Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract]
Net income	$ 7,659	$ 4,975
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	16,824	14,933
Amortization of debt issuance costs	1,138	953
Deferred income taxes	(3,072)	(2,614)
Net facility impairment and closure costs	321	947
Other	(144)	76
Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding the effect of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable	1,576	1,449
Inventories	543	824
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	461	772
Accounts payable	(490)	(2,470)
Income taxes	1,835	5,047
Accrued interest	(5,358)	(7,878)
Accrued liabilities	6,714	6,225
Insurance reserves	883	1,096
Other deferred items	(182)	162
Other assets	(100)	(47)
Net cash provided by operating activities	28,608	24,450
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract]
Capital expenditures	(10,973)	(11,018)
Acquisition of Wendy’s business, net of cash acquired	(7,963)	0
Proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions	4,338	0
Proceeds from sale or disposition of assets	164	296
Net cash used in investing activities	(14,434)	(10,722)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract]
Borrowings under revolving credit facility	0	59,000
Payments under revolving credit facility	0	(59,000)
Payments on term bank facilities	(1,040)	(2,079)
Net cash used in financing activities	(1,040)	(2,079)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	13,134	11,649
Beginning cash and cash equivalents	32,717	12,063
Ending cash and cash equivalents	45,851	23,712
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Net cash paid for interest	15,544	17,350
Net cash received for income taxes	0	(1,685)
Non-Cash Investing Activities [Abstract]
Accrued capital expenditures	$ 1,950	$ 3,677