Related Parties (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 01, 2017 USD ($) yr Rate shares	Jan. 03, 2016 USD ($) shares	Dec. 28, 2014 USD ($)
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued | shares	100	100
Convertible Preferred Stock, Common Shares Issuable upon Conversion | shares	9,414,580
Franchise Term | yr	20
Board of directors, number of members	2
Restaurant rent expense	$ 64,814	$ 58,096	$ 48,865
Related Party Transaction, Accounts Payable	22,445	20,436
Related Party, Burger King Corporate [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Initial Franchise Fees	$ 50
Sale of Stock, Percentage of Ownership after Transaction | Rate	20.80%
Related Party Transaction, Royalty Fee Rate | Rate	4.50%
Royalty Expense	$ 40,000	36,200	29,100
Related Party Transaction, Advertising Fee Rate | Rate	4.00%
Advertising Expense	$ 40,200	$ 32,000	$ 27,500
Leases, Number of Leased Restaurants	275	293	311
Restaurant rent expense	$ 27,800	$ 28,400	$ 26,600
Related Party Transaction, Other Liabilities	200
Related Party Transaction, Accounts Payable	$ 6,300
Property Leases Identical to BKC's Lease with Third Party [Member] | Affiliated Entity [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Leases, Number of Leased Restaurants	145