Accrued Expenses (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 25, 2012	Dec. 27, 2011
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Compensation and related employment taxes	$ 62,868	$ 41,491
Unredeemed gift cards, net	45,802	58,321
Insurance	27,589	23,629
Income taxes payable	23,395	0
Capital Expenditures	22,081	19,116
Taxes, other than income taxes	19,056	18,512
Advertising	12,275	5,334
Fresh dough and other product operations	7,891	7,101
Litigation settlement (Note 8)	5,000	5,000
Deferred Revenue	4,874	2,236
Deferred purchase price	6,171	2,565
Rent	6,139	5,958
Utilities	4,640	4,170
Loyalty program	4,299	5,916
Other	14,516	23,101
Total	$ 266,596	$ 222,450