Deferred Compensation Plan

12 Months Ended

Sep. 25, 2011

Deferred Compensation Plan [Abstract]

Deferred Compensation Plan

Note 11 - Deferred Compensation Plan

The Company maintains a deferred compensation plan for certain executives of Markets. Mr. Jack H. Brown is not eligible to receive awards. Awards under the plan are for units that have an assigned value. Awards under the plan vest after five years, except that upon a participant's early retirement, permanent total disability or death, awards are considered partially vested at the rate of 20% for each year of employment following the grant. If a participant voluntarily terminates his or her employment, or is terminated for cause, any awards not fully vested under the plan will terminate and no payment will be made. As of September 26, 2010 and September 25, 2011, there were 889,600 and 971,600 units outstanding, respectively. The Company recognized an expense for the plan of $11.0 million, $7.9 million and $7.9 million in 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively.