Denny's (DENN) 10-Q 2 May 16 2016 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2016	Apr. 27, 2016
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	DENNYS CORP
Entity Central Index Key	852,772
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-28
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		76,804,125
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Mar. 30, 2016

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 30, 2016	Dec. 30, 2015
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 4,137	$ 1,671
Receivables	13,819	16,552
Inventories	2,861	3,117
Assets held for sale	251	931
Prepaid and other current assets	9,566	14,143
Total current assets	30,634	36,414
Property, net of accumulated depreciation of $250,264 and $247,995, respectively	122,444	124,816
Goodwill	33,667	33,454
Intangible assets, net	46,311	46,074
Deferred financing costs, net	2,381	2,529
Deferred income taxes	28,426	29,159
Other noncurrent assets	24,974	24,591
Total assets	288,837	297,037
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of capital lease obligations	3,288	3,246
Accounts payable	15,982	20,759
Other current liabilities	60,258	77,548
Total current liabilities	79,528	101,553
Long-term liabilities:
Long-term debt, less current maturities	201,000	195,000
Capital lease obligations, less current maturities	17,192	17,499
Liability for insurance claims, less current portion	15,378	15,949
Other noncurrent liabilities	33,166	27,631
Total long-term liabilities	266,736	256,079
Total liabilities	$ 346,264	$ 357,632
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders' equity (deficit)
Common stock $0.01 par value; shares authorized - 135,000; March 30, 2016: 106,964 shares issued and 76,905 shares outstanding; December 30, 2015: 106,521 shares issued and 76,862 shares outstanding	$ 1,070	$ 1,065
Paid-in capital	567,156	565,364
Deficit	(392,291)	(402,245)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(28,457)	(23,777)
Shareholders’ equity before treasury stock	147,478	140,407
Treasury stock, at cost, 30,059 and 29,659 shares, respectively	(204,905)	(201,002)
Total shareholders' deficit	(57,427)	(60,595)
Total liabilities and shareholders' deficit	$ 288,837	$ 297,037

Condensed Consolidated Balance3

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Mar. 30, 2016	Dec. 30, 2015
Assets [Abstract]
Accumulated depreciation	$ 250,264	$ 247,995
Shareholders' equity (deficit)
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	135,000	135,000
Common stock, shares issued	106,964	106,521
Common stock, shares outstanding	76,905	76,862
Treasury stock, at cost, shares	30,059	29,659

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2016	Apr. 01, 2015
Revenue:
Company restaurant sales	$ 90,386	$ 85,982
Franchise and license revenue	34,256	34,189
Total operating revenue	124,642	120,171
Costs of company restaurant sales:
Product costs	22,653	21,444
Payroll and benefits	34,461	33,204
Occupancy	4,800	4,895
Other operating expenses	12,197	11,765
Total costs of company restaurant sales	74,111	71,308
Costs of franchise and license revenue	10,003	10,978
General and administrative expenses	16,927	16,936
Depreciation and amortization	5,493	5,024
Operating (gains), losses and other charges, net	(125)	608
Total operating costs and expenses, net	106,409	104,854
Operating income	18,233	15,317
Interest expense, net	2,774	2,087
Other nonoperating expense, net	27	29
Net income before income taxes	15,432	13,201
Provision for income taxes	5,478	4,668
Net income	$ 9,954	$ 8,533
Basic net income per share	$ 0.13	$ 0.10
Diluted net income per share	$ 0.13	$ 0.10
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	77,060	84,875
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	78,877	87,465

Condensed Consolidated Stateme5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2016	Apr. 01, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 9,954	$ 8,533
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax expense of $8 and $169	13	264
Recognition of unrealized loss on hedge transactions, net of tax benefit of $2,997 and $1,161	(4,693)	(1,814)
Other comprehensive loss	(4,680)	(1,550)
Total comprehensive income	$ 5,274	$ 6,983

Condensed Consolidated Stateme6

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2016	Apr. 01, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Minimum pension liability adjustment, tax expense	$ 8	$ 169
Unrealized loss on hedged transactions, tax benefit	$ (2,997)	$ (1,161)

Condensed Consolidated Stateme7

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity (Unaudited) - 3 months ended Mar. 30, 2016 - 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. 30, 2015	$ (60,595)	$ 1,065	$ (201,002)	$ 565,364	$ (402,245)	$ (23,777)
Balance, common stock, shares issued at Dec. 30, 2015	106,521	106,521
Balance, treasury stock, at cost, shares at Dec. 30, 2015	(29,659)		(29,659)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	$ 9,954				9,954
Other comprehensive loss	(4,680)					(4,680)
Share-based compensation on equity classified awards	1,496			1,496
Purchase of treasury stock	$ (3,903)		$ (3,903)
Purchase of treasury stock (in shares)	(400)		(400)
Issuance of common stock for share-based compensation	$ 0	$ 4		(4)
Issuance of common stock for share-based compensation (in shares)		374
Exercise of common stock options	290	$ 1		289
Exercise of common stock options (in shares)		69
Tax benefit from share-based compensation	11			11
Balance at Mar. 30, 2016	$ (57,427)	$ 1,070	$ (204,905)	$ 567,156	$ (392,291)	$ (28,457)
Balance, common stock, shares issued at Mar. 30, 2016	106,964	106,964
Balance, treasury stock, at cost, shares at Mar. 30, 2016	(30,059)		(30,059)

Condensed Consolidated Stateme8

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2016	Apr. 01, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 9,954	$ 8,533
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash flows provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	5,493	5,024
Operating (gains), losses and other charges, net	(125)	608
Amortization of deferred financing costs	148	120
(Gain) loss on early extinguishments of debt	(8)	278
Deferred income tax expense	3,722	2,826
Share-based compensation	1,948	1,705
Decrease (increase) in assets:
Receivables	2,634	3,774
Inventories	256	272
Other current assets	4,576	822
Other assets	(647)	(843)
Increase (decrease) in liabilities:
Accounts payable	1,023	(275)
Accrued salaries and vacations	(16,433)	(9,333)
Accrued taxes	(273)	(38)
Other accrued liabilities	(2,926)	(2,762)
Other noncurrent liabilities and deferred credits	(684)	(88)
Net cash flows provided by operating activities	8,658	10,623
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(3,831)	(3,446)
Restaurant acquisitions	1,476	0
Proceeds from disposition of property	1,581	0
Collections on notes receivable	401	495
Issuance of notes receivable	(219)	(449)
Net cash flows used in investing activities	(3,544)	(3,400)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Revolver borrowings	18,500	140,500
Revolver payments	(12,500)	(90,250)
Long-term debt payments	(756)	(55,839)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	290	368
Tax withholding on share-based payments	0	(982)
Tax benefit for share-based compensation	11	115
Deferred financing costs	0	(1,171)
Purchase of treasury stock	(3,832)	(4,912)
Net bank overdrafts	(4,361)	3,592
Net cash flows used in financing activities	(2,648)	(8,579)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	2,466	(1,356)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	1,671	3,074
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 4,137	$ 1,718

Introduction and Basis of Prese

Introduction and Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Introduction and Basis of Presentation	Introduction and Basis of Presentation Denny’s Corporation, or Denny’s, is one of America’s largest full-service restaurant chains based on number of restaurants. At March 30, 2016 , the Denny's brand consisted of 1,713 restaurants, 1,551 of which were franchised/licensed restaurants and 162 of which were company operated. Our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Therefore, certain information and notes normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted. In our opinion, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of the interim periods presented have been included. Such adjustments are of a normal and recurring nature. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions; however, we believe that our estimates, including those for the above-described items, are reasonable. These interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 30, 2015 and the related Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, both of which are contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2015 . The results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results for the entire fiscal year ending December 28, 2016 .

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Newly Adopted Accounting Standards Consolidation ASU 2015-02,"Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis" Effective December 31, 2015, we adopted ASU 2015-02, which improves targeted areas of the consolidation guidance and reduces the number of consolidation models. The adoption of this guidance did not 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)" Effective December 31, 2015, we adopted 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. Also effective December 31, 2015, we adopted 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. According to this guidance, the SEC will 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. The adoption of this guidance did not have any impact on our consolidated financial statements and we will 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" Effective December 31, 2015, we adopted 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. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Inventory ASU 2015-11,"Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory" Effective December 31, 2015, we adopted 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 adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Derivatives ASU 2016-05,"Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Effect of Derivative Contract Novations on Existing Hedge Accounting Relationships (a consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force)" In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-05, which clarifies that a change in the counterparty to a derivative instrument that has been designated as the hedging instrument under Topic 815 does not, in and of itself, require dedesignation of that hedging relationship provided that all other hedge accounting criteria continue to be met. We early adopted this guidance as of March 30, 2016 on a prospective basis. The adoption of this guidance did not have any impact on our consolidated financial statements. Accounting Standards to be Adopted Revenue Recognition ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)", ASU 2015-14, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date", ASU 2016-08, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 718): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net" and ASU 2016-10, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing" 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. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08, which clarifies the implementation guidance provided in ASU 2014-09 on principal versus agent considerations. In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-10, which clarifies the implementation guidance in ASU 2014-09 on licensing and identifying performance obligations. Both ASU 2016-08 and ASU 2016-10 must be adopted concurrently with ASU 2014-09. We are currently evaluating the transition methods and the impact the adoption of these standards will have on our consolidated financial statements. Financial Instruments ASU 2016-01 "Financial Instruments—Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities" In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, which requires equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting, or those that result in consolidation of the investee) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income, requires public business entities to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes, requires separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset, and eliminates the requirement for public business entities to disclose the method(s) and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value that is required to be disclosed for financial instruments measured at amortized cost. ASU 2016-01 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017 (our fiscal 2018) with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this guidance will have 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. The guidance will 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. Stock Compensation ASU 2016-09, "Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting" In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, which simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the recognition of excess tax benefits and deficiencies, the classification of those excess tax benefits on the statement of cash flows, an accounting policy election for forfeitures, the amount an employer can withhold to cover income taxes and still qualify for equity classification and the classification of those taxes paid on the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-09 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016 (our fiscal 2017) with early adoption permitted. The guidance will be applied either prospectively, retrospectively or using a modified retrospective transition method, depending on the area covered in this update. 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 consolidated financial statements as a result of future adoption.

Receivables

Receivables	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2016
Receivables [Abstract]
Receivables	Receivables Receivables were comprised of the following: March 30, 2016 December 30, 2015 (In thousands) Current assets: Receivables: Trade accounts receivable from franchisees $ 9,949 $ 10,591 Notes receivable from franchisees 1,253 1,352 Vendor receivables 1,361 3,049 Credit card receivables 1,359 1,606 Other 194 251 Allowance for doubtful accounts (297 ) (297 ) Total current receivables, net $ 13,819 $ 16,552 Noncurrent assets (included as a component of other noncurrent assets): Notes receivable from franchisees $ 459 $ 541

Assets Held for Sale

Assets Held for Sale	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment Assets Held-for-sale Disclosure [Abstract]
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block]	Assets Held for Sale Assets held for sale of $0.3 million as of March 30, 2016 and $0.9 million as of December 30, 2015 consist of restaurants to be sold to franchisees. There were no impairment charges recognized as a result of classifying certain assets as held for sale for the quarter ended March 30, 2016 or the quarter ended April 1, 2015 .

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2016
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. (In thousands) Balance, December 30, 2015 $ 33,454 Additions related to acquisition 225 Write-offs and reclassifications associated with the sale of restaurants (12 ) Balance, March 30, 2016 $ 33,667 Other intangible assets were comprised of the following: March 30, 2016 December 30, 2015 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization (In thousands) Intangible assets with indefinite lives: Trade names $ 44,069 $ — $ 44,068 $ — Liquor licenses 126 — 126 — Intangible assets with definite lives: Franchise and license agreements 3,959 3,800 12,237 12,026 Reacquired franchise rights 3,302 1,345 2,823 1,154 Intangible assets $ 51,456 $ 5,145 $ 59,254 $ 13,180 During the quarter ended March 30, 2016 , we reacquired a franchise restaurant for $0.9 million , of which $0.5 million was allocated to reacquired franchise rights, $0.2 million to property and $0.2 million to goodwill. The $8.3 million decrease in gross franchise and license agreements during the quarter ended March 30, 2016 primarily resulted from the removal of fully amortized agreements.

Other Current Liabilities

Other Current Liabilities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2016
Other Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block]	Other Current Liabilities Other current liabilities consisted of the following: March 30, 2016 December 30, 2015 (In thousands) Accrued salaries and vacation $ 16,595 $ 30,549 Accrued insurance, primarily current portion of liability for insurance claims 7,067 7,076 Accrued taxes 7,038 7,311 Accrued advertising 6,098 7,737 Accrued pension 9,753 9,648 Other 13,707 15,227 Other current liabilities 60,258 77,548

Operating (Gains), Losses and O

Operating (Gains), Losses and Other Charges, Net	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2016
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 are comprised of the following: Quarter Ended March 30, 2016 April 1, 2015 (In thousands) Gains on sales of assets and other, net $ (644 ) $ (22 ) Restructuring charges and exit costs 519 581 Impairment charges — 49 Operating (gains), losses and other charges, net $ (125 ) $ 608 Gains on sales of assets and other, net of $0.6 million for the quarter ended March 30, 2016 primarily related to restaurants sold to franchisees. Restructuring charges and exit costs were comprised of the following: Quarter Ended March 30, 2016 April 1, 2015 (In thousands) Exit costs $ 151 $ 453 Severance and other restructuring charges 368 128 Total restructuring charges and exit costs $ 519 $ 581 The components of the change in accrued exit cost liabilities are as follows: (In thousands) Balance, December 30, 2015 $ 2,043 Exit costs (1) 151 Payments, net of sublease receipts (182 ) Interest accretion 32 Balance, March 30, 2016 2,044 Less current portion included in other current liabilities 631 Long-term portion included in other noncurrent liabilities $ 1,413 (1) Included as a component of operating (gains), losses and other charges, net.

Fair Value of Financial Instrum

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Disclosures	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 March 30, 2016: Deferred compensation plan investments (1) $ 10,566 $ 10,566 $ — $ — market approach Interest rate swaps (2) (9,350 ) — (9,350 ) — income approach Total $ 1,216 $ 10,566 $ (9,350 ) $ — 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 ) $ — (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 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 9 for details on the interest rate swaps. Those assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis are summarized below: Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Impairment Charges Valuation Technique (In thousands) Fair value measurements as of December 30, 2015: Assets held for sale (1) $ 931 $ 264 market 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.

Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt	Long-Term Debt Denny's Corporation and certain of its subsidiaries have a credit facility consisting of a five-year $325 million senior secured revolver (with a $30 million letter of credit sublimit). As of March 30, 2016 , we had outstanding revolver loans of $201.0 million and outstanding letters of credit under the senior secured revolver of $22.9 million . These balances resulted in availability of $101.1 million under the revolving facility. Prior to considering the impact of our interest rate swaps, described below, the weighted-average interest rate on outstanding revolver loans was 2.19% and 1.76% as of March 30, 2016 and December 30, 2015 , respectively. Taking into consideration our interest rate swaps the weighted-average interest rate of outstanding revolver loans was 2.60% and 2.31% as of March 30, 2016 and December 30, 2015 , respectively. A commitment fee of 0.25% is paid on the unused portion of the revolving credit facility. Borrowings under the credit facility bear a tiered interest rate, which is based on the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio and was set at LIBOR plus 175 basis points as of March 30, 2016 . The maturity date for the credit facility is March 30, 2020 . The credit facility is available for working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes. The 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 credit facility also includes certain financial covenants with respect to a maximum consolidated leverage ratio and a minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio. Interest Rate Hedges We previously entered into interest rate swaps to hedge a portion of the cash flows of our floating rate debt. We designated the interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges of our exposure to variability in future cash flows attributable to payments of LIBOR due on specific notional debt obligations. Based on the interest rate as determined by our consolidated leverage ratio in effect as of March 30, 2016 , under the terms of the swaps, we will pay the following fixed rates on the notional amounts noted: Period Covered Notional Amount Fixed Rate (In thousands) March 31, 2015 - March 29, 2018 $ 120,000 2.88 % March 29, 2018 - March 31, 2025 170,000 4.19 % April 1, 2025 - March 31, 2026 50,000 4.21 % As of March 30, 2016 , the fair value of the interest rate swaps was a liability of $9.4 million , which is recorded as a component of other noncurrent liabilities in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 15 for the amounts recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss related to the interest rate swaps. We believe that our estimated cash flows from operations for 2016 , 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.

Defined Benefit Plans

Defined Benefit Plans	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2016
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plans	Defined Benefit Plans The components of net periodic benefit cost were as follows: Quarter Ended March 30, 2016 April 1, 2015 (In thousands) Pension Plan: Service cost $ 105 $ 95 Interest cost — 746 Expected return on plan assets — (877 ) Amortization of net loss — 433 Net periodic benefit cost $ 105 $ 397 Other Defined Benefit Plans: Interest cost $ 23 $ 27 Amortization of net loss 21 20 Net periodic benefit cost $ 44 $ 47 During 2014, our Board of Directors approved the termination of the Advantica Pension Plan (the "Pension Plan") as of December 31, 2014. Subsequent to the quarter ended March 30, 2016, we completed the termination and liquidation of the Pension Plan. Accordingly, we contributed $9.5 million to the Pension Plan. The resulting $67.7 million in Pension Plan assets were used to make lump sum payments and purchase annuity contracts, which will be administered by a third-party provider. During the second quarter of 2016, we will recognize a settlement loss of approximately $24.3 million related to the liquidation, including the recognition of approximately $24.0 million in unamortized actuarial losses that are currently recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income. See Note 17. We made no contributions to the Pension Plan during either the quarter ended March 30, 2016 or the quarter ended April 1, 2015 . We made contributions of less than $0.1 million to our other defined benefit plans during both the quarter ended March 30, 2016 and the quarter ended April 1, 2015 . We expect to contribute $0.1 million to our other defined benefit plans over the remainder of fiscal 2016 . Additional minimum pension liability, net of tax, of $22.8 million is reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity as of both March 30, 2016 and December 30, 2015 .

Share-Based Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2016
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation Total share-based compensation cost included as a component of net income was as follows: Quarter Ended March 30, 2016 April 1, 2015 (In thousands) Performance share awards $ 1,734 $ 1,523 Restricted stock units for board members 214 182 Total share-based compensation $ 1,948 $ 1,705 Performance Share Awards In February 2016, we granted certain employees approximately 0.3 million performance shares that vest based on the total shareholder return ("TSR") of our common 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 $9.43 per share. The performance shares based on the Adjusted EBITDA growth rate have a grant date fair value of $9.52 per share, the market value of our common stock on the date of grant. The awards granted to our named executive officers also contain a performance condition based on the attainment of an operating measure for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2016 . The performance period for these performance shares is the three year fiscal period beginning December 31, 2015 and ending December 26, 2018. They will vest and be earned (from 0% to 150% of the target award for each such increment) at the end of the performance period. During the quarter ended March 30, 2016 , we made payments of $2.5 million in cash and issued 0.4 million shares of common stock related to performance share awards. As of March 30, 2016 , we had approximately $11.5 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to all unvested performance share awards outstanding, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average of 2.2 years . Restricted Stock Units for Board Members As of March 30, 2016 , we had approximately $0.1 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to all unvested restricted stock unit awards outstanding, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average of 0.1 years .

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The effective tax rate for the quarter ended March 30, 2016 was 35.5% , compared to 35.4% for the quarter ended April 1, 2015 . The 2016 and 2015 rates benefited from state jobs tax credits claimed for the prior year's hiring activity of 1.6% and 2.3% , respectively.

Net Income Per Share

Net Income Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2016
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: Quarter Ended March 30, 2016 April 1, 2015 (In thousands, except for per share amounts) Net income $ 9,954 $ 8,533 Weighted average shares outstanding - basic 77,060 84,875 Effect of dilutive share-based compensation awards 1,817 2,590 Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted 78,877 87,465 Basic net income per share $ 0.13 $ 0.10 Diluted net income per share $ 0.13 $ 0.10 Anti-dilutive share-based compensation awards — —

Supplemental Cash Flow Informat

Supplemental Cash Flow Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2016
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	Supplemental Cash Flow Information Quarter Ended March 30, 2016 April 1, 2015 (In thousands) Income taxes paid, net $ 311 $ 298 Interest paid $ 2,452 $ 2,100 Noncash investing and financing activities: Issuance of common stock, pursuant to share-based compensation plans $ 3,497 $ 3,963 Execution of capital leases $ 532 $ 282 Treasury stock payable $ 256 $ 344 Accrued deferred financing costs $ — $ 80

Shareholders' Equity

Shareholders' Equity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2016
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Shareholders' equity	Shareholders' Equity Share Repurchase Our credit facility permits the purchase of Denny’s stock and the payment of cash dividends subject to certain limitations. In March 2015, our Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program authorizing us to repurchase up to $100 million of our common stock (in addition to prior authorizations). Under this program, we may, from time to time, purchase shares in the open market (including pre-arranged stock trading plans in accordance with the 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. 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. During 2015, 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. As of March 30, 2016 , the remaining balance of $13.1 million is included as additional paid-in capital in shareholders' equity 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. During the quarter ended March 30, 2016 , we repurchased 0.4 million shares of our common stock for approximately $3.9 million . Taking into consideration the above mentioned ASR agreement, this brings the total amount repurchased under the current repurchase program to 5.1 million shares of our common stock for approximately $66.1 million , leaving $33.9 million of our common stock that can be repurchased as of March 30, 2016 . Repurchased shares are included as treasury stock in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and our Condensed Consolidated Statement 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 30, 2015 $ (22,764 ) $ (1,013 ) $ (23,777 ) Amortization of net loss (1) 21 — 21 Net change in fair value of derivatives — (7,478 ) (7,478 ) Reclassification of derivatives to interest expense (2) — (212 ) (212 ) Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive loss (8 ) 2,997 2,989 Balance as of March 30, 2016 (22,751 ) (5,706 ) (28,457 ) (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 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income during the quarter ended March 30, 2016 . See Note 10 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 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. We expect to reclassify approximately $0.5 million from accumulated other comprehensive loss related to our interest rate swaps during the next twelve months. See Note 9 for additional details.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies We have guarantees related to certain franchisee leases and loans. Payments under these guarantees would result from the inability of a franchisee to fund required payments when due. Through March 30, 2016 , no events had occurred that caused us to make payments under these guarantees. There were $8.7 million of loans outstanding under these programs as of both March 30, 2016 and December 30, 2015 . As of March 30, 2016 , 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 both March 30, 2016 and December 30, 2015 , which are included as a component of other noncurrent liabilities in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and other nonoperating expense in our Condensed 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.

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2016
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events Subsequent to the quarter ended March 30, 2016, we completed the termination and liquidation of the Pension Plan. Accordingly, we contributed $9.5 million to the Pension Plan. The resulting $67.7 million in Pension Plan assets were used to make lump sum payments and purchase annuity contracts, which will be administered by a third-party provider. During the second quarter of 2016, we will recognize a settlement loss of approximately $24.3 million related to the liquidation, including the recognition of approximately $24.0 million in unamortized actuarial losses that are currently recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income. See Note 10.

Summary of Significant Accoun26

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Newly adopted accounting standards	Newly Adopted Accounting Standards Consolidation ASU 2015-02,"Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis" Effective December 31, 2015, we adopted ASU 2015-02, which improves targeted areas of the consolidation guidance and reduces the number of consolidation models. The adoption of this guidance did not 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)" Effective December 31, 2015, we adopted 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. Also effective December 31, 2015, we adopted 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. According to this guidance, the SEC will 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. The adoption of this guidance did not have any impact on our consolidated financial statements and we will 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" Effective December 31, 2015, we adopted 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. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Inventory ASU 2015-11,"Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory" Effective December 31, 2015, we adopted 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 adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Derivatives ASU 2016-05,"Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Effect of Derivative Contract Novations on Existing Hedge Accounting Relationships (a consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force)" In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-05, which clarifies that a change in the counterparty to a derivative instrument that has been designated as the hedging instrument under Topic 815 does not, in and of itself, require dedesignation of that hedging relationship provided that all other hedge accounting criteria continue to be met. We early adopted this guidance as of March 30, 2016 on a prospective basis. The adoption of this guidance did not have any impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Accounting standards to be adopted	Accounting Standards to be Adopted Revenue Recognition ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)", ASU 2015-14, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date", ASU 2016-08, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 718): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net" and ASU 2016-10, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing" 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. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08, which clarifies the implementation guidance provided in ASU 2014-09 on principal versus agent considerations. In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-10, which clarifies the implementation guidance in ASU 2014-09 on licensing and identifying performance obligations. Both ASU 2016-08 and ASU 2016-10 must be adopted concurrently with ASU 2014-09. We are currently evaluating the transition methods and the impact the adoption of these standards will have on our consolidated financial statements. Financial Instruments ASU 2016-01 "Financial Instruments—Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities" In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, which requires equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting, or those that result in consolidation of the investee) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income, requires public business entities to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes, requires separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset, and eliminates the requirement for public business entities to disclose the method(s) and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value that is required to be disclosed for financial instruments measured at amortized cost. ASU 2016-01 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017 (our fiscal 2018) with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this guidance will have 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. The guidance will 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. Stock Compensation ASU 2016-09, "Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting" In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, which simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the recognition of excess tax benefits and deficiencies, the classification of those excess tax benefits on the statement of cash flows, an accounting policy election for forfeitures, the amount an employer can withhold to cover income taxes and still qualify for equity classification and the classification of those taxes paid on the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-09 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016 (our fiscal 2017) with early adoption permitted. The guidance will be applied either prospectively, retrospectively or using a modified retrospective transition method, depending on the area covered in this update. 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 consolidated financial statements as a result of future adoption.

Receivables (Tables)

Receivables (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2016
Receivables [Abstract]
Receivables, net	Receivables were comprised of the following: March 30, 2016 December 30, 2015 (In thousands) Current assets: Receivables: Trade accounts receivable from franchisees $ 9,949 $ 10,591 Notes receivable from franchisees 1,253 1,352 Vendor receivables 1,361 3,049 Credit card receivables 1,359 1,606 Other 194 251 Allowance for doubtful accounts (297 ) (297 ) Total current receivables, net $ 13,819 $ 16,552 Noncurrent assets (included as a component of other noncurrent assets): Notes receivable from franchisees $ 459 $ 541

Goodwill and Other Intangible28

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill	The following table reflects the changes in carrying amounts of goodwill. (In thousands) Balance, December 30, 2015 $ 33,454 Additions related to acquisition 225 Write-offs and reclassifications associated with the sale of restaurants (12 ) Balance, March 30, 2016 $ 33,667
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets	Other intangible assets were comprised of the following: March 30, 2016 December 30, 2015 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization (In thousands) Intangible assets with indefinite lives: Trade names $ 44,069 $ — $ 44,068 $ — Liquor licenses 126 — 126 — Intangible assets with definite lives: Franchise and license agreements 3,959 3,800 12,237 12,026 Reacquired franchise rights 3,302 1,345 2,823 1,154 Intangible assets $ 51,456 $ 5,145 $ 59,254 $ 13,180
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets	Other intangible assets were comprised of the following: March 30, 2016 December 30, 2015 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization (In thousands) Intangible assets with indefinite lives: Trade names $ 44,069 $ — $ 44,068 $ — Liquor licenses 126 — 126 — Intangible assets with definite lives: Franchise and license agreements 3,959 3,800 12,237 12,026 Reacquired franchise rights 3,302 1,345 2,823 1,154 Intangible assets $ 51,456 $ 5,145 $ 59,254 $ 13,180

Other Current Liabilities (Tabl

Other Current Liabilities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2016
Other Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Schedule of Other Current Liabilities	Other current liabilities consisted of the following: March 30, 2016 December 30, 2015 (In thousands) Accrued salaries and vacation $ 16,595 $ 30,549 Accrued insurance, primarily current portion of liability for insurance claims 7,067 7,076 Accrued taxes 7,038 7,311 Accrued advertising 6,098 7,737 Accrued pension 9,753 9,648 Other 13,707 15,227 Other current liabilities 60,258 77,548

Operating (Gains), Losses and30

Operating (Gains), Losses and Other Charges, Net (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2016
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Operating gains losses and other charges net	Operating (gains), losses and other charges, net are comprised of the following: Quarter Ended March 30, 2016 April 1, 2015 (In thousands) Gains on sales of assets and other, net $ (644 ) $ (22 ) Restructuring charges and exit costs 519 581 Impairment charges — 49 Operating (gains), losses and other charges, net $ (125 ) $ 608
Restructuring charges and exit costs	Restructuring charges and exit costs were comprised of the following: Quarter Ended March 30, 2016 April 1, 2015 (In thousands) Exit costs $ 151 $ 453 Severance and other restructuring charges 368 128 Total restructuring charges and exit costs $ 519 $ 581
Components of change in accrued exit cost liabilities	The components of the change in accrued exit cost liabilities are as follows: (In thousands) Balance, December 30, 2015 $ 2,043 Exit costs (1) 151 Payments, net of sublease receipts (182 ) Interest accretion 32 Balance, March 30, 2016 2,044 Less current portion included in other current liabilities 631 Long-term portion included in other noncurrent liabilities $ 1,413 (1) Included as a component of operating (gains), losses and other charges, net.

Fair Value of Financial Instr31

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2016
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 March 30, 2016: Deferred compensation plan investments (1) $ 10,566 $ 10,566 $ — $ — market approach Interest rate swaps (2) (9,350 ) — (9,350 ) — income approach Total $ 1,216 $ 10,566 $ (9,350 ) $ — 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 ) $ — (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 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 9 for details on the interest rate swaps.
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 (Level 2) Impairment Charges Valuation Technique (In thousands) Fair value measurements as of December 30, 2015: Assets held for sale (1) $ 931 $ 264 market 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.

Long-Term Debt (Tables)

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2016
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative instruments	Based on the interest rate as determined by our consolidated leverage ratio in effect as of March 30, 2016 , under the terms of the swaps, we will pay the following fixed rates on the notional amounts noted: Period Covered Notional Amount Fixed Rate (In thousands) March 31, 2015 - March 29, 2018 $ 120,000 2.88 % March 29, 2018 - March 31, 2025 170,000 4.19 % April 1, 2025 - March 31, 2026 50,000 4.21 %

Defined Benefit Plans (Tables)

Defined Benefit Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2016
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of net periodic benefit cost	The components of net periodic benefit cost were as follows: Quarter Ended March 30, 2016 April 1, 2015 (In thousands) Pension Plan: Service cost $ 105 $ 95 Interest cost — 746 Expected return on plan assets — (877 ) Amortization of net loss — 433 Net periodic benefit cost $ 105 $ 397 Other Defined Benefit Plans: Interest cost $ 23 $ 27 Amortization of net loss 21 20 Net periodic benefit cost $ 44 $ 47

Share-Based Compensation (Table

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2016
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Total share-based compensation	Total share-based compensation cost included as a component of net income was as follows: Quarter Ended March 30, 2016 April 1, 2015 (In thousands) Performance share awards $ 1,734 $ 1,523 Restricted stock units for board members 214 182 Total share-based compensation $ 1,948 $ 1,705

Net Income Per Share (Tables)

Net Income Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Income Per Share	The amounts used for the basic and diluted net income per share calculations are summarized below: Quarter Ended March 30, 2016 April 1, 2015 (In thousands, except for per share amounts) Net income $ 9,954 $ 8,533 Weighted average shares outstanding - basic 77,060 84,875 Effect of dilutive share-based compensation awards 1,817 2,590 Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted 78,877 87,465 Basic net income per share $ 0.13 $ 0.10 Diluted net income per share $ 0.13 $ 0.10 Anti-dilutive share-based compensation awards — —

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform36

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2016
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	Quarter Ended March 30, 2016 April 1, 2015 (In thousands) Income taxes paid, net $ 311 $ 298 Interest paid $ 2,452 $ 2,100 Noncash investing and financing activities: Issuance of common stock, pursuant to share-based compensation plans $ 3,497 $ 3,963 Execution of capital leases $ 532 $ 282 Treasury stock payable $ 256 $ 344 Accrued deferred financing costs $ — $ 80

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2016
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 30, 2015 $ (22,764 ) $ (1,013 ) $ (23,777 ) Amortization of net loss (1) 21 — 21 Net change in fair value of derivatives — (7,478 ) (7,478 ) Reclassification of derivatives to interest expense (2) — (212 ) (212 ) Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive loss (8 ) 2,997 2,989 Balance as of March 30, 2016 (22,751 ) (5,706 ) (28,457 ) (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 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income during the quarter ended March 30, 2016 . See Note 10 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 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. We expect to reclassify approximately $0.5 million from accumulated other comprehensive loss related to our interest rate swaps during the next twelve months. See Note 9 for additional details.

Introduction and Basis of Pre38

Introduction and Basis of Presentation (Details)	Mar. 30, 2016restaurant
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of restaurants	1,713
Franchised/licensed restaurants [Member]
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of restaurants	1,551
Company restaurants [Member]
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of restaurants	162

Receivables (Details)

Receivables (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 30, 2016	Dec. 30, 2015
Receivables [Abstract]
Trade accounts receivable from franchisees, gross, current	$ 9,949	$ 10,591
Notes receivable from franchisees, gross, current	1,253	1,352
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(297)	(297)
Total current receivables, net	13,819	16,552
Noncurrent assets (included as a component of other noncurrent assets):
Notes receivable from franchisees, noncurrent	459	541
Vendor receivables [Member]
Receivables [Abstract]
Other receivables, gross, current	1,361	3,049
Credit card receivables [Member]
Receivables [Abstract]
Other receivables, gross, current	1,359	1,606
Other [Member]
Receivables [Abstract]
Other receivables, gross, current	$ 194	$ 251

Assets Held for Sale (Details)

Assets Held for Sale (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2016	Apr. 01, 2015	Dec. 30, 2015
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]
Assets held for sale	$ 300,000		$ 900,000
Impairment charges related to assets held for sale	0	$ 49,000
Assets held for sale [Member]
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]
Impairment charges related to assets held for sale	$ 0	$ 0

Goodwill and Other Intangible41

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2016	Dec. 30, 2015
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, December 30, 2015	$ 33,454
Additions related to acquisition	225
Write-offs and reclassifications associated with the sale of restaurants	(12)
Balance, March 30, 2016	33,667
Purchase price to reacquire franchised restaurant	900
Purchase price allocation of property	200
Purchase price allocation of goodwill	225
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount - Trade names	44,069	$ 44,068
Gross carrying amount - Liquor licenses	126	126
Accumulated amortization - Intangible assets with definite lives	5,145	13,180
Intangible assets	51,456	59,254
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount - Intangible assets with definite lives	3,959	12,237
Accumulated amortization - Intangible assets with definite lives	3,800	12,026
Decrease in franchise and license agreements	8,300
Franchise Rights [Member]
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount - Intangible assets with definite lives	3,302	2,823
Accumulated amortization - Intangible assets with definite lives	1,345	$ 1,154
Purchase price allocation of reacquired franchise rights	$ 500

Other Current Liabilities (Deta

Other Current Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 30, 2016	Dec. 30, 2015
Other Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Accrued salaries and vacation	$ 16,595	$ 30,549
Accrued insurance, primarily current portion of liability for insurance claims	7,067	7,076
Accrued taxes	7,038	7,311
Accrued advertising	6,098	7,737
Accrued pension	9,753	9,648
Other	13,707	15,227
Other current liabilities	$ 60,258	$ 77,548

Operating (Gains), Losses and43

Operating (Gains), Losses and Other Charges, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2016		Apr. 01, 2015
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Gains on sales of assets and other, net	$ (644)		$ (22)
Restructuring charges and exit costs	519		581
Impairment charges	0		49
Operating (gains), losses and other charges, net	(125)		608
Restructuring Charges [Abstract]
Exit costs	151	[1]	453
Severance and other restructuring charges	368		128
Total restructuring charges and exit costs	519		581
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Balance, December 30, 2015	2,043
Exit costs	151	[1]	$ 453
Payments, net of sublease receipts	182
Interest accretion	32
Balance, March 30, 2016	2,044
Less current portion included in other current liabilities	631
Long-term portion included in other noncurrent liabilities	$ 1,413
[1]	Included as a component of operating (gains), losses and other charges, net.

Fair Value of Financial Instr44

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
		Mar. 30, 2016	Dec. 30, 2015
Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total, assets		$ 1,216	$ 8,499
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		10,566	10,159
Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total, liabilities		(9,350)	(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]	$ 10,566	$ 10,159
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]	$ 10,566	$ 10,159
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 Swap [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Interest rate swaps	[2]	$ (9,350)	$ (1,660)
Valuation technique		income approach	income approach
Recurring [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [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	[2]	$ 0	$ 0
Recurring [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Interest rate swaps	[2]	(9,350)	(1,660)
Recurring [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Interest rate swaps	[2]	$ 0	0
Nonrecurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Impairment of assets identified as held for sale			$ 264
Valuation technique			market 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
[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 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 9 for details on the interest rate swaps.
[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.

Long-Term Debt (Narrative) (Det

Long-Term Debt (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2016	Dec. 30, 2015
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Interest rate swaps liability	$ (9,400)
Interest Rate Swaps 2015-2018 [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount	$ 120,000
Average fixed interest rate on interest rate swaps	2.88%
Interest Rate Swaps 2018-2025 [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount	$ 170,000
Average fixed interest rate on interest rate swaps	4.19%
Interest Rate Swaps 2018-2026 [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount	$ 50,000
Average fixed interest rate on interest rate swaps	4.21%
Senior secured revolver [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, current borrowing capacity	$ 325,000
Outstanding amount under credit facility	201,000
Availability under the revolving facility	$ 101,100
Weighted-average interest rate (in hundredths)	2.19%	1.76%
Commitment fee for unused portion of revolving credit facility (in hundredths)	0.25%
Basis spread on variable rate debt	1.75%
Maturity date	Mar. 30, 2020
Senior secured revolver [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Weighted-average interest rate (in hundredths)	2.60%	2.31%
Letter of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, current borrowing capacity	$ 30,000
Outstanding amount of letters of credit	$ 22,900

Defined Benefit Plans (Details)

Defined Benefit Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2016	Mar. 30, 2016	Apr. 01, 2015	Dec. 30, 2015
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Additional minimum pension liability		$ 22,800		$ 22,800
Pension Plan [Member]
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Service cost		105	$ 95
Interest cost		0	746
Expected return on plan assets		0	(877)
Amortization of net loss		0	433
Net periodic benefit cost		105	397
Employer contributions		0	0
Other Defined Benefit Plans [Member]
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Interest cost		23	27
Amortization of net loss		21	20
Net periodic benefit cost		44	47
Employer contributions		100	$ 100
Estimated employer contributions remainder of current fiscal year		$ 100
Subsequent Event [Member] | Pension Plan [Member]
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Employer contributions	$ 9,500
Assets used for settlements	67,700
Settlement loss to be recognized	24,300
Accumulated other comprehensive income to be recognized	$ 24,000

Share-Based Compensation (Detai

Share-Based Compensation (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands, shares in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2016	Apr. 01, 2015
Total share-based compensation [Abstract]
Total share-based compensation	$ 1,948	$ 1,705
Performance shares [Member]
Total share-based compensation [Abstract]
Total share-based compensation	$ 1,734	1,523
Restricted Stock Units [Abstract]
Performance period	3 years
Cash payments	$ 2,500
Maximum common stock shares issued (in shares)	0.4
Unrecognized compensation cost [Abstract]
Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested share awards outstanding	$ 11,500
Unrecognized compensation cost, expected weighted average period	2 years 2 months 8 days
Performance shares [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Restricted Stock Units [Abstract]
Percentage of target awards to be earned (in hundredths)	0.00%
Performance shares [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Restricted Stock Units [Abstract]
Percentage of target awards to be earned (in hundredths)	150.00%
Performance shares [Member] | Performance shares that vest based on TSR [Member]
Restricted Stock Units [Abstract]
Equity awards granted (in shares)	0.3
Equity awards, grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	$ 9.43
Performance shares [Member] | Performance shares that vest based on EBITDA growth [Member]
Restricted Stock Units [Abstract]
Equity awards granted (in shares)	0.3
Equity awards, grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	$ 9.52
Restricted stock units for board members [Member]
Total share-based compensation [Abstract]
Total share-based compensation	$ 214	$ 182
Unrecognized compensation cost [Abstract]
Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested share awards outstanding	$ 100
Unrecognized compensation cost, expected weighted average period	1 month

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2016	Apr. 01, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective tax rate, percent	35.50%	35.40%
State jobs tax credits, percent	1.60%	2.30%

Net Income Per Share (Details)

Net Income Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2016	Apr. 01, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income	$ 9,954	$ 8,533
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic (in shares)	77,060	84,875
Effect of dilutive share-based compensation awards	1,817	2,590
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	78,877	87,465
Basic net income per share	$ 0.13	$ 0.10
Diluted net income per share	$ 0.13	$ 0.10
Antidilutive share-based compensation awards (in shares)	0	0

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform50

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2016	Apr. 01, 2015
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Income taxes paid, net	$ 311	$ 298
Interest paid	2,452	2,100
Noncash investing and financing activities:
Issuance of common stock, pursuant to share-based compensation plans	3,497	3,963
Execution of capital leases	532	282
Treasury stock payable	256	344
Accrued deferred financing costs	$ 0	$ 80

Shareholders' Equity (Share Rep

Shareholders' Equity (Share Repurchase) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands, shares in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2016	Dec. 30, 2015
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Share repurchase, authorized amount (in dollars)	$ 100,000
Purchase of treasury stock (in shares)	0.4
Purchase of treasury stock	$ 3,903
Number of accumulated shares repurchased (in shares)	5.1
Value of shares repurchased	$ 66,100
Value of remaining shares to be repurchased (in dollars)	$ 33,900
November 2015 Accelerated Share Repurchase [Member]
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Share repurchase, authorized amount (in dollars)		$ 50,000
Purchase of treasury stock (in shares)		3.5
Purchase of treasury stock		$ 36,900
Value of remaining shares to be repurchased (in dollars)		$ 13,100

Shareholders' Equity (Component

Shareholders' Equity (Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss) (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2016USD ($)
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 30, 2015	$ (23,777)
Amortization of net loss, before tax	21	[1]
Net change in fair value of derivatives, before tax	(7,478)
Reclassification of derivatives to interest expense, before tax	(212)	[2]
Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive loss	2,989
Balance as of March 30, 2016	(28,457)
Estimated reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to interest expense related to the interest rate swaps over the next 12 months	500
Pensions [Member]
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 30, 2015	(22,764)
Amortization of net loss, before tax	21	[1]
Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive loss	(8)
Balance as of March 30, 2016	(22,751)
Derivatives [Member]
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 30, 2015	(1,013)
Net change in fair value of derivatives, before tax	(7,478)
Reclassification of derivatives to interest expense, before tax	(212)	[2]
Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive loss	2,997
Balance as of March 30, 2016	$ (5,706)
[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 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income during the quarter ended March 30, 2016. See Note 10 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 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. We expect to reclassify approximately $0.5 million from accumulated other comprehensive loss related to our interest rate swaps during the next twelve months. See Note 9 for additional details.

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 30, 2016	Dec. 30, 2015
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantee liabilities included as a component of other noncurrent liabilities and deferred credits	$ 0.1	$ 0.1
Financial Guarantee [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Loan amounts outstanding under the loan pools	8.7	$ 8.7
Maximum payments guaranteed	1.3
Property Lease Guarantee [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Maximum payments guaranteed	$ 2

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details) - Pension Plan [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2016	Mar. 30, 2016	Apr. 01, 2015
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Employer contributions		$ 0	$ 0
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Employer contributions	$ 9,500
Assets used for settlements	67,700
Settlement loss to be recognized	24,300
Accumulated other comprehensive income to be recognized	$ 24,000