December 31, 2004, an assumed rate of increase in compensation levels was not applicable for 2015 , 2014 or 2013 . December 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 December 25, 2013 Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations: Pension Plan: Discount rate 1.34 % 4.12 % Other Defined Benefit Plans: Discount rate 3.62 % 4.12 % Assumptions used to determine net periodic pension cost: Discount rate 4.12 % 4.98 % 4.18 % Rate of increase in compensation levels N/A N/A N/A Expected long-term rate of return on assets 5.75 % 6.50 % 7.75 % In determining the expected long-term rate of return on assets, we evaluated our asset class return expectations, as well as long-term historical asset class returns. Projected returns are based on broad equity and bond indices. Additionally, we considered our historical compounded returns, which have been in excess of our forward-looking return expectations. In determining the discount rate, we have considered long-term bond indices of bonds having similar timing and amounts of cash flows as our estimated defined benefit payments. We use a yield curve based on high quality, long-term corporate bonds to calculate the single equivalent discount rate that results in the same present value as the sum of each of the plan's estimated benefit payments discounted at their respective spot rates. For purposes of determining the benefit obligation for the Pension Plan as of December 30, 2015 , and as a result of the pending liquidation of the plan, we have assumed that 70% of the population of active and vested deferred participants and 50% of retirees will elect a lump sum upon liquidation. The lump sum amounts have been calculated using 2016 Pension Protection Act lump sum mortality and the actual lump sum segment rates in effect for 2016. The remaining participants are assumed to have an annuity purchased on their behalf at prevailing market rates. Plan Assets The investment policy of the Pension Plan is based on an evaluation of our ability and willingness to assume investment risk in light of the financial and benefit-related goals objectives deemed to be prudent by the fiduciaries of our pension plan assets. These objectives include, but are not limited to, earning a rate of return over time to satisfy the benefit obligation, managing funded status volatility and maintaining sufficient liquidity. Due to the expected liquidation of the Pension Plan during 2016, as of December 30, 2015 , the strategic target asset allocation is 100% fixed income securities (diversified between corporate and government holdings and generally long duration). The fair values of the Pension Plan assets were as follows: Fair Value Measurements as of December 30, 2015 Asset Category Total Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) (In thousands ) Cash equivalents $ 1,777 $ 1,777 $ — $ — Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasuries 3,500 3,500 — — Corporate bonds (a) 53,101 53,101 — — Total $ 58,378 $ 58,378 $ — $ — (a) This category includes intermediate and long-term investment grade bonds from diverse industries. Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2014 Asset Category Total Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) (In thousands ) Cash equivalents $ 1,812 $ 1,812 $ — $ — Equity securities: U.S. large-cap (a) 7,154 7,154 — — U.S. mid-cap (b) 2,182 2,182 — — U.S. small-cap (c) 506 506 — — International large-cap 4,185 4,185 — — Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasuries 5,202 5,202 — — Corporate bonds (d) 40,226 40,226 — — Other types of investments: Commingled funds (e) 1,553 — 1,553 — Total $ 62,820 $ 61,267 $ 1,553 $ — (a) The majority of this category represents a fund with the objective of approximating the return of the S&P 500 Index. The remaining securities include both a large-value fund and a large-growth fund investing in diverse industries. (b) This category includes both a mid-growth fund with the objective of outperforming the Russell Mid Cap Growth Index and a mid-value fund investing in diverse industries. (c) This category includes both a small-value fund and a small-growth fund investing in diverse industries. (d) This category includes intermediate and long-term investment grade bonds from diverse industries. (e) This category represents a fund of well diversified mutual funds with the objective of providing a low-volatility means to access equity-like returns. Following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for assets measured at fair value. • Equity Securities and Fixed Income Securities: Valued at the net asset value (“NAV”) of shares held by the Pension Plan at year-end. The NAV is a quoted price in an active market. • Cash Equivalents and Commingled Funds: Valuation determined by the trustee of the money market funds and commingled funds based on the fair value of the underlying securities within the fund, which represent the NAV, a practical expedient to fair value, of the units held by the Pension Plan at year-end. Contributions and Expected Future Benefit Payments We made no contributions to the Pension Plan during the year ended December 30, 2015 and made contributions of $2.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2014 . We made contributions of $0.2 million and $0.4 million to our other defined benefit plans during the years ended December 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively. During the first half of 2016, we will be required to make contributions to the Pension Plan as a result of the termination and planned liquidation. We currently estimate that these contributions will be approximately $9.4 million . This estimate is based on expected interest rates, returns on plan assets and participant elections. We expect to contribute $0.3 million to our other defined benefit plans during 2016 . Taking into consideration the termination and planned liquidation of the Pension Plan, benefits expected to be paid for each of the next five years and in the aggregate for the five fiscal years from 2021 through 2025 are as follows: Pension Plan Other Defined Benefit Plans (In thousands) 2016 $ 67,735 $ 291 2017 — 241 2018 — 244 2019 — 430 2020 — 230 2021 through 2025 — 1,097 Defined Contribution Plans Eligible employees can elect to contribute up to 25% of their compensation to our 401(k) plan. As a result of certain IRS limitations, participation in a non-qualified deferred compensation plan is offered to certain employees. Under this deferred compensation plan, participants are allowed to defer up to 50% of their annual salary and up to 100% of their incentive compensation. Under both plans, we make matching contributions of up to 3% of compensation. Participants in the deferred compensation plan are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan; however, due to the above referenced IRS limitations, they are not eligible to receive the matching contributions under the 401(k) plan. Under these plans, we made contributions of $1.6 million , $1.4 million and $1.4 million for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively.

Share-Based Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation Share-Based Compensation Plans We maintain three share-based compensation plans under which stock options and other awards granted to our employees and directors are outstanding. Currently, the Denny's Corporation 2012 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the "2012 Omnibus Plan") is used to grant share-based compensation to selected employees, officers and directors of Denny’s and its affiliates. However, we reserve the right to pay discretionary bonuses, or other types of compensation, outside of this plan. At December 30, 2015 , there were 2.5 million shares available for grant under the 2012 Omnibus Plan. In addition, we have 0.8 million shares available to be issued outside of the 2012 Omnibus Plan pursuant to the grant or exercise of employment inducement awards of stock options and restricted stock units in accordance with NASDAQ Listing Rule 5635(c)(4). Share-Based Compensation Expense Total share-based compensation expense included as a component of net income was as follows: Fiscal Year Ended December 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 December 25, 2013 (In thousands) Stock options $ — $ 52 $ 558 Performance share awards 5,821 5,009 3,488 Restricted stock units for board members 814 785 806 Total share-based compensation $ 6,635 $ 5,846 $ 4,852 The income tax benefits recognized as a component of the provision for income taxes in our Consolidated Statements of Income related to share-based compensation expense were approximately $2.6 million , $2.3 million and $1.9 million during the years ended December 30, 2015 , December 31, 2014 and December 25, 2013 , respectively. Stock Options Options granted to date generally vest evenly over 3 years, have a 10 -year contractual life and are issued at the market value at the date of grant. The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding and exercisable at December 30, 2015 : Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life Aggregate Intrinsic Value (In thousands, except per share amounts) Outstanding, beginning of year 1,538 $ 3.26 Exercised (200 ) $ 3.66 Outstanding, end of year 1,338 $ 3.20 3.44 $ 9,081 Exercisable, end of year 1,338 $ 3.20 3.44 $ 9,081 The aggregate intrinsic value represents the difference between the market price of our stock on December 30, 2015 and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of options that have an exercise price that is less than the market price of our stock. The aggregate intrinsic value of the options exercised was $1.4 million , $3.0 million and $2.6 million during the years ended December 30, 2015 , December 31, 2014 and December 25, 2013 , respectively. There were no options granted during the years ended December 30, 2015 , December 31, 2014 and December 25, 2013 . As of December 30, 2015 , there was no unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock option awards outstanding. Restricted Stock Units We primarily grant restricted stock units containing a market condition based on the total shareholder return of our stock compared with the returns of a group of peer companies. The number of shares that are ultimately issued is dependent upon the level of obtainment of the market condition. The following table summarizes the restricted stock units activity during the year ended December 30, 2015 : Units Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (In thousands) Outstanding, beginning of year 845 $ 7.20 Granted 514 $ 11.43 Converted (297 ) $ 6.05 Forfeited (34 ) $ 9.95 Outstanding, end of year 1,028 $ 9.55 Convertible, end of year 297 $ 8.05 The weighted average grant date fair value of awards granted was $11.43 , $7.51 and $8.05 for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. We made payments of $3.4 million , $1.1 million and $1.2 million in cash during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively, and issued shares of 0.4 million , 0.1 million and 0.3 million , respectively, related to converted restricted stock units. The intrinsic value of shares converted was $4.9 million , $1.4 million and $2.7 million , during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. In February 2015, we granted certain employees approximately 0.2 million performance shares that vest based on the total shareholder return ("TSR") of our stock compared to the TSRs of a group of peer companies and 0.3 million performance shares that vest based on our Adjusted EBITDA growth rate, as defined under the terms of the award. As the TSR based performance shares contain a market condition, a Monte Carlo valuation was used to determine the grant date fair value of $11.86 per share. The performance shares based on the Adjusted EBITDA growth rate have a grant date fair value of $11.03 per share, the market value of our stock on the date of grant. The awards granted to our named executive officers also contain a performance condition based on certain operating measures for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2015 . The TSR and Adjusted EBITDA growth rate performance period is the three year fiscal period beginning January 1, 2015 and ending December 27, 2017. The performance shares will vest and be earned (from 0% to 150% of the target award for each such increment) at the end of the performance period. As of December 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , we had accrued compensation of $2.6 million and $2.5 million , respectively, included as a component of other current liabilities and $2.2 million and $2.5 million , respectively, included as a component of other noncurrent liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets (based on the fair value of the related shares for the liability classified units as of the respective balance sheet dates). As of December 30, 2015 , we had $6.0 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock unit awards granted, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average of 1.7 years . Board Deferred Stock Units During the year ended December 30, 2015 , we granted 0.1 million deferred stock units (which are equity classified) with a weighted average grant date fair value of $10.60 per unit to non-employee members of our Board of Directors. A director may elect to convert these awards into shares of our common stock either on a specific date in the future (while still serving as a member of our Board of Directors) or upon termination as a member of our Board of Directors. During the year ended December 30, 2015 , approximately 0.1 million deferred stock units with an intrinsic value of $1.4 million were converted into shares of our common stock. As of both December 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 there were 0.9 million deferred stock units outstanding. As of December 30, 2015 , we had approximately $0.3 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to all unvested deferred stock unit awards outstanding, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average of 0.3 years .

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The provisions for income taxes were as follows: Fiscal Year Ended December 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 December 25, 2013 (In thousands) Current: Federal $ 1,622 $ 377 $ 428 State and local 1,382 1,818 1,548 Foreign 873 896 872 Deferred: Federal 12,264 13,269 9,285 State and local 1,742 (54 ) (185 ) Release of valuation allowance (130 ) (270 ) (420 ) Total provision for income taxes $ 17,753 $ 16,036 $ 11,528 The reconciliation of income taxes at the U.S. federal statutory tax rate to our effective tax rate was as follows: December 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 December 25, 2013 Statutory provision rate 35 % 35 % 35 % State and local taxes, net of federal income tax benefit 5 3 5 Foreign taxes, net of federal income tax benefit — 1 1 Wage addback on income tax credits earned 2 2 3 General business credits generated (7 ) (6 ) (10 ) Other (2 ) (1 ) (1 ) Release of valuation allowance — (1 ) (1 ) Effective tax rate 33 % 33 % 32 % The following table represents the approximate tax effect of each significant type of temporary difference that resulted in deferred income tax assets or liabilities. December 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 (In thousands) Deferred tax assets: Self-insurance accruals $ 8,371 $ 9,063 Capitalized leases 2,083 2,103 Accrued exit cost 935 1,031 Fixed assets 1,638 5,426 Interest rate swaps 647 — Pension, other retirement and compensation plans 11,570 16,527 Other accruals 395 2,526 Alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards 5,344 7,811 General business credit carryforwards - state and federal 20,691 22,089 Net operating loss carryforwards - state 12,172 12,368 Total deferred tax assets before valuation allowance 63,846 78,944 Less: valuation allowance (12,395 ) (12,481 ) Total deferred tax assets 51,451 66,463 Deferred tax liabilities: Intangible assets (22,190 ) (22,474 ) Deferred finance costs (102 ) (177 ) Interest rate swaps — (250 ) Total deferred tax liabilities (22,292 ) (22,901 ) Net deferred tax asset $ 29,159 $ 43,562 Net deferred tax assets are classified as follows: Current $ — $ 24,310 Noncurrent 29,159 19,252 Total $ 29,159 $ 43,562 During the quarter ended December 30, 2015, we early adopted ASU 2015-17 in order to simplify the presentation of deferred taxes. This guidance requires that deferred tax assets and liabilities be classified as noncurrent. We chose to prospectively apply the guidance, therefore, as a result of our early adoption, all deferred taxes are reported as noncurrent in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 30, 2015. Prior periods were not retrospectively adjusted. At December 30, 2015 , we had available, on a consolidated basis, federal general business credit carryforwards of approximately $23.1 million , most of which expire between 2029 and 2035, and alternative minimum tax ("AMT") credit carryforwards of approximately $5.3 million , which never expire. We also had available AMT net operating loss ("AMT NOL") carryforwards of approximately $5.8 million , which expire in 2030. Approximately $5.3 million of general business credit carryforwards are unrecognized in the schedule above and on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as a result of the application of ASC Paragraph 718-740-25-10, which delays their recognition in paid-in capital until they reduce taxes payable. It is more likely than not that we will be able to utilize our credit carryforwards prior to expiration. In addition, it is more likely than not we will be able to utilize all of our existing temporary differences and a portion of our state tax net operating losses and state tax credit carryforwards prior to their expiration. Of the $12.4 million valuation allowance remaining, approximately $10.0 million represents South Carolina net operating loss carryforwards that will never be utilized. An additional $2.0 million of the valuation allowance, if released, will be credited directly to paid-in capital. Prior to 2005, Denny’s had ownership changes within the meaning of Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code. In general, Section 382 places annual limitations on the use of certain tax attributes, such as AMT NOL and tax credit carryforwards, in existence at the ownership change date. It is our position that any pre-2005 AMT NOL and tax credits can be utilized as of December 30, 2015 . The occurrence of an additional ownership change could limit our ability to utilize our current income tax credits generated after 2004. There were no unrecognized tax benefits associated with uncertain income tax positions as of December 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 . We do not expect the unrecognized tax benefits to increase over the next twelve months. As of and for the years ended December 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , there were no related interest and penalties recognized in our Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Income. We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdictions and various state jurisdictions. With few exceptions, we are no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local, or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2011. We remain subject to examination for U.S. federal taxes for 2012-2015 and in the following major state jurisdictions: California (2011-2015), Florida (2012-2015) and Texas (2012-2015).

Net Income Per Share

Net Income Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Income Per Share	Net Income Per Share The amounts used for the basic and diluted net income per share calculations are summarized below: Fiscal Year Ended December 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 December 25, 2013 (In thousands, except per share amounts) Net income $ 35,976 $ 32,725 $ 24,572 Weighted average shares outstanding - basic 82,627 86,323 90,829 Effect of dilutive share-based compensation awards 2,102 2,032 2,074 Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted 84,729 88,355 92,903 Basic net income per share $ 0.44 $ 0.38 $ 0.27 Diluted net income per share $ 0.42 $ 0.37 $ 0.26 Anti-dilutive share-based compensation awards — 218 331

Shareholders' Equity

Shareholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Shareholders' Equity	Shareholders' Equity Share Repurchases Our credit facility permits the payment of cash dividends and the purchase of Denny’s stock subject to certain limitations. Over the past several years, our Board of Directors has approved share repurchase programs authorizing us to repurchase up to a set amount of shares or dollar amount of our common stock. Under the programs, we may, from time to time, purchase shares in the open market (including pre-arranged stock trading plans in accordance with guidelines specified in Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) or in privately negotiated transactions, subject to market and business conditions. During 2015, 2013 and 2012, the Board approved share repurchase programs for $100 million of our common stock, 10.0 million shares of our common stock and 6.0 million shares of our common stock, respectively. In November 2015, as part of our previously authorized share repurchase programs, we entered into a variable term, capped accelerated share repurchase (the "ASR") agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association ("Wells Fargo"), to repurchase an aggregate of $50 million of our common stock. Pursuant to the terms of the ASR agreement, we paid $50 million in cash and received approximately 3.5 million shares of our common stock, which represents the minimum shares to be delivered based on the cap price. We recorded $36.9 million of treasury stock related to these shares. The remaining balance of $13.1 million is included as additional paid-in capital in shareholders' equity as of December 30, 2015 as an equity forward contract and will be settled during 2016. The total aggregate number of shares of our common stock repurchased pursuant to the ASR agreement will be based generally on the average of the daily volume-weighted average prices of our common stock, less a fixed discount, over the term of the ASR agreement, subject to a minimum number of shares. The ASR agreement is expected to be completed no later than July 2016, although the completion date may be accelerated or, under certain circumstances, extended, at Wells Fargo's option. Taking into consideration the above-mentioned ASR agreement, during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , we repurchased 8.5 million , 5.3 million and 4.2 million shares for a total of $92.7 million , $36.0 million and $24.7 million , respectively, thus completing the 2012 and 2013 repurchase programs. As of December 30, 2015 , there is $37.8 million of our common stock remaining to be repurchased under the 2015 repurchase program. Repurchased shares are included as treasury stock in our Consolidated Balance Sheets and our Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss The components of the change in accumulated other comprehensive loss were as follows: Pensions Derivatives Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (In thousands) Balance as of December 28, 2012 $ (24,999 ) $ — $ (24,999 ) Benefit obligation actuarial gain 7,873 — 7,873 Net gain 876 — 876 Amortization of net loss (1) 1,724 — 1,724 Net change in fair value of derivatives — 3,032 3,032 Income tax expense (4,164 ) (1,184 ) (5,348 ) Balance as of December 25, 2013 $ (18,690 ) $ 1,848 $ (16,842 ) Benefit obligation actuarial loss (12,611 ) — (12,611 ) Net gain 1,248 — 1,248 Amortization of net loss (1) 990 — 990 Settlement loss recognized 50 — 50 Net change in fair value of derivatives — (2,389 ) (2,389 ) Income tax benefit 4,019 933 4,952 Balance as of December 31, 2014 $ (24,994 ) $ 392 $ (24,602 ) Benefit obligation actuarial gain 5,737 — 5,737 Net loss (3,894 ) — (3,894 ) Amortization of net loss (1) 1,812 — 1,812 Net change in fair value of derivatives — (1,444 ) (1,444 ) Reclassification of derivatives to interest expense (2) — (859 ) (859 ) Income tax (expense) benefit (1,425 ) 898 (527 ) Balance as of December 30, 2015 $ (22,764 ) $ (1,013 ) $ (23,777 ) (1) Before-tax amount that was reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss and included as a component of pension expense within general and administrative expenses in our Consolidated Statements of Income. See Note 11 for additional details. (2) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into income, represent payments made to the counterparty for the effective portions of the interest rate swaps. These amounts are included as a component of interest expense in our Consolidated Statements of Income. We expect to reclassify approximately $1.1 million from accumulated other comprehensive loss related to our interest rate swaps during the next twelve months. See Note 10 for additional details.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies We have guarantees related to certain franchisee leases and loans with terms extending from one to six years. Payments under these guarantees would result from the inability of a franchisee to fund required payments when due. Through December 30, 2015 , no events had occurred that caused us to make payments under the guarantees. There were $8.7 million and $9.8 million of loans outstanding under these programs as of December 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively. As of December 30, 2015 , the maximum amounts payable under the lease guarantee and loan guarantees were $2.0 million and $1.3 million , respectively. As a result of these guarantees, we have recorded liabilities of less than $0.1 million as of December 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , which are included as a component of other noncurrent liabilities and deferred credits in our Consolidated Balance Sheets and other nonoperating expense in our Consolidated Statements of Income. There are various claims and pending legal actions against or indirectly involving us, incidental to and arising out of the ordinary course of the business. In the opinion of management, based upon information currently available, the ultimate liability with respect to these proceedings and claims will not materially affect the Company's consolidated results of operations or financial position. We have amounts payable under purchase contracts for food and non-food products. Many of these agreements do not obligate us to purchase any specific volumes and include provisions that would allow us to cancel such agreements with appropriate notice. Our future purchase obligation payments due by period for both company and franchised restaurants at December 30, 2015 consist of the following: (In thousands) Less than 1 year $ 185,185 1-2 years 38,255 3-4 years — 5 years and thereafter — Total $ 223,440 For agreements with cancellation provisions, amounts included in the table above represent our estimate of purchase obligations during the periods presented if we were to cancel these contracts with appropriate notice. We would likely take delivery of goods under such circumstances.

Supplemental Cash Flow Informat

Supplemental Cash Flow Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	Supplemental Cash Flow Information Fiscal Year Ended December 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 December 25, 2013 (In thousands) Income taxes paid, net $ 5,364 $ 3,802 $ 2,777 Interest paid $ 8,141 $ 8,170 $ 9,336 Noncash investing and financing activities: Property acquisition payable $ 573 $ — $ — Accrued purchase of property $ 1,781 $ 635 $ 1,575 Issuance of common stock, pursuant to share-based compensation plans $ 4,551 $ 1,030 $ 1,937 Execution of capital leases $ 5,556 $ 3,300 $ 5,663 Treasury stock payable $ 185 $ 152 $ 220

Quarterly Data (Unaudited)

Quarterly Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Data (Unaudited)	Quarterly Data (Unaudited) The results for each quarter include all adjustments which, in our opinion, are necessary for a fair presentation of the results for interim periods. All adjustments are of a normal and recurring nature. Selected consolidated financial data for each quarter of fiscal 2015 and 2014 are set forth below: Fiscal Year Ended December 30, 2015 First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter (In thousands, except per share data) Company restaurant sales $ 85,982 $ 88,629 $ 89,279 $ 89,183 Franchise and licensing revenue 34,189 34,690 34,499 34,842 Total operating revenue 120,171 123,319 123,778 124,025 Total operating costs and expenses 104,854 105,905 108,055 109,328 Operating income $ 15,317 $ 17,414 $ 15,723 $ 14,697 Net income $ 8,533 $ 9,734 $ 8,950 $ 8,759 Basic net income per share (1) $ 0.10 $ 0.12 $ 0.11 $ 0.11 Diluted net income per share (1) $ 0.10 $ 0.11 $ 0.11 $ 0.11 (1) Per share amounts do not necessarily sum to the total year amounts due to changes in shares outstanding and rounding. Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2014 First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter (In thousands, except per share data) Company restaurant sales $ 79,304 $ 81,138 $ 82,827 $ 91,415 Franchise and licensing revenue 32,616 33,476 34,205 37,314 Total operating revenue 111,920 114,614 117,032 128,729 Total operating costs and expenses 100,648 99,669 102,323 112,324 Operating income $ 11,272 $ 14,945 $ 14,709 $ 16,405 Net income $ 6,431 $ 8,273 $ 8,343 $ 9,678 Basic net income per share (1) $ 0.07 $ 0.10 $ 0.10 $ 0.11 Diluted net income per share (1) $ 0.07 $ 0.09 $ 0.10 $ 0.11 (1) Per share amounts do not necessarily sum to the total year amounts due to changes in shares outstanding and rounding.

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events We performed an evaluation of subsequent events and determined that no events required disclosure.

Summary of Significant Accoun28

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates . In preparing our Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, management is required to make certain assumptions and estimates that affect reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and the disclosure of contingencies. In making these assumptions and estimates, management may from time to time seek advice and consider information provided by actuaries and other experts in a particular area. Actual amounts could differ materially from these estimates.
Consolidation Policy	Consolidation Policy . Our Consolidated Financial Statements include the financial statements of Denny’s Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiaries: Denny’s, Inc., DFO, LLC and Denny's Realty, LLC. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Fiscal Year	Fiscal Year . Our fiscal year ends on the last Wednesday in December. As a result, a fifty-third week is added to a fiscal year every five or six years. Fiscal 2014 included 53 weeks of operations, whereas 2015 and 2013 each included 52 weeks of operations.
Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments and Cash Overdrafts	Cash Overdrafts. Accounts payable in our Consolidated Balance Sheets include cash overdrafts of $4.4 million at December 30, 2015 . There were no cash overdrafts at December 31, 2014 . Changes in such amounts are reflected in cash flows from financing activities in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments. Our policy is to invest cash in excess of operating requirements in short-term highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less, which we consider to be cash equivalents.
Receivables	Receivables. Receivables, which are recorded at net realizable value, primarily consist of trade accounts receivables and financing receivables from franchisees (together “franchisee receivables”), vendor receivables and credit card receivables. Trade accounts receivables from franchisees consist of royalties, advertising and rent. Financing receivables from franchisees primarily consist of notes from franchisees related to the roll-out of new POS equipment. We accrue interest on notes receivable based on the contractual terms. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on pre-defined criteria and management’s judgment of existing receivables. Receivables that are ultimately deemed to be uncollectible, and for which collection efforts have been exhausted, are written off against the allowance for doubtful accounts.
Inventories	Inventories. Inventories consist of food and beverages and are valued primarily at the lower of average cost (first-in, first-out) or market.
Property and Depreciation	Property and Depreciation. Owned property is stated at cost. Property under capital leases is stated at the lesser of its fair value or the net present value of the related minimum lease payments at the lease inception. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. We depreciate owned property over its estimated useful life using the straight-line method. We amortize property held under capital leases (at capitalized value) over the lesser of its estimated useful life or the initial lease term. In certain situations, one or more option periods may be used in determining the depreciable life of certain leasehold improvements under operating lease agreements, if we deem that an economic penalty will be incurred and exercise of such option periods is reasonably assured. In either circumstance, our policy requires lease term consistency when calculating the depreciation period, in classifying the lease and in computing rent expense. Building assets are assigned estimated useful lives that range from five to 30 years. Equipment assets are assigned lives that range from two to ten years. Leasehold improvements are generally assigned lives between five and 15 years limited by the expected lease term.
Goodwill	Goodwill. Amounts recorded as goodwill primarily represent excess reorganization value recognized as a result of our 1998 bankruptcy. We record goodwill in connection with the acquisition of restaurants from franchisees. Likewise, upon the sale of restaurant operations to franchisees, goodwill is decremented. We test goodwill for impairment at each fiscal year end, and more frequently if circumstances indicate impairment may exist. Such indicators include, but are not limited to, a significant decline in our expected future cash flows; a significant adverse decline in our stock price; significantly adverse legal developments; and a significant change in the business climate.
Other Intangible Assets	Other Intangible Assets . Other intangible assets consist primarily of trade names, franchise and license agreements, and reacquired franchise rights. Trade names are considered indefinite-lived intangible assets and are not amortized. Franchise and license agreements and reacquired franchise rights are amortized using the straight-line basis over the term of the related agreement. We test trade name assets for impairment at each fiscal year end, and more frequently if circumstances indicate impairment may exist. We assess impairment of franchise and license agreements and reacquired franchise rights whenever changes or events indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Costs incurred to renew or extend the term of recognized intangible assets are recorded in general and administrative expenses in our Consolidated Statements of Income.
Long-term Investments	Long-term Investments. Long-term investments include nonqualified deferred compensation plan assets held in a rabbi trust. Each plan participant's account is comprised of their contribution, our matching contribution and each participant's share of earnings or losses in the plan. The investments of the rabbi trust include debt and equity mutual funds. They are considered trading securities and are reported at fair value in other noncurrent assets with an offsetting liability included in other noncurrent liabilities and deferred credits in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The realized and unrealized holding gains and losses related to the investments are recorded in other income (expense) with an offsetting amount recorded in general and administrative expenses related to the liability in our Consolidated Statements of Income.
Deferred Financing Costs	Deferred Financing Costs. Costs related to the issuance of debt are deferred and amortized as a component of interest expense using the effective interest method over the terms of the respective debt issuances.
Self-Insurance Liabilities	Self-insurance Liabilities. We record liabilities for insurance claims during periods in which we have been insured under large deductible programs or have been self-insured for our medical claims and workers’ compensation, general/product and automobile insurance liabilities. The liabilities for prior and current estimated incurred losses are discounted to their present value based on expected loss payment patterns determined by independent actuaries using our actual historical payments. These estimates include assumptions regarding claims frequency and severity as well as changes in our business environment, medical costs and the regulatory environment that could impact our overall self-insurance costs.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes. We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. We early adopted ASU 2015-17 with prospective application. As a result, all deferred taxes are reported as noncurrent in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 30, 2015. Prior periods were not retrospectively adjusted. A valuation allowance reduces our net deferred tax asset to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. We make certain estimates and judgments in the calculation of our provision for incomes taxes, in the resulting tax liabilities, and in the recoverability of deferred tax assets.
Leases and Subleases	Leases and Subleases. Our policy requires the use of a consistent lease term for calculating the depreciation period for related buildings and leasehold improvements, classifying the lease and computing periodic rent expense increases where the lease terms include escalations in rent over the lease term. The lease term commences on the date we gain access to and control over the leased property. We account for rent escalations in leases on a straight-line basis over the expected lease term. Any rent holidays after lease commencement are recognized on a straight-line basis over the expected lease term, which includes the rent holiday period. Leasehold improvements that have been funded by lessors have historically been insignificant. Any leasehold improvements we make that are funded by lessor incentives or allowances under operating leases are recorded as leasehold improvement assets and amortized over the expected lease term. Such incentives are also recorded as deferred rent and amortized as reductions to lease expense over the expected lease term. We record contingent rent expense based on estimated sales for respective restaurants over the contingency period. Contingent rental income is recognized when earned.
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivables, accounts payable and accrued expenses are deemed to approximate fair value due to the immediate or short-term maturity of these instruments. The fair value of notes receivable approximates the carrying value after consideration of recorded allowances and related risk-based interest rates. The liabilities under our credit facility are carried at historical cost. The estimated fair value (Level 2) of our senior secured term loan, held as of December 31, 2014, approximated its carrying value. The fair value of our long-term debt is determined based on market prices or, if market prices are not available, the present value of the underlying cash flows discounted at market rates.
Employee Benefit Plans	Employee Benefit Plans. Due to our early adoption of ASU 2015-04, beginning with fiscal year 2015, we measure and recognize the funded status of our defined benefit plans in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31. That date represents the month-end that is closest to our fiscal year-end. The funded status is adjusted for any contributions or significant events (such as a plan amendment, settlement, or curtailment that calls for a remeasurement) that occurs between our fiscal year-end and December 31.
Derivative Instruments	Derivative Instruments. We use derivative financial instruments to manage our exposure to interest rate risk. We do not enter into derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes. All derivatives are recognized on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value based upon quoted market prices. Changes in the fair values of derivatives are recorded in earnings or other comprehensive income ("OCI"), based on whether the instrument is designated as a hedge transaction. Gains or losses on derivative instruments reported in OCI are classified to earnings in the period the hedged item affects earnings. If the underlying hedge transaction ceases to exist, any associated amounts reported in OCI are reclassified to earnings at that time. Any ineffectiveness is recognized in earnings in the current period. By entering into derivative instruments, we are exposed to counterparty credit risk. When the fair value of a derivative instrument is in an asset position, the counterparty has a liability to us, which creates credit risk for us. We manage our exposure to this risk by selecting counterparties with investment grade credit ratings and regularly monitoring our market position with each counterparty.
Contingencies and Litigation	Contingencies and Litigation. We are subject to legal proceedings involving ordinary and routine claims incidental to our business, as well as legal proceedings that are nonroutine and include compensatory or punitive damage claims. Our ultimate legal and financial liability with respect to such matters cannot be estimated with certainty and requires the use of estimates in recording liabilities for potential litigation settlements. When the reasonable estimate is a range, the recorded loss will be the best estimate within the range. We record legal settlement costs as other operating expenses in our Consolidated Statements of Income as those costs are incurred.
Comprehensive Income	Comprehensive Income. Comprehensive income includes net income and OCI items that are excluded from net income under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. OCI items include additional minimum pension liability adjustments and the effective unrealized portion of changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges.
Segment	Segment. Denny’s operates in only one segment. All significant revenues and pre-tax earnings relate to retail sales of food and beverages to the general public through either company or franchised restaurants.
Company Restaurant Sales	Company Restaurant Sales. Company restaurant sales are recognized when food and beverage products are sold at company restaurants. We present company restaurant sales net of sales taxes.
Gift Cards	Gift cards. We sell gift cards which have no stated expiration dates. We recognize revenue from gift cards when the gift card is redeemed by the customer or when we determine the likelihood of redemption is remote (gift card breakage). Breakage is based on our company-specific historical redemption patterns.
Franchise and License Fees	Franchise and License Fees. We recognize initial franchise and license fees when all of the material obligations have been performed and conditions have been satisfied, typically when operations of a new franchised restaurant have commenced. Continuing fees, such as royalties and rents, are recorded as income. Royalties are recognized in the period in which the sales occurred.
Advertising Costs	Advertising Costs . We expense production costs for radio and television advertising in the year in which the commercials are initially aired.
Restructuring and Exit Costs	Restructuring and Exit Costs. Restructuring and exit costs consist primarily of the costs of future obligations related to closed restaurants, severance and other restructuring charges for terminated employees, and are included as a component of operating (gains), losses and other charges, net in our Consolidated Statements of Income. Discounted liabilities for future lease costs and the fair value of related subleases of closed restaurants are recorded when the restaurants are closed. All other costs related to closed restaurants are expensed as incurred. In assessing the discounted liabilities for future costs of obligations related to closed restaurants, we make assumptions regarding amounts of future assumed subleases. If these assumptions or their related estimates change in the future, we may be required to record additional exit costs or reduce exit costs previously recorded. Exit costs recorded for each of the periods presented include the effect of such changes in estimates.
Disposal or Impairment of Long-lived Assets	Disposal or Impairment of Long-lived Assets. We evaluate our long-lived assets for impairment at the restaurant level on a quarterly basis, when assets are identified as held for sale or whenever changes or events indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. For assets identified as held for sale, we use the market approach and consider proceeds from similar asset sales. We assess impairment of restaurant-level assets based on the operating cash flows of the restaurant, expected proceeds from the sale of assets and our plans for restaurant closings. Generally, all restaurants with negative cash flows from operations for the most recent twelve months at each quarter end are included in our assessment. For underperforming assets, we use the income approach to determine both the recoverability and estimated fair value of the assets. To estimate future cash flows, we make certain assumptions about expected future operating performance, such as revenue growth, operating margins, risk-adjusted discount rates, and future economic and market conditions. If the long-lived assets of a restaurant are not recoverable based upon estimated future, undiscounted cash flows, we write the assets down to their fair value. If these estimates or their related assumptions change in the future, we may be required to record additional impairment charges. These charges are included as a component of operating (gains), losses and other charges, net in our Consolidated Statements of Income. Assets held for sale consist of real estate properties and/or restaurant operations that we expect to sell within the next year. The assets are reported at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. We cease recording depreciation on assets that are classified as held for sale. If the determination is made that we no longer expect to sell an asset within the next year, the asset is reclassified out of held for sale.
Discontinued Operations	Discontinued Operations. We evaluate restaurant closures and assets reclassified to assets held for sale for potential disclosure as discontinued operations. Only disposals resulting in a strategic shift that will have a major effect on our operations and financial results are reported as discontinued operations. There were no such disposals, nor any disposals of individually significant components. The gains and losses related to restaurant closures and assets reclassified to assets held for sale are included as a component of operating (gain), losses and other charges, net in our Consolidated Statements of Income.
Gains on Sales of Restaurants Operations to Franchisees, Real Estate and Other Assets	Gains on Sales of Restaurants Operations to Franchisees, Real Estate and Other Assets. Generally, gains on sales of restaurant operations to franchisees (which may include real estate), real estate properties and other assets are recognized when the sales are consummated and certain other gain recognition criteria are met. Total gains are included as a component of operating (gains), losses and other charges, net in our Consolidated Statements of Income.
Share-based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation. Share-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and is recognized as an expense over the requisite service period. We estimate potential forfeitures of share-based awards and adjust the forfeiture rate over the requisite service period to the extent that actual forfeitures differ, or are expected to differ, from such estimates. Share-based compensation expense is included as a component of general and administrative expenses in our Consolidated Statements of Income. Tax expense or benefit recognized related to share-based compensation is included as a component of provision for income taxes in our Consolidated Statements of Income. Any tax expense or benefit in excess of recognized compensation cost is reported as a financing activity in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Compensation expense for options is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. Generally, compensation expense related to restricted stock units, performance shares, performance units and board deferred stock units is based on the number of shares and units expected to vest, the period over which they are expected to vest and the fair market value of our common stock on the date of the grant. For restricted stock units and performance shares that contain a market condition, compensation expense is based on the Monte Carlo valuation method, which utilizes multiple input variables to determine the probability of the Company achieving the market condition and the fair value of the award. The key assumptions used include expected volatility and risk-free interest rates over the term of the award. The amount of certain cash-settled awards is determined based on the date of payment. Therefore, compensation expense related to these cash-settled awards is adjusted to fair value at each balance sheet date. Subsequent to the vesting period, earned stock-settled restricted stock units and performance shares (both of which are equity classified) are paid to the holder in shares of our common stock, and the cash-settled restricted stock units and performance units (both of which are liability classified) are paid to the holder in cash, provided the holder is then still employed with Denny’s or an affiliate.
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share . Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares and potential common shares outstanding during the period.
Newly Adopted Accounting Standards and Accounting Standards to be Adopted	Newly Adopted Accounting Standards Discontinued Operations ASU 2014-08, "Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity" Effective January 1, 2015, we adopted ASU 2014-08, which raises the threshold for a disposal to qualify as a discontinued operation and modifies the related disclosure requirements. Under the new guidance, only disposals resulting in a strategic shift that will have a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results will be reported as discontinued operations. ASU 2014-08 also removes the requirement that an entity not have any significant continuing involvement in the operations of the component after disposal to qualify for reporting of the disposal as a discontinued operation. This guidance requires entities to disclose information about disposals of individually significant components that do not meet the definition of discontinued operations. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Defined Benefit Plans ASU 2015-04,"Compensation—Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Practical Expedient for the Measurement Date of an Employer’s Defined Benefit Obligation and Plan Assets" Effective October 1, 2015, we early adopted ASU 2015-04, which provides a practical expedient for entities with a fiscal year-end that does not coincide with a month-end. The practical expedient permits an entity to measure defined benefit plan assets and obligations using the month-end that is closest to the entity’s fiscal year-end. As a result of our early adoption, the date used to measure our fiscal year 2015 plan assets and obligations for all plans is December 31, 2015. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Income Taxes ASU 2015-17,"Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes" In November, 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, which simplifies the presentation of deferred taxes by requiring that deferred tax assets and liabilities be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. We early adopted this guidance as of December 30, 2015 on a prospective basis. Therefore, as a result of our early adoption, all deferred taxes are reported as noncurrent in our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 30, 2015. Prior periods were not retrospectively adjusted. Accounting Standards to be Adopted Revenue Recognition ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" and ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date" In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, which clarifies the principles used to recognize revenue for all entities. The new guidance requires companies to recognize revenue when it transfers goods or service to a customer in an amount that reflects the consideration to which a company expects to be entitled. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, which defers the effective date for ASU 2014-09. The guidance is now effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017 (our fiscal 2018). The guidance allows for either a retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. Early application is permitted only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. We are currently evaluating the transition methods and the impact the adoption of this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements. Consolidation ASU 2015-02,"Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis" In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, which improves targeted areas of the consolidation guidance and reduces the number of consolidation models. ASU 2015-02 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015 (our fiscal 2016) with early adoption permitted. We do not believe the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Debt Issuance ASU 2015-03,"Interest—Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs" and ASU 2015-15,"Interest—Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements—Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to Staff Announcement at June 18, 2015 EITF Meeting (SEC Update)" In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, which simplifies the guidance on the presentation of debt issuance costs. The new guidance requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a reduction of the related debt liability rather than as an asset. ASU 2015-03 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015 (our fiscal 2016) with early adoption permitted. The new guidance is to be applied retrospectively to all prior periods. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-15, which addresses the SEC's comments related to the absence of authoritative guidance within ASU 2015-03 related to line-of-credit arrangements. The SEC would not object to an entity deferring and presenting debt issuance costs as an asset and subsequently amortizing the deferred debt issuance costs ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings on the line-of-credit arrangement. We do not believe the adoption of this guidance will have any impact on our consolidated financial statements and we expect to continue to classify debt issuance costs as an asset. Intangibles ASU 2015-05,"Intangibles – Goodwill and Other – Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement" In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-05, which provides guidance about whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. If a software license is included, the customer should account for the license consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. If a software license is not included, the arrangement should be accounted for as a service contract. ASU 2015-05 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015 (our fiscal 2016) with early adoption permitted. We do not believe the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Inventory ASU 2015-11,"Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory" In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, which requires inventory that is measured using the first-in, first-out method to be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is defined as the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. The guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016 (our fiscal 2017) with early adoption permitted. We do not believe the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Leases ASU 2016-02,"Leases (Topic 842)" In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, which provides guidance for accounting for leases. The new guidance requires companies to recognize the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by leased assets. The accounting guidance for lessors is largely unchanged. ASU 2016-02 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018 (our fiscal 2019) with early adoption permitted. It is to be adopted using a modified retrospective approach. We are currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements. We reviewed all other newly issued accounting pronouncements and concluded that they are either not applicable to our business or are not expected to have a material effect on our financial statements as a result of future adoption.

Receivables (Tables)

Receivables (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015
Receivables [Abstract]
Receivables, net	Receivables, net were comprised of the following: December 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 (In thousands) Current assets: Receivables: Trade accounts receivable from franchisees $ 10,591 $ 10,929 Notes receivable from franchisees 1,352 1,419 Vendor receivables 3,049 2,534 Credit card receivables 1,606 1,661 Other 251 1,816 Allowance for doubtful accounts (297 ) (300 ) Total current receivables, net $ 16,552 $ 18,059 Noncurrent assets (included as a component of other noncurrent assets): Notes receivable from franchisees $ 541 $ 425

Property, Net (Tables)

Property, Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Schedule of Property, Net	Property, net consisted of the following: December 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 (In thousands) Land $ 29,856 $ 27,198 Buildings and leasehold improvements 238,134 233,339 Other property and equipment 77,392 77,493 Total property owned 345,382 338,030 Less accumulated depreciation 235,967 241,678 Property owned, net 109,415 96,352 Buildings, vehicles and other equipment held under capital leases 27,429 26,836 Less accumulated amortization 12,028 13,411 Property held under capital leases, net 15,401 13,425 Total property, net $ 124,816 $ 109,777
Franchised Units [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Schedule of Property, Net	The following table reflects the property assets, included in the table above, which were leased to franchisees: December 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 (In thousands) Land $ 16,192 $ 14,977 Buildings and leasehold improvements 61,551 63,098 Total property owned, leased to franchisees 77,743 78,075 Less accumulated depreciation 52,872 53,994 Property owned, leased to franchisees, net 24,871 24,081 Buildings held under capital leases, leased to franchisees 4,573 7,251 Less accumulated amortization 3,003 5,208 Property held under capital leases, leased to franchisees, net 1,570 2,043 Total property leased to franchisees, net $ 26,441 $ 26,124

Goodwill and Other Intangible31

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Changes in carrying amounts of goodwill	The following table reflects the changes in carrying amounts of goodwill: December 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 (In thousands) Balance, beginning of year $ 31,451 $ 31,451 Additions related to acquisitions 2,050 — Write-offs and reclassifications associated with the sale of restaurants (47 ) — Balance, end of year $ 33,454 $ 31,451
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	Other intangible assets were comprised of the following: December 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization (In thousands) Intangible assets with indefinite lives: Trade names $ 44,068 $ — $ 44,065 $ — Liquor licenses 126 — 126 — Intangible assets with definite lives: Franchise and license agreements 12,237 12,026 22,366 21,426 Reacquired franchise rights 2,823 1,154 1,857 710 Intangible assets $ 59,254 $ 13,180 $ 68,414 $ 22,136
Finite-lived intangible assets	Other intangible assets were comprised of the following: December 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization (In thousands) Intangible assets with indefinite lives: Trade names $ 44,068 $ — $ 44,065 $ — Liquor licenses 126 — 126 — Intangible assets with definite lives: Franchise and license agreements 12,237 12,026 22,366 21,426 Reacquired franchise rights 2,823 1,154 1,857 710 Intangible assets $ 59,254 $ 13,180 $ 68,414 $ 22,136
Estimated amortization expense for intangible assets with definite lives	Estimated amortization expense for intangible assets with definite lives in the next five years is as follows: (In thousands) 2016 $ 646 2017 230 2018 163 2019 163 2020 160

Other Current Liabilities (Tabl

Other Current Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015
Other Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Schedule of Other Current Liabilities	Other current liabilities consisted of the following: December 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 (In thousands) Accrued salaries and vacation $ 30,549 $ 23,928 Accrued insurance, primarily current portion of liability for insurance claims 7,076 6,340 Accrued taxes 7,311 7,129 Accrued advertising 7,737 8,027 Accrued pension 9,648 224 Other 15,227 13,784 Other current liabilities 77,548 59,432

Operating (Gains), Losses and33

Operating (Gains), Losses and Other Charges, Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Operating (gains) losses and other charges net	Operating (gains), losses and other charges, net were comprised of the following: Fiscal Year Ended December 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 December 25, 2013 (In thousands) Gains on sales of assets and other, net $ (93 ) $ (112 ) $ (66 ) Restructuring charges and exit costs 1,524 981 1,389 Impairment charges 935 401 5,748 Operating (gains), losses and other charges, net $ 2,366 $ 1,270 $ 7,071
Schedule of restructuring charges and exit costs	Restructuring charges and exit costs were comprised of the following: Fiscal Year Ended December 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 December 25, 2013 (In thousands) Exit costs $ 697 $ 335 $ 630 Severance and other restructuring charges 827 646 759 Total restructuring charges and exit costs $ 1,524 $ 981 $ 1,389
Components of change in accrued exit cost liabilities	The components of the change in accrued exit cost liabilities were as follows: December 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 (In thousands) Balance, beginning of year $ 2,142 $ 3,149 Exit costs (1) 697 335 Payments, net of sublease receipts (932 ) (1,426 ) Reclassification of certain lease liabilities, net — (95 ) Interest accretion 136 179 Balance, end of year 2,043 2,142 Less current portion included in other current liabilities 550 483 Long-term portion included in other noncurrent liabilities $ 1,493 $ 1,659 (1) Included as a component of operating (gains), losses and other charges, net.
Estimated net cash payments related to exit cost liabilities	Estimated net cash payments related to exit cost liabilities in the next five years are as follows: (In thousands) 2016 $ 680 2017 397 2018 353 2019 276 2020 194 Thereafter 631 Total 2,531 Less imputed interest 488 Present value of exit cost liabilities $ 2,043

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015
Leases [Abstract]
Schedule of minimum future lease commitments and amounts to be received as lessor or sublessor	Minimum future lease commitments and amounts to be received as lessor or sublessor under non-cancelable leases, including leases for both open and closed restaurants, at December 30, 2015 were as follows: Commitments Lease Receipts Capital Operating Operating (In thousands) 2016 $ 6,973 $ 30,157 $ 28,641 2017 6,540 27,564 26,683 2018 5,405 23,681 23,563 2019 4,673 19,649 19,617 2020 3,997 15,215 16,108 Thereafter 16,658 54,514 84,836 Total 44,246 $ 170,780 $ 199,448 Less imputed interest 23,501 Present value of capital lease obligations $ 20,745
Schedule of rental expense and income	Rental expense and income were comprised of the following: Fiscal Year Ended December 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 December 25, 2013 (In thousands) Rental expense: Base rents $ 30,749 $ 33,402 $ 35,667 Contingent rents 6,031 5,535 5,412 Total rental expense $ 36,780 $ 38,937 $ 41,079 Rental income: Base rents $ 30,166 $ 33,926 $ 36,183 Contingent rents 5,305 4,608 4,389 Total rental income $ 35,471 $ 38,534 $ 40,572

Fair Value of Financial Instr35

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below: Total Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Valuation Technique (In thousands ) Fair value measurements as of December 30, 2015: Deferred compensation plan investments (1) $ 10,159 $ 10,159 $ — $ — market approach Interest rate swaps (2) (1,660 ) — (1,660 ) — income approach Total $ 8,499 $ 10,159 $ (1,660 ) $ — Fair value measurements as of December 31, 2014: Deferred compensation plan investments (1) $ 9,295 $ 9,295 $ — $ — market approach Interest rate swaps (2) $ 642 $ — $ 642 $ — income approach Interest rate caps (2) $ 0 $ — $ 0 $ — income approach Total $ 9,937 $ 9,295 $ 642 $ — (1) The fair values of our deferred compensation plan investments are based on the closing market prices of the elected investments. (2) The fair values of our interest rate swaps and interest rate caps are based upon Level 2 inputs, which include valuation models as reported by our counterparties. The key inputs for the valuation models are quoted market prices, interest rates and forward yield curves. See Note 10 for details on the interest rate swaps and interest rate cap.
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis	Those assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis are summarized below: Significant Other Observable Inputs Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Impairment Charges Valuation Technique Fair value measurements as of December 30, 2015: Assets held for sale (1) $ 931 $ — $ 264 market approach Fair value measurements as of December 31, 2014: Assets held and used (2) $ — $ — $ 320 income approach (1) As of December 30, 2015, assets held for sale were written down to their fair value. The fair value of assets held for sale is based upon Level 2 inputs, which include sales agreements. (2) As of December 31, 2014, impaired assets related to an underperforming restaurant were written down to their fair value. To determine fair value, we used the income approach, which assumes that the future cash flows reflect current market expectations. These fair value measurements require significant judgment using Level 3 inputs, such as discounted cash flows from operations, which are not observable from the market, directly or indirectly

Long-Term Debt (Tables)

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term debt	Long-term debt consisted of the following: December 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 (In thousands) Revolving loans due March 30, 2020 $ 195,000 $ — Revolving loans due April 24, 2018 — 85,250 Term loans due April 24, 2018 — 54,750 Capital lease obligations 20,745 18,813 Total long-term debt 215,745 158,813 Less current maturities 3,246 7,734 Noncurrent portion of long-term debt $ 212,499 $ 151,079

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of pension and other defined benefit plan obligations and funded status	The obligations and funded status for the Pension Plan and other defined benefit plans were as follows: Pension Plan Other Defined Benefit Plans December 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 December 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 (In thousands) Change in Benefit Obligation: Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 74,208 $ 64,391 $ 2,713 $ 2,716 Service cost 380 380 — — Interest cost 2,983 3,099 107 123 Actuarial (gains) losses (5,780 ) 12,313 43 298 Benefits paid (4,056 ) (5,975 ) (194 ) (195 ) Settlements — — — (229 ) Benefit obligation at end of year $ 67,735 $ 74,208 $ 2,669 $ 2,713 Accumulated benefit obligation $ 67,735 $ 74,208 $ 2,669 $ 2,713 Change in Plan Assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ 62,820 $ 61,094 $ — $ — Actual return on plan assets (386 ) 5,201 — — Employer contributions — 2,500 194 424 Benefits paid (4,056 ) (5,975 ) (194 ) (195 ) Settlements — — — (229 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year $ 58,378 $ 62,820 $ — $ — Funded status $ (9,357 ) $ (11,388 ) $ (2,669 ) $ (2,713 )
Schedule of amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets	The amounts recognized in our Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows: Pension Plan Other Defined Benefit Plans December 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 December 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 (In thousands) Other current liabilities $ (9,357 ) $ — $ (291 ) $ (224 ) Other noncurrent liabilities and deferred credits — (11,388 ) (2,378 ) (2,489 ) Net amount recognized $ (9,357 ) $ (11,388 ) $ (2,669 ) $ (2,713 )
Schedule of net periodic benefit cost not yet recognized	The amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income, that have not yet been recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost, were as follows: Pension Plan Other Defined Benefit Plans December 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 December 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 (In thousands) Unamortized actuarial losses, net $ (23,955 ) (27,574 ) (1,045 ) (1,081 )
Components of the change in accumulated other comprehensive loss	The components of the change in unamortized actuarial losses, net, included in accumulated other comprehensive loss were as follows: Fiscal Year Ended December 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 (In thousands) Pension Plan: Balance, beginning of year $ (27,574 ) $ (17,433 ) Benefit obligation actuarial gain (loss) 5,780 (12,313 ) Net (loss) gain (3,894 ) 1,248 Amortization of net loss 1,733 924 Balance, end of year $ (23,955 ) $ (27,574 ) Other Defined Benefit Plans: Balance, beginning of year $ (1,081 ) $ (899 ) Benefit obligation actuarial loss (43 ) (298 ) Amortization of net loss 79 66 Settlement loss recognized — 50 Balance, end of year $ (1,045 ) $ (1,081 )
Components of net periodic benefit cost	The components of net periodic benefit cost were as follows: Fiscal Year Ended December 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 December 25, 2013 (In thousands) Pension Plan: Service cost $ 380 $ 380 $ 400 Interest cost 2,983 3,099 2,977 Expected return on plan assets (3,508 ) (3,953 ) (4,488 ) Amortization of net loss 1,733 924 1,653 Net periodic benefit cost $ 1,588 $ 450 $ 542 Other comprehensive (income) loss $ (3,619 ) $ 10,141 $ (10,364 ) Other Defined Benefit Plans: Interest cost $ 107 $ 123 $ 111 Amortization of net loss 79 66 71 Settlement loss recognized — 50 — Net periodic benefit cost $ 186 $ 239 $ 182 Other comprehensive (income) loss $ (36 ) $ 182 $ (109 )
Schedule of assumptions used to determine benefit obligations	December 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 December 25, 2013 Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations: Pension Plan: Discount rate 1.34 % 4.12 % Other Defined Benefit Plans: Discount rate 3.62 % 4.12 % Assumptions used to determine net periodic pension cost: Discount rate 4.12 % 4.98 % 4.18 % Rate of increase in compensation levels N/A N/A N/A Expected long-term rate of return on assets 5.75 % 6.50 % 7.75 %
Schedule of fair values of pension plan assets	The fair values of the Pension Plan assets were as follows: Fair Value Measurements as of December 30, 2015 Asset Category Total Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) (In thousands ) Cash equivalents $ 1,777 $ 1,777 $ — $ — Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasuries 3,500 3,500 — — Corporate bonds (a) 53,101 53,101 — — Total $ 58,378 $ 58,378 $ — $ — (a) This category includes intermediate and long-term investment grade bonds from diverse industries. Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2014 Asset Category Total Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) (In thousands ) Cash equivalents $ 1,812 $ 1,812 $ — $ — Equity securities: U.S. large-cap (a) 7,154 7,154 — — U.S. mid-cap (b) 2,182 2,182 — — U.S. small-cap (c) 506 506 — — International large-cap 4,185 4,185 — — Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasuries 5,202 5,202 — — Corporate bonds (d) 40,226 40,226 — — Other types of investments: Commingled funds (e) 1,553 — 1,553 — Total $ 62,820 $ 61,267 $ 1,553 $ — (a) The majority of this category represents a fund with the objective of approximating the return of the S&P 500 Index. The remaining securities include both a large-value fund and a large-growth fund investing in diverse industries. (b) This category includes both a mid-growth fund with the objective of outperforming the Russell Mid Cap Growth Index and a mid-value fund investing in diverse industries. (c) This category includes both a small-value fund and a small-growth fund investing in diverse industries. (d) This category includes intermediate and long-term investment grade bonds from diverse industries. (e) This category represents a fund of well diversified mutual funds with the objective of providing a low-volatility means to access equity-like returns.
Schedule of expected benefit payments	Taking into consideration the termination and planned liquidation of the Pension Plan, benefits expected to be paid for each of the next five years and in the aggregate for the five fiscal years from 2021 through 2025 are as follows: Pension Plan Other Defined Benefit Plans (In thousands) 2016 $ 67,735 $ 291 2017 — 241 2018 — 244 2019 — 430 2020 — 230 2021 through 2025 — 1,097

Share-Based Compensation (Table

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Total share-based compensation	Total share-based compensation expense included as a component of net income was as follows: Fiscal Year Ended December 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 December 25, 2013 (In thousands) Stock options $ — $ 52 $ 558 Performance share awards 5,821 5,009 3,488 Restricted stock units for board members 814 785 806 Total share-based compensation $ 6,635 $ 5,846 $ 4,852
Stock options activity	The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding and exercisable at December 30, 2015 : Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life Aggregate Intrinsic Value (In thousands, except per share amounts) Outstanding, beginning of year 1,538 $ 3.26 Exercised (200 ) $ 3.66 Outstanding, end of year 1,338 $ 3.20 3.44 $ 9,081 Exercisable, end of year 1,338 $ 3.20 3.44 $ 9,081
Restricted stock units activity	The following table summarizes the restricted stock units activity during the year ended December 30, 2015 : Units Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (In thousands) Outstanding, beginning of year 845 $ 7.20 Granted 514 $ 11.43 Converted (297 ) $ 6.05 Forfeited (34 ) $ 9.95 Outstanding, end of year 1,028 $ 9.55 Convertible, end of year 297 $ 8.05

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	The provisions for income taxes were as follows: Fiscal Year Ended December 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 December 25, 2013 (In thousands) Current: Federal $ 1,622 $ 377 $ 428 State and local 1,382 1,818 1,548 Foreign 873 896 872 Deferred: Federal 12,264 13,269 9,285 State and local 1,742 (54 ) (185 ) Release of valuation allowance (130 ) (270 ) (420 ) Total provision for income taxes $ 17,753 $ 16,036 $ 11,528
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	The reconciliation of income taxes at the U.S. federal statutory tax rate to our effective tax rate was as follows: December 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 December 25, 2013 Statutory provision rate 35 % 35 % 35 % State and local taxes, net of federal income tax benefit 5 3 5 Foreign taxes, net of federal income tax benefit — 1 1 Wage addback on income tax credits earned 2 2 3 General business credits generated (7 ) (6 ) (10 ) Other (2 ) (1 ) (1 ) Release of valuation allowance — (1 ) (1 ) Effective tax rate 33 % 33 % 32 %
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	The following table represents the approximate tax effect of each significant type of temporary difference that resulted in deferred income tax assets or liabilities. December 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 (In thousands) Deferred tax assets: Self-insurance accruals $ 8,371 $ 9,063 Capitalized leases 2,083 2,103 Accrued exit cost 935 1,031 Fixed assets 1,638 5,426 Interest rate swaps 647 — Pension, other retirement and compensation plans 11,570 16,527 Other accruals 395 2,526 Alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards 5,344 7,811 General business credit carryforwards - state and federal 20,691 22,089 Net operating loss carryforwards - state 12,172 12,368 Total deferred tax assets before valuation allowance 63,846 78,944 Less: valuation allowance (12,395 ) (12,481 ) Total deferred tax assets 51,451 66,463 Deferred tax liabilities: Intangible assets (22,190 ) (22,474 ) Deferred finance costs (102 ) (177 ) Interest rate swaps — (250 ) Total deferred tax liabilities (22,292 ) (22,901 ) Net deferred tax asset $ 29,159 $ 43,562 Net deferred tax assets are classified as follows: Current $ — $ 24,310 Noncurrent 29,159 19,252 Total $ 29,159 $ 43,562

Net Income Per Share Net Income

Net Income Per Share Net Income Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Income Per Share	The amounts used for the basic and diluted net income per share calculations are summarized below: Fiscal Year Ended December 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 December 25, 2013 (In thousands, except per share amounts) Net income $ 35,976 $ 32,725 $ 24,572 Weighted average shares outstanding - basic 82,627 86,323 90,829 Effect of dilutive share-based compensation awards 2,102 2,032 2,074 Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted 84,729 88,355 92,903 Basic net income per share $ 0.44 $ 0.38 $ 0.27 Diluted net income per share $ 0.42 $ 0.37 $ 0.26 Anti-dilutive share-based compensation awards — 218 331

Shareholders' Equity Shareholde

Shareholders' Equity Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Components of accumulated other comprehensive loss	The components of the change in accumulated other comprehensive loss were as follows: Pensions Derivatives Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (In thousands) Balance as of December 28, 2012 $ (24,999 ) $ — $ (24,999 ) Benefit obligation actuarial gain 7,873 — 7,873 Net gain 876 — 876 Amortization of net loss (1) 1,724 — 1,724 Net change in fair value of derivatives — 3,032 3,032 Income tax expense (4,164 ) (1,184 ) (5,348 ) Balance as of December 25, 2013 $ (18,690 ) $ 1,848 $ (16,842 ) Benefit obligation actuarial loss (12,611 ) — (12,611 ) Net gain 1,248 — 1,248 Amortization of net loss (1) 990 — 990 Settlement loss recognized 50 — 50 Net change in fair value of derivatives — (2,389 ) (2,389 ) Income tax benefit 4,019 933 4,952 Balance as of December 31, 2014 $ (24,994 ) $ 392 $ (24,602 ) Benefit obligation actuarial gain 5,737 — 5,737 Net loss (3,894 ) — (3,894 ) Amortization of net loss (1) 1,812 — 1,812 Net change in fair value of derivatives — (1,444 ) (1,444 ) Reclassification of derivatives to interest expense (2) — (859 ) (859 ) Income tax (expense) benefit (1,425 ) 898 (527 ) Balance as of December 30, 2015 $ (22,764 ) $ (1,013 ) $ (23,777 ) (1) Before-tax amount that was reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss and included as a component of pension expense within general and administrative expenses in our Consolidated Statements of Income. See Note 11 for additional details. (2) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into income, represent payments made to the counterparty for the effective portions of the interest rate swaps. These amounts are included as a component of interest expense in our Consolidated Statements of Income. We expect to reclassify approximately $1.1 million from accumulated other comprehensive loss related to our interest rate swaps during the next twelve months. See Note 10 for additional details.

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Future commitments under contracts for food and non-food products	Our future purchase obligation payments due by period for both company and franchised restaurants at December 30, 2015 consist of the following: (In thousands) Less than 1 year $ 185,185 1-2 years 38,255 3-4 years — 5 years and thereafter — Total $ 223,440

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform43

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	Fiscal Year Ended December 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 December 25, 2013 (In thousands) Income taxes paid, net $ 5,364 $ 3,802 $ 2,777 Interest paid $ 8,141 $ 8,170 $ 9,336 Noncash investing and financing activities: Property acquisition payable $ 573 $ — $ — Accrued purchase of property $ 1,781 $ 635 $ 1,575 Issuance of common stock, pursuant to share-based compensation plans $ 4,551 $ 1,030 $ 1,937 Execution of capital leases $ 5,556 $ 3,300 $ 5,663 Treasury stock payable $ 185 $ 152 $ 220

Quarterly Data (Unaudited) (Tab

Quarterly Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information	Selected consolidated financial data for each quarter of fiscal 2015 and 2014 are set forth below: Fiscal Year Ended December 30, 2015 First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter (In thousands, except per share data) Company restaurant sales $ 85,982 $ 88,629 $ 89,279 $ 89,183 Franchise and licensing revenue 34,189 34,690 34,499 34,842 Total operating revenue 120,171 123,319 123,778 124,025 Total operating costs and expenses 104,854 105,905 108,055 109,328 Operating income $ 15,317 $ 17,414 $ 15,723 $ 14,697 Net income $ 8,533 $ 9,734 $ 8,950 $ 8,759 Basic net income per share (1) $ 0.10 $ 0.12 $ 0.11 $ 0.11 Diluted net income per share (1) $ 0.10 $ 0.11 $ 0.11 $ 0.11 (1) Per share amounts do not necessarily sum to the total year amounts due to changes in shares outstanding and rounding. Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2014 First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter (In thousands, except per share data) Company restaurant sales $ 79,304 $ 81,138 $ 82,827 $ 91,415 Franchise and licensing revenue 32,616 33,476 34,205 37,314 Total operating revenue 111,920 114,614 117,032 128,729 Total operating costs and expenses 100,648 99,669 102,323 112,324 Operating income $ 11,272 $ 14,945 $ 14,709 $ 16,405 Net income $ 6,431 $ 8,273 $ 8,343 $ 9,678 Basic net income per share (1) $ 0.07 $ 0.10 $ 0.10 $ 0.11 Diluted net income per share (1) $ 0.07 $ 0.09 $ 0.10 $ 0.11 (1) Per share amounts do not necessarily sum to the total year amounts due to changes in shares outstanding and rounding.

Introduction and Basis of Rep45

Introduction and Basis of Reporting (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015CountriesrestaurantStatesTerritories
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of states in which entity operates | States	50
Number of territories in which entity operates | Territories	2
Number of foreign countries in which entity operates | Countries	10
Number of restaurants	1,710
Franchised and licensed restaurants [Member]
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of restaurants	1,546
Company-owned restaurants [Member]
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of restaurants	164
California
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of restaurants operated by geographic region	23.00%
Texas
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of restaurants operated by geographic region	11.00%
Florida
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of restaurants operated by geographic region	8.00%

Summary of Significant Accoun46

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 25, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Short-term investments	$ 0.9	$ 5
Net gain on investments	0.1	0.5	$ 1.1
Deferred compensation plan investments	10.2	9.3
Cash overdrafts	4.4	0
Discounted insurance liabilities	$ 21.1	$ 23.1
Self insurance liabilities, discount rate	1.00%	1.00%
Undiscounted insurance liabilities	$ 21.6	$ 23.7
Revenue recognized in breakage on gift cards	0.3	0.4	0.3
Initial franchise fees	2.3	1.8	1.6
Deferred fees	1.9	1.6
Advertising expense	12.5	12.3	11.7
Advertising contributions from franchisees	$ 72.5	$ 70.3	$ 66.6

Summary of Significant Accoun47

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Property and Depreciation) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015
Building Assets [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, useful life	5 years
Building Assets [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, useful life	30 years
Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, useful life	2 years
Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, useful life	10 years
Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, useful life	5 years
Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, useful life	15 years

Summary of Significant Accoun48

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Concentration Risk) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 25, 2013
Revenue from franchises and licenses risk [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Franchise revenue, percentage	29.00%	32.00%	32.00%

Receivables (Details)

Receivables (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Receivables:
Trade accounts receivable from franchisees	$ 10,591	$ 10,929
Notes receivable from franchisees	1,352	1,419
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(297)	(300)
Receivables	16,552	18,059
Noncurrent assets (included as a component of other noncurrent assets):
Notes receivable from franchisees	541	425
Vendor receivables [Member]
Receivables:
Other receivable, gross, current	3,049	2,534
Credit card receivables [Member]
Receivables:
Other receivable, gross, current	1,606	1,661
Other [Member]
Receivables:
Other receivable, gross, current	$ 251	$ 1,816

Property, Net (Details)

Property, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 25, 2013
Property Owned [Abstract]
Total property owned	$ 345,382	$ 338,030
Less accumulated depreciation	235,967	241,678
Property owned, net	109,415	96,352
Property Held Under Capital Leases [Abstract]
Buildings, vehicles, and other equipment held under capital leases	27,429	26,836
Less accumulated amortization	12,028	13,411
Property held under capital leases, net	15,401	13,425
Total property, net	124,816	109,777
Depreciation expense, including amortization of property under capital leases	20,000	19,200	$ 18,600
Franchised Units [Member]
Property Owned [Abstract]
Total property owned	77,743	78,075
Less accumulated depreciation	52,872	53,994
Property owned, net	24,871	24,081
Property Held Under Capital Leases [Abstract]
Buildings, vehicles, and other equipment held under capital leases	4,573	7,251
Less accumulated amortization	3,003	5,208
Property held under capital leases, net	1,570	2,043
Total property, net	26,441	26,124
Land [Member]
Property Owned [Abstract]
Total property owned	29,856	27,198
Land [Member] | Franchised Units [Member]
Property Owned [Abstract]
Total property owned	16,192	14,977
Building and leasehold improvements [Member]
Property Owned [Abstract]
Total property owned	238,134	233,339
Building and leasehold improvements [Member] | Franchised Units [Member]
Property Owned [Abstract]
Total property owned	61,551	63,098
Other property and equipment [Member]
Property Owned [Abstract]
Total property owned	$ 77,392	$ 77,493

Goodwill and Other Intangible51

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 25, 2013
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	$ 31,451	$ 31,451
Additions related to acquisitions	2,050	0
Write-offs and reclassifications associated with the sale of restaurants	(47)	0
Balance, end of year	33,454	31,451	$ 31,451
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount - Trade names	44,068	44,065
Gross carrying amount - Liquor licenses	126	126
Accumulated amortization - Intangible assets with definite lives	13,180	22,136
Intangible assets	59,254	68,414
Amortization expense of definite-lived intangible assets and other assets	1,500	2,100	$ 2,900
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount - Intangible assets with definite lives	12,237	22,366
Accumulated amortization - Intangible assets with definite lives	12,026	21,426
Decrease in franchise and license agreements	10,100
Franchise Rights [Member]
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount - Intangible assets with definite lives	2,823	1,857
Accumulated amortization - Intangible assets with definite lives	$ 1,154	$ 710

Goodwill and Other Intangible52

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Estimated Amortization Expense) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2015USD ($)
Estimated amortization expense for intangible assets with definite lives in the next five years:
2,016	$ 646
2,017	230
2,018	163
2,019	163
2,020	$ 160

Other Current Liabilities (Deta

Other Current Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Accrued salaries and vacation	$ 30,549	$ 23,928
Accrued insurance, primarily current portion of liability for insurance claims	7,076	6,340
Accrued taxes	7,311	7,129
Accrued advertising	7,737	8,027
Accrued pension	9,648	224
Other	15,227	13,784
Other current liabilities	$ 77,548	$ 59,432

Operating (Gains), Losses and54

Operating (Gains), Losses and Other Charges, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 25, 2013
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Gains on sales of assets and other, net	$ (93)		$ (112)		$ (66)
Restructuring charges and exit costs	1,524		981		1,389
Impairment charges	935		401		5,748
Operating (gains), losses and other charges, net	2,366		1,270		7,071
Restructuring charges and exit costs [Abstract]
Exit costs	697	[1]	335	[1]	630
Severance and other restructuring charges	827		646		759
Total restructuring charges and exit costs	1,524		981		1,389
Components of change in accrued exit cost liabilities [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	2,142		3,149
Exit costs	697	[1]	335	[1]	630
Payments, net of sublease receipts	(932)		(1,426)
Reclassification of certain lease liabilities, net	0		(95)
Interest accretion	136		179
Balance, end of year	2,043		2,142		3,149
Less current portion included in other current liabilities	550		483
Long-term portion included in other noncurrent liabilities	1,493		1,659
Estimated net cash payments related to exit cost liabilities [Abstract]
2,016	680
2,017	397
2,018	353
2,019	276
2,020	194
Thereafter	631
Total	2,531
Less imputed interest	488
Present value of exit cost liabilities	2,043
Existing sublease arrangements	2,200
Properties expected to enter into sublease arrangements in the future	1,100
Impairment charges	$ 935		$ 401		5,748
Impairment of assets held and used					4,800
Impairment of assets identified as assets held for sale					$ 800
[1]	Included as a component of operating (gains), losses and other charges, net.

Leases (Details)

Leases (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015USD ($)
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Term of typical renewal options on land and building leases	5 years
Capital Lease Commitments:
2,016	$ 6,973
2,017	6,540
2,018	5,405
2,019	4,673
2,020	3,997
Thereafter	16,658
Total	44,246
Less imputed interest	23,501
Present value of capital lease obligations	20,745
Operating Lease Commitments:
2,016	30,157
2,017	27,564
2,018	23,681
2,019	19,649
2,020	15,215
Thereafter	54,514
Total	170,780
Operating Lease Receipts:
2,016	28,641
2,017	26,683
2,018	23,563
2,019	19,617
2,020	16,108
Thereafter	84,836
Total	$ 199,448
Minimum [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Initial terms of land and building leases	10 years
Maximum [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Initial terms of land and building leases	15 years

Leases (Net Rental Expense) (De

Leases (Net Rental Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 25, 2013
Rental Expense:
Base rents	$ 30,749	$ 33,402	$ 35,667
Contingent rents	6,031	5,535	5,412
Total rental expense	36,780	38,937	41,079
Rental income:
Base rents	30,166	33,926	36,183
Contingent rents	5,305	4,608	4,389
Total rental income	$ 35,471	$ 38,534	$ 40,572

Fair Value of Financial Instr57

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 25, 2013
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Impairment of assets identified as assets held for sale				$ 800
Impairment of assets held and used				$ 4,800
Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total, assets		$ 8,499	$ 9,937
Recurring [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total, assets		10,159	9,295
Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total, assets			642
Total, liabilities		(1,660)
Recurring [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total, assets		0	0
Recurring [Member] | Deferred compensation plan investments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation plan investments	[1]	$ 10,159	$ 9,295
Valuation technique		market approach	market approach
Recurring [Member] | Deferred compensation plan investments [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation plan investments	[1]	$ 10,159	$ 9,295
Recurring [Member] | Deferred compensation plan investments [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation plan investments	[1]	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Deferred compensation plan investments [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation plan investments	[1]	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Interest rate swaps [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Interest rate swaps and caps	[2]	$ (1,660)	$ 642
Valuation technique		income approach	income approach
Recurring [Member] | Interest rate swaps [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Interest rate swaps and caps	[2]	$ 0	$ 0
Recurring [Member] | Interest rate swaps [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Interest rate swaps and caps	[2]	(1,660)	642
Recurring [Member] | Interest rate swaps [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Interest rate swaps and caps	[2]	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Interest rate caps [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Interest rate swaps and caps	[2]		$ 0
Valuation technique			income approach
Recurring [Member] | Interest rate caps [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Interest rate swaps and caps	[2]		$ 0
Recurring [Member] | Interest rate caps [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Interest rate swaps and caps	[2]		0
Recurring [Member] | Interest rate caps [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Interest rate swaps and caps	[2]		0
Nonrecurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Impairment of assets identified as assets held for sale		$ 264
Impairment of assets held and used			$ 320
Valuation technique		market approach	income approach
Nonrecurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets held for sale	[3]	$ 931
Assets held and used	[4]		$ 0
Nonrecurring [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets held for sale	[3]	$ 0
Assets held and used	[4]		$ 0
[1]	The fair values of our deferred compensation plan investments are based on the closing market prices of the elected investments.
[2]	The fair values of our interest rate swaps and interest rate caps are based upon Level 2 inputs, which include valuation models as reported by our counterparties. The key inputs for the valuation models are quoted market prices, interest rates and forward yield curves. See Note 10 for details on the interest rate swaps and interest rate cap.
[3]	As of December 30, 2015, assets held for sale were written down to their fair value. The fair value of assets held for sale is based upon Level 2 inputs, which include sales agreements.
[4]	As of December 31, 2014, impaired assets related to an underperforming restaurant were written down to their fair value. To determine fair value, we used the income approach, which assumes that the future cash flows reflect current market expectations. These fair value measurements require significant judgment using Level 3 inputs, such as discounted cash flows from operations, which are not observable from the market, directly or indirectly.

Long-term Debt (Schedule of Lon

Long-term Debt (Schedule of Long-term Debt) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Capital lease obligations	$ 20,745	$ 18,813
Total long-term debt	215,745	158,813
Less current maturities	3,246	7,734
Noncurrent portion of long-term debt	212,499	151,079
Secured debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	0	54,750
Revolving credit facility due 2020 [Member] | Senior secured revolver [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	195,000	0
Revolving credit facility due 2018 [Member] | Senior secured revolver [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 0	$ 85,250

Long-Term Debt Long-Term Debt (

Long-Term Debt Long-Term Debt (Aggregate Annual Maturities of Long-Term Debt, Excluding Capital Lease Obligations) (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 30, 2015USD ($)
Aggregate annual maturities of long-term debt, excluding capital lease obligations [Abstract]
Long-term debt due in 2020	$ 195

Long-Term Debt (Narrative) (Det

Long-Term Debt (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 25, 2013
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maturity date	Mar. 30, 2020
Losses on early extinguishment of debt	$ (225)	$ 33	$ (2,226)
Interest Rate Cap [Member] | Interest Rate Cap 2013-2014 [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Interest rate cap, basis spread on variable rate (percent)	2.00%
Derivative, notional amount	$ 125,000
Interest Rate Cap [Member] | Interest Rate Cap 2014-2015 [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Interest rate cap, basis spread on variable rate (percent)	2.00%
Derivative, notional amount	$ 150,000
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Fair value of interest rate swap liability	$ 1,700
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps 2015-2018 [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Average fixed interest rate on interest rate swap	2.63%
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps 2018-2025 [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Average fixed interest rate on interest rate swap	3.94%
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps 2018-2026 [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Average fixed interest rate on interest rate swap	3.96%
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps 2015-2018 [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount	$ 120,000
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps 2018-2025 [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount	120,000
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps 2018-2026 [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount	50,000
Senior secured revolver [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, current borrowing capacity	$ 325,000
Basis spread on variable rate (in hundredths)	1.50%
Commitment fee for unused portion of revolving credit facility (in hundredths)	0.20%
Outstanding amount under credit facility	$ 195,000
Availability under the revolving facility	$ 107,100
Weighted-average interest rate (in hundredths)	1.76%	2.17%
Senior secured revolver [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Weighted-average interest rate (in hundredths)	2.31%
Letter of credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, current borrowing capacity	$ 30,000
Outstanding amount under letter of credit	22,900
Secured Debt [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Losses on early extinguishment of debt	(300)
November 2015 Accelerated Share Repurchase [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Share repurchase, authorized amount (dollars)	$ 50,000

Employee Benefit Plans (Change

Employee Benefit Plans (Change in Benefit Obligation and Plan Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 25, 2013
Pension Plan [Member]
Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$ 74,208	$ 64,391
Service cost	380	380	$ 400
Interest cost	2,983	3,099	2,977
Actuarial (gains) losses	(5,780)	12,313
Benefits paid	(4,056)	(5,975)
Settlements	0	0
Benefit obligation at end of year	67,735	74,208	64,391
Accumulated benefit obligation	67,735	74,208
Change in Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	62,820	61,094
Actual return on plan assets	(386)	5,201
Employer contributions	0	2,500
Benefits paid	(4,056)	(5,975)
Settlements	0	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	58,378	62,820	61,094
Funded status	(9,357)	(11,388)
Other Defined Benefit Plans [Member]
Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	2,713	2,716
Service cost	0	0
Interest cost	107	123	111
Actuarial (gains) losses	43	298
Benefits paid	(194)	(195)
Settlements	0	(229)
Benefit obligation at end of year	2,669	2,713	2,716
Accumulated benefit obligation	2,669	2,713
Change in Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0	0
Actual return on plan assets	0	0
Employer contributions	194	424
Benefits paid	(194)	(195)
Settlements	0	(229)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0	$ 0
Funded status	$ (2,669)	$ (2,713)

Employee Benefit Plans (Amounts

Employee Benefit Plans (Amounts Recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Other current liabilities	$ (9,648)	$ (224)
Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Other current liabilities	(9,357)	0
Other noncurrent liabilities and deferred credits	0	(11,388)
Net amount recognized	(9,357)	(11,388)
Other Defined Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Other current liabilities	(291)	(224)
Other noncurrent liabilities and deferred credits	(2,378)	(2,489)
Net amount recognized	$ (2,669)	$ (2,713)

Employee Benefit Plans (Amoun63

Employee Benefit Plans (Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Not Yet Recognized as a Component of Net Periodic Benefit Cost) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Unamortized actuarial losses, net	$ (23,955)	$ (27,574)
Accumulated other comprehensive income to be recognized in 2016	24,000
Other Defined Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Unamortized actuarial losses, net	(1,045)	$ (1,081)
Other Defined Benefit Plans [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income to be recognized in 2016	$ 100

Employee Benefit Plans (Compone

Employee Benefit Plans (Components Of The Change In Unamortized Actuarial Losses, Net, Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 25, 2013
AOCI Attributable To Parent, Net Of Tax [Roll Forward]
Net (loss) gain	$ (3,894)	$ 1,248	$ 876
Settlement loss recognized		(50)
Minimum pension liability adjustment	(2,230)	6,304	(6,309)
Total minimum pension liability adjustments included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(22,800)	(25,000)
Total minimum pension liability adjustments included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss, tax benefit	2,200	3,700
Pension Plan [Member]
AOCI Attributable To Parent, Net Of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	(27,574)	(17,433)
Benefit obligation actuarial gain (loss)	5,780	(12,313)
Net (loss) gain	(3,894)	1,248
Amortization of net loss	1,733	924	1,653
Balance, end of year	(23,955)	(27,574)	(17,433)
Other Defined Benefit Plans [Member]
AOCI Attributable To Parent, Net Of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	(1,081)	(899)
Benefit obligation actuarial gain (loss)	(43)	(298)
Amortization of net loss	79	66	71
Settlement loss recognized	0	50	0
Balance, end of year	$ (1,045)	$ (1,081)	$ (899)

Employee Benefit Plans (Compo65

Employee Benefit Plans (Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 25, 2013
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Settlement loss recognized		$ (50)
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 1,800	700	$ 700
Pension Plan [Member]
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Service cost	380	380	400
Interest cost	2,983	3,099	2,977
Expected return on plan assets	(3,508)	(3,953)	(4,488)
Amortization of net loss	1,733	924	1,653
Net periodic benefit cost	1,588	450	542
Other comprehensive (income) loss	(3,619)	10,141	(10,364)
Other Defined Benefit Plans [Member]
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Service cost	0	0
Interest cost	107	123	111
Amortization of net loss	79	66	71
Settlement loss recognized	0	50	0
Net periodic benefit cost	186	239	182
Other comprehensive (income) loss	$ (36)	$ 182	$ (109)

Employee Benefit Plans (Assumpt

Employee Benefit Plans (Assumptions) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 25, 2013
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net perioidic pension cost
Discount rate	4.12%	4.98%	4.18%
Expected long-term rate of return on assets	5.75%	6.50%	7.75%
Pension Plan [Member]
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations
Discount rate	1.34%	4.12%
Other Defined Benefit Plans [Member]
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations
Discount rate	3.62%	4.12%
Active and vested deferred participants [Member]
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net perioidic pension cost
Percentage of participants that will elect a lump sum upon liquidation	70.00%
Retired participants [Member]
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net perioidic pension cost
Percentage of participants that will elect a lump sum upon liquidation	50.00%

Employee Benefit Plans (Fair Va

Employee Benefit Plans (Fair Values of Pension Plan Assets) (Details) - Pension Plan [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 25, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		$ 58,378	$ 62,820	$ 61,094
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		58,378	61,267
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		0	1,553
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		0	0
Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		1,777	1,812
Cash Equivalents [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		1,777	1,812
Cash Equivalents [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		0	0
Cash Equivalents [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		$ 0	0
U.S. Large-Cap [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[1]		7,154
U.S. Large-Cap [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[1]		7,154
U.S. Large-Cap [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[1]		0
U.S. Large-Cap [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[1]		0
U.S. Mid-Cap [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[2]		2,182
U.S. Mid-Cap [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[2]		2,182
U.S. Mid-Cap [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[2]		0
U.S. Mid-Cap [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[2]		0
U.S. Small-Cap [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[3]		506
U.S. Small-Cap [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[3]		506
U.S. Small-Cap [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[3]		0
U.S. Small-Cap [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[3]		0
International Large-Cap [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets			4,185
International Large-Cap [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets			4,185
International Large-Cap [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets			0
International Large-Cap [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets			0
Fixed Income Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Strategic target asset allocation		100.00%
U.S. Treasuries [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		$ 3,500	5,202
U.S. Treasuries [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		3,500	5,202
U.S. Treasuries [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		0	0
U.S. Treasuries [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		0	0
Corporate Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[4]	53,101	40,226
Corporate Bonds [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[4]	53,101	40,226
Corporate Bonds [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[4]	0	0
Corporate Bonds [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[4]	$ 0	0
Commingled Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[5]		1,553
Commingled Funds [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[5]		0
Commingled Funds [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[5]		1,553
Commingled Funds [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[5]		$ 0
[1]	The majority of this category represents a fund with the objective of approximating the return of the S&P 500 Index. The remaining securities include both a large-value fund and a large-growth fund investing in diverse industries.
[2]	This category includes both a mid-growth fund with the objective of outperforming the Russell Mid Cap Growth Index and a mid-value fund investing in diverse industries.
[3]	This category includes both a small-value fund and a small-growth fund investing in diverse industries.
[4]	This category includes intermediate and long-term investment grade bonds from diverse industries.
[5]	This category represents a fund of well diversified mutual funds with the objective of providing a low-volatility means to access equity-like returns.

Employee Benefit Plans (Benefit

Employee Benefit Plans (Benefits Expected to be Paid in Future Years) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Employer contributions	$ 0	$ 2,500
Estimated employer contributions during 2016	9,400
Benefits expected to be paid:
2,016	67,735
2,017	0
2,018	0
2,019	0
2,020	0
2021 through 2025	0
Other Defined Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Employer contributions	194	$ 424
Estimated employer contributions during 2016	300
Benefits expected to be paid:
2,016	291
2,017	241
2,018	244
2,019	430
2,020	230
2021 through 2025	$ 1,097

Employee Benefit Plans (Defined

Employee Benefit Plans (Defined Contribution Plans) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 25, 2013
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Employer contributions	$ 1.6	$ 1.4	$ 1.4
Defined contribution 401(k) plan [Member]
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Maximum annual contribution per employee	25.00%
Employer matching contribution	3.00%
Non-qualified deferred compensation plan [Member]
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Maximum annual contribution per employee	50.00%
Maximum incentive compensation deferral	100.00%
Employer matching contribution	3.00%

Share-Based Compensation (Compo

Share-Based Compensation (Component of Net Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 25, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total share-based compensation	$ 6,635	$ 5,846	$ 4,852
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total share-based compensation	0	52	558
Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total share-based compensation	5,821	5,009	3,488
Restricted stock units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total share-based compensation	$ 814	$ 785	$ 806

Share-Based Compensation (Stock

Share-Based Compensation (Stock Options) (Details) - Stock Options [Member] $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Options [Roll Forward]:
Outstanding, beginning of year | shares	1,538
Exercised | shares	(200)
Outstanding, end of year | shares	1,338
Exercisable, end of year | shares	1,338
Weighted-Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]:
Outstanding, beginning of year | $ / shares	$ 3.26
Exercised | $ / shares	3.66
Outstanding, end of year | $ / shares	3.20
Exercisable, end of year | $ / shares	$ 3.20
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life and Aggregate Intrinsic Value:
Outstanding, end of year, weighted-average remaining contractual life	3 years 5 months 10 days
Exercisable, end of year, weighted-average remaining contractual life	3 years 5 months 10 days
Outstanding, end of year, aggregate intrinsic value | $	$ 9,081
Exercisable, end of year, aggregate intrinsic value | $	$ 9,081

Share-Based Compensation (Restr

Share-Based Compensation (Restricted Stock Units) (Details) - Performance Shares [Member] - $ / shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 25, 2013
Units [Roll Forward]:
Outstanding, beginning of year (shares)	845
Granted (shares)	514
Converted (shares)	(297)
Forfeited (shares)	(34)
Outstanding, end of year (shares)	1,028	845
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]:
Outstanding, beginning of year (US$ per share)	$ 7.20
Granted (US$ per share)	11.43	$ 7.51	$ 8.05
Converted (US$ per share)	6.05
Forfeited (US$ per share)	9.95
Outstanding, end of year (US$ per share)	$ 9.55	$ 7.20
Convertible, end of year (shares)	297
Convertible, end of year, weighted-average grant date fair value (US$ per share)	$ 8.05

Share-Based Compensation (Narra

Share-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015USD ($)plans$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 25, 2013USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of share-based compensation plans | plans	3
Shares available for grant | shares	800
Income tax benefits recognized related to share-based compensation	$ 2.6	$ 2.3	$ 1.9
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	3 years
Contractual life	P10Y
Aggregate intrinsic value of the options exercised	$ 1.4	$ 3	$ 2.6
Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock option awards outstanding	$ 0
Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Outstanding, Number | shares	1,028	845
Weighted average grant date fair value (US$ per share) | $ / shares	$ 11.43	$ 7.51	$ 8.05
Cash payments	$ 3.4	$ 1.1	$ 1.2
Common stock shares issued | shares	400	100	300
Intrinsic value of shares converted	$ 4.9	$ 1.4	$ 2.7
Performance period	3 years
Accrued compensation included as a component of other current liabilities	$ 2.6	2.5
Accrued compensation included as a component of other noncurrent liabilities	2.2	$ 2.5
Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested performance share awards outstanding	$ 6
Unrecognized compensation cost, expected weighted average period	1 year 8 months 26 days
Restricted stock units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Outstanding, Number | shares	900	900
Weighted average grant date fair value (US$ per share) | $ / shares	$ 10.60
Common stock shares issued | shares	100
Intrinsic value of shares converted	$ 1.4
Equity awards granted | shares	100
Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested performance share awards outstanding	$ 0.3
Unrecognized compensation cost, expected weighted average period	4 months
2012 Omnibus Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares available for grant | shares	2,500
Minimum [Member] | Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of target award to be earned (in hundredths)	0.00%
Maximum [Member] | Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of target award to be earned (in hundredths)	150.00%
Performance shares that vest based on TSR [Member] | Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average grant date fair value (US$ per share) | $ / shares	$ 11.86
Equity awards granted | shares	200
Performance shares that vest based on EBITDA growth [Member] | Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average grant date fair value (US$ per share) | $ / shares	$ 11.03
Equity awards granted | shares	300

Income Taxes (Provisions) (Deta

Income Taxes (Provisions) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 25, 2013
Current:
Federal	$ 1,622	$ 377	$ 428
State and local	1,382	1,818	1,548
Foreign	873	896	872
Deferred:
Federal	12,264	13,269	9,285
State and local	1,742	(54)	(185)
Release of valuation allowance	(130)	(270)	(420)
Total provisions for income taxes	$ 17,753	$ 16,036	$ 11,528

Income Taxes (Reconciliation of

Income Taxes (Reconciliation of Income Taxes) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 25, 2013
Reconciliation of income taxes at the U.S. federal statutory tax rate to effective tax rate:
Statutory provision rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State and local taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	5.00%	3.00%	5.00%
Foreign taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	0.00%	1.00%	1.00%
Wage addback on income tax credits earned	2.00%	2.00%	3.00%
General business credits generated	(7.00%)	(6.00%)	(10.00%)
Other	(2.00%)	(1.00%)	(1.00%)
Release of valuation allowance	0.00%	(1.00%)	(1.00%)
Effective tax rate	33.00%	33.00%	32.00%

Income Taxes (Deferred Tax Asse

Income Taxes (Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Deferred tax assets:
Self-insurance accruals	$ 8,371	$ 9,063
Capitalized leases	2,083	2,103
Accrued exit cost	935	1,031
Fixed assets	1,638	5,426
Interest rate swaps, deferred tax asset	647	0
Pension, other retirement and compensation plans	11,570	16,527
Other accruals	395	2,526
Alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards	5,344	7,811
General business credit carryforwards - state and federal	20,691	22,089
Net operating loss carryforwards - state	12,172	12,368
Total deferred tax assets before valuation allowance	63,846	78,944
Less: valuation allowance	(12,395)	(12,481)
Total deferred tax assets	51,451	66,463
Deferred tax liabilities:
Intangible assets	(22,190)	(22,474)
Deferred finance costs	(102)	(177)
Interest rate swaps, deferred tax liability	0	(250)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(22,292)	(22,901)
Net deferred tax asset	29,159	43,562
Net deferred tax assets are classified as follows:
Current	0	24,310
Noncurrent	29,159	19,252
Net deferred tax asset	$ 29,159	$ 43,562

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Detai

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Valuation Allowance [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforward	$ 20,691	$ 22,089
Alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards	5,344	7,811
Valuation allowance	12,395	12,481
Valuation allowance, amount to be credited to paid-in capital	2,000
Unrecognized tax benefits	0	0
Interest and penalties recognized on unrecognized tax benefits	0	$ 0
General Business Tax Credit Carryforward [Member]
Valuation Allowance [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforward	23,100
Tax credit carryforwards unrecognized	5,300
Alternative Minimum Tax Credit Carryforward [Member]
Valuation Allowance [Line Items]
Alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards	5,300
AMT NOL Carryforwards [Member]
Valuation Allowance [Line Items]
NOL carryforwards	5,800
South Carolina NOL Carryforwards [Member]
Valuation Allowance [Line Items]
Valuation allowance	$ 10,000

Net Income Per Share (Details)

Net Income Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015		Sep. 30, 2015		Jul. 01, 2015		Apr. 01, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014		Sep. 24, 2014		Jun. 25, 2014		Mar. 26, 2014		Dec. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 25, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income	$ 8,759		$ 8,950		$ 9,734		$ 8,533		$ 9,678		$ 8,343		$ 8,273		$ 6,431		$ 35,976	$ 32,725	$ 24,572
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic (in shares)																	82,627	86,323	90,829
Effect of dilutive share-based compensation awards																	2,102	2,032	2,074
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)																	84,729	88,355	92,903
Basic net income per share	$ 0.11	[1]	$ 0.11	[1]	$ 0.12	[1]	$ 0.10	[1]	$ 0.11	[2]	$ 0.10	[2]	$ 0.10	[2]	$ 0.07	[2]	$ 0.44	$ 0.38	$ 0.27
Diluted net income per share	$ 0.11	[1]	$ 0.11	[1]	$ 0.11	[1]	$ 0.10	[1]	$ 0.11	[2]	$ 0.10	[2]	$ 0.09	[2]	$ 0.07	[2]	$ 0.42	$ 0.37	$ 0.26
Anti-dilutive share-based compensation awards (in shares)																	0	218	331
[1]	Per share amounts do not necessarily sum to the total year amounts due to changes in shares outstanding and rounding
[2]	Per share amounts do not necessarily sum to the total year amounts due to changes in shares outstanding and rounding.

Shareholders' Equity (Share Rep

Shareholders' Equity (Share Repurchases) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands, shares in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 25, 2013
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Common stock shares repurchased during the period (shares)	8.5	5.3	4.2
Common stock shares repurchased during the period (value in US$)	$ 92,676	$ 35,990	$ 24,698
Share Repurchase Program 2015 [Member]
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Share repurchase, authorized amount (dollars)	100,000
Remaining shares to be repurchase (value in US$)	$ 37,800
Share Repurchase Program 2013 [Member]
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Number of shares approved under stock repurchase program (shares)	10
Share Repurchase Program 2012 [Member]
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Number of shares approved under stock repurchase program (shares)	6
November 2015 Accelerated Share Repurchase [Member]
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Share repurchase, authorized amount (dollars)	$ 50,000
Common stock shares repurchased during the period (shares)	3.5
Common stock shares repurchased during the period (value in US$)	$ 36,900
Remaining shares to be repurchase (value in US$)	$ 13,100

Shareholders' Equity Sharehol80

Shareholders' Equity Shareholders' Equity (Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 25, 2013
AOCI Attributable To Parent, Net Of Tax [Roll Forward]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, beginning balance		$ (24,602)	$ (16,842)	$ (24,999)
Benefit obligation actuarial gain (loss)		5,737	(12,611)	7,873
Net gain (loss)		(3,894)	1,248	876
Amortization of net loss	[1]	1,812	990	1,724
Settlement loss recognized			50
Net change in fair value of derivatives		(1,444)	(2,389)	3,032
Reclassification of derivatives to interest expense	[2]	(859)
Income tax benefit (expense)		(527)	4,952	(5,348)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, ending balance		(23,777)	(24,602)	(16,842)
Estimated reclassification from other comprehensive income to interest expense related to the interest rate swaps over the next 12 months		1,100
Pensions [Member]
AOCI Attributable To Parent, Net Of Tax [Roll Forward]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, beginning balance		(24,994)	(18,690)	(24,999)
Benefit obligation actuarial gain (loss)		5,737	(12,611)	7,873
Net gain (loss)		(3,894)	1,248	876
Amortization of net loss	[1]	1,812	990	1,724
Settlement loss recognized			50
Income tax benefit (expense)		(1,425)	4,019	(4,164)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, ending balance		(22,764)	(24,994)	(18,690)
Derivatives [Member]
AOCI Attributable To Parent, Net Of Tax [Roll Forward]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, beginning balance		392	1,848
Net change in fair value of derivatives		(1,444)	(2,389)	3,032
Reclassification of derivatives to interest expense	[2]	(859)
Income tax benefit (expense)		898	933	(1,184)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, ending balance		$ (1,013)	$ 392	$ 1,848
[1]	Before-tax amount that was reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss and included as a component of pension expense within general and administrative expenses in our Consolidated Statements of Income. See Note 11 for additional details.
[2]	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into income, represent payments made to the counterparty for the effective portions of the interest rate swaps. These amounts are included as a component of interest expense in our Consolidated Statements of Income. We expect to reclassify approximately $1.1 million from accumulated other comprehensive loss related to our interest rate swaps during the next twelve months. See Note 10 for additional details.

Commitments and Contingencies81

Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Liabilities included as a component of other noncurrent liabilities and deferred credits	$ 0.1	$ 0.1
Property Lease Guarantee [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Maximum payments guaranteed	2
Financial Guarantee [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Loan amounts outstanding under the loan pools	8.7	$ 9.8
Maximum payments guaranteed	$ 1.3
Minimum [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantor obligations, term	1
Maximum [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantor obligations, term	6

Commitments and Contingencies82

Commitments and Contingencies (Future Commitments) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2015USD ($)
Payments due by period:
Less than 1 year	$ 185,185
1-2 years	38,255
3-4 years	0
5 years and thereafter	0
Total	$ 223,440

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform83

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 25, 2013
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Income taxes paid, net	$ 5,364	$ 3,802	$ 2,777
Interest paid	8,141	8,170	9,336
Noncash investing and financing activities:
Property acquisition payable	573	0	0
Accrued purchase of property	1,781	635	1,575
Issuance of common stock, pursuant to share-based compensation plans	4,551	1,030	1,937
Execution of capital leases	5,556	3,300	5,663
Treasury stock payable	$ 185	$ 152	$ 220

Quarterly Data (Unaudited) (Det

Quarterly Data (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015		Sep. 30, 2015		Jul. 01, 2015		Apr. 01, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014		Sep. 24, 2014		Jun. 25, 2014		Mar. 26, 2014		Dec. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 25, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Company restaurant sales	$ 89,183		$ 89,279		$ 88,629		$ 85,982		$ 91,415		$ 82,827		$ 81,138		$ 79,304		$ 353,073	$ 334,684	$ 328,334
Franchise and licensing revenue	34,842		34,499		34,690		34,189		37,314		34,205		33,476		32,616		138,220	137,611	134,259
Total operating revenue	124,025		123,778		123,319		120,171		128,729		117,032		114,614		111,920		491,293	472,295	462,593
Total operating costs and expenses	109,328		108,055		105,905		104,854		112,324		102,323		99,669		100,648		428,142	414,964	415,072
Operating income	14,697		15,723		17,414		15,317		16,405		14,709		14,945		11,272		63,151	57,331	47,521
Net income	$ 8,759		$ 8,950		$ 9,734		$ 8,533		$ 9,678		$ 8,343		$ 8,273		$ 6,431		$ 35,976	$ 32,725	$ 24,572
Basic net income per share	$ 0.11	[1]	$ 0.11	[1]	$ 0.12	[1]	$ 0.10	[1]	$ 0.11	[2]	$ 0.10	[2]	$ 0.10	[2]	$ 0.07	[2]	$ 0.44	$ 0.38	$ 0.27
Diluted net income per share	$ 0.11	[1]	$ 0.11	[1]	$ 0.11	[1]	$ 0.10	[1]	$ 0.11	[2]	$ 0.10	[2]	$ 0.09	[2]	$ 0.07	[2]	$ 0.42	$ 0.37	$ 0.26
[1]	Per share amounts do not necessarily sum to the total year amounts due to changes in shares outstanding and rounding
[2]	Per share amounts do not necessarily sum to the total year amounts due to changes in shares outstanding and rounding.