Denny's (DENN) 10-Q 3 May 19 2019 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2019	Apr. 30, 2019
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	DENNYS CORP
Entity Central Index Key	0000852772
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-25
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		60,298,826
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Mar. 27, 2019

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 27, 2019	Dec. 26, 2018
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 1,897	$ 5,026
Investments	3,048	1,709
Receivables, net	18,304	26,283
Inventories	2,872	2,993
Assets held for sale	14,956	723
Prepaid and other current assets	7,962	10,866
Total current assets	49,039	47,600
Property, net of accumulated depreciation of $189,939 and $226,620, respectively	108,844	117,251
Financing lease right-of-use assets, net of accumulated amortization of $16,413 and $15,526, respectively	20,962	22,753
Operating lease right-of-use assets	94,249	0
Goodwill	38,124	39,781
Intangible assets, net	56,631	59,067
Deferred financing costs, net	2,183	2,335
Deferred income taxes	20,617	17,333
Other noncurrent assets	31,683	29,229
Total assets	422,332	335,349
Current liabilities:
Current finance lease liabilities	3,487	3,410
Current operating lease liabilities	17,004	0
Accounts payable	28,584	29,527
Other current liabilities	50,500	61,790
Total current liabilities	99,575	94,727
Long-term liabilities:
Long-term debt	283,500	286,500
Noncurrent finance lease liabilities	25,439	27,181
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities	84,220	0
Liability for insurance claims, less current portion	12,454	12,199
Other noncurrent liabilities	57,365	48,087
Total long-term liabilities	462,978	373,967
Total liabilities	562,553	468,694
Shareholders' deficit
Common stock $0.01 par value; shares authorized - 135,000; March 27, 2019: 108,986 shares issued and 61,038 shares outstanding; December 26, 2018: 108,585 shares issued and 61,533 shares outstanding	1,090	1,086
Paid-in capital	598,825	592,944
Deficit	(291,318)	(306,414)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(16,299)	(4,146)
Treasury stock, at cost, 47,948 and 47,052 shares, respectively	(432,519)	(416,815)
Total shareholders' deficit	(140,221)	(133,345)
Total liabilities and shareholders' deficit	$ 422,332	$ 335,349

Condensed Consolidated Balanc_2

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) shares in Thousands	Mar. 27, 2019	Dec. 26, 2018
Assets [Abstract]
Accumulated depreciation	$ 189,939,000	$ 226,620,000
Accumulated amortization	$ 16,413	$ 15,526
Shareholders' 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	108,986	108,585
Common stock, shares outstanding	61,038	61,533
Treasury stock, at cost, shares	47,948	47,052

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2019	Mar. 28, 2018
Revenue:
Total operating revenue	$ 151,411	$ 155,273
Costs of company restaurant sales, excluding depreciation and amortization:
Product costs	23,905	24,935
Payroll and benefits	39,832	41,226
Occupancy	5,784	5,647
Other operating expenses	14,592	15,050
Total costs of company restaurant sales	84,113	86,858
Costs of franchise and license revenue	27,058	28,556
General and administrative expenses	18,811	16,560
Depreciation and amortization	6,233	6,514
Operating (gains), losses and other charges, net	(8,935)	360
Total operating costs and expenses, net	127,280	138,848
Operating income	24,131	16,425
Interest expense, net	5,407	4,625
Other nonoperating (income) expense, net	(1,423)	212
Net income before income taxes	20,147	11,588
Provision for income taxes	4,657	1,829
Net income	$ 15,490	$ 9,759
Basic net income per share	$ 0.25	$ 0.15
Diluted net income per share	$ 0.24	$ 0.15
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	61,651	64,432
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	63,683	66,946
Franchisor Owned Outlet [Member]
Revenue:
Total operating revenue	$ 98,545	$ 101,193
Franchise [Member]
Revenue:
Total operating revenue	$ 52,866	$ 54,080

Condensed Consolidated Statem_2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2019	Mar. 28, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 15,490	$ 9,759
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax of $6 and $6, respectively	16	22
Recognition of unrealized loss on hedge transactions, net of tax of $(4,629) and $(1,085), respectively	(12,169)	(3,113)
Other comprehensive loss	(12,153)	(3,091)
Total comprehensive income	$ 3,337	$ 6,668

Condensed Consolidated Statem_3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2019	Mar. 28, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Minimum pension liability adjustment, tax	$ 6	$ 6
Unrealized loss on hedge transactions, tax	$ (4,629)	$ (1,085)

Condensed Consolidated Statem_4

Condensed Consolidated Statements 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]	Share Repurchase Program 2017 [Member]	Accelerated Share Repurchase 2018 [Member]	Accelerated Share Repurchase 2018 [Member]Treasury Stock [Member]
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
Balance, treasury stock, at cost, shares at Dec. 27, 2017			(43,151)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	9,759				9,759
Other comprehensive loss	(3,091)					(3,091)
Share-based compensation on equity classified awards, net	(104)			(104)
Purchase of treasury stock	(16,186)		$ (16,186)
Purchase of treasury stock (in shares)			(1,071)
Issuance of common stock for share-based compensation	0	$ 3		(3)
Issuance of common stock for share-based compensation (in shares)		233
Exercise of common stock options	1,013	$ 3		1,010
Exercise of common stock options (in shares)		286
Balance at Mar. 28, 2018	(121,415)	$ 1,083	$ (371,812)	595,069	(340,348)	(5,407)
Balance, common stock, shares issued at Mar. 28, 2018		108,259
Balance, treasury stock, at cost, shares at Mar. 28, 2018			(44,222)
Balance at Dec. 26, 2018	$ (133,345)	$ 1,086	$ (416,815)	592,944	(306,414)	(4,146)
Balance, common stock, shares issued at Dec. 26, 2018	108,585	108,585
Balance, treasury stock, at cost, shares at Dec. 26, 2018	(47,052)		(47,052)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	$ 15,490				15,490
Other comprehensive loss	(12,153)					(12,153)
Share-based compensation on equity classified awards, net	(985)			(985)
Purchase of treasury stock	(8,941)		$ (8,941)				$ (8,900)	$ (6,800)
Equity forward contract settlement			$ (6,763)	6,763
Purchase of treasury stock (in shares)			(507)				(500)	(400)	(389)
Issuance of common stock for share-based compensation	0	$ 3		(3)
Issuance of common stock for share-based compensation (in shares)		347
Exercise of common stock options	107	$ 1		106
Exercise of common stock options (in shares)		54
Balance at Mar. 27, 2019	$ (140,221)	$ 1,090	$ (432,519)	$ 598,825	$ (291,318)	$ (16,299)
Balance, common stock, shares issued at Mar. 27, 2019	108,986	108,986
Balance, treasury stock, at cost, shares at Mar. 27, 2019	(47,948)		(47,948)				(5,100)

Condensed Consolidated Statem_5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2019	Mar. 28, 2018
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 15,490	$ 9,759
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash flows provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	6,233	6,514
Operating (gains), losses and other charges, net	(8,935)	360
Amortization of deferred financing costs	152	152
Gain on investments	39	0
Gain on early extinguishments of debt and leases	(74)	0
Deferred income tax expense	1,476	1,118
Share-based compensation	2,253	1,350
Decrease (increase) in assets:
Receivables	7,428	1,821
Inventories	121	33
Other current assets	2,904	2,739
Other assets	2,897	(160)
Increase (decrease) in liabilities:
Accounts payable	(1,471)	(9,865)
Accrued salaries and vacations	(6,439)	(4,048)
Accrued taxes	(494)	38
Other accrued liabilities	(5,918)	(5,948)
Other noncurrent liabilities	(3,116)	(413)
Net cash flows provided by operating activities	12,468	3,450
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(3,109)	(4,148)
Acquisition of restaurants and real estate	(4,706)	(8,418)
Proceeds from sales of restaurants and real estate	7,914	4
Investment purchases	(1,300)	0
Collections on notes receivable	425	859
Issuance of notes receivable	(571)	(1,934)
Net cash flows used in investing activities	(1,347)	(13,637)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Revolver borrowings	28,500	39,500
Revolver payments	(31,500)	(16,500)
Long-term debt payments	(795)	(823)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	107	1,013
Tax withholding on share-based payments	(3,178)	(1,696)
Purchase of treasury stock	(8,089)	(15,691)
Net bank overdrafts	705	3,320
Net cash flows (used in) provided by financing activities	(14,250)	9,123
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(3,129)	(1,064)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	5,026	4,983
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 1,897	$ 3,919

Introduction and Basis of Prese

Introduction and Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2019
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 March 27, 2019 , the Denny's brand consisted of 1,705 restaurants, 1,535 of which were franchised/licensed restaurants and 170 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 are reasonable. These interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the fiscal year ended December 26, 2018 which are contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 26, 2018 . Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year amounts to conform to the current year presentation. The results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results for the entire fiscal year ending December 25, 2019

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Newly Adopted Accounting Standards Effective December 27, 2018, the first day of fiscal 2019, we adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)” and all subsequent ASUs that modified Topic 842. The new guidance established a right-of-use model (“ROU”) that requires lessees to recognize a ROU asset and a lease liability for all leases with terms greater than 12 months. Lessees will classify leases as financing or operating. The guidance requires lessors to classify leases as sales-type, direct financing or operating. We elected to apply the modified retrospective transition approach as the date of initial application without restating comparative period financial statements. Results for reporting periods beginning after December 27, 2018 are presented under Topic 842. Prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with our historical accounting under Topic 840. Our transition to Topic 842 represents a change in accounting principle. The new guidance provided a number of optional practical expedients in transition. We elected the package of practical expedients that did not require us to reassess whether existing contracts were or contained leases, lease classification for existing or expired leases or the accounting for initial direct costs that were previously capitalized. In addition, we did not elect the hindsight practical expedient which would have allowed us to reassess lease terms and impairment of the ROU assets, nor did we elect the land easement practical expedient. In preparation for adoption, we completed the implementation of a new lease management system. Upon adoption of Topic 842, we recorded operating lease liabilities of $101.3 million and ROU assets of $94.1 million related to existing operating leases. In addition, we recorded a cumulative effect adjustment increasing opening deficit by $0.4 million and deferred tax assets by $0.1 million . The lease liabilities were based on the present value of remaining rental payments under previous leasing standards for existing operating leases primarily related to real estate leases. Exit cost and straight-line lease liabilities that existed at the adoption date were reclassified against the ROU assets upon adoption. The amount recorded to opening deficit represents the initial impairment of ROU assets, net of the deferred tax impact. See Note 3 for further information about our transition to Topic 842 and the newly required disclosures. Additional new accounting guidance became effective for us as of December 27, 2018 that we reviewed and concluded was either not applicable to our operations or had no material effect on the our Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures. Accounting Standards to be Adopted 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.

Leases

Leases	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Lessee and Lessor Disclosure [Text Block]	Leases Lessee We lease certain land, buildings and equipment for our restaurants and support facilities. At contract inception, we determine whether a contract is, or contains, a lease by determining whether it conveys the right to control the use of the identified asset for a period of time. If the contract provides us the right to substantially all of the economic benefits from the use of the identified asset and the right to direct the use of the identified asset, we consider it to be, or contain, a lease. We recognize a lease liability and an ROU asset at the lease commencement date. For operating leases, the lease liability is initially and subsequently measured at the present value of the unpaid lease payments at the lease commencement date. For finance leases, the lease liability is initially measured in the same manner and date as for operating leases, and is subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. For operating leases, the ROU asset is initially and subsequently measured throughout the lease term at the carrying amount of the lease liability, plus initial direct costs, plus any prepaid lease payments, less any accrued lease payments and unamortized lease incentives received, if any. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. For finance leases, the ROU asset is initially measured at cost and subsequently amortized using the straight-line method generally from the lease commencement date to the earlier of the end of its useful life or the end of the lease term. ROU assets for operating and finance leases are assessed for impairment using the long-lived assets impairment guidance. The new lease guidance provides practical expedients and accounting elections for our ongoing accounting after adoption. We elected the practical expedient that allows us to not separate nonlease components from lease components in regards to all leases. Therefore, we do not separate nonlease components, such as common area maintenance, from lease components in these leases. We also elected the portfolio approach in applying the discount rate to our leases. Key estimates and judgments include how we determine (1) lease payments, (2) lease term and (3) the discount rate used to discount the unpaid lease payments to present value. We have certain lease agreements structured with both a fixed base rent and a contingent rent based on a percentage of sales over contractual levels, others with only contingent rent based on a percentage of sales and some with a fixed base rent adjusted periodically for inflation or changes in fair market value of the underlying real estate. Contingent rent is recognized as sales occur. Our lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants. The exercise of lease renewal options is at our sole discretion, except in certain sublease situations in which we have determined that it is reasonably certain that one or more options will be exercised, including where the exercise of a sublease option compels us to exercise the renewal option of the underlying master lease. Renewal option periods are included in the measurement of lease ROU asset and lease liability where the exercise is reasonably certain to occur. Initial terms of land and restaurant building leases generally range from 10 to 20 years, exclusive of options to renew, which are typically for five year periods. Leases of equipment consist primarily of restaurant equipment, computer equipment and vehicles. Initial terms of equipment leases generally range from three to five years. The discount rate used to determine the present value of the lease payments is our estimated collateralized incremental borrowing rate, based on the yield curve for the respective lease terms, as we generally cannot determine the interest rate implicit in the lease. Lessor We lease or sublease certain restaurant properties to our franchisees and occasionally to third parties. The lease descriptions, terms, variable lease payments and renewal options are the same as the lessee leases described above. Similar to our lessee accounting, we elected the lessor practical expedient that allow us to not separate nonlease components from lease components in regards to all leases. The components of lease expense were as follows: Quarter Ended Classification March 27, 2019 (In thousands) Lease costs Finance lease costs: Amortization of right-of-use assets Depreciation and amortization $ 996 Interest on lease liabilities Interest expense, net 1,516 Operating lease costs: Operating lease costs - company Occupancy 2,503 Operating lease costs - franchise Costs of franchise and license revenue 3,465 Operating lease costs - general and administrative General and administrative expenses 26 Variable lease costs: Variable lease costs - company Occupancy 1,783 Variable lease costs - franchise Costs of franchise and license revenue 1,374 Variable lease costs - closed stores Restructuring charges and exit costs 55 Total lease costs $ 11,718 Lease terms and discount rates were as follows: Quarter Ended March 27, 2019 Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years) Finance leases 8.4 Operating leases 8.3 Weighted-average discount rate Finance leases 24.3 % Operating leases 6.7 % The components of lease income were as follows: Quarter Ended Classification March 27, 2019 (In thousands) Lease income Operating lease income - franchise Franchise and license revenue $ 5,425 Operating lease income - closed stores Restructuring and exist costs 66 Variable lease income Franchise and license revenue 2,120 Total lease income $ 7,611 Cash and supplemental noncash amounts were as follows: Quarter Ended March 27, 2019 (In thousands) Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows from finance leases $ 1,516 Operating cash flows from operating leases 6,311 Financing cash flows from finance leases 795 Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities — Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities 5,050 Maturities of lease liabilities and receipts in accordance with Topic 842 as of March 27, 2019 are as follows: Lease Liabilities Lease Receipts Finance Operating Operating (In thousands) Remainder of 2019 $ 6,821 $ 17,481 $ 16,107 2020 8,481 20,106 19,257 2021 7,838 16,948 17,351 2022 7,129 14,293 15,685 2023 6,239 11,210 13,466 Thereafter 31,693 54,010 73,083 Total undiscounted cash flows 68,201 134,048 $ 154,949 Less: interest 39,275 32,824 Present value of lease liabilities 28,926 101,224 Less: current lease liabilities 3,487 17,004 Long-term lease liabilities $ 25,439 $ 84,220 Maturities of lease liabilities in accordance with Topic 840 as of December 26, 2018 are as follows: Commitments Capital Operating (In thousands) 2019 $ 9,271 $ 23,504 2020 8,664 20,161 2021 8,010 17,316 2022 7,320 14,646 2023 6,451 11,881 Thereafter 33,670 49,004 Total 73,386 $ 136,512 Less imputed interest 42,795 Present value of capital lease obligations $ 30,591

Refranchisings and Acquisitions

Refranchisings and Acquisitions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2019
Refranchisings and Acquisitions [Abstract]
Refranchisings and Acquisitions	Refranchisings and Acquisitions Refranchisings The following table summarizes the activity related to our current real estate and development strategy. Gains on the sales of company restaurants and real estate are included as a component of operating (gains), losses and other charges, net in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. See Note 5 . Quarter Ended March 27, 2019 March 28, 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Restaurants sold to franchisees 3 — Gains on sales of company restaurants: Cash proceeds $ 2,833 $ — Less: Property sold (550 ) — Less: Goodwill related to the sales of company restaurants (79 ) — Total gains of sales of company restaurants $ 2,204 $ — Real estate sold 1 — Gains on sales of real estate: Cash proceeds $ 4,688 — Noncash consideration 3,000 — Less: Property sold (190 ) — Total gains on sale of real estate $ 7,498 $ — In addition to the cash proceeds received on the sale of real estate, we also recorded additional noncash consideration for the fair value of restaurant space we expect to receive within a building being developed by the buyer of the real estate. The $3.0 million of noncash consideration is recorded as a component of other noncurrent assets in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair value of the noncash consideration is based upon Level 2 inputs. As of March 27, 2019 , we have recorded assets held for sale at their carrying amount of $15.0 million (comprised of property of $11.7 million , goodwill of $1.6 million and reacquired franchise rights of $1.7 million ) related to 48 company restaurants . There were $0.7 million in assets held for sale as of December 26, 2018 related to three company restaurants and one piece of real estate . The fair value of assets held for sale is based upon Level 2 inputs, which include sales agreements. Acquisitions 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. The following table summarizes our acquisition activity. Quarter Ended March 27, 2019 March 28, 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Restaurants acquired from franchisees — 5 Purchase price allocation: Reacquired franchise rights $ — $ 5,315 Property — 1,029 Goodwill — 1,574 Total purchase price $ — $ 7,918 Financing leases recorded $ — $ 2,409 Real estate acquired 2 — Total purchase price $ 4,706 $ —

Operating (Gains), Losses and O

Operating (Gains), Losses and Other Charges, Net	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2019
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Operating (Gains), Losses and Other Charges, Net	Operating (Gains), Losses and Other Charges, Net Operating (gains), losses and other charges, net are comprised of the following: Quarter Ended March 27, 2019 March 28, 2018 (In thousands) Gains on sales of assets and other, net (9,475 ) (37 ) Restructuring charges and exit costs 540 360 Impairment charges — 37 Operating (gains), losses and other charges, net $ (8,935 ) $ 360 Gains on sales of assets and other, net for the quarter ended March 27, 2019 were primarily comprised of $7.5 million in gains related to the sale of real estate and $2.2 million in gains related to the refranchising of three company restaurants. See Note 4 . Restructuring charges and exit costs were comprised of the following: Quarter Ended March 27, 2019 March 28, 2018 (In thousands) Exit costs $ 122 $ 24 Severance and other restructuring charges 418 336 Total restructuring charges and exit costs $ 540 $ 360 Exit cost liabilities were $0.1 million and $1.2 million as of March 27, 2019 and December 26, 2018 , respectively. As a result of the adoption of Topic 842, exit cost liabilities related to lease costs are now included as a component of operating lease liabilities in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 3 . As of March 27, 2019 and December 26, 2018 , we had accrued severance and other restructuring charges of $0.8 million and $0.6 million , respectively. The balance as of March 27, 2019

Receivables

Receivables	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2019
Receivables [Abstract]
Receivables	Receivables Receivables were comprised of the following: March 27, 2019 December 26, 2018 (In thousands) Receivables, net: Trade accounts receivable from franchisees $ 9,863 $ 11,459 Financing receivables from franchisees 3,177 3,211 Vendor receivables 2,782 4,016 Credit card receivables 1,480 5,955 Other 1,306 1,942 Allowance for doubtful accounts (304 ) (300 ) Total receivables, net $ 18,304 $ 26,283 Other noncurrent assets: Financing receivables from franchisees and other $ 1,573 $ 1,528

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2019
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 26, 2018 $ 39,781 Adjustments related to the sale of restaurants and reclassifications to assets held for sale (1,657 ) Balance, March 27, 2019 $ 38,124 Other intangible assets were comprised of the following: March 27, 2019 December 26, 2018 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization (In thousands) Intangible assets with indefinite lives: Trade names $ 44,087 $ — $ 44,087 $ — Liquor licenses 166 — 166 — Intangible assets with definite lives: Reacquired franchise rights 17,537 5,159 19,933 5,119 Intangible assets, net $ 61,790 $ 5,159 $ 64,186 $ 5,119

Other Current Liabilities

Other Current Liabilities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2019
Other Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Other Liabilities Disclosure	Other Current Liabilities Other current liabilities consisted of the following: March 27, 2019 December 26, 2018 (In thousands) Accrued payroll $ 17,040 $ 23,395 Accrued insurance, primarily current portion of liability for insurance claims 7,285 7,323 Accrued taxes 7,173 7,667 Accrued advertising 4,253 7,413 Gift cards 4,776 6,546 Other 9,973 9,446 Other current liabilities $ 50,500 $ 61,790

Fair Value of Financial Instrum

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2019
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) (In thousands ) Fair value measurements as of March 27, 2019: Deferred compensation plan investments (1) $ 12,267 $ 12,267 $ — $ — Interest rate swaps, net (2) (21,273 ) — (21,273 ) — Investments (3) 3,048 — 3,048 — Total $ (5,958 ) $ 12,267 $ (18,225 ) $ — Fair value measurements as of December 26, 2018: Deferred compensation plan investments (1) $ 11,235 $ 11,235 $ — $ — Interest rate swaps, net (2) (4,475 ) — (4,475 ) — Investments (3) 1,709 — 1,709 — Total $ 8,469 $ 11,235 $ (2,766 ) $ — (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 10 for details on the interest rate swaps. (3)

Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2019
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 March 27, 2019 , we had outstanding revolver loans of $283.5 million and outstanding letters of credit under the senior secured revolver of $19.7 million . These balances resulted in availability of $96.8 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 4.74% and 4.43% as of March 27, 2019 and December 26, 2018 , respectively. Taking into consideration our interest rate swaps, the weighted-average interest rate of outstanding revolver loans was 4.72% and 4.48% as of March 27, 2019 and December 26, 2018 , 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 March 27, 2019 . Borrowings under the credit facility bear a tiered interest rate, also based on our leverage ratio, and was set at LIBOR plus 2.25% as of March 27, 2019 . 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 (other than our insurance captive subsidiary). 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 March 27, 2019 . 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 March 27, 2019 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 March 27, 2019 , the fair value of the interest rate swaps was a liability of $21.3 million , which is recorded as a component of other noncurrent liabilities in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 16

Revenues

Revenues	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2019
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 March 27, 2019 March 28, 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Company restaurant sales $ 98,545 $ 101,193 Franchise and license revenue: Royalties 25,240 25,165 Advertising revenue 18,942 19,310 Initial and other fees 1,139 1,417 Occupancy revenue 7,545 8,188 Franchise and license revenue 52,866 54,080 Total operating revenue $ 151,411 $ 155,273 Balances related to contracts with customers consist of receivables, deferred franchise revenue and deferred gift card revenue. See Note 6 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 sales-based royalties and advertising. The components of the change in deferred franchise revenue are as follows: (In thousands) Balance, December 26, 2018 $ 20,538 Fees received from franchisees 517 Revenue recognized (1) (642 ) Balance, March 27, 2019 20,413 Less current portion included in other current liabilities 2,109 Deferred franchise revenue included in other noncurrent liabilities $ 18,304 (1) Of this amount $0.6 million was included in the deferred franchise revenue balance as of December 26, 2018. Deferred gift card liabilities consist of the unredeemed portion of gift cards sold in company restaurants and at third party locations. The balance of deferred gift card liabilities represents our remaining performance obligations to our customers. The balance of deferred gift card liabilities as of March 27, 2019 and December 26, 2018 was $4.8 million and $6.5 million , respectively. During the quarter ended March 27, 2019 , we recognized revenue of $0.7 million

Share-Based Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2019
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 general and administrative expenses was as follows: Quarter Ended March 27, 2019 March 28, 2018 (In thousands) Performance share awards $ 1,998 $ 1,078 Restricted stock units for board members 255 272 Total share-based compensation $ 2,253 $ 1,350 Performance Share Units During the quarter ended March 27, 2019 , we granted certain employees approximately 0.3 million performance share units with a grant date fair value of $20.47 per share 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 with a grant date fair value of $17.58 per share that vest based on our Adjusted EPS growth rate versus plan, as defined under the terms of the award. The performance period for these performance share units is the three year fiscal period beginning December 27, 2018 and ending December 29, 2021. They will vest and be earned (from 0% to 150% of the target award for each such increment) at the end of the performance period. During the quarter ended March 27, 2019 , we issued 0.3 million shares of common stock related to vested performance share units. In addition 0.4 million shares of common stock were deferred and 0.2 million shares of common stock were withheld in lieu of taxes related to vested performance share units. As of March 27, 2019 , we had approximately $20.6 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to all unvested performance share awards outstanding, which have a weighted average remaining contractual term of 2.3 years . Restricted Stock Units for Board Members As of March 27, 2019 , we had approximately $0.2 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to all unvested restricted stock unit awards outstanding, which have a weighted average remaining contractual term of 0.2 years

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The effective income tax rate was 23.1% for the quarter ended March 27, 2019 compared to 15.8% for the prior year period. The 2018 period benefited from a discrete item relating to share-based compensation of 4.7% . Subsequent to the end of the quarter, we completed an Internal Revenue Service federal income tax audit of the 2016 tax year. See Note 18

Net Income Per Share

Net Income Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Income Per Share	Net Income Per Share The amounts used for the basic and diluted net income per share calculations are summarized below: Quarter Ended March 27, 2019 March 28, 2018 (In thousands, except for per share amounts) Net income $ 15,490 $ 9,759 Weighted average shares outstanding - basic 61,651 64,432 Effect of dilutive share-based compensation awards 2,032 2,514 Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted 63,683 66,946 Basic net income per share $ 0.25 $ 0.15 Diluted net income per share $ 0.24 $ 0.15 Anti-dilutive share-based compensation awards 630 471

Supplemental Cash Flow Informat

Supplemental Cash Flow Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2019
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	Supplemental Cash Flow Information Quarter Ended March 27, 2019 March 28, 2018 (In thousands) Income taxes paid, net $ 367 $ 423 Interest paid $ 5,067 $ 4,272 Noncash investing and financing activities: Issuance of common stock, pursuant to share-based compensation plans $ 6,333 $ 3,513 Noncash consideration received in connection with the sale of real estate $ 3,000 $ — Execution of finance leases $ — $ 2,478 Treasury stock payable $ 925 $ 615

Shareholders' Equity

Shareholders' Equity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2019
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. In November 2018, as part of our previously authorized share repurchase programs, we entered into a $25 million accelerated share repurchase (the "ASR") agreement with MUFG Securities EMEA plc (“MUFG”). We paid $25 million in cash and received approximately 1.1 million shares of our common stock (which represents the minimum shares to be delivered based on the cap price) and recorded $18.2 million of treasury stock related to these shares. The remaining balance of $6.8 million was recorded as additional paid-in capital in shareholders’ deficit as of December 26, 2018 as an equity forward contract. During the quarter ended March 27, 2019 , we settled the ASR agreement with MUFG. As a result, we received final delivery of an additional 0.4 million shares of our common stock. The total number of shares repurchased was based on a combined discounted volume-weighted average price (“VWAP”) of $17.04 per share, which was determined based on the average of the daily VWAP of our common stock, less a fixed discount, over the term of the ASR agreement. As a result of settling the ASR agreement, we recorded $6.8 million of treasury stock related to the settlement of the equity forward contract related to the ASR agreement. In addition to the settlement of the ASR, during the quarter ended March 27, 2019 , we repurchased a total of 0.5 million of our common stock for approximately $8.9 million . This brings the total amount repurchased under the current repurchase program to 5.1 million shares of our common stock for approximately $80.5 million , leaving approximately $119.5 million that can be used to repurchase our common stock under this program as of March 27, 2019 . Repurchased shares are included as treasury stock in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Deficit. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss The components of the change in accumulated other comprehensive loss were as follows: Defined Benefit Plans Derivatives Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (In thousands) Balance as of December 26, 2018 $ (827 ) $ (3,319 ) $ (4,146 ) Amortization of net loss (1) 22 — 22 Net change in fair value of derivatives — (16,774 ) (16,774 ) Reclassification of derivatives to interest expense, net (2) — (24 ) (24 ) Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive loss (6 ) 4,629 4,623 Balance as of March 27, 2019 $ (811 ) $ (15,488 ) $ (16,299 ) (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 quarter ended March 27, 2019 . (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 receive payments from the counterparty and reclassify approximately $0.1 million from accumulated other comprehensive loss related to our interest rate swaps during the next twelve months. See Note 10

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2019
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 March 27, 2019 , no events had occurred that caused us to make payments under these guarantees. There were $2.2 million and $2.5 million of loans outstanding under these programs as of March 27, 2019 and December 26, 2018 , respectively. As of March 27, 2019 , the maximum amount payable under the loan guarantees was $0.8 million . As a result of these guarantees, we have recorded liabilities of less than $0.1 million as of both March 27, 2019 and December 26, 2018 , 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.

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2019
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events During April 2019, we completed an IRS federal income tax audit of the 2016 tax year. Upon completion of this audit, revaluations of certain tax positions were performed and as a result, we will recognize a net benefit to the provision for income taxes of $2.0 million

Summary of Significant Accoun_2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Newly adopted accounting standards and accounting standards to be adopted	Newly Adopted Accounting Standards Effective December 27, 2018, the first day of fiscal 2019, we adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)” and all subsequent ASUs that modified Topic 842. The new guidance established a right-of-use model (“ROU”) that requires lessees to recognize a ROU asset and a lease liability for all leases with terms greater than 12 months. Lessees will classify leases as financing or operating. The guidance requires lessors to classify leases as sales-type, direct financing or operating. We elected to apply the modified retrospective transition approach as the date of initial application without restating comparative period financial statements. Results for reporting periods beginning after December 27, 2018 are presented under Topic 842. Prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with our historical accounting under Topic 840. Our transition to Topic 842 represents a change in accounting principle. The new guidance provided a number of optional practical expedients in transition. We elected the package of practical expedients that did not require us to reassess whether existing contracts were or contained leases, lease classification for existing or expired leases or the accounting for initial direct costs that were previously capitalized. In addition, we did not elect the hindsight practical expedient which would have allowed us to reassess lease terms and impairment of the ROU assets, nor did we elect the land easement practical expedient. In preparation for adoption, we completed the implementation of a new lease management system. Upon adoption of Topic 842, we recorded operating lease liabilities of $101.3 million and ROU assets of $94.1 million related to existing operating leases. In addition, we recorded a cumulative effect adjustment increasing opening deficit by $0.4 million and deferred tax assets by $0.1 million . The lease liabilities were based on the present value of remaining rental payments under previous leasing standards for existing operating leases primarily related to real estate leases. Exit cost and straight-line lease liabilities that existed at the adoption date were reclassified against the ROU assets upon adoption. The amount recorded to opening deficit represents the initial impairment of ROU assets, net of the deferred tax impact. See Note 3 for further information about our transition to Topic 842 and the newly required disclosures. Additional new accounting guidance became effective for us as of December 27, 2018 that we reviewed and concluded was either not applicable to our operations or had no material effect on the our Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures. Accounting Standards to be Adopted 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.

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2019	Dec. 26, 2018
Leases [Abstract]
Components of lease expense	The components of lease expense were as follows: Quarter Ended Classification March 27, 2019 (In thousands) Lease costs Finance lease costs: Amortization of right-of-use assets Depreciation and amortization $ 996 Interest on lease liabilities Interest expense, net 1,516 Operating lease costs: Operating lease costs - company Occupancy 2,503 Operating lease costs - franchise Costs of franchise and license revenue 3,465 Operating lease costs - general and administrative General and administrative expenses 26 Variable lease costs: Variable lease costs - company Occupancy 1,783 Variable lease costs - franchise Costs of franchise and license revenue 1,374 Variable lease costs - closed stores Restructuring charges and exit costs 55 Total lease costs $ 11,718
Lease terms and discount rates	Lease terms and discount rates were as follows: Quarter Ended March 27, 2019 Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years) Finance leases 8.4 Operating leases 8.3 Weighted-average discount rate Finance leases 24.3 % Operating leases 6.7 %
Components of lease income	The components of lease income were as follows: Quarter Ended Classification March 27, 2019 (In thousands) Lease income Operating lease income - franchise Franchise and license revenue $ 5,425 Operating lease income - closed stores Restructuring and exist costs 66 Variable lease income Franchise and license revenue 2,120 Total lease income $ 7,611
Lessee supplemental cash flow information	Cash and supplemental noncash amounts were as follows: Quarter Ended March 27, 2019 (In thousands) Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows from finance leases $ 1,516 Operating cash flows from operating leases 6,311 Financing cash flows from finance leases 795 Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities — Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities 5,050
Finance lease, liability, maturity	Maturities of lease liabilities and receipts in accordance with Topic 842 as of March 27, 2019 are as follows: Lease Liabilities Lease Receipts Finance Operating Operating (In thousands) Remainder of 2019 $ 6,821 $ 17,481 $ 16,107 2020 8,481 20,106 19,257 2021 7,838 16,948 17,351 2022 7,129 14,293 15,685 2023 6,239 11,210 13,466 Thereafter 31,693 54,010 73,083 Total undiscounted cash flows 68,201 134,048 $ 154,949 Less: interest 39,275 32,824 Present value of lease liabilities 28,926 101,224 Less: current lease liabilities 3,487 17,004 Long-term lease liabilities $ 25,439 $ 84,220
Operating lease, liability, maturity	Maturities of lease liabilities and receipts in accordance with Topic 842 as of March 27, 2019 are as follows: Lease Liabilities Lease Receipts Finance Operating Operating (In thousands) Remainder of 2019 $ 6,821 $ 17,481 $ 16,107 2020 8,481 20,106 19,257 2021 7,838 16,948 17,351 2022 7,129 14,293 15,685 2023 6,239 11,210 13,466 Thereafter 31,693 54,010 73,083 Total undiscounted cash flows 68,201 134,048 $ 154,949 Less: interest 39,275 32,824 Present value of lease liabilities 28,926 101,224 Less: current lease liabilities 3,487 17,004 Long-term lease liabilities $ 25,439 $ 84,220
Operating lease, payments to be received, maturity	Maturities of lease liabilities and receipts in accordance with Topic 842 as of March 27, 2019 are as follows: Lease Liabilities Lease Receipts Finance Operating Operating (In thousands) Remainder of 2019 $ 6,821 $ 17,481 $ 16,107 2020 8,481 20,106 19,257 2021 7,838 16,948 17,351 2022 7,129 14,293 15,685 2023 6,239 11,210 13,466 Thereafter 31,693 54,010 73,083 Total undiscounted cash flows 68,201 134,048 $ 154,949 Less: interest 39,275 32,824 Present value of lease liabilities 28,926 101,224 Less: current lease liabilities 3,487 17,004 Long-term lease liabilities $ 25,439 $ 84,220
Capital lease, liability, maturity		Maturities of lease liabilities in accordance with Topic 840 as of December 26, 2018 are as follows: Commitments Capital Operating (In thousands) 2019 $ 9,271 $ 23,504 2020 8,664 20,161 2021 8,010 17,316 2022 7,320 14,646 2023 6,451 11,881 Thereafter 33,670 49,004 Total 73,386 $ 136,512 Less imputed interest 42,795 Present value of capital lease obligations $ 30,591
Operating lease, liability, maturity		Maturities of lease liabilities in accordance with Topic 840 as of December 26, 2018 are as follows: Commitments Capital Operating (In thousands) 2019 $ 9,271 $ 23,504 2020 8,664 20,161 2021 8,010 17,316 2022 7,320 14,646 2023 6,451 11,881 Thereafter 33,670 49,004 Total 73,386 $ 136,512 Less imputed interest 42,795 Present value of capital lease obligations $ 30,591

Refranchisings and Acquisitio_2

Refranchisings and Acquisitions (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2019
Refranchisings and Acquisitions [Abstract]
Activity related to real estate and development strategy	The following table summarizes the activity related to our current real estate and development strategy. Gains on the sales of company restaurants and real estate are included as a component of operating (gains), losses and other charges, net in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. See Note 5 . Quarter Ended March 27, 2019 March 28, 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Restaurants sold to franchisees 3 — Gains on sales of company restaurants: Cash proceeds $ 2,833 $ — Less: Property sold (550 ) — Less: Goodwill related to the sales of company restaurants (79 ) — Total gains of sales of company restaurants $ 2,204 $ — Real estate sold 1 — Gains on sales of real estate: Cash proceeds $ 4,688 — Noncash consideration 3,000 — Less: Property sold (190 ) — Total gains on sale of real estate $ 7,498 $ —
Acquisition activity	The following table summarizes our acquisition activity. Quarter Ended March 27, 2019 March 28, 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Restaurants acquired from franchisees — 5 Purchase price allocation: Reacquired franchise rights $ — $ 5,315 Property — 1,029 Goodwill — 1,574 Total purchase price $ — $ 7,918 Financing leases recorded $ — $ 2,409 Real estate acquired 2 — Total purchase price $ 4,706 $ —

Operating (Gains), Losses and_2

Operating (Gains), Losses and Other Charges, Net (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2019
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Operating gains losses and other charges net	Operating (gains), losses and other charges, net are comprised of the following: Quarter Ended March 27, 2019 March 28, 2018 (In thousands) Gains on sales of assets and other, net (9,475 ) (37 ) Restructuring charges and exit costs 540 360 Impairment charges — 37 Operating (gains), losses and other charges, net $ (8,935 ) $ 360
Restructuring charges and exit costs	Restructuring charges and exit costs were comprised of the following: Quarter Ended March 27, 2019 March 28, 2018 (In thousands) Exit costs $ 122 $ 24 Severance and other restructuring charges 418 336 Total restructuring charges and exit costs $ 540 $ 360

Receivables (Tables)

Receivables (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2019
Receivables [Abstract]
Receivables, net	Receivables were comprised of the following: March 27, 2019 December 26, 2018 (In thousands) Receivables, net: Trade accounts receivable from franchisees $ 9,863 $ 11,459 Financing receivables from franchisees 3,177 3,211 Vendor receivables 2,782 4,016 Credit card receivables 1,480 5,955 Other 1,306 1,942 Allowance for doubtful accounts (304 ) (300 ) Total receivables, net $ 18,304 $ 26,283 Other noncurrent assets: Financing receivables from franchisees and other $ 1,573 $ 1,528

Goodwill and Other Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2019
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill	The following table reflects the changes in carrying amounts of goodwill. (In thousands) Balance, December 26, 2018 $ 39,781 Adjustments related to the sale of restaurants and reclassifications to assets held for sale (1,657 ) Balance, March 27, 2019 $ 38,124
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets	Other intangible assets were comprised of the following: March 27, 2019 December 26, 2018 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization (In thousands) Intangible assets with indefinite lives: Trade names $ 44,087 $ — $ 44,087 $ — Liquor licenses 166 — 166 — Intangible assets with definite lives: Reacquired franchise rights 17,537 5,159 19,933 5,119 Intangible assets, net $ 61,790 $ 5,159 $ 64,186 $ 5,119
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets	Other intangible assets were comprised of the following: March 27, 2019 December 26, 2018 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization (In thousands) Intangible assets with indefinite lives: Trade names $ 44,087 $ — $ 44,087 $ — Liquor licenses 166 — 166 — Intangible assets with definite lives: Reacquired franchise rights 17,537 5,159 19,933 5,119 Intangible assets, net $ 61,790 $ 5,159 $ 64,186 $ 5,119

Other Current Liabilities (Tabl

Other Current Liabilities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2019
Other Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Schedule of Other Current Liabilities	Other current liabilities consisted of the following: March 27, 2019 December 26, 2018 (In thousands) Accrued payroll $ 17,040 $ 23,395 Accrued insurance, primarily current portion of liability for insurance claims 7,285 7,323 Accrued taxes 7,173 7,667 Accrued advertising 4,253 7,413 Gift cards 4,776 6,546 Other 9,973 9,446 Other current liabilities $ 50,500 $ 61,790

Fair Value of Financial Instr_2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2019
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) (In thousands ) Fair value measurements as of March 27, 2019: Deferred compensation plan investments (1) $ 12,267 $ 12,267 $ — $ — Interest rate swaps, net (2) (21,273 ) — (21,273 ) — Investments (3) 3,048 — 3,048 — Total $ (5,958 ) $ 12,267 $ (18,225 ) $ — Fair value measurements as of December 26, 2018: Deferred compensation plan investments (1) $ 11,235 $ 11,235 $ — $ — Interest rate swaps, net (2) (4,475 ) — (4,475 ) — Investments (3) 1,709 — 1,709 — Total $ 8,469 $ 11,235 $ (2,766 ) $ — (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 10 for details on the interest rate swaps. (3)

Long-Term Debt Derivative Instr

Long-Term Debt Derivative Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2019
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Interest rate swaps	A summary of our interest rate swaps as of March 27, 2019 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

Revenue (Tables)

Revenue (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2019
Revenues [Abstract]
Disaggregation of revenue	The following table disaggregates our revenue by sales channels and types of goods or services. Quarter Ended March 27, 2019 March 28, 2018 (Dollars in thousands) Company restaurant sales $ 98,545 $ 101,193 Franchise and license revenue: Royalties 25,240 25,165 Advertising revenue 18,942 19,310 Initial and other fees 1,139 1,417 Occupancy revenue 7,545 8,188 Franchise and license revenue 52,866 54,080 Total operating revenue $ 151,411 $ 155,273
Components of the change in deferred franchise revenue	The components of the change in deferred franchise revenue are as follows: (In thousands) Balance, December 26, 2018 $ 20,538 Fees received from franchisees 517 Revenue recognized (1) (642 ) Balance, March 27, 2019 20,413 Less current portion included in other current liabilities 2,109 Deferred franchise revenue included in other noncurrent liabilities $ 18,304 (1) Of this amount $0.6 million

Share-Based Compensation (Table

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2019
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Total share-based compensation	Total share-based compensation cost included as a component of general and administrative expenses was as follows: Quarter Ended March 27, 2019 March 28, 2018 (In thousands) Performance share awards $ 1,998 $ 1,078 Restricted stock units for board members 255 272 Total share-based compensation $ 2,253 $ 1,350

Net Income Per Share (Tables)

Net Income Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Income Per Share	The amounts used for the basic and diluted net income per share calculations are summarized below: Quarter Ended March 27, 2019 March 28, 2018 (In thousands, except for per share amounts) Net income $ 15,490 $ 9,759 Weighted average shares outstanding - basic 61,651 64,432 Effect of dilutive share-based compensation awards 2,032 2,514 Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted 63,683 66,946 Basic net income per share $ 0.25 $ 0.15 Diluted net income per share $ 0.24 $ 0.15 Anti-dilutive share-based compensation awards 630 471

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform_2

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2019
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	Quarter Ended March 27, 2019 March 28, 2018 (In thousands) Income taxes paid, net $ 367 $ 423 Interest paid $ 5,067 $ 4,272 Noncash investing and financing activities: Issuance of common stock, pursuant to share-based compensation plans $ 6,333 $ 3,513 Noncash consideration received in connection with the sale of real estate $ 3,000 $ — Execution of finance leases $ — $ 2,478 Treasury stock payable $ 925 $ 615

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	The components of the change in accumulated other comprehensive loss were as follows: Defined Benefit Plans Derivatives Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (In thousands) Balance as of December 26, 2018 $ (827 ) $ (3,319 ) $ (4,146 ) Amortization of net loss (1) 22 — 22 Net change in fair value of derivatives — (16,774 ) (16,774 ) Reclassification of derivatives to interest expense, net (2) — (24 ) (24 ) Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive loss (6 ) 4,629 4,623 Balance as of March 27, 2019 $ (811 ) $ (15,488 ) $ (16,299 ) (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 quarter ended March 27, 2019 . (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 receive payments from the counterparty and reclassify approximately $0.1 million from accumulated other comprehensive loss related to our interest rate swaps during the next twelve months. See Note 10 for additional details.

Introduction and Basis of Pre_2

Introduction and Basis of Presentation (Details)	Mar. 27, 2019restaurant
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of restaurants	1,705
Franchised/licensed restaurants [Member]
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of restaurants	1,535
Company restaurants [Member]
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of restaurants	170

Summary of Significant Accoun_3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 27, 2019	Dec. 27, 2018	Dec. 26, 2018	Dec. 28, 2017
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Operating lease liabilities	$ 101,224	$ 101,300
Operating lease right-of-use assets	$ 94,249	94,100	$ 0
Cumulative effect adjustment		(394)		$ (15,446)
(Deficit) [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative effect adjustment		(400)
Deferred Tax Asset [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative effect adjustment		$ 100

Leases (Details)

Leases (Details)	Mar. 27, 2019
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Lessee, Finance Lease, Renewal Term	5 years
Real Estate [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Lessee, Operating Lease, Term of Contract	10 years
Real Estate [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Lessee, Operating Lease, Term of Contract	20 years
Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Lessee, Operating Lease, Term of Contract	3 years
Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Lessee, Operating Lease, Term of Contract	5 years

Lease Expense (Details)

Lease Expense (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2019USD ($)
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Amortization of right-of-use assets	$ 996
Interest on lease liabilities	1,516
Total lease costs	$ 11,718
Finance leases, weighted-average remaining lease term, years	8 years 4 months 24 days
Operating leases weighted-average remaining lease term, years	8 years 3 months 18 days
Finance leases, discount rate	24.30%
Operating leases, discount rate	6.70%
Franchisor Owned Outlet [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating lease costs	$ 2,503
Variable lease costs	1,783
Franchise [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating lease costs	3,465
Variable lease costs	1,374
General and Administrative Expense [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating lease costs	26
Restructuring and Exit Costs [Member]
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Variable lease costs	$ 55

Lease Income (Details)

Lease Income (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2019USD ($)
Lessor, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Total lease income	$ 7,611
Restructuring and Exit Costs [Member]
Lessor, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating lease income	66
Franchise [Member]
Lessor, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating lease income	5,425
Variable lease income	$ 2,120

Cash and Supplemental Noncash (

Cash and Supplemental Noncash (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2019USD ($)
Leases Cash and Supplemental Noncash [Abstract]
Operating cash flows from finance leases	$ 1,516
Operating cash flows from operating leases	6,311
Financing cash flows from finance leases	795
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities	0
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities	$ 5,050

Lease Maturity (Details)

Lease Maturity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 27, 2019	Dec. 27, 2018	Dec. 26, 2018
Leases Maturity [Abstract]
Finance Lease Payments, Remainder of 2019	$ 6,821
Finance Lease Payments, 2020	8,481
Finance Lease Payments, 2021	7,838
Finance Lease Payments, 2022	7,129
Finance Lease Payments, 2023	6,239
Finance Lease Payments, Thereafter	31,693
Finance Lease Payments, Total Undiscounted Cash Flows	68,201
Finance Lease Payments, Interest	39,275
Finance Lease, Present Value Lease Liabilities	28,926
Finance Lease, Current Lease Liabilities	3,487		$ 3,410
Finance Lease, Long-term Lease Liabilities	25,439		27,181
Operating Lease Payments, Remainder of 2019	17,481
Operating Lease Payments, Liability, 2020	20,106
Operating Lease Payments, Liability, 2021	16,948
Operating Lease Payments, Liability, 2022	14,293
Operating Lease Payments, Liability, 2023	11,210
Operating Lease Payments, Thereafter	54,010
Operating Lease Payments, Total Discounted Cash Flows	134,048
Operating Lease Payments, Interest	32,824
Operating Lease, Present Value of Lease Liabilities	101,224	$ 101,300
Operating Lease, Current Lease Liabilities	17,004		0
Operating Lease, Long-term Lease Liabilities	84,220		0
Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Remainder of 2019	16,107
Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, 2020	19,257
Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, 2021	17,351
Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, 2022	15,685
Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, 2023	13,466
Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Thereafter	73,083
Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Total Undiscounted Cash Flows	$ 154,949
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months			9,271
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Two Years			8,664
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Three Years			8,010
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Four Years			7,320
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Five Years			6,451
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Thereafter			33,670
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due			73,386
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Interest Included in Payments			42,795
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Present Value of Net Minimum Payments			30,591
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months			23,504
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years			20,161
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years			17,316
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years			14,646
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years			11,881
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter			49,004
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due			$ 136,512

Refranchisings (Details)

Refranchisings (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2019USD ($)Unitsrestaurant	Mar. 28, 2018USD ($)Unitsrestaurants	Dec. 26, 2018USD ($)
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Noncash consideration	$ 3,000	$ 0
Less: Goodwill related to the sales of company restaurants	(1,600)
Gains on sales of assets and other, net	9,475	$ 37
Assets held for sale	14,956		$ 723
Assets held for sale, property	11,700
Assets held for sale, goodwill	1,600
Assets held for sale, intangibles	$ 1,700
Assets held for sale, description	48 company restaurants		three company restaurants and one piece of real estate
Real Estate [Member]
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Real estate sold | Units	1	0
Cash proceeds	$ 4,688	$ 0
Noncash consideration	3,000	0
Less: Property sold	(190)	0
Gains on sales of assets and other, net	$ 7,498	$ 0
Franchisor Owned Outlet [Member]
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Restaurants sold to franchisees	3	0
Cash proceeds	$ 2,833	$ 0
Less: Property sold	(550)	0
Less: Goodwill related to the sales of company restaurants	(79)	0
Gains on sales of assets and other, net	2,204	0
Assets held for sale, goodwill	$ 79	$ 0

Acquisitions (Details)

Acquisitions (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2019USD ($)	Mar. 28, 2018USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Restaurants acquired from franchisees	0	5
Purchase price allocation of reacquired franchise rights	$ 0	$ 5,315
Purchase price allocation of property	0	1,029
Purchase price allocation of goodwill	0	1,574
Total purchase price to reacquire franchised restaurants	0	7,918
Capital leases recorded related to acquired franchise restaurants	$ 0	$ 2,409
Real Estate [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Real estate acquired	2	0
Purchase price allocation of property	$ 4,706	$ 0

Operating (Gains), Losses and_3

Operating (Gains), Losses and Other Charges, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2019	Mar. 28, 2018	Dec. 26, 2018
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Total restructuring charges and exit costs	$ 540	$ 360
Impairment charges	0	37
Operating (gains), losses and other charges, net	(8,935)	360
Gains on sales of assets and other, net	(9,475)	(37)
Restructuring Charges [Abstract]
Exit costs	122	24
Severance and other restructuring charges	418	336
Total restructuring charges and exit costs	540	360
Exit cost liabilities	100		$ 1,200
Accrued severance and other restructuring charges	800		$ 600
Franchisor Owned Outlet [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gains on sales of assets and other, net	(2,204)	0
Real Estate [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gains on sales of assets and other, net	$ (7,498)	$ 0

Receivables (Details)

Receivables (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 27, 2019	Dec. 26, 2018
Receivables [Abstract]
Trade accounts receivable from franchisees, gross, current	$ 9,863	$ 11,459
Financing receivables from franchisees, gross, current	3,177	3,211
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(304)	(300)
Total current receivables, net	18,304	26,283
Noncurrent assets (included as a component of other noncurrent assets):
Financing receivables from franchisees and other	1,573	1,528
Vendor receivables [Member]
Receivables [Abstract]
Other receivables, gross, current	2,782	4,016
Credit card receivables [Member]
Receivables [Abstract]
Other receivables, gross, current	1,480	5,955
Other [Member]
Receivables [Abstract]
Other receivables, gross, current	$ 1,306	$ 1,942

Goodwill and Other Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2019	Dec. 26, 2018
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, December 26, 2018	$ 39,781
Adjustments related to the sale of restaurants and reclassifications to assets held for sale	(1,657)
Balance, March 27, 2019	38,124
Gross carrying amount - Trade names	44,087	$ 44,087
Gross carrying amount - Liquor licenses	166	166
Gross carrying amount - Intangible assets with definite lives	17,537	19,933
Accumulated amortization - Intangible assets with definite lives	5,159	5,119
Intangible assets, net	$ 61,790	$ 64,186

Other Current Liabilities (Deta

Other Current Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 27, 2019	Dec. 26, 2018
Other Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Accrued payroll	$ 17,040	$ 23,395
Accrued insurance, primarily current portion of liability for insurance claims	7,285	7,323
Accrued taxes	7,173	7,667
Accrued advertising	4,253	7,413
Gift cards	4,776	6,546
Other	9,973	9,446
Other current liabilities	$ 50,500	$ 61,790

Fair Value of Financial Instr_3

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Mar. 27, 2019	Dec. 26, 2018
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Interest rate swaps, net		$ (21,300)
Investments		3,048	$ 1,709
Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total, assets			8,469
Total, liabilities		(5,958)
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		12,267	11,235
Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total, liabilities		(18,225)	(2,766)
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]	12,267	11,235
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]	12,267	11,235
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]	(21,273)	(4,475)
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]	(21,273)	(4,475)
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
Recurring [Member] | Securities (Assets) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments	[3]	3,048	1,709
Recurring [Member] | Securities (Assets) [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]
Investments	[3]	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Securities (Assets) [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments	[3]	3,048	1,709
Recurring [Member] | Securities (Assets) [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments	[3]	$ 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 10 for details on the interest rate swaps. (3)
[3]	The fair value of investments is valued using a readily determinable net asset value per share based on the fair value of the underlying securities. There are no significant redemption restrictions associated with these investments.

Long-Term Debt (Narrative) (Det

Long-Term Debt (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2019	Dec. 26, 2018
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	283.5
Availability under the credit facility	$ 96.8
Weighted-average interest rate (in hundredths)	4.74%	4.43%
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	$ 19.7
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Senior secured revolver [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Weighted-average interest rate (in hundredths)	4.72%	4.48%

Long-Term Debt Interest Rate Sw

Long-Term Debt Interest Rate Swaps (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2019USD ($)
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest rate swaps, net	$ (21,300)
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

Revenues Disaggregation of Reve

Revenues Disaggregation of Revenues (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2019	Mar. 28, 2018
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenue	$ 151,411	$ 155,273
Franchisor Owned Outlet [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenue	98,545	101,193
Franchisor Owned Outlet [Member] | Sales Channel, Directly to Consumer [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenue	98,545	101,193
Royalties [Member] | Sales Channel, Through Intermediary [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenue	25,240	25,165
Advertising [Member] | Sales Channel, Through Intermediary [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenue	18,942	19,310
Initial and other fees [Member] | Sales Channel, Through Intermediary [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenue	1,139	1,417
Occupancy [Member] | Sales Channel, Through Intermediary [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenue	7,545	8,188
Franchise [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenue	52,866	54,080
Franchise [Member] | Sales Channel, Through Intermediary [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total operating revenue	$ 52,866	$ 54,080

Revenues Contract Balances (Det

Revenues Contract Balances (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 27, 2019	Dec. 26, 2018
Revenues [Abstract]
Balance, December 26, 2018		$ 20,538
Fees received from franchisees		517
Revenue recognized	[1]	(642)
Balance, March 27, 2019		20,413
Less current portion included in other current liabilities		2,109
Deferred franchise revenue included in other noncurrent liabilities		18,304
Revenue recognized that was included in the deferred franchise revenue balance as of December 26, 2018		600
Gift card liabilities		4,776	$ 6,546
Revenue recognized from gift card redemptions		$ 700
[1]	Of this amount $0.6 million

Share-Based Compensation (Detai

Share-Based Compensation (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands, shares in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2019	Dec. 27, 2017
Total share-based compensation [Abstract]
Total share-based compensation	$ 2,253	$ 1,350
Performance share units [Member]
Total share-based compensation [Abstract]
Total share-based compensation	$ 1,998	1,078
Restricted Stock Units [Abstract]
Performance period, equity award	3 years
Common stock shares issued (in shares)	0.3
Common stock shares deferred (in shares)	0.4
Shares paid for tax withholding (in shares)	0.2
Unrecognized compensation cost [Abstract]
Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested share awards outstanding	$ 20,600
Unrecognized compensation cost, expected weighted average period	2 years 3 months 18 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)	0.3
Equity awards, grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	$ 20.47
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)	$ 17.58
Restricted stock units for board members [Member]
Total share-based compensation [Abstract]
Total share-based compensation	$ 255	$ 272
Unrecognized compensation cost [Abstract]
Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested share awards outstanding	$ 200
Unrecognized compensation cost, expected weighted average period	2 months 12 days

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2019	Mar. 28, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective tax rate, percent	23.10%	15.80%
Effective income tax rate reconciliation, discrete item relating to share-based compensation, percent		4.70%

Net Income Per Share (Details)

Net Income Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2019	Mar. 28, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income	$ 15,490	$ 9,759
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic (in shares)	61,651	64,432
Effect of dilutive share-based compensation awards	2,032	2,514
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	63,683	66,946
Basic net income per share	$ 0.25	$ 0.15
Diluted net income per share	$ 0.24	$ 0.15
Antidilutive share-based compensation awards (in shares)	630	471

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform_3

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2019	Mar. 28, 2018
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Income taxes paid, net	$ 367	$ 423
Interest paid	5,067	4,272
Noncash investing and financing activities:
Issuance of common stock, pursuant to share-based compensation plans	6,333	3,513
Noncash consideration received in connection with the sale of real estate	3,000	0
Execution of finance leases	0	2,478
Treasury stock payable	$ 925	$ 615

Shareholders' Equity (Share Rep

Shareholders' Equity (Share Repurchase) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2019	Dec. 26, 2018	Mar. 28, 2018
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Purchase of treasury stock	$ 8,941		$ 16,186
Number of accumulated shares repurchased (in shares)	47,948	47,052
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)	500
Purchase of treasury stock	$ 8,900
Remaining shares to be repurchased (in dollars)	$ 119,500
Number of accumulated shares repurchased (in shares)	5,100
Value of shares repurchased	$ 80,500
Accelerated Share Repurchase 2018 [Member]
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Share repurchase, authorized amount (in dollars)		$ 25,000
Purchase of treasury stock (in shares)	400	1,100
Purchase of treasury stock	$ 6,800	$ 18,200
Remaining shares to be repurchased (in dollars)		$ 6,800
Volume-weighted average price	$ 17.04

Shareholders' Equity (Component

Shareholders' Equity (Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 27, 2019	Mar. 28, 2018
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 26, 2018		$ (4,146)
Amortization of net loss	[1]	22
Net change in fair value of derivatives		(16,774)
Reclassification of derivatives to interest expense	[2]	(24)
Income tax (expense) benefit related to defined benefit plans		(6)	$ (6)
Income tax (expense) benefit related to derivatives		4,629	$ 1,085
Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive loss		4,623
Balance as of March 27, 2019		(16,299)
Estimated reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to interest expense related to the interest rate swaps over the next 12 months		100
Pensions [Member]
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 26, 2018, defined benefit plans		(827)
Amortization of net loss	[1]	22
Income tax (expense) benefit related to defined benefit plans		(6)
Balance as of March 27, 2019, defined benefit plans		(811)
Derivatives [Member]
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 26, 2018, derivatives		(3,319)
Net change in fair value of derivatives		(16,774)
Reclassification of derivatives to interest expense	[2]	(24)
Income tax (expense) benefit related to derivatives		4,629
Balance as of March 27, 2019, derivatives		$ (15,488)
[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 quarter ended March 27, 2019
[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 receive payments from the counterparty and reclassify approximately $0.1 million from accumulated other comprehensive loss related to our interest rate swaps during the next twelve months. See Note 10

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 27, 2019	Dec. 26, 2018
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Loan amounts outstanding under the loan pools	$ 2.2	$ 2.5
Maximum payments guaranteed	0.8
Guarantee liabilities included as a component of other noncurrent liabilities	$ 0.1	$ 0.1

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Jun. 26, 2019USD ($)
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Benefit from completion of IRS audit, tax contingency, domestic, amount	$ 2

Uncategorized Items - q1201910-

Label	Element	Value
Retained Earnings [Member]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	$ (15,446,000)
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	$ (394,000)