Denny's (DENN) 10-Q 31 Jul 18 2018 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2018	Jul. 25, 2018
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	DENNYS CORP
Entity Central Index Key	852,772
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-26
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		63,386,252
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Jun. 27, 2018

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 27, 2018	Dec. 27, 2017
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 3,750	$ 4,983
Receivables, net	18,975	21,384
Inventories	3,096	3,134
Prepaid and other current assets	12,040	11,788
Total current assets	37,861	41,289
Property, net of accumulated depreciation of $245,733 and $243,325, respectively	142,645	139,856
Goodwill	39,843	38,269
Intangible assets, net	60,851	57,109
Deferred financing costs, net	2,638	2,942
Deferred income taxes	19,333	16,945
Other noncurrent assets	31,388	27,372
Total assets	334,559	323,782
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of capital lease obligations	3,092	3,168
Accounts payable	26,095	32,487
Other current liabilities	53,218	59,246
Total current liabilities	82,405	94,901
Long-term liabilities:
Long-term debt, less current maturities	282,000	259,000
Capital lease obligations, less current maturities	27,945	27,054
Liability for insurance claims, less current portion	12,255	12,236
Other noncurrent liabilities	47,831	27,951
Total long-term liabilities	370,031	326,241
Total liabilities	452,436	421,142
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders' equity (deficit)
Common stock $0.01 par value; shares authorized - 135,000; June 27, 2018: 108,470 shares issued and 63,456 shares outstanding; December 27, 2017: 107,740 shares issued and 64,589 shares outstanding	1,084	1,077
Paid-in capital	596,248	594,166
Deficit	(328,722)	(334,661)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(2,017)	(2,316)
Shareholders’ equity before treasury stock	266,593	258,266
Treasury stock, at cost, 45,014 and 43,151 shares, respectively	(384,470)	(355,626)
Total shareholders' deficit	(117,877)	(97,360)
Total liabilities and shareholders' deficit	$ 334,559	$ 323,782

Condensed Consolidated Balance3

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Jun. 27, 2018	Dec. 27, 2017
Assets [Abstract]
Accumulated depreciation	$ 245,733	$ 243,325
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	108,470	107,740
Common stock, shares outstanding	63,456	64,589
Treasury stock, at cost, shares	45,014	43,151

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2018	Jun. 28, 2017		Jun. 27, 2018	Jun. 28, 2017
Revenue:
Company restaurant sales	$ 102,741	$ 98,355		$ 203,934	$ 192,134
Franchise and license revenue	54,593	35,021		108,673	69,152
Total operating revenue	157,334	133,376	[1]	312,607	261,286	[1]
Costs of company restaurant sales:
Product costs	25,054	24,769		49,989	47,902
Payroll and benefits	41,065	38,492		82,291	75,889
Occupancy	5,435	5,503		11,082	10,237
Other operating expenses	15,021	12,933		30,071	25,504
Total costs of company restaurant sales	86,575	81,697		173,433	159,532
Costs of franchise and license revenue	29,049	10,244		57,605	19,990
General and administrative expenses	15,597	16,581		32,157	34,090
Depreciation and amortization	6,691	5,799		13,205	11,535
Operating (gains), losses and other charges, net	462	2,046		822	2,829
Total operating costs and expenses, net	138,374	116,367		277,222	227,976
Operating income	18,960	17,009		35,385	33,310
Interest expense, net	5,385	3,740		10,010	7,281
Other nonoperating income, net	(629)	(410)		(417)	(767)
Net income before income taxes	14,204	13,679		25,792	26,796
Provision for income taxes	2,578	4,930		4,407	9,674
Net income	$ 11,626	$ 8,749		$ 21,385	$ 17,122
Basic net income per share	$ 0.18	$ 0.13		$ 0.33	$ 0.24
Diluted net income per share	$ 0.18	$ 0.12		$ 0.32	$ 0.24
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	63,644	69,407		64,038	70,205
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	66,128	71,661		66,552	72,459
[1]	As disclosed in Note 2, prior period amounts have not been adjusted under the modified retrospective method of adoption of Topic 606.

Condensed Consolidated Stateme5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2018	Jun. 28, 2017	Jun. 27, 2018	Jun. 28, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 11,626	$ 8,749	$ 21,385	$ 17,122
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax of $7, $9, $13 and $18, respectively	21	14	43	28
Recognition of unrealized loss on hedge transactions, net of tax of $1,175, $(985), $90 and $(1,382), respectively	3,369	(1,544)	256	(2,167)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	3,390	(1,530)	299	(2,139)
Total comprehensive income	$ 15,016	$ 7,219	$ 21,684	$ 14,983

Condensed Consolidated Stateme6

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2018	Jun. 28, 2017	Jun. 27, 2018	Jun. 28, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Minimum pension liability adjustment, tax	$ 7	$ 9	$ 13	$ 18
Unrealized gain (loss) on hedge transactions, tax	$ 1,175	$ (985)	$ 90	$ (1,382)

Condensed Consolidated Stateme7

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Deficit (Unaudited) - 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]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Cumulative effect adjustment recognized upon adoption of Topic 606	$ (15,446)				$ (15,446)
Balance at Dec. 27, 2017	$ (97,360)	$ 1,077	$ (355,626)	$ 594,166	(334,661)	$ (2,316)
Balance, common stock, shares issued at Dec. 27, 2017	107,740	107,740
Balance, treasury stock, at cost, shares at Dec. 27, 2017	(43,151)		(43,151)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	$ 21,385				21,385
Other comprehensive loss	299					299
Share-based compensation on equity classified awards	1,076			1,076
Purchase of treasury stock	(28,844)		$ (28,844)
Purchase of treasury stock (in shares)			(1,863)
Issuance of common stock for share-based compensation	0	$ 4		(4)
Issuance of common stock for share-based compensation (in shares)		444
Exercise of common stock options	1,013	$ 3		1,010
Exercise of common stock options (in shares)		286
Balance at Jun. 27, 2018	$ (117,877)	$ 1,084	$ (384,470)	$ 596,248	$ (328,722)	$ (2,017)
Balance, common stock, shares issued at Jun. 27, 2018	108,470	108,470
Balance, treasury stock, at cost, shares at Jun. 27, 2018	(45,014)		(45,014)

Condensed Consolidated Stateme8

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2018	Jun. 28, 2017
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 21,385	$ 17,122
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash flows provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	13,205	11,535
Operating (gains), losses and other charges, net	822	2,829
Amortization of deferred financing costs	303	297
(Gain) loss on early extinguishments of debt and leases	(161)	68
Deferred income tax expense	2,896	6,291
Share-based compensation	2,561	4,053
Decrease (increase) in assets:
Receivables	2,323	3,741
Inventories	38	(1)
Other current assets	(253)	3,587
Other assets	(445)	(3,869)
Increase (decrease) in liabilities:
Accounts payable	(7,280)	(1,986)
Accrued salaries and vacations	(2,029)	(9,692)
Accrued taxes	428	276
Other accrued liabilities	(6,352)	(365)
Other noncurrent liabilities	(1,345)	(1,068)
Net cash flows provided by operating activities	26,096	32,818
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(9,512)	(8,208)
Acquisition of restaurants and real estate	(10,416)	(6,871)
Proceeds from disposition of property	4	1,032
Collections on notes receivable	1,921	3,186
Issuance of notes receivable	(2,455)	(1,825)
Net cash flows used in investing activities	(20,458)	(12,686)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Revolver borrowings	66,500	58,500
Revolver payments	(43,500)	(42,000)
Long-term debt payments	(1,643)	(1,633)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	1,013	135
Tax withholding on share-based payments	(1,696)	0
Purchase of treasury stock	(28,964)	(35,629)
Net bank overdrafts	1,419	(429)
Net cash flows used in financing activities	(6,871)	(21,056)
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(1,233)	(924)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	4,983	2,592
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 3,750	$ 1,668

Introduction and Basis of Prese

Introduction and Basis of Presentation	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2018
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Introduction and Basis of Presentation	Introduction and Basis of Presentation Denny’s Corporation, or Denny’s or the Company, is one of America’s largest full-service restaurant chains based on number of restaurants. At June 27, 2018 , the Denny's brand consisted of 1,720 restaurants, 1,540 of which were franchised/licensed restaurants and 180 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 (“GAAP”) 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 27, 2017 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 27, 2017 . The results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results for the entire fiscal year ending December 26, 2018 .

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Newly Adopted Accounting Standards Effective December 28, 2017, the first day of fiscal 2018, we adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” and all subsequent ASUs that modified Topic 606. The new guidance clarifies the principles used to recognize revenue for all entities and requires companies to recognize revenue when it transfers goods or services to a customer in an amount that reflects the consideration to which a company expects to be entitled. We elected to apply the modified retrospective method of adoption to those contracts which were not completed as of December 28, 2017. In doing so, we applied the practical expedient to aggregate all contract modifications that occurred before December 28, 2017 in determining the satisfied and unsatisfied performance obligations, the transaction price and the allocation of the transaction price to the satisfied and unsatisfied performance obligations. Results for reporting periods beginning after December 28, 2017 are presented under Topic 606. Prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with our historical accounting under Topic 605 “Revenue Recognition.” Our transition to Topic 606 represents a change in accounting principle. See Note 3 for further information about our transition to Topic 606 and the newly required disclosures. Effective December 28, 2017, we adopted ASU 2016-01, “Financial Instruments—Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities”. The new guidance 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. The adoption of this guidance did not have any impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. Effective December 28, 2017, we adopted ASU 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (a consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force)”. The new guidance addresses eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice. The adoption of this guidance did not have any impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. Effective December 28, 2017, we adopted ASU 2017-01, “Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business”. The new guidance clarifies the definition of a business. The adoption of this guidance did not have any impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. Effective December 28, 2017, we adopted ASU 2017-07, “Compensation—Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost”. The new guidance requires an entity to report the service cost component in the same line on the income statement as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. The other components of net benefit cost are required to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside the subtotal of income from operations, if one is presented. If a separate line item is not used, the line item used in the income statement must be disclosed. The adoption of this guidance did not have any impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. Effective December 28, 2017, we adopted ASU 2017-09, “Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting”. The new update provides guidance about which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting. The adoption of this guidance did not have any impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. Effective December 28, 2017, we early adopted ASU 2018-02, “Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income”. The new guidance allows a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “Tax Act”) and requires certain disclosures about stranded tax effects. Due to the immateriality of the stranded tax effects resulting from the implementation Tax Act, we have elected not to reclassify these amounts from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings. Therefore the adoption of this guidance did not have any impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. Effective December 28, 2017, we early adopted ASU 2018-03, “Technical Corrections and Improvements to Financial Instruments—Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities”. The new update clarifies certain aspects of the guidance issued in ASU 2016-01. The adoption of this guidance did not have any impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. Effective December 28, 2017, we early adopted ASU 2017-12, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities”. The new update better aligns an entity’s risk management activities and financial reporting for hedging relationships, simplifies the hedge accounting requirements, and improves the disclosures of hedging arrangements. The amended presentation and disclosure guidance has been applied on a prospective basis. The adoption of this guidance did not have any impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. Accounting Standards to be Adopted In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)”, which provides guidance for accounting for leases. The new guidance requires companies to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for all operating and capital (financing) leases with lease terms greater than 12 months. The FASB has subsequently amended this guidance by issuing ASU 2018-10 in July 2018 to provide clarification and further guidance around areas identified as potential implementation issues. Both standards are 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. The adoption of ASU 2016-02 will have a material impact on our Consolidated Balance Sheets resulting from the recognition of operating lease right-of-use assets and liabilities. Although the new guidance is also expected to impact the measurement and presentation of certain expenses and cash flows related to leasing arrangements, we do not believe there will be a material impact to our Consolidated Statements of Income or Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. We do not expect the recognition of the additional operating lease liabilities will impact any credit facility debt covenants as these liabilities are not considered to be debt. We have decided to elect the package of practical expedients that do not require us to reassess whether existing contracts are or contain leases, lease classification or initial direct costs. In addition, we have decided not to elect the hindsight practical expedient which would allow us to reassess lease terms and impairment of the right-to-use assets. We have completed the implementation of a new lease management system in preparation for adoption and continue to assess the impact that the new guidance will have on our financial statements and related disclosures. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments”. The new guidance 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. 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.

Revenues

Revenues	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2018
Revenues [Abstract]
Revenues	Revenues Our revenues are derived primarily from two sales channels, which we operate as one segment: company restaurants and franchised and licensed restaurants. The following table disaggregates our revenue by sales channels and types of goods or services. Quarter Ended Two Quarters Ended June 27, 2018 June 28, 2017 (1) June 27, 2018 June 28, 2017 (1) (Dollars in thousands) Company restaurant sales $ 102,741 $ 98,355 $ 203,934 $ 192,134 Franchise and license revenue: Royalties 25,192 25,338 50,357 49,882 Advertising revenue 19,530 — 38,840 — Initial and other fees 1,810 588 3,227 1,072 Occupancy revenue 8,061 9,095 16,249 18,198 Franchise and license revenue 54,593 35,021 108,673 69,152 Total operating revenue $ 157,334 $ 133,376 $ 312,607 $ 261,286 (1) As disclosed in Note 2, prior period amounts have not been adjusted under the modified retrospective method of adoption of Topic 606. Company Restaurant Revenue Company restaurant revenue is recognized at the point in time when food and beverage products are sold at company restaurants. We present company restaurant sales net of sales-related taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental taxing authorities. The adoption of Topic 606 did not impact the recognition of company restaurant sales. Franchise Revenue Franchise and license revenues consist primarily of royalties, advertising revenue, initial and other fees and occupancy revenue. Our performance obligations under franchise agreements consist of a license of our brand’s symbolic intellectual property, administration of advertising programs (including local co-operatives), and other ongoing support services. These performance obligations are highly interrelated so we do not consider them to be individually distinct, and therefore account for them under Topic 606 as a single performance obligation. Revenue from franchise agreements is recognized evenly over the term of the agreement with the exception of sales-based royalties and revenue allocated to goods and services distinct from the franchise right. Royalty and advertising revenues represent sales-based royalties that are recognized in the period in which the sales occur. Sales-based royalties are variable consideration related to our performance obligations to our franchisees to maintain the intellectual property being licensed. Under our franchise agreements, franchisee advertising contributions must be spent on marketing and related activities. The adoption of Topic 606 did not impact the recognition of royalties. Upon adoption of Topic 606, advertising revenues and expenditures are recorded on a gross basis within the Consolidated Statements of Income. Under the previous guidance of Topic 605, we recorded franchise advertising expense net of contributions from franchisees to our advertising programs, including local co-operatives. While this change materially impacts the gross amount of reported franchise and license revenue and costs of franchise and license revenue, the impact is generally an offsetting increase to both revenue and expense with little, if any, impact on operating income and net income. Initial and other fees consist of initial, successor and assignment franchise fees (“initial franchise fees”), training fees and other franchise services fees. Initial franchise fees are billed and received upon the signing of the franchise agreement. Under Topic 606, recognition of these fees is deferred until the commencement date of the agreement and occurs over time based on the term of the underlying franchise agreement. In the event a franchise agreement is terminated, any remaining deferred fees are recognized in the period of termination. Under the previous guidance, initial franchise fees were recognized upon the opening of a franchise restaurant. Training and other franchise services fees are billed and recognized at a point in time as services are rendered. Similar to advertising revenue, upon adoption of Topic 606, other franchise services fees are recorded on a gross basis within the Consolidated Statements of Income, whereas, under previous guidance, they were netted against the related expenses. Occupancy revenue results from leasing or subleasing restaurants to franchisees and is recognized over the term of the lease agreement. With the exception of initial and other franchise fees, revenues are typically billed and collected on a weekly basis. Gift Card Breakage Under previous guidance, we recorded gift card breakage when the likelihood of redemption was remote. Breakage was recorded as a benefit to our advertising fund or reduction to other operating expenses, depending on where the gift cards were sold. Upon adoption of Topic 606, gift card breakage is recognized proportionally as redemptions occur. Our gift card breakage primarily relates to cards sold by third parties. Breakage revenue related to third party sales is recorded as advertising revenue (included as a component of franchise and license revenue) with an offsetting amount recorded as advertising expense (included as a component of costs of franchise and license revenue). Financial Statement Impact of Adoption The following tables summarize the impact of adopting Topic 606 on our financial statement line items as of June 27, 2018 and for the quarter and two quarters ended June 27, 2018 . Quarter ended June 27, 2018 Consolidated Balance Sheet As Reported Adjustments Amounts without adoption of Topic 606 (In thousands) Prepaid and other current assets $ 12,040 $ 509 $ 12,549 Deferred income taxes 19,333 (5,141 ) 14,192 Other current liabilities 53,218 (1,230 ) 51,988 Other noncurrent liabilities 47,831 (18,138 ) 29,693 Deficit (328,722 ) 14,736 (313,986 ) Quarter ended June 27, 2018 Two quarters ended June 27, 2018 Consolidated Statement of Income As Reported Adjustments Amounts without adoption of Topic 606 As Reported Adjustments Amounts without adoption of Topic 606 (In thousands, except per share amounts) Franchise and license revenue $ 54,593 $ (20,949 ) $ 33,644 $ 108,673 $ (41,256 ) $ 67,417 Costs of franchise and license revenue 29,049 (20,535 ) 8,514 57,605 (40,299 ) 17,306 Provision for income taxes 2,578 (107 ) 2,471 4,407 (247 ) 4,160 Net income 11,626 (307 ) 11,319 21,385 (710 ) 20,675 Basic net income per share $ 0.18 $ 0.00 $ 0.18 $ 0.33 $ (0.01 ) $ 0.32 Diluted net income per share $ 0.18 $ (0.01 ) $ 0.17 $ 0.32 $ (0.01 ) $ 0.31 Quarter ended June 27, 2018 Two quarters ended June 27, 2018 Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income As Reported Adjustments Amounts without adoption of Topic 606 As Reported Adjustments Amounts without adoption of Topic 606 (In thousands) Net income $ 11,626 $ (307 ) $ 11,319 $ 21,385 $ (710 ) $ 20,675 Total comprehensive income 15,016 (307 ) 14,709 21,684 (710 ) 20,974 Two quarters ended June 27, 2018 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flow As Reported Adjustments Amounts without adoption of Topic 606 (In thousands) Net income $ 21,385 $ (710 ) $ 20,675 Deferred income tax expense 2,896 (247 ) 2,649 Changes in assets and liabilities: Other current assets (253 ) (509 ) (762 ) Other accrued liabilities (6,352 ) 851 (5,501 ) Other noncurrent liabilities (1,345 ) 615 (730 ) Net cash flows provided by operating activities 26,096 — 26,096 The following significant changes impacted our financial statement line items as of June 27, 2018 and for the quarter and two quarters ended June 27, 2018 : • Upon adoption of Topic 606, we recorded a cumulative effect adjustment related to previously recognized initial franchise fees resulting in a $21.0 million increase to deferred franchise revenue, a $15.6 million increase to opening deficit and a $5.4 million increase to deferred tax assets. The deferred franchise revenue resulting from the cumulative effect adjustment will be amortized over the remaining lives of the individual franchise agreements. Also upon adoption, we recorded a cumulative effect adjustment to recognize breakage in proportion to redemptions that occurred prior to December 28, 2017 resulting in a decrease of $0.6 million to gift card liability (a component of other current liabilities), a $0.5 million increase to accrued advertising (a component of other current liabilities) and a $0.1 million decrease to opening deficit. • We recognized franchise and license revenue and costs of franchise and license revenue of $19.5 million for the quarter and $38.8 million year-to-date resulting from the recording of advertising revenues and expenditures on a gross basis under Topic 606 versus recording these amounts on a net basis under Topic 605. • We recognized additional franchise and license revenue of $0.4 million for the quarter and $1.0 million year-to-date under Topic 606 than we would have recognized under Topic 605, resulting from the timing of recognition of initial franchise fees. • We recognized franchise and license revenue and costs of franchise and license revenue of $1.0 million for the quarter and $1.5 million year-to-date resulting from the recording of other franchise services fees on a gross basis under Topic 606 versus recording these amount on a net basis under Topic 605. Contract Balances Contract balances related to contracts with customers consists of receivables, deferred franchise revenue and deferred gift card revenue. See Note 4 for details on our receivables. Deferred franchise revenue consists primarily of the unamortized portion of initial franchise fees that are currently being amortized into revenue and amounts related to development agreements and unopened restaurants that will begin amortizing into revenue when the related restaurants are opened. Deferred franchise revenue represents our remaining performance obligations to our franchisees, excluding amounts of variable consideration related to sale-based royalties and advertising. The components of the change in deferred franchise revenue are as follows: (In thousands) Balance, December 27, 2017 $ 1,643 Cumulative effect adjustment recognized upon adoption of Topic 606 20,976 Fees received from franchisees 521 Revenue recognized (1) (1,710 ) Balance, June 27, 2018 21,430 Less current portion included in other current liabilities 3,292 Deferred franchise revenue included in other noncurrent liabilities $ 18,138 (1) Of this amount $1.7 million was included in either the deferred franchise revenue balance as of December 27, 2017 or the cumulative effect adjustment. As of June 27, 2018 , the deferred franchise revenue expected to be recognized in the future is as follows: (In thousands) Remainder of 2018 $ 1,093 2019 2,107 2020 1,983 2021 1,773 2022 1,665 Thereafter 11,360 Development agreements and unopened restaurants 1,449 Deferred franchise revenue $ 21,430 Deferred gift card liabilities consist of the unredeemed portion of gift cards sold in company restaurants and at third party locations. We recognize gift card revenue when a gift card is redeemed in one of our company restaurants. Gift card breakage is recognized proportionally as redemptions occur. The balance of deferred gift card liabilities represents our remaining performance obligations to our customers. The balance of deferred gift card liabilities as of June 27, 2018 and December 27, 2017 was $4.5 million and $6.5 million , respectively. During the two quarters ended June 27, 2018 , we recognized revenue of $1.1 million from gift card redemptions at company restaurants.

Receivables

Receivables	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2018
Receivables [Abstract]
Receivables	Receivables Receivables were comprised of the following: June 27, 2018 December 27, 2017 (In thousands) Receivables, net: Trade accounts receivable from franchisees $ 10,060 $ 10,688 Financing receivables from franchisees 4,046 5,084 Vendor receivables 2,003 3,256 Credit card receivables 1,458 1,870 Other 1,835 762 Allowance for doubtful accounts (427 ) (276 ) Total receivables, net $ 18,975 $ 21,384 Other noncurrent assets: Financing receivables from franchisees $ 1,329 $ 427 During the two quarters ended June 27, 2018 , we recorded an allowance for doubtful accounts of $0.2 million of financing receivables from a franchisee.

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2018
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 27, 2017 $ 38,269 Additions related to acquisition 1,574 Balance, June 27, 2018 $ 39,843 Other intangible assets were comprised of the following: June 27, 2018 December 27, 2017 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization (In thousands) Intangible assets with indefinite lives: Trade names $ 44,082 $ — $ 44,080 $ — Liquor licenses 166 — 166 — Intangible assets with definite lives: Reacquired franchise rights 20,672 4,069 15,252 2,389 Intangible assets $ 64,920 $ 4,069 $ 59,498 $ 2,389 During the two quarters ended June 27, 2018 , we acquired six franchised restaurants for $8.1 million , of which $5.4 million was allocated to reacquired franchise rights, $1.1 million to property and $1.6 million to goodwill. In addition, we recorded $2.4 million of capital leases in connection with the acquired franchised restaurants. We account for the acquisition of franchised restaurants using the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations. The purchase price allocations were based on Level 3 fair value estimates.

Other Current Liabilities

Other Current Liabilities	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2018
Other Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block]	Other Current Liabilities Other current liabilities consisted of the following: June 27, 2018 December 27, 2017 (In thousands) Accrued payroll $ 19,022 $ 20,998 Accrued insurance, primarily current portion of liability for insurance claims 7,194 6,922 Accrued taxes 7,812 7,384 Accrued advertising 4,614 8,417 Gift cards 4,463 6,480 Other 10,113 9,045 Other current liabilities $ 53,218 $ 59,246

Operating (Gains), Losses and O

Operating (Gains), Losses and Other Charges, Net	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2018
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 27, 2018 June 28, 2017 June 27, 2018 June 28, 2017 (In thousands) Software implementation costs — 1,544 $ — $ 3,668 (Gains) losses on sales of assets and other, net (27 ) 205 (64 ) (1,235 ) Restructuring charges and exit costs 408 297 768 396 Impairment charges 81 — 118 — Operating (gains), losses and other charges, net $ 462 $ 2,046 $ 822 $ 2,829 Software implementation costs of $3.7 million for the two quarters ended June 28, 2017 were the result of our investment in a new cloud-based Enterprise Resource Planning system. Gains on sales of assets and other, net of $1.2 million for the two quarters ended June 28, 2017 primarily related to real estate sold to a franchisee. Restructuring charges and exit costs were comprised of the following: Quarter Ended Two Quarters Ended June 27, 2018 June 28, 2017 June 27, 2018 June 28, 2017 (In thousands) Exit costs $ 275 $ 295 $ 299 $ 326 Severance and other restructuring charges 133 2 469 70 Total restructuring charges and exit costs $ 408 $ 297 $ 768 $ 396 The components of the change in accrued exit cost liabilities are as follows: (In thousands) Balance, December 27, 2017 $ 1,180 Exit costs (1) 299 Payments, net of sublease receipts (316 ) Interest accretion 40 Balance, June 27, 2018 1,203 Less current portion included in other current liabilities 519 Long-term portion included in other noncurrent liabilities $ 684 (1) Included as a component of operating (gains), losses and other charges, net. As of June 27, 2018 and December 27, 2017 , we had accrued severance and other restructuring charges of $0.2 million and less than $0.1 million , respectively. The balance as of June 27, 2018 is expected to be paid during the next 12 months.

Fair Value of Financial Instrum

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Disclosures	Fair Value of Financial Instruments 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 27, 2018: Deferred compensation plan investments (1) $ 12,679 $ 12,679 $ — $ — market approach Interest rate swaps, net (2) (1,841 ) — (1,841 ) — income approach Total $ 10,838 $ 12,679 $ (1,841 ) $ — Fair value measurements as of December 27, 2017: Deferred compensation plan investments (1) $ 12,663 $ 12,663 $ — $ — market approach Interest rate swaps, net (2) (2,187 ) — (2,187 ) — income approach Total $ 10,476 $ 12,663 $ (2,187 ) $ — (1) The fair values of our deferred compensation plan investments are based on the closing market prices of the elected investments. (2) The fair values of our interest rate swaps are based upon Level 2 inputs, which include valuation models as reported by our counterparties. The key inputs for the valuation models are quoted market prices, interest rates and forward yield curves. See Note 9 for details on the interest rate swaps.

Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt	Long-Term Debt Denny's and certain of its subsidiaries have a credit facility consisting of a five-year $400 million senior secured revolver (with a $30 million letter of credit sublimit). The credit facility includes an accordion feature that would allow us to increase the size of the revolver to $450 million . As of June 27, 2018 , we had outstanding revolver loans of $282.0 million and outstanding letters of credit under the senior secured revolver of $20.8 million . These balances resulted in availability of $97.2 million under the credit facility. Prior to considering the impact of our interest rate swaps, described below, the weighted-average interest rate on outstanding revolver loans was 4.30% and 3.42% as of June 27, 2018 and December 27, 2017 , respectively. Taking into consideration our interest rate swaps, the weighted-average interest rate of outstanding revolver loans was 4.57% and 3.32% as of June 27, 2018 and December 27, 2017 , respectively. A commitment fee, which is based on our consolidated leverage ratio, is paid on the unused portion of the credit facility and was 0.35% as of June 27, 2018 . Borrowings under the credit facility bear a tiered interest rate, also based on our leverage ratio, and was set at LIBOR plus 225 basis points as of June 27, 2018 . The maturity date for the credit facility is October 26, 2022 . The credit facility is available for working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes. The credit facility is guaranteed by Denny's and its material subsidiaries and is secured by assets of Denny's and its subsidiaries, including the stock of its 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. We were in compliance with all financial covenants as of June 27, 2018 . Interest Rate Hedges We have interest rate swaps to hedge a portion of the forecasted 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 forecasted notional amounts. Under the interest rate swaps, we pay a fixed rate on the notional amount in addition to the current interest rate as determined by our consolidated leverage ratio in effect at the time. A summary of our interest rate swaps as of June 27, 2018 is as follows: Trade Date Effective Date Maturity Date Notional Amount Fixed Rate (In thousands) March 20, 2015 March 29, 2018 March 31, 2025 $ 120,000 2.44 % October 1, 2015 March 29, 2018 March 31, 2026 50,000 2.46 % February 15, 2018 March 31, 2020 December 31, 2033 80,000 (1) 3.19 % (1) The notional amount of the swaps entered into on February 15, 2018 increases annually beginning September 30, 2020 until they reach the maximum notional amount of $425.0 million on September 28, 2029. As of June 27, 2018 , the fair value of the interest rate swaps was a net liability of $1.8 million , which is comprised of assets of $3.3 million recorded as a component of other noncurrent assets and liabilities of $5.2 million 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.

Share-Based Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2018
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 27, 2018 June 28, 2017 June 27, 2018 June 28, 2017 (In thousands) Performance share awards $ 942 $ 1,904 $ 2,020 $ 3,844 Restricted stock units for board members 269 176 541 209 Total share-based compensation $ 1,211 $ 2,080 $ 2,561 $ 4,053 Performance Share Units During the two quarters ended June 27, 2018 , we granted certain employees approximately 0.2 million performance share units 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 share units that vest based on our Adjusted EPS growth rate versus plan, as defined under the terms of the award. As the TSR based performance share units contain a market condition, a Monte Carlo valuation was used to determine the grant date fair value of $18.17 per share. The performance share units based on the Adjusted EPS growth rate have a grant date fair value of $15.93 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 26, 2018 . The performance period for these performance share units is the three year fiscal period beginning December 28, 2017 and ending December 30, 2020. 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 27, 2018 , we issued 0.2 million shares of common stock related to vested performance share units. In addition 0.3 million shares of common stock were deferred and 0.1 million shares of common stock were withheld in lieu of taxes related to vested performance share units. As of June 27, 2018 , we had approximately $11.7 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 27, 2018 , we granted less than 0.1 million deferred stock units (which are equity classified) with a weighted average grant date fair value of $15.49 per unit to non-employee members of our Board of Directors. The deferred stock units vest after a one year service period. 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 27, 2018 , 0.2 million deferred stock units were converted into shares of common stock. As of June 27, 2018 , we had approximately $0.8 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. 27, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The effective income tax rate was 18.1% for the quarter ended June 27, 2018 and 17.1% for the two quarters ended June 27, 2018 compared to 36.0% and 36.1% , respectively, for the prior year periods. The 2018 periods were impacted by the Tax Act. In addition, the 2018 quarterly and year-to-date rates benefited from a discrete item relating to share-based compensation of 5.2% and 4.6% , respectively. The Tax Act reduces the U.S. statutory tax rate from 35% to 21% for years after 2017. We revalued our deferred taxes during fiscal 2017 to reflect the reduced rate that will apply in future periods when these deferred taxes are realized. The implementation of the Tax Act resulted in certain stranded tax effects in accumulated other comprehensive income. Due to the immateriality of the stranded tax effects, we have elected not to reclassify these amounts from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings.

Net Income Per Share

Net Income Per Share	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Income Per Share	Net Income Per Share The amounts used for the basic and diluted net income per share calculations are summarized below: Quarter Ended Two Quarters Ended June 27, 2018 June 28, 2017 June 27, 2018 June 28, 2017 (In thousands, except for per share amounts) Net income $ 11,626 $ 8,749 $ 21,385 $ 17,122 Weighted average shares outstanding - basic 63,644 69,407 64,038 70,205 Effect of dilutive share-based compensation awards 2,484 2,254 2,514 2,254 Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted 66,128 71,661 66,552 72,459 Basic net income per share $ 0.18 $ 0.13 $ 0.33 $ 0.24 Diluted net income per share $ 0.18 $ 0.12 $ 0.32 $ 0.24 Anti-dilutive share-based compensation awards 1 606 1 606

Supplemental Cash Flow Informat

Supplemental Cash Flow Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2018
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	Supplemental Cash Flow Information Two Quarters Ended June 27, 2018 June 28, 2017 (In thousands) Income taxes paid, net $ 1,495 $ 2,668 Interest paid $ 9,224 $ 6,718 Noncash investing and financing activities: Insurance proceeds receivable $ 282 $ — Issuance of common stock, pursuant to share-based compensation plans $ 4,619 $ 4,961 Execution of capital leases $ 2,484 $ 4,225 Treasury stock payable $ — $ 1,394 Notes received in connection with disposition of property $ — $ 1,750

Shareholders' Equity

Shareholders' Equity	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2018
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 October 2017, our Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program authorizing us to repurchase up to $200 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. During the two quarters ended June 27, 2018 , we repurchased 1.9 million shares of our common stock for approximately $28.8 million . This brings the total amount repurchased under the current repurchase program to 2.1 million shares of our common stock for approximately $32.5 million , leaving approximately $167.5 million that can be used to repurchase our common stock under this program as of June 27, 2018 . 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 27, 2017 $ (982 ) $ (1,334 ) $ (2,316 ) Amortization of net loss (1) 56 — 56 Net change in fair value of derivatives — 260 260 Reclassification of derivatives to interest expense, net (2) — 86 86 Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive loss (13 ) (90 ) (103 ) Balance as of June 27, 2018 $ (939 ) $ (1,078 ) $ (2,017 ) (1) Before-tax amount related to our 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 27, 2018 . (2) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into income represent payments either received from or made to the counterparty for the effective portions of the interest rate swaps. These amounts are included as a component of interest expense, net in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. We expect to make payments to the counterparty and reclassify approximately $0.8 million from accumulated other comprehensive loss related to our interest rate swaps during the next twelve months. See Note 9 for additional details.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2018
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies We have guarantees related to certain franchisee loans. Payments under these guarantees would result from the inability of a franchisee to fund required payments when due. Through June 27, 2018 , no events had occurred that caused us to make payments under these guarantees. There were $4.2 million and $5.1 million of loans outstanding under these programs as of June 27, 2018 and December 27, 2017 , respectively. As of June 27, 2018 , the maximum amount payable under the loan guarantees was $1.1 million . As a result of these guarantees, we have recorded liabilities of less than $0.1 million as of both June 27, 2018 and December 27, 2017 , 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. 27, 2018
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events We performed an evaluation of subsequent events and determined that no events required disclosure.

Summary of Significant Accoun25

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Newly adopted accounting standards and accounting standards to be adopted	Newly Adopted Accounting Standards Effective December 28, 2017, the first day of fiscal 2018, we adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” and all subsequent ASUs that modified Topic 606. The new guidance clarifies the principles used to recognize revenue for all entities and requires companies to recognize revenue when it transfers goods or services to a customer in an amount that reflects the consideration to which a company expects to be entitled. We elected to apply the modified retrospective method of adoption to those contracts which were not completed as of December 28, 2017. In doing so, we applied the practical expedient to aggregate all contract modifications that occurred before December 28, 2017 in determining the satisfied and unsatisfied performance obligations, the transaction price and the allocation of the transaction price to the satisfied and unsatisfied performance obligations. Results for reporting periods beginning after December 28, 2017 are presented under Topic 606. Prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with our historical accounting under Topic 605 “Revenue Recognition.” Our transition to Topic 606 represents a change in accounting principle. See Note 3 for further information about our transition to Topic 606 and the newly required disclosures. Effective December 28, 2017, we adopted ASU 2016-01, “Financial Instruments—Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities”. The new guidance 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. The adoption of this guidance did not have any impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. Effective December 28, 2017, we adopted ASU 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (a consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force)”. The new guidance addresses eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice. The adoption of this guidance did not have any impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. Effective December 28, 2017, we adopted ASU 2017-01, “Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business”. The new guidance clarifies the definition of a business. The adoption of this guidance did not have any impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. Effective December 28, 2017, we adopted ASU 2017-07, “Compensation—Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost”. The new guidance requires an entity to report the service cost component in the same line on the income statement as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. The other components of net benefit cost are required to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside the subtotal of income from operations, if one is presented. If a separate line item is not used, the line item used in the income statement must be disclosed. The adoption of this guidance did not have any impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. Effective December 28, 2017, we adopted ASU 2017-09, “Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting”. The new update provides guidance about which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting. The adoption of this guidance did not have any impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. Effective December 28, 2017, we early adopted ASU 2018-02, “Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income”. The new guidance allows a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “Tax Act”) and requires certain disclosures about stranded tax effects. Due to the immateriality of the stranded tax effects resulting from the implementation Tax Act, we have elected not to reclassify these amounts from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings. Therefore the adoption of this guidance did not have any impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. Effective December 28, 2017, we early adopted ASU 2018-03, “Technical Corrections and Improvements to Financial Instruments—Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities”. The new update clarifies certain aspects of the guidance issued in ASU 2016-01. The adoption of this guidance did not have any impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. Effective December 28, 2017, we early adopted ASU 2017-12, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities”. The new update better aligns an entity’s risk management activities and financial reporting for hedging relationships, simplifies the hedge accounting requirements, and improves the disclosures of hedging arrangements. The amended presentation and disclosure guidance has been applied on a prospective basis. The adoption of this guidance did not have any impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. Accounting Standards to be Adopted In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)”, which provides guidance for accounting for leases. The new guidance requires companies to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for all operating and capital (financing) leases with lease terms greater than 12 months. The FASB has subsequently amended this guidance by issuing ASU 2018-10 in July 2018 to provide clarification and further guidance around areas identified as potential implementation issues. Both standards are 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. The adoption of ASU 2016-02 will have a material impact on our Consolidated Balance Sheets resulting from the recognition of operating lease right-of-use assets and liabilities. Although the new guidance is also expected to impact the measurement and presentation of certain expenses and cash flows related to leasing arrangements, we do not believe there will be a material impact to our Consolidated Statements of Income or Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. We do not expect the recognition of the additional operating lease liabilities will impact any credit facility debt covenants as these liabilities are not considered to be debt. We have decided to elect the package of practical expedients that do not require us to reassess whether existing contracts are or contain leases, lease classification or initial direct costs. In addition, we have decided not to elect the hindsight practical expedient which would allow us to reassess lease terms and impairment of the right-to-use assets. We have completed the implementation of a new lease management system in preparation for adoption and continue to assess the impact that the new guidance will have on our financial statements and related disclosures. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments”. The new guidance 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. 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.

Revenue (Tables)

Revenue (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2018
Revenues [Abstract]
Disaggregation of revenue	The following table disaggregates our revenue by sales channels and types of goods or services. Quarter Ended Two Quarters Ended June 27, 2018 June 28, 2017 (1) June 27, 2018 June 28, 2017 (1) (Dollars in thousands) Company restaurant sales $ 102,741 $ 98,355 $ 203,934 $ 192,134 Franchise and license revenue: Royalties 25,192 25,338 50,357 49,882 Advertising revenue 19,530 — 38,840 — Initial and other fees 1,810 588 3,227 1,072 Occupancy revenue 8,061 9,095 16,249 18,198 Franchise and license revenue 54,593 35,021 108,673 69,152 Total operating revenue $ 157,334 $ 133,376 $ 312,607 $ 261,286 (1) As disclosed in Note 2, prior period amounts have not been adjusted under the modified retrospective method of adoption of Topic 606.
Financial statement impact of adoption	The following tables summarize the impact of adopting Topic 606 on our financial statement line items as of June 27, 2018 and for the quarter and two quarters ended June 27, 2018 . Quarter ended June 27, 2018 Consolidated Balance Sheet As Reported Adjustments Amounts without adoption of Topic 606 (In thousands) Prepaid and other current assets $ 12,040 $ 509 $ 12,549 Deferred income taxes 19,333 (5,141 ) 14,192 Other current liabilities 53,218 (1,230 ) 51,988 Other noncurrent liabilities 47,831 (18,138 ) 29,693 Deficit (328,722 ) 14,736 (313,986 ) Quarter ended June 27, 2018 Two quarters ended June 27, 2018 Consolidated Statement of Income As Reported Adjustments Amounts without adoption of Topic 606 As Reported Adjustments Amounts without adoption of Topic 606 (In thousands, except per share amounts) Franchise and license revenue $ 54,593 $ (20,949 ) $ 33,644 $ 108,673 $ (41,256 ) $ 67,417 Costs of franchise and license revenue 29,049 (20,535 ) 8,514 57,605 (40,299 ) 17,306 Provision for income taxes 2,578 (107 ) 2,471 4,407 (247 ) 4,160 Net income 11,626 (307 ) 11,319 21,385 (710 ) 20,675 Basic net income per share $ 0.18 $ 0.00 $ 0.18 $ 0.33 $ (0.01 ) $ 0.32 Diluted net income per share $ 0.18 $ (0.01 ) $ 0.17 $ 0.32 $ (0.01 ) $ 0.31 Quarter ended June 27, 2018 Two quarters ended June 27, 2018 Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income As Reported Adjustments Amounts without adoption of Topic 606 As Reported Adjustments Amounts without adoption of Topic 606 (In thousands) Net income $ 11,626 $ (307 ) $ 11,319 $ 21,385 $ (710 ) $ 20,675 Total comprehensive income 15,016 (307 ) 14,709 21,684 (710 ) 20,974 Two quarters ended June 27, 2018 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flow As Reported Adjustments Amounts without adoption of Topic 606 (In thousands) Net income $ 21,385 $ (710 ) $ 20,675 Deferred income tax expense 2,896 (247 ) 2,649 Changes in assets and liabilities: Other current assets (253 ) (509 ) (762 ) Other accrued liabilities (6,352 ) 851 (5,501 ) Other noncurrent liabilities (1,345 ) 615 (730 ) Net cash flows provided by operating activities 26,096 — 26,096
Components of the change in deferred franchise revenue	The components of the change in deferred franchise revenue are as follows: (In thousands) Balance, December 27, 2017 $ 1,643 Cumulative effect adjustment recognized upon adoption of Topic 606 20,976 Fees received from franchisees 521 Revenue recognized (1) (1,710 ) Balance, June 27, 2018 21,430 Less current portion included in other current liabilities 3,292 Deferred franchise revenue included in other noncurrent liabilities $ 18,138 (1) Of this amount $1.7 million was included in either the deferred franchise revenue balance as of December 27, 2017 or the cumulative effect adjustment.
Schedule of deferred franchise revenue recognition	As of June 27, 2018 , the deferred franchise revenue expected to be recognized in the future is as follows: (In thousands) Remainder of 2018 $ 1,093 2019 2,107 2020 1,983 2021 1,773 2022 1,665 Thereafter 11,360 Development agreements and unopened restaurants 1,449 Deferred franchise revenue $ 21,430

Receivables (Tables)

Receivables (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2018
Receivables [Abstract]
Receivables, net	Receivables were comprised of the following: June 27, 2018 December 27, 2017 (In thousands) Receivables, net: Trade accounts receivable from franchisees $ 10,060 $ 10,688 Financing receivables from franchisees 4,046 5,084 Vendor receivables 2,003 3,256 Credit card receivables 1,458 1,870 Other 1,835 762 Allowance for doubtful accounts (427 ) (276 ) Total receivables, net $ 18,975 $ 21,384 Other noncurrent assets: Financing receivables from franchisees $ 1,329 $ 427

Goodwill and Other Intangible28

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2018
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill	The following table reflects the changes in carrying amounts of goodwill. (In thousands) Balance, December 27, 2017 $ 38,269 Additions related to acquisition 1,574 Balance, June 27, 2018 $ 39,843
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets	Other intangible assets were comprised of the following: June 27, 2018 December 27, 2017 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization (In thousands) Intangible assets with indefinite lives: Trade names $ 44,082 $ — $ 44,080 $ — Liquor licenses 166 — 166 — Intangible assets with definite lives: Reacquired franchise rights 20,672 4,069 15,252 2,389 Intangible assets $ 64,920 $ 4,069 $ 59,498 $ 2,389
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets	Other intangible assets were comprised of the following: June 27, 2018 December 27, 2017 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization (In thousands) Intangible assets with indefinite lives: Trade names $ 44,082 $ — $ 44,080 $ — Liquor licenses 166 — 166 — Intangible assets with definite lives: Reacquired franchise rights 20,672 4,069 15,252 2,389 Intangible assets $ 64,920 $ 4,069 $ 59,498 $ 2,389

Other Current Liabilities (Tabl

Other Current Liabilities (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2018
Other Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Schedule of Other Current Liabilities	Other current liabilities consisted of the following: June 27, 2018 December 27, 2017 (In thousands) Accrued payroll $ 19,022 $ 20,998 Accrued insurance, primarily current portion of liability for insurance claims 7,194 6,922 Accrued taxes 7,812 7,384 Accrued advertising 4,614 8,417 Gift cards 4,463 6,480 Other 10,113 9,045 Other current liabilities $ 53,218 $ 59,246

Operating (Gains), Losses and30

Operating (Gains), Losses and Other Charges, Net (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2018
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 27, 2018 June 28, 2017 June 27, 2018 June 28, 2017 (In thousands) Software implementation costs — 1,544 $ — $ 3,668 (Gains) losses on sales of assets and other, net (27 ) 205 (64 ) (1,235 ) Restructuring charges and exit costs 408 297 768 396 Impairment charges 81 — 118 — Operating (gains), losses and other charges, net $ 462 $ 2,046 $ 822 $ 2,829
Restructuring charges and exit costs	Restructuring charges and exit costs were comprised of the following: Quarter Ended Two Quarters Ended June 27, 2018 June 28, 2017 June 27, 2018 June 28, 2017 (In thousands) Exit costs $ 275 $ 295 $ 299 $ 326 Severance and other restructuring charges 133 2 469 70 Total restructuring charges and exit costs $ 408 $ 297 $ 768 $ 396
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 27, 2017 $ 1,180 Exit costs (1) 299 Payments, net of sublease receipts (316 ) Interest accretion 40 Balance, June 27, 2018 1,203 Less current portion included in other current liabilities 519 Long-term portion included in other noncurrent liabilities $ 684 (1) Included as a component of operating (gains), losses and other charges, net.

Fair Value of Financial Instr31

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2018
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 27, 2018: Deferred compensation plan investments (1) $ 12,679 $ 12,679 $ — $ — market approach Interest rate swaps, net (2) (1,841 ) — (1,841 ) — income approach Total $ 10,838 $ 12,679 $ (1,841 ) $ — Fair value measurements as of December 27, 2017: Deferred compensation plan investments (1) $ 12,663 $ 12,663 $ — $ — market approach Interest rate swaps, net (2) (2,187 ) — (2,187 ) — income approach Total $ 10,476 $ 12,663 $ (2,187 ) $ — (1) The fair values of our deferred compensation plan investments are based on the closing market prices of the elected investments. (2) The fair values of our interest rate swaps are based upon Level 2 inputs, which include valuation models as reported by our counterparties. The key inputs for the valuation models are quoted market prices, interest rates and forward yield curves. See Note 9 for details on the interest rate swaps.

Long-Term Debt Derivative Instr

Long-Term Debt Derivative Instruments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2018
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Interest rate swaps	A summary of our interest rate swaps as of June 27, 2018 is as follows: Trade Date Effective Date Maturity Date Notional Amount Fixed Rate (In thousands) March 20, 2015 March 29, 2018 March 31, 2025 $ 120,000 2.44 % October 1, 2015 March 29, 2018 March 31, 2026 50,000 2.46 % February 15, 2018 March 31, 2020 December 31, 2033 80,000 (1) 3.19 % (1) The notional amount of the swaps entered into on February 15, 2018 increases annually beginning September 30, 2020 until they reach the maximum notional amount of $425.0 million on September 28, 2029.

Share-Based Compensation (Table

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2018
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 27, 2018 June 28, 2017 June 27, 2018 June 28, 2017 (In thousands) Performance share awards $ 942 $ 1,904 $ 2,020 $ 3,844 Restricted stock units for board members 269 176 541 209 Total share-based compensation $ 1,211 $ 2,080 $ 2,561 $ 4,053

Net Income Per Share (Tables)

Net Income Per Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2018
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 27, 2018 June 28, 2017 June 27, 2018 June 28, 2017 (In thousands, except for per share amounts) Net income $ 11,626 $ 8,749 $ 21,385 $ 17,122 Weighted average shares outstanding - basic 63,644 69,407 64,038 70,205 Effect of dilutive share-based compensation awards 2,484 2,254 2,514 2,254 Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted 66,128 71,661 66,552 72,459 Basic net income per share $ 0.18 $ 0.13 $ 0.33 $ 0.24 Diluted net income per share $ 0.18 $ 0.12 $ 0.32 $ 0.24 Anti-dilutive share-based compensation awards 1 606 1 606

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform35

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2018
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	Two Quarters Ended June 27, 2018 June 28, 2017 (In thousands) Income taxes paid, net $ 1,495 $ 2,668 Interest paid $ 9,224 $ 6,718 Noncash investing and financing activities: Insurance proceeds receivable $ 282 $ — Issuance of common stock, pursuant to share-based compensation plans $ 4,619 $ 4,961 Execution of capital leases $ 2,484 $ 4,225 Treasury stock payable $ — $ 1,394 Notes received in connection with disposition of property $ — $ 1,750

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2018
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 27, 2017 $ (982 ) $ (1,334 ) $ (2,316 ) Amortization of net loss (1) 56 — 56 Net change in fair value of derivatives — 260 260 Reclassification of derivatives to interest expense, net (2) — 86 86 Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive loss (13 ) (90 ) (103 ) Balance as of June 27, 2018 $ (939 ) $ (1,078 ) $ (2,017 ) (1) Before-tax amount related to our 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 27, 2018 . (2) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into income represent payments either received from or made to the counterparty for the effective portions of the interest rate swaps. These amounts are included as a component of interest expense, net in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. We expect to make payments to the counterparty and reclassify approximately $0.8 million from accumulated other comprehensive loss related to our interest rate swaps during the next twelve months. See Note 9 for additional details.

Introduction and Basis of Pre37

Introduction and Basis of Presentation (Details)	Jun. 27, 2018restaurant
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of restaurants	1,720
Franchised/licensed restaurants [Member]
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of restaurants	1,540
Company restaurants [Member]
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of restaurants	180

Revenues Disaggregation of Reve

Revenues Disaggregation of Revenues (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2018	Jun. 28, 2017		Jun. 27, 2018	Jun. 28, 2017
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Company restaurant sales	$ 102,741	$ 98,355		$ 203,934	$ 192,134
Franchise and license revenue	54,593	35,021		108,673	69,152
Total operating revenue	157,334	133,376	[1]	312,607	261,286	[1]
Sales Channel, Directly to Consumer [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Company restaurant sales	102,741	98,355	[1]	203,934	192,134	[1]
Sales Channel, Through Intermediary [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Franchise and license revenue	54,593	35,021	[1]	108,673	69,152	[1]
Royalties [Member] | Sales Channel, Through Intermediary [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Franchise and license revenue	25,192	25,338	[1]	50,357	49,882	[1]
Advertising [Member] | Sales Channel, Through Intermediary [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Franchise and license revenue	19,530	0	[1]	38,840	0	[1]
Initial and other fees [Member] | Sales Channel, Through Intermediary [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Franchise and license revenue	1,810	588	[1]	3,227	1,072	[1]
Occupancy [Member] | Sales Channel, Through Intermediary [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Franchise and license revenue	$ 8,061	$ 9,095	[1]	$ 16,249	$ 18,198	[1]
[1]	As disclosed in Note 2, prior period amounts have not been adjusted under the modified retrospective method of adoption of Topic 606.

Revenues Financial Statement Im

Revenues Financial Statement Impact of Adoption (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2018	Jun. 28, 2017	Jun. 27, 2018	Jun. 28, 2017	Dec. 28, 2017	Dec. 27, 2017
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Prepaid and other current assets	$ 12,040		$ 12,040			$ 11,788
Deferred income taxes	19,333		19,333			16,945
Other current liabilities	53,218		53,218			59,246
Other noncurrent liabilities	47,831		47,831			27,951
Deficit	(328,722)		(328,722)			(334,661)
Franchise and license revenue	54,593	$ 35,021	108,673	$ 69,152
Costs of franchise and license revenue	29,049	10,244	57,605	19,990
Provision for income taxes	2,578	4,930	4,407	9,674
Net income	$ 11,626	$ 8,749	$ 21,385	$ 17,122
Basic net income per share	$ 0.18	$ 0.13	$ 0.33	$ 0.24
Diluted net income per share	$ 0.18	$ 0.12	$ 0.32	$ 0.24
Total comprehensive income	$ 15,016	$ 7,219	$ 21,684	$ 14,983
Deferred income tax expense			2,896	6,291
Other current assets			(253)	3,587
Other accrued liabilities			(6,352)	(365)
Other noncurrent liabilities			(1,345)	(1,068)
Net cash flows provided by operating activities			26,096	$ 32,818
Cumulative effect adjustment recognized upon adoption of Topic 606					$ 20,976	$ (15,446)
Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Prepaid and other current assets	509		509
Deferred income taxes	(5,141)		(5,141)
Other current liabilities	(1,230)		(1,230)
Other noncurrent liabilities	(18,138)		(18,138)
Deficit	14,736		14,736
Franchise and license revenue	(20,949)		(41,256)
Costs of franchise and license revenue	(20,535)		(40,299)
Provision for income taxes	(107)		(247)
Net income	$ (307)		$ (710)
Basic net income per share	$ 0		$ (0.01)
Diluted net income per share	$ (0.01)		$ (0.01)
Total comprehensive income	$ (307)		$ (710)
Deferred income tax expense			(247)
Other current assets			(509)
Other accrued liabilities			851
Other noncurrent liabilities			615
Net cash flows provided by operating activities			0
Calculated under Revenue Guidance in Effect before Topic 606 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Prepaid and other current assets	12,549		12,549
Deferred income taxes	14,192		14,192
Other current liabilities	51,988		51,988
Other noncurrent liabilities	29,693		29,693
Deficit	(313,986)		(313,986)
Franchise and license revenue	33,644		67,417
Costs of franchise and license revenue	8,514		17,306
Provision for income taxes	2,471		4,160
Net income	$ 11,319		$ 20,675
Basic net income per share	$ 0.18		$ 0.32
Diluted net income per share	$ 0.17		$ 0.31
Total comprehensive income	$ 14,709		$ 20,974
Deferred income tax expense			2,649
Other current assets			(762)
Other accrued liabilities			(5,501)
Other noncurrent liabilities			(730)
Net cash flows provided by operating activities			26,096
Initial and other fees [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative effect adjustment recognized upon adoption of Topic 606					21,000
(Deficit) [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative effect adjustment recognized upon adoption of Topic 606					100
Deferred Tax Asset [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative effect adjustment recognized upon adoption of Topic 606					(5,400)
Other Liabilities [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative effect adjustment recognized upon adoption of Topic 606					(600)
Other Current Liabilities [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative effect adjustment recognized upon adoption of Topic 606					500
Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncement [Member] | (Deficit) [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative effect adjustment recognized upon adoption of Topic 606					$ (15,600)
Initial and other fees [Member] | Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Franchise and license revenue	400		1,000
Advertising [Member] | Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Franchise and license revenue	19,500		38,800
Costs of franchise and license revenue	19,500		38,800
Other Franchise Services [Member] | Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Franchise and license revenue	1,000		1,500
Costs of franchise and license revenue	$ 1,000		$ 1,500

Revenues Contract Balances (Det

Revenues Contract Balances (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 27, 2018	Dec. 28, 2017	Dec. 27, 2017
Revenues [Abstract]
Balance, December 27, 2017		$ 1,643
Cumulative effect adjustment recognized upon adoption of Topic 606			$ 20,976	$ (15,446)
Fees received from franchisees		521
Revenue recognized	[1]	(1,710)
Balance, June 27, 2018		21,430
Less current portion included in other current liabilities		3,292
Deferred franchise revenue included in other noncurrent liabilities		18,138
Revenue recognized that was included in either the deferred franchise revenue balance as of December 27, 2017 or the cumulative effect adjustment		1,700
Gift card liabilities		4,463		$ 6,480
Revenue recognized from gift card redemptions		$ 1,100
[1]	Of this amount $1.7 million was included in either the deferred franchise revenue balance as of December 27, 2017 or the cumulative effect adjustment.

Revenues Estimated revenue reco

Revenues Estimated revenue recognition (Details) $ in Thousands	Jun. 27, 2018USD ($)
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Deferred franchise revenue expected to be recognized	$ 21,430
2018 [Member]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Deferred franchise revenue expected to be recognized	1,093
2019 [Member]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Deferred franchise revenue expected to be recognized	2,107
2020 [Member]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Deferred franchise revenue expected to be recognized	1,983
2021 [Member]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Deferred franchise revenue expected to be recognized	1,773
2022 [Member]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Deferred franchise revenue expected to be recognized	1,665
Thereafter [Member]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Deferred franchise revenue expected to be recognized	11,360
Development agreements and unopened restaurants [Member]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Deferred franchise revenue expected to be recognized	$ 1,449

Receivables (Details)

Receivables (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2018	Dec. 27, 2017
Receivables [Abstract]
Trade accounts receivable from franchisees, gross, current	$ 10,060	$ 10,688
Financing receivables from franchisees, gross, current	4,046	5,084
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(427)	(276)
Total current receivables, net	18,975	21,384
Noncurrent assets (included as a component of other noncurrent assets):
Financing receivables from franchisees, noncurrent	1,329	427
Write-off of financing receivables from a franchisee	200
Vendor receivables [Member]
Receivables [Abstract]
Other receivables, gross, current	2,003	3,256
Credit card receivables [Member]
Receivables [Abstract]
Other receivables, gross, current	1,458	1,870
Other [Member]
Receivables [Abstract]
Other receivables, gross, current	$ 1,835	$ 762

Goodwill and Other Intangible43

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2018USD ($)restaurants	Dec. 27, 2017USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, December 27, 2017	$ 38,269
Additions related to acquisition	1,574
Balance, June 27, 2018	39,843
Gross carrying amount - Trade names	44,082	$ 44,080
Gross carrying amount - Liquor licenses	166	166
Gross carrying amount - Intangible assets with definite lives	20,672	15,252
Accumulated amortization - Intangible assets with definite lives	4,069	2,389
Intangible assets	$ 64,920	$ 59,498
Restaurants reacquired from franchisees | restaurants	6
Purchase price to reacquire franchised restaurants	$ 8,100
Purchase price allocation of reacquired franchise rights	5,400
Purchase price allocation of property	1,100
Purchase price allocation of goodwill	1,574
Capital leases recorded related to acquired franchise restaurants	$ 2,400

Other Current Liabilities (Deta

Other Current Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 27, 2018	Dec. 27, 2017
Other Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Accrued payroll	$ 19,022	$ 20,998
Accrued insurance, primarily current portion of liability for insurance claims	7,194	6,922
Accrued taxes	7,812	7,384
Accrued advertising	4,614	8,417
Gift cards	4,463	6,480
Other	10,113	9,045
Other current liabilities	$ 53,218	$ 59,246

Operating (Gains), Losses and45

Operating (Gains), Losses and Other Charges, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2018	Jun. 28, 2017	Jun. 27, 2018		Jun. 28, 2017	Dec. 27, 2017
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Software implementation costs	$ 0	$ 1,544	$ 0		$ 3,668
(Gains) losses on sales of assets and other, net	(27)	205	(64)		(1,235)
Restructuring charges and exit costs	408	297	768		396
Impairment charges	81	0	118		0
Operating (gains), losses and other charges, net	462	2,046	822		2,829
Restructuring Charges [Abstract]
Exit costs	275	295	299	[1]	326
Severance and other restructuring charges	133	2	469		70
Total restructuring charges and exit costs	408	297	768		396
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Balance, December 27, 2017			1,180
Exit costs	275	$ 295	299	[1]	$ 326
Payments, net of sublease receipts			(316)
Interest accretion			40
Balance, June 27, 2018	1,203		1,203
Less current portion included in other current liabilities	519		519
Long-term portion included in other noncurrent liabilities	684		684
Accrued severance and other restructuring charges	$ 200		$ 200			$ 100
[1]	Included as a component of operating (gains), losses and other charges, net.

Fair Value of Financial Instr46

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
		Jun. 27, 2018	Dec. 27, 2017
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Interest rate swaps, net		$ (1,800)
Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total, assets		10,838	$ 10,476
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		12,679	12,663
Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total, liabilities		(1,841)	(2,187)
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]	$ 12,679	$ 12,663
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]	$ 12,679	$ 12,663
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, net	[2]	$ (1,841)	$ (2,187)
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, net	[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, net	[2]	(1,841)	(2,187)
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, net	[2]	$ 0	$ 0
[1]	The fair values of our deferred compensation plan investments are based on the closing market prices of the elected investments.
[2]	The fair values of our interest rate swaps are based upon Level 2 inputs, which include valuation models as reported by our counterparties. The key inputs for the valuation models are quoted market prices, interest rates and forward yield curves. See Note 9 for details on the interest rate swaps.

Long-Term Debt (Narrative) (Det

Long-Term Debt (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2018	Dec. 27, 2017
Senior secured revolver [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, current borrowing capacity	$ 400
Accordion feature that allows increase in size of facility	450
Outstanding amount under credit facility	282
Availability under the credit facility	$ 97.2
Weighted-average interest rate (in hundredths)	4.30%	3.42%
Commitment fee for unused portion of revolving credit facility (in hundredths)	0.35%
Basis spread on variable rate debt	2.25%
Maturity date	Oct. 26, 2022
Letter of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, current borrowing capacity	$ 30
Outstanding amount of letters of credit	$ 20.8
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Senior secured revolver [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Weighted-average interest rate (in hundredths)	4.57%	3.32%

Long-Term Debt Interest Rate Sw

Long-Term Debt Interest Rate Swaps (Details) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2018USD ($)
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest rate swaps, net liability	$ 1,800
Interest rate swaps, asset	3,300
Interest rate swaps, liability	$ 5,200
Interest Rate Swap 2018-2025 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Trade date	Mar. 20, 2015
Effective date	Mar. 29, 2018
Maturity date	Mar. 31, 2025
Notional amount	$ 120,000
Fixed rate	2.44%
Interest Rate Swap 2018-2026 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Trade date	Oct. 1, 2015
Effective date	Mar. 29, 2018
Maturity date	Mar. 31, 2026
Notional amount	$ 50,000
Fixed rate	2.46%
Interest Rate Swap 2020-2033 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Trade date	Feb. 15, 2018
Effective date	Mar. 31, 2020
Maturity date	Dec. 31, 2033
Notional amount	$ 80,000	[1]
Fixed rate	3.19%
Interest Rate Swap 2020-2033 [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	$ 425,000
[1]	The notional amount of the swaps entered into on February 15, 2018 increases annually beginning September 30, 2020 until they reach the maximum notional amount of $425.0 million on September 28, 2029.

Share-Based Compensation (Detai

Share-Based Compensation (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands, shares in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2018	Jun. 28, 2017	Jun. 27, 2018	Jun. 28, 2017
Total share-based compensation [Abstract]
Total share-based compensation	$ 1,211	$ 2,080	$ 2,561	$ 4,053
Performance share units [Member]
Total share-based compensation [Abstract]
Total share-based compensation	$ 942	1,904	$ 2,020	3,844
Restricted Stock Units [Abstract]
Performance period, equity award			3 years
Common stock shares issued (in shares)			0.2
Common stock shares deferred (in shares)	0.3		0.3
Shares paid for tax withholding (in shares)			0.1
Unrecognized compensation cost [Abstract]
Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested share awards outstanding	$ 11,700		$ 11,700
Unrecognized compensation cost, expected weighted average period			2 years 11 days
Performance share units [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Restricted Stock Units [Abstract]
Percentage of target awards to be earned (in hundredths)			0.00%
Performance share units [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Restricted Stock Units [Abstract]
Percentage of target awards to be earned (in hundredths)			150.00%
Performance share units [Member] | Performance share units that vest based on TSR [Member]
Restricted Stock Units [Abstract]
Equity awards granted (in shares)			0.2
Equity awards, grant date fair value (in dollars per share)			$ 18.17
Performance share units [Member] | Performance share units that vest based on Adjusted EPS growth [Member]
Restricted Stock Units [Abstract]
Equity awards granted (in shares)			0.3
Equity awards, grant date fair value (in dollars per share)			$ 15.93
Restricted stock units for board members [Member]
Total share-based compensation [Abstract]
Total share-based compensation	269	$ 176	$ 541	$ 209
Restricted Stock Units [Abstract]
Equity awards granted (in shares)			0.1
Equity awards, grant date fair value (in dollars per share)			$ 15.49
Performance period, equity award			1 year
Unrecognized compensation cost [Abstract]
Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested share awards outstanding	$ 800		$ 800
Unrecognized compensation cost, expected weighted average period			9 months 28 days

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2018	Jun. 28, 2017	Jun. 27, 2018	Jun. 28, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective tax rate, percent	18.10%	36.00%	17.10%	36.10%
U.S. statutory tax rate			21.00%	35.00%
Effective income tax rate reconciliation, discrete item relating to share-based compensation, percent	5.20%		4.60%

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. 27, 2018	Jun. 28, 2017	Jun. 27, 2018	Jun. 28, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income	$ 11,626	$ 8,749	$ 21,385	$ 17,122
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic (in shares)	63,644	69,407	64,038	70,205
Effect of dilutive share-based compensation awards	2,484	2,254	2,514	2,254
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	66,128	71,661	66,552	72,459
Basic net income per share	$ 0.18	$ 0.13	$ 0.33	$ 0.24
Diluted net income per share	$ 0.18	$ 0.12	$ 0.32	$ 0.24
Antidilutive share-based compensation awards (in shares)	1	606	1	606

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform52

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2018	Jun. 28, 2017
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Income taxes paid, net	$ 1,495	$ 2,668
Interest paid	9,224	6,718
Noncash investing and financing activities:
Insurance proceeds receivable	282	0
Issuance of common stock, pursuant to share-based compensation plans	4,619	4,961
Execution of capital leases	2,484	4,225
Treasury stock payable	0	1,394
Notes received in connection with disposition of property	$ 0	$ 1,750

Shareholders' Equity (Share Rep

Shareholders' Equity (Share Repurchase) (Details) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2018	Dec. 27, 2017
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Purchase of treasury stock	$ 28,844
Number of accumulated shares repurchased (in shares)	45,014	43,151
Share Repurchase Program 2017 [Member]
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Share repurchase, authorized amount (in dollars)	$ 200,000
Purchase of treasury stock (in shares)	1,900
Purchase of treasury stock	$ 28,800
Number of accumulated shares repurchased (in shares)	2,100
Value of shares repurchased	$ 32,500
Remaining shares to be repurchased (in dollars)	$ 167,500

Shareholders' Equity (Component

Shareholders' Equity (Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss) (Details) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2018USD ($)
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 27, 2017	$ (2,316)
Amortization of net loss	56	[1]
Net change in fair value of derivatives	260
Reclassification of derivatives to interest expense, net	86	[2]
Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive loss	(103)
Balance as of June 27, 2018	(2,017)
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 27, 2017	(982)
Amortization of net loss	56	[1]
Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive loss	(13)
Balance as of June 27, 2018	(939)
Derivatives [Member]
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 27, 2017	(1,334)
Net change in fair value of derivatives	260
Reclassification of derivatives to interest expense, net	86	[2]
Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive loss	(90)
Balance as of June 27, 2018	$ (1,078)
[1]	Before-tax amount related to our 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 27, 2018.
[2]	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into income represent payments either received from or made to the counterparty for the effective portions of the interest rate swaps. These amounts are included as a component of interest expense, net in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. We expect to make payments to the counterparty and reclassify approximately $0.8 million from accumulated other comprehensive loss related to our interest rate swaps during the next twelve months. See Note 9 for additional details.

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 27, 2018	Dec. 27, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Loan amounts outstanding under the loan pools	$ 4.2	$ 5.1
Maximum payments guaranteed	1.1
Guarantee liabilities included as a component of other noncurrent liabilities	$ 0.1	$ 0.1