Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2016	Sep. 29, 2015
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract]
Net income	$ 4,437	$ 2,931
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	51,908	47,151
Amortization of debt issuance costs	3,222	2,893
Deferred income taxes	(4,717)	(5,491)
Net facility impairment and closure costs	3,966	5,727
Other	(342)	335
Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding the effect of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable	1,956	4,379
Inventories	284	512
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	2,213	2,388
Accounts payable	1,374	(237)
Income taxes	1,243	(798)
Accrued interest	(4,302)	(6,663)
Accrued liabilities	9,735	6,649
Insurance reserves	1,301	3,622
Other deferred items	(2,618)	20
Other assets	(309)	(148)
Net cash provided by operating activities	69,351	63,270
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract]
Capital expenditures	(45,313)	(41,997)
Acquisitions of Wendy’s business, net of cash acquired	(44,783)	0
Proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions	7,155	1,408
Proceeds from sale or disposition of assets	1,252	521
Net cash used in investing activities	(81,689)	(40,068)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract]
Borrowings under revolving credit facility	15,900	59,000
Payments under revolving credit facility	(15,900)	(59,000)
Payments on term bank facilities	(4,326)	(3,119)
Net cash used in financing activities	(4,326)	(3,119)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(16,664)	20,083
Beginning cash and cash equivalents	32,717	12,063
Ending cash and cash equivalents	16,053	32,146
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Net cash paid for interest	34,783	34,848
Net cash paid for income taxes	781	2,808
Non-Cash Investing Activities [Abstract]
Accrued capital expenditures	$ 5,525	$ 4,138