Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 26, 2013	Mar. 27, 2012
Revenues:
Total revenues	$ 561,779	$ 498,579
Bakery-cafe expenses:
Cost of food and paper products	146,417	129,028
Labor	148,598	133,827
Occupancy	36,153	31,108
Other operating expenses	67,945	57,516
Total bakery-cafe expenses	399,113	351,479
Fresh dough and other product cost of sales to franchisees	32,598	30,145
Depreciation and amortization	24,365	21,321
General and administrative expenses	28,307	26,667
Pre-opening expenses	1,091	1,611
Total costs and expenses	485,474	431,223
Operating profit	76,305	67,356
Interest expense	302	210
Other (income) expense, net	(2,420)	438
Income before income taxes	78,423	66,708
Income taxes	30,306	25,524
Net income	48,117	41,184
Earnings Per Common Share
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 1.65	$ 1.41
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 1.64	$ 1.40
Weighted average shares of common and common equivalent shares outstanding:
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - basic (in shares)	29,150	29,183
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	29,326	29,458
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(366)	(28)
Other Comprehensive Income	(366)	(28)
Comprehensive Income	47,751	41,156
Company Bakery Cafe Operations [Member]
Revenues:
Total revenues	497,519	439,215
Bakery-cafe expenses:
Depreciation and amortization	21,005	18,500
Franchise Operations [Member]
Revenues:
Total revenues	26,577	24,822
Fresh dough and other product sales to franchisees [Member]
Revenues:
Total revenues	$ 37,683	$ 34,542