Denny's (DENN) 10-Q 3 Aug 16 2016 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2016	Aug. 01, 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		74,802,594
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Jun. 29, 2016

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 29, 2016	Dec. 30, 2015
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 6,693	$ 1,671
Receivables	14,109	16,552
Inventories	2,796	3,117
Assets held for sale	0	931
Prepaid and other current assets	6,894	14,143
Total current assets	30,492	36,414
Property, net of accumulated depreciation of $251,129 and $247,995, respectively	126,075	124,816
Goodwill	33,668	33,454
Intangible assets, net	48,779	46,074
Deferred financing costs, net	2,232	2,529
Deferred income taxes	26,664	29,159
Other noncurrent assets	25,330	24,591
Total assets	293,240	297,037
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of capital lease obligations	3,276	3,246
Accounts payable	14,289	20,759
Other current liabilities	57,441	77,548
Total current liabilities	75,006	101,553
Long-term liabilities:
Long-term debt, less current maturities	198,000	195,000
Capital lease obligations, less current maturities	20,457	17,499
Liability for insurance claims, less current portion	14,471	15,949
Other noncurrent liabilities	37,963	27,631
Total long-term liabilities	270,891	256,079
Total liabilities	345,897	357,632
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders' equity (deficit)
Common stock $0.01 par value; shares authorized - 135,000; June 29, 2016: 106,981 shares issued and 76,560 shares outstanding; December 30, 2015: 106,521 shares issued and 76,862 shares outstanding	1,070	1,065
Paid-in capital	568,697	565,364
Deficit	(403,843)	(402,245)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(9,853)	(23,777)
Shareholders’ equity before treasury stock	156,071	140,407
Treasury stock, at cost, 30,421 and 29,659 shares, respectively	(208,728)	(201,002)
Total shareholders' deficit	(52,657)	(60,595)
Total liabilities and shareholders' deficit	$ 293,240	$ 297,037

Condensed Consolidated Balance3

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Jun. 29, 2016	Dec. 30, 2015
Assets [Abstract]
Accumulated depreciation	$ 251,129	$ 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	106,981	106,521
Common stock, shares outstanding	76,560	76,862
Treasury stock, at cost, shares	30,421	29,659

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2016	Jul. 01, 2015	Jun. 29, 2016	Jul. 01, 2015
Revenue:
Company restaurant sales	$ 89,210	$ 88,629	$ 179,596	$ 174,611
Franchise and license revenue	35,105	34,690	69,361	68,879
Total operating revenue	124,315	123,319	248,957	243,490
Costs of company restaurant sales:
Product costs	21,781	21,876	44,434	43,320
Payroll and benefits	34,088	33,665	68,549	66,869
Occupancy	4,993	4,913	9,793	9,808
Other operating expenses	11,975	11,866	24,172	23,631
Total costs of company restaurant sales	72,837	72,320	146,948	143,628
Costs of franchise and license revenue	10,759	11,216	20,762	22,194
General and administrative expenses	16,206	16,827	33,133	33,763
Depreciation and amortization	5,105	5,314	10,598	10,338
Operating (gains), losses and other charges, net	24,241	228	24,116	836
Total operating costs and expenses, net	129,148	105,905	235,557	210,759
Operating income (loss)	(4,833)	17,414	13,400	32,731
Interest expense, net	3,014	2,264	5,788	4,351
Other nonoperating income, net	(119)	(83)	(92)	(54)
Net income (loss) before income taxes	(7,728)	15,233	7,704	28,434
Provision for income taxes	3,824	5,499	9,302	10,167
Net income (loss)	$ (11,552)	$ 9,734	$ (1,598)	$ 18,267
Basic net income (loss) per share	$ (0.15)	$ 0.12	$ (0.02)	$ 0.22
Diluted net income (loss) per share	$ (0.15)	$ 0.11	$ (0.02)	$ 0.21
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	76,730	83,975	76,895	84,467
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	76,730	86,080	76,895	86,547

Condensed Consolidated Stateme5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2016	Jul. 01, 2015	Jun. 29, 2016	Jul. 01, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (11,552)	$ 9,734	$ (1,598)	$ 18,267
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax of $2,152, $169, $2,160 and $338	21,825	264	21,838	528
Recognition of unrealized gain (loss) on hedge transactions, net of tax of $(2,057), $2,124, $(5,054) and $963	(3,221)	3,319	(7,914)	1,505
Other comprehensive income	18,604	3,583	13,924	2,033
Total comprehensive income	$ 7,052	$ 13,317	$ 12,326	$ 20,300

Condensed Consolidated Stateme6

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2016	Jul. 01, 2015	Jun. 29, 2016	Jul. 01, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Minimum pension liability adjustment, tax	$ 2,152	$ 169	$ 2,160	$ 338
Unrealized gain (loss) on hedged transactions, tax	$ (2,057)	$ 2,124	$ (5,054)	$ 963

Condensed Consolidated Stateme7

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Deficit (Unaudited) - 6 months ended Jun. 29, 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 loss	$ (1,598)				(1,598)
Other comprehensive income	13,924					13,924
Share-based compensation on equity classified awards	2,988			2,988
Purchase of treasury stock	(7,726)		$ (7,726)
Purchase of treasury stock (in shares)			(762)
Issuance of common stock for share-based compensation	0	$ 4		(4)
Issuance of common stock for share-based compensation (in shares)		383
Exercise of common stock options	323	$ 1		322
Exercise of common stock options (in shares)		77
Tax benefit from share-based compensation	27			27
Balance at Jun. 29, 2016	$ (52,657)	$ 1,070	$ (208,728)	$ 568,697	$ (403,843)	$ (9,853)
Balance, common stock, shares issued at Jun. 29, 2016	106,981	106,981
Balance, treasury stock, at cost, shares at Jun. 29, 2016	(30,421)		(30,421)

Condensed Consolidated Stateme8

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2016	Jul. 01, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ (1,598)	$ 18,267
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash flows provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	10,598	10,338
Operating (gains), losses and other charges, net	24,116	836
Amortization of deferred financing costs	296	243
(Gain) loss on early extinguishments of debt	(52)	266
Deferred income tax expense	5,390	6,300
Share-based compensation	3,850	3,564
Decrease (increase) in assets:
Receivables	2,455	4,194
Inventories	322	131
Other current assets	7,248	1,012
Other assets	(1,113)	271
Increase (decrease) in liabilities:
Accounts payable	(671)	(337)
Accrued salaries and vacations	(12,730)	(4,092)
Accrued taxes	94	(297)
Other accrued liabilities	(13,405)	(3,136)
Other noncurrent liabilities	(1,975)	(672)
Net cash flows provided by operating activities	22,825	36,888
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(7,973)	(10,781)
Payments to acquire businesses and real estate	1,476	1,620
Proceeds from disposition of property	1,883	0
Collections on notes receivable	730	974
Issuance of notes receivable	(637)	(1,000)
Net cash flows used in investing activities	(7,473)	(12,427)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Revolver borrowings	30,000	156,500
Revolver payments	(27,000)	(99,750)
Long-term debt payments	(1,555)	(56,681)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	323	401
Tax withholding on share-based payments	0	(982)
Tax benefit for share-based compensation	27	553
Deferred financing costs	0	(1,261)
Purchase of treasury stock	(7,764)	(21,190)
Net bank overdrafts	(4,361)	0
Net cash flows used in financing activities	(10,330)	(22,410)
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	5,022	2,051
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	1,671	3,074
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 6,693	$ 5,125

Introduction and Basis of Prese

Introduction and Basis of Presentation	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 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 June 29, 2016 , the Denny's brand consisted of 1,720 restaurants, 1,558 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	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
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, on a prospective basis, 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. 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, on a prospective basis, 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 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net", ASU 2016-10, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing" and ASU 2016-12, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients" 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. In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-12, which provides clarifying guidance and adds some practical expedients in the areas of assessing collectability, presentation of sales taxes received from customers, noncash consideration, contract modification and clarification of using the full retrospective approach to adopt ASU 2014-09. These three new ASUs must be adopted concurrently with ASU 2014-09. The guidance is not expected to impact the recognition of company restaurant sales or royalties from franchised restaurants. We are currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on the recognition of other transactions on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures and have not yet selected a transition method. 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. ASU 2016-13 "Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments" In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, which replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology in current GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform financial statement users of credit loss estimates. ASU 2016-13 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019 (our fiscal 2020) with early adoption permitted for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018 (our fiscal 2019). We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to 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. 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, but expect the adoption will result in a significant increase in the assets and liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet. 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	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2016
Receivables [Abstract]
Receivables	Receivables Receivables were comprised of the following: June 29, 2016 December 30, 2015 (In thousands) Current assets: Receivables: Trade accounts receivable from franchisees $ 10,163 $ 10,591 Notes receivable from franchisees 1,363 1,352 Vendor receivables 1,438 3,049 Credit card receivables 1,245 1,606 Other 219 251 Allowance for doubtful accounts (319 ) (297 ) Total current receivables, net $ 14,109 $ 16,552 Noncurrent assets (included as a component of other noncurrent assets): Notes receivable from franchisees $ 436 $ 541

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 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 (11 ) Balance, June 29, 2016 $ 33,668 Other intangible assets were comprised of the following: June 29, 2016 December 30, 2015 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization (In thousands) Intangible assets with indefinite lives: Trade names $ 44,074 $ — $ 44,068 $ — Liquor licenses 126 — 126 — Intangible assets with definite lives: Franchise and license agreements 3,907 3,800 12,237 12,026 Reacquired franchise rights 5,329 857 2,823 1,154 Intangible assets $ 53,436 $ 4,657 $ 59,254 $ 13,180 During the two quarters ended June 29, 2016 , we acquired three franchised restaurants for $3.9 million , of which $3.2 million was allocated to reacquired franchise rights, $0.5 million to property and $0.2 million to goodwill. As of June 29, 2016 , we recorded a payable of $3.0 million related to these transactions that was settled subsequent to quarter-end. The $8.3 million decrease in gross franchise and license agreements during the two quarters ended June 29, 2016 primarily resulted from the removal of fully amortized agreements.

Other Current Liabilities

Other Current Liabilities	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2016
Other Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block]	Other Current Liabilities Other current liabilities consisted of the following: June 29, 2016 December 30, 2015 (In thousands) Accrued salaries and vacation $ 20,653 $ 30,549 Accrued insurance, primarily current portion of liability for insurance claims 6,499 7,076 Accrued taxes 7,405 7,311 Accrued advertising 6,066 7,737 Accrued pension 431 9,648 Gift cards 3,964 4,611 Other 12,423 10,616 Other current liabilities 57,441 77,548

Operating (Gains), Losses and O

Operating (Gains), Losses and Other Charges, Net	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 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 Two Quarters Ended June 29, 2016 July 1, 2015 June 29, 2016 July 1, 2015 (In thousands) Pension settlement loss $ 24,297 $ — $ 24,297 $ — Losses (gains) on sales of assets and other, net (43 ) 2 (687 ) (20 ) Restructuring charges and exit costs (13 ) 181 506 762 Impairment charges — 45 — 94 Operating (gains), losses and other charges, net $ 24,241 $ 228 $ 24,116 $ 836 The pre-tax pension settlement loss of $24.3 million related to the completion of the Pension Plan liquidation during the quarter ended June 29, 2016 . See Note 9 for details on the Pension Plan liquidation. Gains on sales of assets and other, net of $0.7 million for the two quarters ended June 29, 2016 primarily related to restaurants sold to franchisees. Restructuring charges and exit costs were comprised of the following: Quarter Ended Two Quarters Ended June 29, 2016 July 1, 2015 June 29, 2016 July 1, 2015 (In thousands) Exit costs $ (36 ) $ 87 $ 115 $ 540 Severance and other restructuring charges 23 94 391 222 Total restructuring charges and exit costs $ (13 ) $ 181 $ 506 $ 762 The components of the change in accrued exit cost liabilities are as follows: (In thousands) Balance, December 30, 2015 $ 2,043 Exit costs (1) 115 Payments, net of sublease receipts (269 ) Interest accretion 62 Balance, June 29, 2016 1,951 Less current portion included in other current liabilities 717 Long-term portion included in other noncurrent liabilities $ 1,234 (1) Included as a component of operating (gains), losses and other charges, net. As of June 29, 2016 and December 30, 2015, we had accrued severance and other restructuring charges of $0.3 million and $0.4 million , respectively. The balance as of June 29, 2016 is expected to be paid during the next 12 months.

Fair Value of Financial Instrum

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 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 June 29, 2016: Deferred compensation plan investments (1) $ 10,566 $ 10,566 $ — $ — market approach Interest rate swaps (2) (14,628 ) — (14,628 ) — income approach Total $ (4,062 ) $ 10,566 $ (14,628 ) $ — 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 8 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	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 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 June 29, 2016 , we had outstanding revolver loans of $198.0 million and outstanding letters of credit under the senior secured revolver of $22.4 million . These balances resulted in availability of $104.6 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 2.21% and 1.76% as of June 29, 2016 and December 30, 2015 , respectively. Taking into consideration our interest rate swaps, the weighted-average interest rate of outstanding revolver loans was 2.62% and 2.31% as of June 29, 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 June 29, 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 June 29, 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 June 29, 2016 , the fair value of the interest rate swaps was a liability of $14.6 million , which is recorded as a component of other noncurrent liabilities in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 14 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	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2016
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plans	Defined Benefit Plans The components of net periodic benefit cost were as follows: Quarter Ended Two Quarters Ended June 29, 2016 July 1, 2015 June 29, 2016 July 1, 2015 (In thousands) Pension Plan: Service cost $ — $ 95 $ 105 $ 190 Interest cost — 746 — 1,492 Expected return on plan assets — (877 ) — (1,754 ) Amortization of net loss — 433 — 866 Net periodic benefit cost $ — $ 397 $ 105 $ 794 Other Defined Benefit Plans: Interest cost $ 23 $ 27 $ 46 $ 54 Amortization of net loss 22 19 43 39 Net periodic benefit cost $ 45 $ 46 $ 89 $ 93 During 2014, our Board of Directors approved the termination and liquidation of the Advantica Pension Plan (the "Pension Plan") as of December 31, 2014. During the quarter ended June 29, 2016 , we completed the liquidation of the Pension Plan. Accordingly, we made a final contribution of $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 are administered by a third-party provider. In addition, during the quarter, we recognized a pre-tax settlement loss of $24.3 million related to the liquidation, reflecting the recognition of unamortized actuarial losses that were recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income. See Note 14. We made no contributions to the Pension Plan during the two quarters ended July 1, 2015 . We made contributions of $0.1 million to our other defined benefit plans during both the two quarters ended June 29, 2016 and the two quarters ended July 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 $0.9 million and $22.8 million is reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity as of June 29, 2016 and December 30, 2015 , respectively.

Share-Based Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 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 Two Quarters Ended June 29, 2016 July 1, 2015 June 29, 2016 July 1, 2015 (In thousands) Performance share awards 1,688 1,655 $ 3,422 $ 3,178 Restricted stock units for board members 214 204 428 386 Total share-based compensation $ 1,902 $ 1,859 $ 3,850 $ 3,564 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 two quarters ended June 29, 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 June 29, 2016 , we had approximately $10.0 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to all unvested performance share awards outstanding, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average of 2.0 years . Restricted Stock Units for Board Members During the two quarters ended June 29, 2016 , we granted approximately 0.1 million deferred stock units (which are equity classified) with a weighted average grant date fair value of $10.77 per unit to non-employee members of our Board of Directors. A director may elect to convert these awards into shares of 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 two quarters ended June 29, 2016 , less than 0.1 million deferred stock units were converted into shares of common stock. As of June 29, 2016 , we had approximately $0.7 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 0.8 years .

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The effective tax rate was (49.5)% for the quarter and 120.7% year-to-date compared to 36.1% and 35.8% , respectively, for the prior year periods. The 2016 and 2015 year-to-date rates benefited from state jobs tax credits claimed for the prior year's hiring activity of 3.2% and 0.9% , respectively. In addition, the 2016 rates were impacted by the recognition of a $2.1 million tax benefit related to the $24.3 million pre-tax settlement loss on the Pension Plan liquidation. This benefit was at a rate lower than the effective tax rate due to the previous recognition of an approximate $7.2 million tax benefit recognized with the reversal of our valuation allowance in 2011. Excluding the impact of the Pension Plan liquidation, our effective income tax rate would have been 35.8% for the two quarters ended June 29, 2016 .

Net Income (Loss) Per Share

Net Income (Loss) Per Share	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Income Per Share	Net Income (Loss) Per Share The amounts used for the basic and diluted net income per share calculations are summarized below: Quarter Ended Two Quarters Ended June 29, 2016 July 1, 2015 June 29, 2016 July 1, 2015 (In thousands, except for per share amounts) Net income (loss) $ (11,552 ) $ 9,734 $ (1,598 ) $ 18,267 Weighted average shares outstanding - basic 76,730 83,975 76,895 84,467 Effect of dilutive share-based compensation awards — 2,105 — 2,080 Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted 76,730 86,080 76,895 86,547 Basic net income (loss) per share $ (0.15 ) $ 0.12 $ (0.02 ) $ 0.22 Diluted net income (loss) per share $ (0.15 ) $ 0.11 $ (0.02 ) $ 0.21 Anti-dilutive share-based compensation awards 2,636 — 2,636 —

Supplemental Cash Flow Informat

Supplemental Cash Flow Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2016
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	Supplemental Cash Flow Information Two Quarters Ended June 29, 2016 July 1, 2015 (In thousands) Income taxes paid, net $ 938 $ 4,160 Interest paid $ 5,215 $ 4,136 Noncash investing and financing activities: Property acquisition payable $ 2,973 $ — Issuance of common stock, pursuant to share-based compensation plans $ 3,597 $ 4,551 Execution of capital leases $ 4,623 $ 1,731 Treasury stock payable $ 147 $ 175

Shareholders' Equity

Shareholders' Equity	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 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. On May 23, 2016, our Board of Directors approved a new share repurchase program authorizing us to repurchase an additional $100 million of our common stock, in addition to repurchases previously authorized. Such repurchases are to be made in a manner similar to, and will be in addition to, authorizations under the March 2015 repurchase program. 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 number of shares to be delivered based on the cap price. We recorded $36.9 million of treasury stock related to these shares. As of June 29, 2016 , the remaining balance of $13.1 million is included as additional paid-in capital in shareholders' equity as an equity forward contract. Subsequent to the end of the quarter ended June 29, 2016 , we settled the ASR agreement. See Note 16. During the two quarters ended June 29, 2016 , we repurchased 0.8 million shares of our common stock for approximately $7.7 million . Taking into consideration the above mentioned ASR agreement, this brings the total amount repurchased under the March 2015 repurchase program to 5.4 million shares of our common stock for approximately $69.9 million , leaving $30.1 million of our common stock that can be repurchased under this program as of June 29, 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 ) Net loss (342 ) — (342 ) Amortization of net loss (1) 43 — 43 Settlement loss recognized (2) 24,297 — 24,297 Net change in fair value of derivatives — (12,547 ) (12,547 ) Reclassification of derivatives to interest expense (3) — (421 ) (421 ) Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive loss (2,160 ) 5,054 2,894 Balance as of June 29, 2016 (926 ) (8,927 ) (9,853 ) (1) Before-tax amount related to our Other Defined Benefit Plans 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 two quarters ended June 29, 2016 . See Note 9 for additional details. (2) Before-tax amount related to the liquidation of our Pension Plan that was reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss and included as a component of operating (gains), losses and other charges, net in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income during the two quarters ended June 29, 2016 . See Note 9 for additional details. (3) 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 $0.8 million from accumulated other comprehensive loss related to our interest rate swaps during the next twelve months. See Note 8 for additional details.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 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 June 29, 2016 , no events had occurred that caused us to make payments under these guarantees. There were $8.4 million and $8.7 million of loans outstanding under these programs as of June 29, 2016 and December 30, 2015 , respectively. As of June 29, 2016 , the maximum amounts payable under the lease 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 June 29, 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	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2016
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events On July 19, 2016, we settled the ASR agreement with Wells Fargo. As a result, we received final delivery of an additional 1.5 million shares of our common stock, bringing the total number of shares repurchased pursuant to the ASR agreement to 5.0 million . The total number of shares repurchased was based on a combined discounted volume-weighted average price (VWAP) of $9.90 per share, which was determined based on the average of the daily VWAP of our common stock, less a fixed discount, over the term of the ASR agreement. In addition, during July 2016, we recorded $13.1 million of treasury stock related to the settlement of the equity forward contract related to the ASR agreement, which was included in shareholders' equity as additional paid-in capital as of June 29, 2016 .

Summary of Significant Accoun25

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 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, on a prospective basis, 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. 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, on a prospective basis, 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 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net", ASU 2016-10, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing" and ASU 2016-12, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients" 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. In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-12, which provides clarifying guidance and adds some practical expedients in the areas of assessing collectability, presentation of sales taxes received from customers, noncash consideration, contract modification and clarification of using the full retrospective approach to adopt ASU 2014-09. These three new ASUs must be adopted concurrently with ASU 2014-09. The guidance is not expected to impact the recognition of company restaurant sales or royalties from franchised restaurants. We are currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on the recognition of other transactions on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures and have not yet selected a transition method. 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. ASU 2016-13 "Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments" In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, which replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology in current GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform financial statement users of credit loss estimates. ASU 2016-13 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019 (our fiscal 2020) with early adoption permitted for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018 (our fiscal 2019). We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to 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. 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, but expect the adoption will result in a significant increase in the assets and liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet. 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.
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 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net", ASU 2016-10, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing" and ASU 2016-12, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients" 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. In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-12, which provides clarifying guidance and adds some practical expedients in the areas of assessing collectability, presentation of sales taxes received from customers, noncash consideration, contract modification and clarification of using the full retrospective approach to adopt ASU 2014-09. These three new ASUs must be adopted concurrently with ASU 2014-09. The guidance is not expected to impact the recognition of company restaurant sales or royalties from franchised restaurants. We are currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on the recognition of other transactions on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures and have not yet selected a transition method. 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. ASU 2016-13 "Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments" In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, which replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology in current GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform financial statement users of credit loss estimates. ASU 2016-13 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019 (our fiscal 2020) with early adoption permitted for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018 (our fiscal 2019). We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to 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. 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, but expect the adoption will result in a significant increase in the assets and liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet. 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)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2016
Receivables [Abstract]
Receivables, net	Receivables were comprised of the following: June 29, 2016 December 30, 2015 (In thousands) Current assets: Receivables: Trade accounts receivable from franchisees $ 10,163 $ 10,591 Notes receivable from franchisees 1,363 1,352 Vendor receivables 1,438 3,049 Credit card receivables 1,245 1,606 Other 219 251 Allowance for doubtful accounts (319 ) (297 ) Total current receivables, net $ 14,109 $ 16,552 Noncurrent assets (included as a component of other noncurrent assets): Notes receivable from franchisees $ 436 $ 541

Goodwill and Other Intangible27

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 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 (11 ) Balance, June 29, 2016 $ 33,668
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets	Other intangible assets were comprised of the following: June 29, 2016 December 30, 2015 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization (In thousands) Intangible assets with indefinite lives: Trade names $ 44,074 $ — $ 44,068 $ — Liquor licenses 126 — 126 — Intangible assets with definite lives: Franchise and license agreements 3,907 3,800 12,237 12,026 Reacquired franchise rights 5,329 857 2,823 1,154 Intangible assets $ 53,436 $ 4,657 $ 59,254 $ 13,180
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets	Other intangible assets were comprised of the following: June 29, 2016 December 30, 2015 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization (In thousands) Intangible assets with indefinite lives: Trade names $ 44,074 $ — $ 44,068 $ — Liquor licenses 126 — 126 — Intangible assets with definite lives: Franchise and license agreements 3,907 3,800 12,237 12,026 Reacquired franchise rights 5,329 857 2,823 1,154 Intangible assets $ 53,436 $ 4,657 $ 59,254 $ 13,180

Other Current Liabilities (Tabl

Other Current Liabilities (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2016
Other Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Schedule of Other Current Liabilities	Other current liabilities consisted of the following: June 29, 2016 December 30, 2015 (In thousands) Accrued salaries and vacation $ 20,653 $ 30,549 Accrued insurance, primarily current portion of liability for insurance claims 6,499 7,076 Accrued taxes 7,405 7,311 Accrued advertising 6,066 7,737 Accrued pension 431 9,648 Gift cards 3,964 4,611 Other 12,423 10,616 Other current liabilities 57,441 77,548

Operating (Gains), Losses and29

Operating (Gains), Losses and Other Charges, Net (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 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 Two Quarters Ended June 29, 2016 July 1, 2015 June 29, 2016 July 1, 2015 (In thousands) Pension settlement loss $ 24,297 $ — $ 24,297 $ — Losses (gains) on sales of assets and other, net (43 ) 2 (687 ) (20 ) Restructuring charges and exit costs (13 ) 181 506 762 Impairment charges — 45 — 94 Operating (gains), losses and other charges, net $ 24,241 $ 228 $ 24,116 $ 836
Restructuring charges and exit costs	Restructuring charges and exit costs were comprised of the following: Quarter Ended Two Quarters Ended June 29, 2016 July 1, 2015 June 29, 2016 July 1, 2015 (In thousands) Exit costs $ (36 ) $ 87 $ 115 $ 540 Severance and other restructuring charges 23 94 391 222 Total restructuring charges and exit costs $ (13 ) $ 181 $ 506 $ 762
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) 115 Payments, net of sublease receipts (269 ) Interest accretion 62 Balance, June 29, 2016 1,951 Less current portion included in other current liabilities 717 Long-term portion included in other noncurrent liabilities $ 1,234 (1) Included as a component of operating (gains), losses and other charges, net.

Fair Value of Financial Instr30

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 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 June 29, 2016: Deferred compensation plan investments (1) $ 10,566 $ 10,566 $ — $ — market approach Interest rate swaps (2) (14,628 ) — (14,628 ) — income approach Total $ (4,062 ) $ 10,566 $ (14,628 ) $ — 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 8 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)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 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 June 29, 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)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2016
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of net periodic benefit cost	The components of net periodic benefit cost were as follows: Quarter Ended Two Quarters Ended June 29, 2016 July 1, 2015 June 29, 2016 July 1, 2015 (In thousands) Pension Plan: Service cost $ — $ 95 $ 105 $ 190 Interest cost — 746 — 1,492 Expected return on plan assets — (877 ) — (1,754 ) Amortization of net loss — 433 — 866 Net periodic benefit cost $ — $ 397 $ 105 $ 794 Other Defined Benefit Plans: Interest cost $ 23 $ 27 $ 46 $ 54 Amortization of net loss 22 19 43 39 Net periodic benefit cost $ 45 $ 46 $ 89 $ 93

Share-Based Compensation (Table

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 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 Two Quarters Ended June 29, 2016 July 1, 2015 June 29, 2016 July 1, 2015 (In thousands) Performance share awards 1,688 1,655 $ 3,422 $ 3,178 Restricted stock units for board members 214 204 428 386 Total share-based compensation $ 1,902 $ 1,859 $ 3,850 $ 3,564

Net Income Per Share (Tables)

Net Income Per Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 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 Two Quarters Ended June 29, 2016 July 1, 2015 June 29, 2016 July 1, 2015 (In thousands, except for per share amounts) Net income (loss) $ (11,552 ) $ 9,734 $ (1,598 ) $ 18,267 Weighted average shares outstanding - basic 76,730 83,975 76,895 84,467 Effect of dilutive share-based compensation awards — 2,105 — 2,080 Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted 76,730 86,080 76,895 86,547 Basic net income (loss) per share $ (0.15 ) $ 0.12 $ (0.02 ) $ 0.22 Diluted net income (loss) per share $ (0.15 ) $ 0.11 $ (0.02 ) $ 0.21 Anti-dilutive share-based compensation awards 2,636 — 2,636 —

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform35

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2016
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	Two Quarters Ended June 29, 2016 July 1, 2015 (In thousands) Income taxes paid, net $ 938 $ 4,160 Interest paid $ 5,215 $ 4,136 Noncash investing and financing activities: Property acquisition payable $ 2,973 $ — Issuance of common stock, pursuant to share-based compensation plans $ 3,597 $ 4,551 Execution of capital leases $ 4,623 $ 1,731 Treasury stock payable $ 147 $ 175

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 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 ) Net loss (342 ) — (342 ) Amortization of net loss (1) 43 — 43 Settlement loss recognized (2) 24,297 — 24,297 Net change in fair value of derivatives — (12,547 ) (12,547 ) Reclassification of derivatives to interest expense (3) — (421 ) (421 ) Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive loss (2,160 ) 5,054 2,894 Balance as of June 29, 2016 (926 ) (8,927 ) (9,853 ) (1) Before-tax amount related to our Other Defined Benefit Plans 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 two quarters ended June 29, 2016 . See Note 9 for additional details. (2) Before-tax amount related to the liquidation of our Pension Plan that was reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss and included as a component of operating (gains), losses and other charges, net in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income during the two quarters ended June 29, 2016 . See Note 9 for additional details. (3) 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 $0.8 million from accumulated other comprehensive loss related to our interest rate swaps during the next twelve months. See Note 8 for additional details.

Introduction and Basis of Pre37

Introduction and Basis of Presentation (Details)	Jun. 29, 2016restaurant
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of restaurants	1,720
Franchised/licensed restaurants [Member]
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of restaurants	1,558
Company restaurants [Member]
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of restaurants	162

Receivables (Details)

Receivables (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 29, 2016	Dec. 30, 2015
Receivables [Abstract]
Trade accounts receivable from franchisees, gross, current	$ 10,163	$ 10,591
Notes receivable from franchisees, gross, current	1,363	1,352
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(319)	(297)
Total current receivables, net	14,109	16,552
Noncurrent assets (included as a component of other noncurrent assets):
Notes receivable from franchisees, noncurrent	436	541
Vendor receivables [Member]
Receivables [Abstract]
Other receivables, gross, current	1,438	3,049
Credit card receivables [Member]
Receivables [Abstract]
Other receivables, gross, current	1,245	1,606
Other [Member]
Receivables [Abstract]
Other receivables, gross, current	$ 219	$ 251

Goodwill and Other Intangible39

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2016USD ($)restaurants	Jul. 01, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2015USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, December 30, 2015	$ 33,454
Additions related to acquisition	225
Write-offs and reclassifications associated with the sale of restaurants	(11)
Balance, June 29, 2016	33,668
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount - Trade names	44,074		$ 44,068
Gross carrying amount - Liquor licenses	126		126
Accumulated amortization - Intangible assets with definite lives	4,657		13,180
Intangible assets	$ 53,436		59,254
Restaurants reacquired from franchisees | restaurants	3
Purchase price to reacquire franchised restaurant	$ 3,900
Purchase price allocation of property	500
Purchase price allocation of goodwill	225
Property acquisition payable	2,973	$ 0
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount - Intangible assets with definite lives	3,907		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	5,329		2,823
Accumulated amortization - Intangible assets with definite lives	857		$ 1,154
Purchase price allocation of reacquired franchise rights	$ 3,200

Other Current Liabilities (Deta

Other Current Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 29, 2016	Dec. 30, 2015
Other Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Accrued salaries and vacation	$ 20,653	$ 30,549
Accrued insurance, primarily current portion of liability for insurance claims	6,499	7,076
Accrued taxes	7,405	7,311
Accrued advertising	6,066	7,737
Accrued pension	431	9,648
Gift cards	3,964	4,611
Other	12,423	10,616
Other current liabilities	$ 57,441	$ 77,548

Operating (Gains), Losses and41

Operating (Gains), Losses and Other Charges, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2016	Jul. 01, 2015	Jun. 29, 2016		Jul. 01, 2015	Dec. 30, 2015
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Pension settlement loss, pre-tax	$ 24,297	$ 0	$ 24,297	[1]	$ 0
Losses (gains) on sales of assets and other, net	(43)	2	(687)		(20)
Restructuring charges and exit costs	(13)	181	506		762
Impairment charges	0	45	0		94
Operating (gains), losses and other charges, net	24,241	228	24,116		836
Restructuring Charges [Abstract]
Exit costs	(36)	87	115	[2]	540
Severance and other restructuring charges	23	94	391		222
Total restructuring charges and exit costs	(13)	181	506		762
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Balance, December 30, 2015			2,043
Exit costs	(36)	$ 87	115	[2]	$ 540
Payments, net of sublease receipts			(269)
Interest accretion			62
Balance, June 29, 2016	1,951		1,951
Less current portion included in other current liabilities	717		717
Long-term portion included in other noncurrent liabilities	1,234		1,234
Accrued severance and other restructuring charges	$ 300		$ 300			$ 400
[1]	Before-tax amount related to the liquidation of our Pension Plan that was reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss and included as a component of operating (gains), losses and other charges, net in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income during the two quarters ended June 29, 2016. See Note 9 for additional details.
[2]	Included as a component of operating (gains), losses and other charges, net.

Fair Value of Financial Instr42

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
		Jun. 29, 2016	Dec. 30, 2015
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Interest rate swaps		$ (14,600)
Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total, liabilities		(4,062)
Total, assets			$ 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		(14,628)	(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]	$ (14,628)	$ (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]	(14,628)	(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]
Valuation technique			market approach
Impairment of assets identified as held for sale			$ 264
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 8 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	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2016	Dec. 30, 2015
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Interest rate swaps liability	$ 14,600
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	198,000
Availability under the revolving facility	$ 104,600
Weighted-average interest rate (in hundredths)	2.21%	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)	2.62%	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	$ 22,400

Defined Benefit Plans (Details)

Defined Benefit Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2016	Jul. 01, 2015	Jun. 29, 2016		Jul. 01, 2015	Dec. 30, 2015
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Pension settlement loss, pre-tax	$ 24,297	$ 0	$ 24,297	[1]	$ 0
Additional minimum pension liability	900		900			$ 22,800
Pension Plan [Member]
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Service cost	0	95	105		190
Interest cost	0	746	0		1,492
Expected return on plan assets	0	(877)	0		(1,754)
Amortization of net loss	0	433	0		866
Net periodic benefit cost	0	397	105		794
Employer contributions	9,500				0
Assets used for settlements	67,700
Other Defined Benefit Plans [Member]
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Interest cost	23	27	46		54
Amortization of net loss	22	19	43		39
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 45	$ 46	89		93
Employer contributions			100		$ 100
Estimated employer contributions remainder of current fiscal year			$ 100
[1]	Before-tax amount related to the liquidation of our Pension Plan that was reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss and included as a component of operating (gains), losses and other charges, net in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income during the two quarters ended June 29, 2016. See Note 9 for additional details.

Share-Based Compensation (Detai

Share-Based Compensation (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands, shares in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2016	Jul. 01, 2015	Jun. 29, 2016	Jul. 01, 2015
Total share-based compensation [Abstract]
Total share-based compensation	$ 1,902	$ 1,859	$ 3,850	$ 3,564
Performance shares [Member]
Total share-based compensation [Abstract]
Total share-based compensation	1,688	1,655	$ 3,422	3,178
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	10,000		$ 10,000
Unrecognized compensation cost, expected weighted average period			1 year 11 months 26 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	$ 204	$ 428	$ 386
Restricted Stock Units [Abstract]
Equity awards granted (in shares)			0.1
Equity awards, grant date fair value (in dollars per share)			$ 10.77
Maximum common stock shares issued (in shares)			0.1
Unrecognized compensation cost [Abstract]
Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested share awards outstanding	$ 700		$ 700
Unrecognized compensation cost, expected weighted average period			10 months

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2016	Jul. 01, 2015	Jun. 29, 2016		Jul. 01, 2015	Dec. 28, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective tax rate, percent	(49.50%)	36.10%	120.70%		35.80%
State jobs tax credits, percent			3.20%		0.90%
Tax benefit recognized related to the settlement loss on the Pension Plan liquidation			$ 2,100
Pension settlement loss, pre-tax	$ 24,297	$ 0	$ 24,297	[1]	$ 0
Tax benefit recognized with reversal of the valuation allowance						$ 7,200
Effective tax rate excluding the pension settlement, percent			35.80%
[1]	Before-tax amount related to the liquidation of our Pension Plan that was reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss and included as a component of operating (gains), losses and other charges, net in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income during the two quarters ended June 29, 2016. See Note 9 for additional details.

Net Income Per Share (Details)

Net Income Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2016	Jul. 01, 2015	Jun. 29, 2016	Jul. 01, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (11,552)	$ 9,734	$ (1,598)	$ 18,267
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic (in shares)	76,730	83,975	76,895	84,467
Effect of dilutive share-based compensation awards	0	2,105	0	2,080
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	76,730	86,080	76,895	86,547
Basic net income (loss) per share	$ (0.15)	$ 0.12	$ (0.02)	$ 0.22
Diluted net income (loss) per share	$ (0.15)	$ 0.11	$ (0.02)	$ 0.21
Antidilutive share-based compensation awards (in shares)	2,636	0	2,636	0

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform48

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2016	Jul. 01, 2015
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Income taxes paid, net	$ 938	$ 4,160
Interest paid	5,215	4,136
Noncash investing and financing activities:
Property acquisition payable	2,973	0
Issuance of common stock, pursuant to share-based compensation plans	3,597	4,551
Execution of capital leases	4,623	1,731
Treasury stock payable	$ 147	$ 175

Shareholders' Equity (Share Rep

Shareholders' Equity (Share Repurchase) (Details) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2015	Jun. 29, 2016
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Purchase of treasury stock		$ 7,726
Number of accumulated shares repurchased (in shares)	29,659	30,421
Share Repurchase Program 2015 [Member]
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Share repurchase, authorized amount (in dollars)		$ 100,000
Purchase of treasury stock (in shares)		800
Purchase of treasury stock		$ 7,700
Value of remaining shares to be repurchased (in dollars)		$ 30,100
Number of accumulated shares repurchased (in shares)		5,400
Value of shares repurchased		$ 69,900
Share Repurchase Program 2016 [Member]
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Share repurchase, authorized amount (in dollars)		100,000
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)	3,500
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) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 29, 2016	Jul. 01, 2015	Jun. 29, 2016		Jul. 01, 2015
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 30, 2015				$ (23,777)
Net loss				(342)
Amortization of net loss	[1]			43
Settlement loss recognized		$ 24,297	$ 0	24,297	[2]	$ 0
Net change in fair value of derivatives				(12,547)
Reclassification of derivatives to interest expense	[3]			(421)
Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive loss				2,894
Balance as of June 29, 2016		(9,853)		(9,853)
Estimated reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to interest expense related to the interest rate swaps over the next 12 months				800
Pensions [Member]
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 30, 2015				(22,764)
Net loss				(342)
Amortization of net loss	[1]			43
Settlement loss recognized	[2]			24,297
Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive loss				(2,160)
Balance as of June 29, 2016		(926)		(926)
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				(12,547)
Reclassification of derivatives to interest expense	[3]			(421)
Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive loss				5,054
Balance as of June 29, 2016		$ (8,927)		$ (8,927)
[1]	Before-tax amount related to our Other Defined Benefit Plans 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 two quarters ended June 29, 2016. See Note 9 for additional details.
[2]	Before-tax amount related to the liquidation of our Pension Plan that was reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss and included as a component of operating (gains), losses and other charges, net in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income during the two quarters ended June 29, 2016. See Note 9 for additional details.
[3]	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 $0.8 million from accumulated other comprehensive loss related to our interest rate swaps during the next twelve months. See Note 8 for additional details.

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 29, 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	8.4	$ 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) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands, shares in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended	8 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2016	Dec. 30, 2015	Jun. 29, 2016	Jul. 19, 2016
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Purchase of treasury stock			$ 7,726
November 2015 Accelerated Share Repurchase [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Purchase of treasury stock (in shares)		3.5
Purchase of treasury stock		$ 36,900
November 2015 Accelerated Share Repurchase [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Purchase of treasury stock (in shares)	1.5			5
Volume-weighted average price of treasury stock repurchased				$ 9.90
Purchase of treasury stock	$ 13,100