View Filing Data

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2015	Sep. 21, 2015	Jan. 30, 2015
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	CRACKER BARREL OLD COUNTRY STORE, INC
Entity Central Index Key	0001067294
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--07-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 3,185,726,301
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		24,025,539
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Jul. 31, 2015

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 31, 2015	Aug. 01, 2014
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 265,455	$ 119,361
Accounts receivable	18,050	22,704
Income taxes receivable	0	2,973
Inventories	153,058	165,426
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	14,167	11,997
Deferred income taxes	6,094	7,188
Total current assets	456,824	329,649
Property and Equipment:
Land	303,267	303,933
Buildings and improvements	788,641	767,149
Buildings under capital leases	3,289	3,289
Restaurant and other equipment	541,409	506,323
Leasehold improvements	286,990	271,049
Construction in progress	7,464	15,378
Total	1,931,060	1,867,121
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization of capital leases	878,424	823,837
Property and equipment - net	1,052,636	1,043,284
Other assets	66,748	59,315
Total	1,576,208	1,432,248
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	133,117	98,477
Current maturities of long-term debt	0	25,000
Taxes withheld and accrued	39,061	36,261
Accrued employee compensation	67,421	60,933
Accrued employee benefits	27,717	26,050
Deferred revenues	58,980	49,825
Dividend payable	98,796	23,838
Current interest rate swap liability	1,117	4,704
Other current liabilities	19,402	19,350
Total current liabilities	445,611	344,438
Long-term debt	400,000	375,000
Long-term interest rate swap liability	8,704	3,239
Other long-term obligations	133,594	123,221
Deferred income taxes	50,031	57,709
Commitments and Contingencies (Notes 9 and 15)
Shareholders' Equity:
Preferred stock - 100,000,000 shares of $.01 par value authorized; 300,000 shares designated as Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock; no shares issued	0	0
Common stock - 400,000,000 shares of $.01 par value authorized; 2015 - 23,975,755 shares issued and outstanding; 2014 - 23,821,227 shares issued and outstanding	240	238
Additional paid-in capital	56,066	39,969
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(3,725)	(4,733)
Retained earnings	485,687	493,167
Total shareholders' equity	538,268	528,641
Total	$ 1,576,208	$ 1,432,248

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Jul. 31, 2015	Aug. 01, 2014
Shareholders' Equity:
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	100,000,000	100,000,000
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	400,000,000	400,000,000
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	23,975,755	23,821,227
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	23,975,755	23,821,227
Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock [Member]
Shareholders' Equity:
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	300,000	300,000

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 31, 2015	Aug. 01, 2014	Aug. 02, 2013
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME [Abstract]
Total revenue	$ 2,842,284	$ 2,683,677	$ 2,644,630
Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation and rent)	924,171	872,758	854,684
Labor and other related expenses	992,382	966,593	962,559
Other store operating expenses	523,307	506,533	482,601
Store operating income	402,424	337,793	344,786
General and administrative expenses	147,544	129,387	143,262
Operating income	254,880	208,406	201,524
Interest expense	16,679	17,557	35,742
Income before income taxes	238,201	190,849	165,782
Provision for income taxes	74,298	58,721	48,517
Net income	$ 163,903	$ 132,128	$ 117,265
Net income per share - basic (in dollars per share)	$ 6.85	$ 5.55	$ 4.95
Net income per share - diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 6.82	$ 5.51	$ 4.90
Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	23,918,368	23,817,768	23,708,875
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	24,048,924	23,966,015	23,948,321

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2015	Aug. 01, 2014	Aug. 02, 2013
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]
Net income	$ 163,903	$ 132,128	$ 117,265
Other comprehensive income before income tax expense:
Change in fair value of interest rate swaps	1,641	3,058	23,620
Income tax expense	633	1,179	9,074
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	1,008	1,879	14,546
Comprehensive income	$ 164,911	$ 134,007	$ 131,811

- Definition

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

+ References + Details

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Total
Balance at Aug. 03, 2012	$ 234	$ 28,676	$ (21,158)	$ 374,923	$ 382,675
Balance (in shares) at Aug. 03, 2012	23,473,024
Comprehensive Income:
Net income	$ 0	0	0	117,265	117,265
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	0	0	14,546	0	14,546
Comprehensive income	0	0	14,546	117,265	131,811
Cash dividends declared	0	0	0	(53,515)	(53,515)
Share-based compensation	0	17,839	0	0	17,839
Issuance of share-based compensation awards, net of shares withheld for employee taxes	$ 4	6,450	0	0	6,454
Issuance of share-based compensation awards, net of shares withheld for employee taxes (in shares)	366,603
Tax benefit realized upon exercise of share-based compensation awards	$ 0	2,332	0	0	2,332
Purchases and retirement of common stock	$ (1)	(3,569)	0	0	(3,570)
Purchases and retirement of common stock (in shares)	(44,300)
Balance at Aug. 02, 2013	$ 237	51,728	(6,612)	438,673	484,026
Balance (in shares) at Aug. 02, 2013	23,795,327
Comprehensive Income:
Net income	$ 0	0	0	132,128	132,128
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	0	0	1,879	0	1,879
Comprehensive income	0	0	1,879	132,128	134,007
Cash dividends declared	0	0	0	(77,634)	(77,634)
Share-based compensation	0	7,924	0	0	7,924
Issuance of share-based compensation awards, net of shares withheld for employee taxes	$ 2	(8,459)	0	0	(8,457)
Issuance of share-based compensation awards, net of shares withheld for employee taxes (in shares)	145,900
Tax benefit realized upon exercise of share-based compensation awards	$ 0	1,248	0	0	1,248
Purchases and retirement of common stock	$ (1)	(12,472)	0	0	(12,473)
Purchases and retirement of common stock (in shares)	(120,000)
Balance at Aug. 01, 2014	$ 238	39,969	(4,733)	493,167	$ 528,641
Balance (in shares) at Aug. 01, 2014	23,821,227				23,821,227
Comprehensive Income:
Net income	$ 0	0	0	163,903	$ 163,903
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	0	0	1,008	0	1,008
Comprehensive income	0	0	1,008	163,903	164,911
Cash dividends declared	0	0	0	(171,383)	(171,383)
Share-based compensation	0	16,210	0	0	16,210
Issuance of share-based compensation awards, net of shares withheld for employee taxes	$ 2	(4,818)	0	0	$ (4,816)
Issuance of share-based compensation awards, net of shares withheld for employee taxes (in shares)	154,528				154,528
Tax benefit realized upon exercise of share-based compensation awards	$ 0	4,705	0	0	$ 4,705
Purchases and retirement of common stock	$ 0	0	0	0	0
Purchases and retirement of common stock (in shares)	0
Balance at Jul. 31, 2015	$ 240	$ 56,066	$ (3,725)	$ 485,687	$ 538,268
Balance (in shares) at Jul. 31, 2015	23,975,755				23,975,755

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2015	Aug. 01, 2014	Aug. 02, 2013
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY [Abstract]
Cash dividends declared (in dollars per share)	$ 7.10	$ 3.25	$ 2.25

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS $ in Thousands	Jul. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Aug. 01, 2014 USD ($)	Aug. 02, 2013 USD ($)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 163,903	$ 132,128	$ 117,265
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	72,955	68,389	66,120
Loss on disposition of property and equipment	6,872	5,163	4,057
Share-based compensation	16,210	7,924	17,839
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	(4,705)	(1,248)	(2,332)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	4,654	(6,762)	(1,333)
Income taxes receivable	2,973	(1,725)	0
Inventories	12,368	(18,739)	(3,420)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(2,170)	651	(1,243)
Other assets	(1,659)	(1,701)	(1,033)
Accounts payable	34,640	(12,160)	9,366
Taxes withheld and accrued	2,800	1,185	(4,628)
Accrued employee compensation	6,485	(1,847)	(4,143)
Accrued employee benefits	1,667	1,573	(2,069)
Deferred revenues	9,155	5,727	6,402
Other current liabilities	4,034	(1,960)	6,628
Other long-term obligations	11,090	3,865	5,895
Deferred income taxes	(7,217)	(2,838)	(4,872)
Net cash provided by operating activities	334,055	177,625	208,499
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property and equipment	(90,855)	(91,646)	(74,417)
Proceeds from insurance recoveries of property and equipment	365	1,082	456
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	1,876	1,749	555
Net cash used in investing activities	(88,614)	(88,815)	(73,406)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	406,250	0	0
(Taxes withheld) and proceeds from issuance of share-based compensation awards, net	(4,816)	(8,457)	6,454
Principal payments under long-term debt and other long-term obligations	(406,250)	(1)	(125,153)
Purchases and retirement of common stock	0	(12,473)	(3,570)
Deferred financing costs	(3,537)	0	0
Dividends on common stock	(95,699)	(71,484)	(45,400)
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	4,705	1,248	2,332
Net cash used in financing activities	(99,347)	(91,167)	(165,337)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	146,094	(2,357)	(30,244)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	119,361	121,718	151,962
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	265,455	119,361	121,718
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest, net of amounts capitalized	15,356	15,856	29,959
Income taxes	69,948	66,444	47,550
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities:
Capital expenditures accrued in accounts payable	5,800	5,767	6,852
Change in fair value of interest rate swaps	1,641	3,058	23,620
Change in deferred tax asset for interest rate swaps	(633)	(1,179)	(9,074)
Dividends declared but not yet paid	$ 99,678	$ 23,997	$ 17,847

Description of the Business	12 Months Ended
Description of the Business	Jul. 31, 2015
Description of the Business [Abstract]
Description of the Business	1. Description of the Business Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. and its affiliates (collectively, in the Notes, the “Company”) are principally engaged in the operation and development in the United States (“U.S.”) of the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® (“Cracker Barrel”) concept.

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2015

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

GAAP – The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. (“GAAP”).

Fiscal year – The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Friday nearest July 31st and each quarter consists of thirteen weeks unless noted otherwise. References in these Notes to a year or quarter are to the Company’s fiscal year or quarter unless noted otherwise.

Principles of consolidation – The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly owned. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.

Cash and cash equivalents – The Company’s policy is to consider all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Accounts receivable – Accounts receivable represent their estimated net realizable value. Accounts receivable are written off when they are deemed uncollectible.

Inventories – Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost of restaurant inventory is determined by the first‑in, first‑out (“FIFO”) method. Retail inventories are valued using the retail inventory method (“RIM”) except at the retail distribution center which uses average cost. Approximately 70% to 75% of retail inventories are valued using RIM and the remaining retail inventories are valued using an average cost method. See Note 4 for additional information regarding the components of inventory.

Valuation provisions are included for retail inventory obsolescence, retail inventory shrinkage, returns and amortization of certain items. Cost of goods sold includes an estimate of retail inventory shrinkage that is adjusted upon physical inventory counts. Annual physical inventory counts are conducted throughout the third and fourth quarters based upon a cyclical inventory schedule. An estimate of shrinkage is recorded for the time period between physical inventory counts by using a three-year average of the physical inventories’ results on a store-by-store basis.

Property and equipment – Property and equipment are stated at cost. For financial reporting purposes, depreciation and amortization on these assets are computed by use of the straight‑line and double‑declining balance methods over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets, as follows:

	Years
Buildings and improvements		30-45
Buildings under capital leases		15-25
Restaurant and other equipment		2-10
Leasehold improvements		1-35

Accelerated depreciation methods are generally used for income tax purposes.

Total depreciation expense and depreciation expense related to store operations for each of the three years are as follows:

	2015		2014		2013
Total depreciation expense	$	72,390	$	67,620	$	65,351
Depreciation expense related to store operations*		66,754		62,746		60,574

*Depreciation expense related to store operations is included in other store operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Gain or loss is recognized upon disposal of property and equipment. The asset and related accumulated depreciation and amortization amounts are removed from the accounts.

Maintenance and repairs, including the replacement of minor items, are charged to expense and major additions to property and equipment are capitalized.

Impairment of long-lived assets – The Company assesses the impairment of long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets is measured by comparing the carrying value of the asset to the undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the total expected future cash flows are less than the carrying value of the asset, the carrying value is written down, for an asset to be held and used, to the estimated fair value or, for an asset to be disposed of, to the fair value, net of estimated costs of disposal. Any loss resulting from impairment is recognized by a charge to income.

Derivative instruments and hedging activities – The Company is exposed to market risk, such as changes in interest rates and commodity prices. The Company has interest rate risk relative to its outstanding borrowings, which bear interest at the Company’s election either at the prime rate or LIBOR plus a percentage point spread based on certain specified financial ratios under its credit facility (see Note 5). The Company’s policy has been to manage interest cost using a mix of fixed and variable rate debt. To manage this risk in a cost efficient manner, the Company uses derivative instruments, specifically interest rate swaps.

Companies may elect whether or not to offset related assets and liabilities and report the net amount on their financial statements if the right of setoff exists. Under a master netting agreement, the Company has the legal right to offset the amounts owed to the Company against amounts owed by the Company under a derivative instrument that exists between the Company and a counterparty. When the Company is engaged in more than one outstanding derivative transaction with the same counterparty and also has a legally enforceable master netting agreement with that counterparty, its credit risk exposure is based on the net exposure under the master netting agreement. If, on a net basis, the Company owes the counterparty, the Company regards its credit exposure to the counterparty as being zero.

The Company does not hold or use derivative instruments for trading purposes. The Company also does not have any derivatives not designated as hedging instruments and has not designated any non-derivatives as hedging instruments. See Note 6 for additional information on the Company’s derivative and hedging activities.

Segment reporting – Operating segments are components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. Utilizing these criteria, the Company manages its business on the basis of one reportable operating segment (see Note 8 for additional information regarding segment reporting).

Revenue recognition – The Company records revenue from the sale of products as they are sold. The Company provides for estimated returns based on return history and sales levels. The Company’s policy is to present sales in the Consolidated Statements of Income on a net presentation basis after deducting sales tax.

Unredeemed gift cards and certificates – Unredeemed gift cards and certificates represent a liability of the Company related to unearned income and are recorded at their expected redemption value. No revenue is recognized in connection with the point-of-sale transaction when gift cards or gift certificates are sold. For those states that exempt gift cards and certificates from their escheat laws, the Company makes estimates of the ultimate unredeemed (“breakage”) gift cards and certificates in the period of the original sale and amortizes this breakage over the redemption period that other gift cards and certificates historically have been redeemed by reducing its liability and recording revenue accordingly. For those states that do not exempt gift cards and certificates from their escheat laws, the Company records breakage in the period that gift cards and certificates are remitted to the state and reduces its liability accordingly. Any amounts remitted to states under escheat or similar laws reduce the Company’s deferred revenue liability and have no effect on revenue or expense while any amounts that the Company is permitted to retain are recorded as revenue.

Insurance – The Company self-insures a significant portion of its workers’ compensation and general liability programs. The Company purchases insurance for individual workers’ compensation claims that exceed $250, $500 or $1,000 depending on the state in which the claim originates. The Company purchases insurance for individual general liability claims that exceed $500.

The Company records a reserve for workers’ compensation and general liability for all unresolved claims and for an estimate of incurred but not reported claims (“IBNR”). These reserves and estimates of IBNR claims are based upon a full scope actuarial study which is performed annually at the end of the Company’s third quarter and is adjusted by the actuarially determined losses and actual claims payments for the fourth quarter. Additionally, the Company performs limited scope actuarial studies on a quarterly basis to verify and/or modify the Company’s reserves. The reserves and losses in the actuarial study represent a range of possible outcomes within which no given estimate is more likely than any other estimate. As such, the Company records the losses at the lower end of that range and discounts them to present value using a risk-free interest rate based on projected timing of payments. The Company also monitors actual claims development, including incurrence or settlement of individual large claims during the interim periods between actuarial studies as another means of estimating the adequacy of its reserves.

The Company’s group health plans combine the use of self-insured and fully-insured programs. Benefits for any individual (employee or dependents) in the self-insured program are limited. The Company records a liability for the self-insured portion of its group health program for all unpaid claims based upon a loss development analysis derived from actual group health claims payment experience. The Company also records a liability for unpaid prescription drug claims based on historical experience. The fully-insured portion of the Company’s calendar 2013 and 2014 health insurance program contains a retrospective feature which could increase or decrease premiums based on actual claims experience.

Store pre-opening costs – Start-up costs of a new store are expensed when incurred, with the exception of rent expense under operating leases, in which the straight-line rent includes the pre-opening period during construction, as explained further under the “Leases” section in this Note.

Leases – The Company’s leases are classified as either capital or operating leases. The Company has ground leases and office space leases that are recorded as operating leases. The Company also leases its advertising billboards which are recorded as operating leases. A majority of the Company’s lease agreements provide renewal options and some of these options contain rent escalation clauses. Additionally, some of the leases have rent holiday and contingent rent provisions. During rent holiday periods, which include the pre-opening period during construction, the Company has possession of and access to the property, but is not obligated to, and normally does not, make rent payments. Contingent rent is determined as a percentage of gross sales in excess of specified levels. The Company records a contingent rent liability and corresponding rent expense when it is probable sales have been achieved in amounts in excess of the specified levels.

The liabilities under these leases are recognized on the straight-line basis over the shorter of the useful life, with a maximum of 35 years, or the related lease life. The Company uses a lease life that generally begins on the date that the Company becomes legally obligated under the lease, including the rent holiday periods, and generally extends through certain renewal periods that can be exercised at the Company’s option, for which at the inception of the lease, it is reasonably assured that the Company will exercise those renewal options. This lease period is consistent with the period over which leasehold improvements are amortized.

Advertising – The Company expenses the costs of producing advertising the first time the advertising takes place. Other advertising costs are expensed as incurred.

Advertising expense for each of the three years was as follows:

		2015				2014				2013
Advertising expense		$	68,665			$	63,707			$	59,957

Share-based compensation – The Company’s share-based compensation consists of nonvested stock, performance-based market stock units (“MSU Grants”) and stock options. Share-based compensation is recorded in general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Share-based compensation expense is recognized based on the grant date fair value and the achievement of performance conditions for certain awards. The Company recognizes share-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which is generally the award’s vesting period, or to the date on which retirement eligibility is achieved, if shorter.

Certain nonvested stock awards and the Company’s MSU Grants contain performance conditions. Compensation expense for performance-based awards is recognized when it is probable that the performance criteria will be met. If any performance goals are not met, no compensation expense is ultimately recognized and, to the extent previously recognized, compensation expense is reversed.

If a share-based compensation award is modified after the grant date, incremental compensation expense is recognized in an amount equal to the excess of the fair value of the modified award over the fair value of the original award immediately before the modification. Incremental compensation expense for vested awards is recognized immediately. For unvested awards, the sum of the incremental compensation expense and the remaining unrecognized compensation expense for the original award on the modification date is recognized over the modified service period.

Additionally, the Company’s policy is to issue shares of common stock to satisfy exercises of share-based compensation awards.

Income taxes – The Company’s provision for income taxes includes employer tax credits for FICA taxes paid on employee tip income and other employer tax credits are accounted for by the flow-through method. Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. The Company recognizes (or derecognizes) a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return in the financial statements when it is more likely than not (i.e., a likelihood of more than fifty percent) that the position would be sustained (or not sustained) upon examination by tax authorities. A recognized tax position is then measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The Company recognizes, net of tax, interest and estimated penalties related to uncertain tax positions in its provision for income taxes. See Note 13 for additional information regarding income taxes.

Comprehensive income – Comprehensive income includes net income and the effective unrealized portion of the changes in the fair value of the Company’s interest rate swaps.

Net income per share – Basic consolidated net income per share is computed by dividing consolidated net income to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the reporting period. Diluted consolidated net income per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities, options or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock and is based upon the weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding during the year. Common equivalent shares related to stock options, nonvested stock awards and MSU Grants issued by the Company are calculated using the treasury stock method. Outstanding employee and director stock options, nonvested stock awards and MSU Grants issued by the Company represent the only dilutive effects on diluted consolidated net income per share. See Note 14 for additional information regarding net income per share.

Use of estimates – Management of the Company has made certain estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods to prepare these Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP. Management believes that such estimates have been based on reasonable and supportable assumptions and that the resulting estimates are reasonable for use in the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements. Actual results, however, could differ from those estimates.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity

In April 2014, the FASB issued accounting guidance which changes the criteria for disposals to qualify as discontinued operations and requires new disclosures about disposals of both discontinued operations and certain other disposals that do not meet the new definition. This accounting guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2014 and interim periods within those years on a prospective basis. This accounting guidance is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations upon adoption in the first quarter of 2016.

Revenue Recognition

In May 2014, the FASB issued accounting guidance which clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue and provides a comprehensive model for revenue recognition. Revenue recognition should depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance also requires additional disclosures about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts. This accounting guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those years. Early application is permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. A company may apply this accounting guidance either retrospectively or using the cumulative effect transition method. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this accounting guidance in the first quarter of 2019.

Debt Issuance Costs

In April 2015, the FASB issued accounting guidance which requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a reduction of the related debt liability rather than as an asset. This accounting guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those years on a retrospective basis. Early application is permitted. Since this accounting guidance does not provide guidance on debt issuance costs related to revolving debt agreements, this accounting guidance is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations upon adoption in the first quarter of 2017.

Inventory

In July 2015, the FASB issued accounting guidance which requires companies to measure certain inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value. This accounting guidance does not apply to inventories measured by using either the last-in, first-out method or the retail inventory method. This accounting guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those years on a prospective basis. Early application is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this accounting guidance in the first period of 2018.

Fair Value Measurements

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2015

Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements

3. Fair Value Measurements

Fair value for certain of the Company’s assets and liabilities is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In determining fair value, a three level hierarchy for inputs is used. These levels are:

·	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (“Level 1”) – quoted prices (unadjusted) for an identical asset or liability in an active market.

·	Significant Other Observable Inputs (“Level 2”) – quoted prices for a similar asset or liability in an active market or model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs are observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

·	Significant Unobservable Inputs (“Level 3”) – unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement of the asset or liability.

The Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at July 31, 2015 were as follows:

	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Fair Value
Cash equivalents*	$	191,084	$	--	$	--	$	191,084
Interest rate swap asset (see Note 6)		--		3,759		--		3,759
Deferred compensation plan assets**		26,947		--		--		26,947
Total assets at fair value	$	218,031	$	3,759	$	--	$	221,790

Interest rate swap liability (see Note 6)	$	--	$	9,821	$	--	$	9,821
Total liabilities at fair value	$	--	$	9,821	$	--	$	9,821

The Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at August 1, 2014 were as follows:

	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Fair Value
Cash equivalents*	$	63,068	$	--	$	--	$	63,068
Interest rate swap asset (see Note 6)		--		240		--		240
Deferred compensation plan assets**		25,322		--		--		25,322
Total assets at fair value	$	88,390	$	240	$	--	$	88,630

Interest rate swap liability (see Note 6)	$	--	$	7,943	$	--	$	7,943
Total liabilities at fair value	$	--	$	7,943	$	--	$	7,943

*Consists of money market fund investments.

**Represents plan assets invested in mutual funds established under a Rabbi Trust for the Company’s non-qualified savings plan and is included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as other assets (see Note 12).

The Company’s money market fund investments and deferred compensation plan assets are measured at fair value using quoted market prices. The fair values of the Company’s interest rate swap asset and liabilities are determined based on the present value of expected future cash flows. Since the Company’s interest rate swap values are based on the LIBOR forward curve, which is observable at commonly quoted intervals for the full terms of the swaps, it is considered a Level 2 input. Nonperformance risk is reflected in determining the fair value of the interest rate swaps by using the Company’s credit spread less the risk-free interest rate, both of which are observable at commonly quoted intervals for the terms of the swaps. Thus, the adjustment for nonperformance risk is also considered a Level 2 input.

The fair values of accounts receivable and accounts payable at July 31, 2015 and August 1, 2014, approximate their carrying amounts because of their short duration. The fair value of the Company’s variable rate debt, based on quoted market prices, which are considered Level 1 inputs, approximates its carrying amounts at July 31, 2015 and August 1, 2014.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

+ References + Details

Inventories

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2015

Inventories [Abstract]

Inventories

4. Inventories

Inventories were comprised of the following at:

	July 31, 2015		August 1, 2014
Retail	$	115,777	$	128,386
Restaurant		22,212		22,371
Supplies		15,069		14,669
Total	$	153,058	$	165,426

Debt

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2015

Debt [Abstract]

Debt

5. Debt

On January 8, 2015, the Company entered into a five-year $750,000 revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”). The Revolving Credit Facility replaced a term loan totaling $181,250 and a $218,750 revolving credit facility (the "Prior Credit Facility”). In the second quarter of 2015, loan acquisition costs associated with the Revolving Credit Facility were capitalized in the amount of $3,537 and will be amortized over the five-year term of the Revolving Credit Facility. Loan acquisition costs of $412 associated with the Prior Credit Facility were written off in the second quarter of 2015 and are recorded in interest expense in the Consolidated Statement of Income.

Long‑term debt consisted of the following at:

	July 31, 2015		August 1, 2014
Revolving Credit Facility expiring on January 8, 2020	$	400,000	$	--
Revolving Credit Facility expiring on July 8, 2016		--		212,500
Term loan payable on or before July 8, 2016		--		187,500
		400,000		400,000
Current maturities		--		25,000
Long-term debt	$	400,000	$	375,000

At July 31, 2015, the Company had $11,530 of standby letters of credit, which reduce the Company’s borrowing availability under the Revolving Credit Facility (see Note 15). At July 31, 2015, the Company had $338,470 in borrowing availability under the Revolving Credit Facility.

In accordance with the Revolving Credit Facility, outstanding borrowings bear interest, at the Company’s election, either at LIBOR or prime plus a percentage point spread based on certain specified financial ratios. At July 31, 2015 and August 1, 2014, the Company’s outstanding borrowings were swapped at a weighted average interest rates of 2.96% and 3.73%, respectively (see Note 6 for information on the Company’s interest rate swaps).

The Revolving Credit Facility contains customary financial covenants, which include maintenance of a maximum consolidated total leverage ratio and a minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio. At July 31, 2015 and August 1, 2014, the Company was in compliance with all debt covenants.

The Revolving Credit Facility also imposes restrictions on the amount of dividends the Company is permitted to pay and the amount of shares the Company is permitted to repurchase. Under the Revolving Credit Facility, provided there is no default existing and the total of the Company’s availability under the Revolving Credit Facility plus the Company’s cash and cash equivalents on hand is at least $100,000 (the “cash availability”), the Company may declare and pay cash dividends on shares of its common stock and repurchase shares of its common stock (1) in an unlimited amount if at the time such dividend or repurchase is made the Company’s consolidated total leverage ratio is 3.00 to 1.00 or less and (2) in an aggregate amount not to exceed $100,000 in any fiscal year if the Company’s consolidated total leverage ratio is greater than 3.00 to 1.00 at the time the dividend or repurchase is made; notwithstanding (1) and (2), so long as immediately after giving effect to the payment of any such dividends, cash availability is at least $100,000, the Company may declare and pay cash dividends on shares of its common stock in an aggregate amount not to exceed in any fiscal year the product of the aggregate amount of dividends declared in the fourth quarter of the immediately preceding fiscal year multiplied by four.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2015

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Abstract]

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

6. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

For each of the Company’s interest rate swaps, the Company has agreed to exchange with a counterparty the difference between fixed and variable interest amounts calculated by reference to an agreed-upon notional principal amount. The interest rates on the portion of the Company’s outstanding debt covered by its interest rate swaps are fixed at the rates in the table below plus the Company’s credit spread. The Company’s credit spreads at July 31, 2015 and August 1, 2014 were 1.25% and 1.50%, respectively. All of the Company’s interest rate swaps are accounted for as cash flow hedges.

A summary of the Company’s interest rate swaps at July 31, 2015 is as follows:

Trade Date	Effective Date	Term (in Years)		Notional Amount		Fixed Rate
July 25, 2011	May 3, 2013		3	$	50,000		2.45	%
December 7, 2011	May 3, 2013		3		50,000		1.40	%
March 18, 2013	May 3, 2015		3		50,000		1.51	%
April 8, 2013	May 3, 2015		2		50,000		1.05	%
April 15, 2013	May 3, 2015		2		50,000		1.03	%
April 22, 2013	May 3, 2015		3		25,000		1.30	%
April 25, 2013	May 3, 2015		3		25,000		1.29	%
June 18, 2014	May 3, 2015		4		40,000		2.51	%
June 24, 2014	May 3, 2015		4		30,000		2.51	%
July 1, 2014	May 5, 2015		4		30,000		2.43	%
January 30, 2015	May 3, 2019		2		80,000		2.15	%
January 30, 2015	May 3, 2019		2		60,000		2.16	%
January 30, 2015	May 4, 2021		3		120,000		2.41	%
January 30, 2015	May 3, 2019		2		60,000		2.15	%
January 30, 2015	May 4, 2021		3		80,000		2.40	%

The notional amount for the interest rate swap entered into on June 18, 2014 increases by $40,000 each May over the four-year term of the interest rate swap beginning in May 2016 until the notional amount reaches $160,000 in May 2018. The notional amounts for the interest rate swaps entered into on June 24, 2014 and July 1, 2014 increase by $30,000 each May over the four-year terms of the interest rate swaps beginning in May 2016 until the notional amounts each reach $120,000 in May 2018.

The estimated fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments were as follows:

(See Note 3)	Balance Sheet Location	July 31, 2015		August 1, 2014
Interest rate swaps	Other assets	$	3,759	$	240
Interest rate swaps	Current interest rate swap liability	$	1,117	$	4,704
Interest rate swaps	Long-term interest rate swap liability		8,704		3,239
Total liabilities		$	9,821	$	7,943

The following table summarizes the offsetting of the Company’s derivative assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at July 31, 2015 and August 1, 2014:

	Gross Asset Amounts				Liability Amount Offset					Net Asset Amount Presented in the Balance Sheets
(See Note 3)	July 31, 2015		August 1, 2014		July 31, 2015			August 1, 2014		July 31, 2015		August 1, 2014
Interest rate swaps	$	3,878	$	240	$	(119	)	$	--	$	3,759	$	240

The following table summarizes the offsetting of the Company’s derivative liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at July 31, 2015 and August 1, 2014:

	Gross Liability Amounts				Asset Amount Offset					Net Liability Amount Presented in the Balance Sheets
(See Note 3)	July 31, 2015		August 1, 2014		July 31, 2015		August 1, 2014			July 31, 2015		August 1, 2014
Interest rate swaps	$	9,821	$	8,441	$	--	$	(498	)	$	9,821	$	7,943

The estimated fair values of the Company’s interest rate swap assets and liabilities incorporate the Company’s non-performance risk. The adjustment related to the Company’s non-performance risk at July 31, 2015 and August 1, 2014 resulted in reductions of $209 and $62, respectively, in the total fair value of the interest rate swap asset and liabilities. The offset to the interest rate swap asset and liabilities is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss (“AOCL”), net of the deferred tax assets, and will be reclassified into earnings over the term of the underlying debt. As of July 31, 2015, the estimated pre-tax portion of AOCL that is expected to be reclassified into earnings over the next twelve months is $3,866. Cash flows related to the interest rate swaps are included in interest expense and in operating activities.

The following table summarizes the pre-tax effects of the Company’s derivative instruments on AOCL for each of the three years:

	Amount of Income Recognized in AOCL on Derivatives (Effective Portion)
	2015		2014		2013
Cash flow hedges:
Interest rate swaps	$	1,641	$	3,058	$	23,620

The following table summarizes the changes in AOCL, net of tax, related to the Company’s interest rate swaps for the years ended July 31, 2015 and August 1, 2014:

	July 31, 2015			August 1, 2014
Beginning AOCL balance	$	(4,733	)	$	(6,612	)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		5,955			6,836
Amounts reclassified from AOCL into earnings		(4,947	)		(4,957	)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax		1,008			1,879
Ending AOCL balance	$	(3,725	)	$	(4,733	)

The following table summarizes the pre-tax effects of the Company’s derivative instruments on income for each of the three years:

	Location of Loss Reclassified from AOCL into Income (Effective Portion)	Amount of Loss Reclassified from AOCL into Income (Effective Portion)
		2015			2014			2013
Cash flow hedges:
Interest rate swaps	Interest expense		$	8,052		$	8,068		$	20,773

The following table summarizes the amounts reclassified out of AOCL related to the Company’s interest rate swaps for the years ended July 31, 2015 and August 1, 2014:

Details about AOCL	July 31, 2015			August 1, 2014			Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Statement of Income
Loss on cash flow hedges:
Interest rate swaps	$	(8,052	)	$	(8,068	)	Interest expense
Tax benefit		3,105			3,111		Provision for income taxes
	$	(4,947	)	$	(4,957	)	Net of tax

Any portion of the fair value of the interest rate swaps determined to be ineffective will be recognized currently in earnings. No ineffectiveness has been recorded in 2015, 2014 and 2013.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for derivative instruments and hedging activities including, but not limited to, risk management strategies, non-hedging derivative instruments, assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and methodologies and assumptions used in determining the amounts.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6441202&loc=d3e80720-113993

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4C
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56946850&loc=SL5624171-113959

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56946850&loc=d3e41620-113959

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4B
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56946850&loc=SL5624163-113959

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56946850&loc=SL5579240-113959

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4D
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56946850&loc=SL5624177-113959

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35736893&loc=d3e80784-113994

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56946850&loc=d3e41641-113959

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56946850&loc=SL5579245-113959

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4H
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56946850&loc=SL5624258-113959

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35736893&loc=d3e80748-113994

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4K
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56946850&loc=SL5708775-113959

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4J
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56946850&loc=SL5708773-113959

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56946850&loc=SL5618551-113959

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1B
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56946850&loc=SL5580258-113959

Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4E
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56946850&loc=SL5624181-113959

Reference 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 25
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6886632&loc=d3e76258-113986

Reference 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56946850&loc=d3e41638-113959

Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(n))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690

+ Details

Share Repurchases

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2015

Share Repurchases [Abstract]

Share Repurchases

7. Share Repurchases

In 2015, 2014 and 2013, subject to a maximum amount as specified in the table below and the limits imposed by the Revolving Credit Facility and Prior Credit Facility, the Company was authorized to repurchase shares at management’s discretion. On September 25, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors extended the $25,000 repurchase authorization for an additional year from its original expiration date of October 3, 2015.

The following table summarizes our share repurchases for the last three years:

	2015		2014		2013
Maximum aggregate purchase price	$	25,000	$	50,000	$	100,000
Cost of shares repurchased	$	--	$	12,473	$	3,570
Shares of common stock repurchased		--		120,000		44,300

Segment Information

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2015

Segment Information [Abstract]

Segment Information

8. Segment Information

Cracker Barrel stores represent a single, integrated operation with two related and substantially integrated product lines. The operating expenses of the restaurant and retail product lines of a Cracker Barrel store are shared and are indistinguishable in many respects. Accordingly, the Company manages its business on the basis of one reportable operating segment. All of the Company’s operations are located within the United States.

Total revenue was comprised of the following at:

	2015		2014		2013
Restaurant	$	2,269,610	$	2,137,405	$	2,104,768
Retail		572,674		546,272		539,862
Total revenue	$	2,842,284	$	2,683,677	$	2,644,630

- Definition

The entire disclosure for reporting segments including data and tables. Reportable segments include those that meet any of the following quantitative thresholds a) it's reported revenue, including sales to external customers and intersegment sales or transfers is 10 percent or more of the combined revenue, internal and external, of all operating segments b) the absolute amount of its reported profit or loss is 10 percent or more of the greater, in absolute amount of 1) the combined reported profit of all operating segments that did not report a loss or 2) the combined reported loss of all operating segments that did report a loss c) its assets are 10 percent or more of the combined assets of all operating segments.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 34
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51669610&loc=d3e8981-108599

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 41
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51669610&loc=d3e9038-108599

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 33
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51669610&loc=d3e8971-108599

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 12
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51669610&loc=d3e8595-108599

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51669610&loc=d3e8380-108599

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 32
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51669610&loc=d3e8933-108599

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 26
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51669610&loc=d3e8844-108599

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 35
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51669610&loc=d3e8984-108599

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 40
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51669610&loc=d3e9031-108599

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 42
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51669610&loc=d3e9054-108599

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51669610&loc=d3e8538-108599

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 29
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51669610&loc=d3e8864-108599

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 31
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51669610&loc=d3e8924-108599

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 30
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51669610&loc=d3e8906-108599

+ Details

Leases

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2015

Leases [Abstract]

Leases

9. Leases

As of July 31, 2015, the Company operated 220 stores in leased facilities and also leased certain land, a retail distribution center and advertising billboards.

Rent expense under operating leases, including the sale-leaseback transactions discussed below, for each of the three years was:

Year	Minimum		Contingent		Total
2015	$	72,877	$	252	$	73,129
2014		71,123		242		71,365
2013		70,095		232		70,327

The following is a schedule by year of the future minimum rental payments required under the Company’s operating leases as of July 31, 2015:

Year	Total
2016	$	61,405
2017		48,885
2018		44,489
2019		42,853
2020		43,175
Later years		502,283
Total	$	743,090

Sale-Leaseback Transactions

In 2009, the Company completed sale-leaseback transactions involving 15 of its owned stores and its retail distribution center. Under the transactions, the land, buildings and improvements at the locations were sold and leased back for terms of 20 and 15 years, respectively. Equipment was not included. The leases include specified renewal options for up to 20 additional years.

The Company leases 65 of its stores pursuant to a sale-leaseback transaction which closed in 2000. Under the transaction, the land, buildings and building improvements at the locations were sold and leased back for a term of 21 years. The leases for these stores include specified renewal options for up to 20 additional years and have certain financial covenants related to fixed charge coverage for the leased stores. At July 31, 2015 and August 1, 2014, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.

Share-Based Compensation

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2015

Share-Based Compensation [Abstract]

Share-Based Compensation

10. Share-Based Compensation

Stock Compensation Plans

The Company’s employee compensation plans are administered by the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Committee”). The Committee is authorized to determine, at time periods within its discretion and subject to the direction of the Board of Directors, which employees will be granted awards, the number of shares covered by any awards granted, and within applicable limits, the terms and provisions relating to the exercise and vesting of any awards.

The Company has one active compensation plan, the 2010 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2010 Omnibus Plan”), for employees and non-employee directors which authorizes the granting of nonvested stock awards, performance-based MSU Grants, stock options and other types of share-based awards. The Company also has stock options and nonvested stock outstanding under two other compensation plans (“Prior Plans”) in which no future grants may be made.

The 2010 Omnibus Plan allows the Committee to grant awards for an aggregate of 1,500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. However, this share reserve is increased by shares awarded under this and Prior Plans which are forfeited, expired, settled for cash and shares withheld by the Company in payment of a tax withholding obligation. Additionally, this share reserve was decreased by shares granted from Prior Plans after July 30, 2010 until December 1, 2010. At July 31, 2015, the number of shares authorized for future issuance under the Company’s active plan is 1,119,722.

The following table summarizes the number of outstanding awards under each plan at July 31, 2015:

2010 Omnibus Plan			217,131
Amended and Restated Stock Option Plan			4,458
2002 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan			18,500
Total			240,089

Types of Share-Based Awards

Nonvested Stock

Nonvested stock awards consist of the Company’s common stock and generally vest over 1–3 years. Generally, the fair value of each nonvested stock award is equal to the market price of the Company’s stock at the date of grant reduced by the present value of expected dividends to be paid prior to the vesting period, discounted using an appropriate risk-free interest rate. Other nonvested stock awards accrue dividends and their fair value is equal to the market price of the Company’s stock at the date of the grant. Dividends are forfeited for any nonvested stock awards that do not vest.

The Company’s nonvested stock awards include its long-term performance plans which were established by the Committee for the purpose of rewarding certain officers with shares of the Company’s common stock if the Company achieved certain performance targets. The stock awards under the long-term performance plans are calculated or estimated based on achievement of financial performance measures.

The following table summarizes the performance periods and vesting periods for the Company’s nonvested stock awards under its long-term performance plans at July 31, 2015:

Long-Term Performance Plan (“LTPP”)	Performance Period		Vesting Period (in Years)
2015 LTPP		2015 – 2016	2 or 3
2014 LTPP		2014 – 2015	2 or 3

The following table summarizes the shares that have been accrued under the 2015 LTPP and 2014 LTPP at July 31, 2015:

2015 LTPP			49,072
2014 LTPP			37,126

A summary of the Company’s nonvested stock activity as of July 31, 2015, and changes during 2015 are presented in the following table:

Nonvested Stock	Shares			Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested at August 1, 2014		64,065		$	68.25
Granted		74,089			101.58
Vested		(98,991	)		82.35
Forfeited		--			--
Unvested at July 31, 2015		39,163		$	95.66

The following table summarizes the total fair value of nonvested stock that vested for each of the three years:

		2015				2014				2013
Total fair value of nonvested stock		$	8,152			$	17,417			$	7,445

Performance-Based Market Stock Units

The number of MSU Grants that will ultimately be awarded and will vest at the end of the applicable three-year performance period for each annual plan is based on total shareholder return, which is defined as the change in the Company’s stock price plus dividends paid during the performance period. The number of shares awarded at the end of the performance period will vary in direct proportion to a target number of shares set at the beginning of the period, up to a maximum of 150% of target, based on the change in the Company’s cumulative total shareholder return over the performance period. The probability of the actual shares expected to be earned is considered in the grant date valuation; therefore, the expense will not be adjusted to reflect the actual units earned. In addition to a service requirement, the vesting of the MSU Grants is also subject to the achievement of a specified level of operating income during the performance period. If this performance goal is not met, no MSU Grants will be awarded and no compensation expense will be recorded.

The fair value of the MSU Grants is determined using the Monte-Carlo simulation model, which simulates a range of possible future stock prices and estimates the probabilities of the potential payouts. This model uses the average prices for the 60-consecutive calendar days beginning 30 days prior to and ending 30 days after the first business day of the performance period. This model also incorporates the following ranges of assumptions:

·	The expected volatility is a blend of implied volatility based on market-traded options on our stock and historical volatility of our stock over the period commensurate with the three-year performance period.

·	The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury rate assumption commensurate with the three-year performance period.

·	The expected dividend yield is based on our current dividend yield as the best estimate of projected dividend yield for periods within the three-year performance period.

The following assumptions were used in determining the fair value for the Company’s MSU Grants:

				Year Ended
	July 31, 2015			August 1, 2014			August 2, 2013
Dividend yield***		--			--			3.0	%
Expected volatility		21	%		25	%		27	%
Risk-free interest rate range		1.0	%		0.7% - 0.8	%		0.3	%

***Dividends accrue on the 2014 and 2015 MSU Grants. Dividends will be forfeited for any 2014 and 2015 MSU Grants that do not vest.

The following table summarizes the shares that have been accrued under the 2013 MSU Grants, the 2014 MSU Grants and 2015 MSU Grants at July 31, 2015:

	Shares
2013 MSU Grants		53,295
2014 MSU Grants		25,829
2015 MSU Grants		15,146

Stock Options

Prior to 2012, stock options were granted with an exercise price equal to the market price of the Company’s stock on the grant date; those option awards generally vest at a cumulative rate of 33% per year beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date and expire ten years from the date of grant. No stock options were granted in 2013, 2014 or 2015.

A summary of the Company’s stock option activity as of July 31, 2015, and changes during 2015 are presented in the following table:

Fixed Options	Shares			Weighted- Average Price		Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at August 1, 2014		87,132		$	36.75
Granted		--			--
Exercised		(44,753	)		37.97
Forfeited		--			--
Canceled		(21,921	)		36.95
Outstanding at July 31, 2015		20,458		$	33.88		2.08	$	2,414
Exercisable		20,458		$	33.88		2.08	$	2,414

The following table summarizes the total intrinsic values of options exercised during each of the three years:

		2015				2014				2013
Total intrinsic values of options exercised*		$	4,652			$	169			$	10,526

*The intrinsic value for stock options is defined as the difference between the current market value and the grant price.

Compensation Expense

The following table highlights the components of share-based compensation expense for each of the three years:

	2015		2014		2013
Nonvested stock awards	$	13,243	$	5,762	$	15,416
MSU Grants		2,967		2,162		2,335
Stock options		--		--		88
Total compensation expense	$	16,210	$	7,924	$	17,839

The following table highlights the total unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested stock and MSU Grants and the weighted-average periods over which the expense is expected to be recognized as of July 31, 2015:

	Nonvested Stock		MSU Grants
Total unrecognized compensation	$	1,564	$	3,604
Weighted-average period in years		1.56		1.66

The following table highlights the total income tax benefit recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income for each of the three years:

		2015				2014				2013
Total income tax benefit		$	5,056			$	2,438			$	5,221

During 2015, the Company issued 154,528 shares of its common stock resulting from the vesting of share-based compensation awards and stock option exercises. Related tax withholding payments on certain share-based compensation awards exceeded proceeds received from the exercise of stock options which resulted in a net reduction to shareholders’ equity of $4,816. The excess tax benefit realized upon exercise of share-based compensation awards was $4,705.

Shareholder Rights Plan

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2015

Shareholder Rights Plan [Abstract]

Shareholder Rights Plan

11. Shareholder Rights Plan

On April 9, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a dividend of one preferred share purchase right (a “Right”) for each outstanding share of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and adopted a shareholder rights plan, as set forth in the Rights Agreement dated as of April 9, 2015 (the “Rights Agreement”), by and between the Company and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, as rights agent. The dividend was payable on April 20, 2015 to the shareholders of record as of the close of business on April 20, 2015. The Rights Agreement replaced the Company’s previous shareholder rights plan adopted in 2012 (the “2012 Plan”), and it became effective immediately following the expiration of the 2012 Plan at the close of business on April 9, 2015. The 2012 Plan and the preferred share purchase rights issued thereunder expired by their own terms and shareholders of the Company were not entitled to any payment as a result of the expiration of the 2012 Plan.

The Rights

The Rights initially trade with, and are inseparable from, the Company’s common stock. The Rights are evidenced only by the balances indicated in the book-entry account system of the transfer agent for the Company’s common stock or, in the case of certificated shares, the certificates that represent such shares of common stock. New Rights will accompany any new shares of common stock the Company issues after April 20, 2015 until the earlier of the Distribution Date, redemption of the Rights by the Board of Directors or the final expiration date of the Rights Agreement, each as described below.

Exercise Price

Each Right will allow its holder to purchase from the Company one one-hundredth of a share of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock (“Preferred Share”) for $600.00, once the Rights become exercisable. This portion of a Preferred Share will give the shareholder approximately the same dividend and liquidation rights as would one share of common stock. Prior to exercise, the Right does not give its holder any dividend, voting, or liquidation rights.

Exercisability

The Rights will not be exercisable until 10 days after the public announcement that a person or group has become an “Acquiring Person” by obtaining beneficial ownership of 20% or more of the Company’s outstanding common stock.

Shares held by affiliates and associates of an Acquiring Person, and Notional Common Shares (as defined in the Rights Agreement) held by counterparties to a Derivatives Contract (as defined in the Rights Agreement) with an Acquiring Person, will be deemed to be beneficially owned by the Acquiring Person. Certain synthetic interests in securities created by derivative positions – whether or not such interests are considered to be ownership of the underlying common stock or are reportable for purposes of Regulation 13D of the Securities Exchange Act – are treated as beneficial ownership of the number of shares of the Company’s common stock equivalent to the economic exposure created by the derivative.

The date when the Rights become exercisable is the “Distribution Date.” Until the Distribution Date, the common stock certificates will evidence the Rights, and any transfer of shares of common stock will constitute a transfer of Rights. After that date, the Rights will separate from the common stock and will be evidenced by book-entry credits or by Rights certificates that the Company will mail to all eligible holders of common stock. Any Rights held by an Acquiring Person will be void and may not be exercised.

At July 31, 2015, none of the Rights were exercisable.

Consequences of a Person or Group Becoming an Acquiring Person

If a person or group becomes an Acquiring Person, after the Distribution Date, each Right will generally entitle the holder, except the Acquiring Person or any associate or affiliate thereof, to acquire, for the exercise price of $600.00 per Right (subject to adjustment as provided in the Rights Agreement), shares of the Company’s common stock (or, in certain circumstances, Preferred Shares) having a market value equal to twice the Right’s then-current exercise price. In addition, if, the Company is later acquired in a merger or similar transaction after the Distribution Date, each Right will generally entitle the holder, except the Acquiring Person or any associate or affiliate thereof, to acquire, for the exercise price of $600.00 per Right (subject to adjustment as provided in the Rights Agreement), shares of the acquiring corporation having a market value equal to twice the Right’s then-current exercise price.

Preferred Share Provisions

Each one one-hundredth of a Preferred Share, if issued:

will not be redeemable.

will entitle holders to quarterly dividend payments of $0.01 per share, or an amount equal to the dividend paid on one share of common stock, whichever is greater.

will entitle holders upon liquidation either to receive $1.00 per share or an amount equal to the payment made on one share of common stock, whichever is greater.

will have the same voting power as one share of common stock.

if shares of the Company’s common stock are exchanged via merger, consolidation, or a similar transaction, will entitle holders to a per share payment equal to the payment made on one share of common stock.

The value of one one-hundredth of a Preferred Share will generally approximate the value of one share of common stock.

Redemption

The Board of Directors may redeem the Rights for $0.01 per Right at any time before any person or group becomes an Acquiring Person. If the Board of Directors redeems any Rights, it must redeem all of the Rights. Once the Rights are redeemed, the only right of the holders of Rights will be to receive the redemption price of $0.01 per Right. The redemption price will be adjusted if the Company has a stock split or stock dividends of its common stock.

Qualifying Offer Provision

The Rights would also not interfere with all-cash, fully financed tender offers for all shares of common stock that remain open for a minimum of 60 business days, are subject to a minimum condition of a majority of the outstanding shares and provide for a 20-business day “subsequent offering period” after consummation (such offers are referred to as “qualifying offers”). In the event the Company receives a qualifying offer and the Board of Directors has not redeemed the Rights prior to the consummation of such offer, the consummation of the qualifying offer shall not cause the offeror or its affiliates or associates to become an Acquiring Person, and the Rights will immediately expire upon consummation of the qualifying offer.

Exchange

After a person or group becomes an Acquiring Person, but before an Acquiring Person owns 50% or more of the Company’s outstanding common stock, the Board of Directors may extinguish the Rights by exchanging one share of common stock or an equivalent security for each Right, other than Rights held by the Acquiring Person.

Anti-Dilution Provisions

The Board of Directors may adjust the purchase price of the Preferred Shares, the number of Preferred Shares issuable and the number of outstanding Rights to prevent dilution that may occur from a stock dividend, a stock split, a reclassification of the Preferred Shares or common stock. No adjustments to the Exercise Price of less than 1% will be made.

Amendments

The terms of the Rights Agreement may be amended by the Board of Directors without the consent of the holders of the Rights. After a person or group becomes an Acquiring Person, the Board of Directors may not amend the agreement in a way that adversely affects holders of the Rights.

Expiration

If the Rights Agreement is approved by the Company’s shareholders at the 2015 annual shareholders’ meeting, the Rights will expire on April 9, 2018. If shareholders do not approve the Rights Agreement, the Rights will expire immediately following certification of the vote at the 2015 annual shareholders’ meeting.

Employee Savings Plans

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2015

Employee Savings Plans [Abstract]

Employee Savings Plans

12. Employee Savings Plans

The Company sponsors a qualified defined contribution retirement plan (“401(k) Savings Plan”) covering salaried and hourly employees who have completed ninety days of service and have attained the age of twenty-one. This plan allows eligible employees to defer receipt of up to 50% of their compensation, as defined in the plan. The Company also sponsors a non-qualified defined contribution retirement plan (“Non-Qualified Savings Plan”) covering highly compensated employees, as defined in the plan. This plan allows eligible employees to defer receipt of up to 50% of their base compensation and 100% of their eligible bonuses, as defined in the plan.

Contributions under both plans may be invested in various investment funds at the employee’s discretion. Such contributions, including the Company’s matching contributions described below, may not be invested in the Company’s common stock. In 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company matched 25% of employee contributions for each participant in either plan up to a total of 6% of the employee’s compensation. Employee contributions vest immediately while Company contributions vest 20% annually beginning on the first anniversary of a contribution date and are vested 100% on the fifth anniversary of such contribution date.

At the inception of the Non-Qualified Savings Plan, the Company established a Rabbi Trust to fund the plan’s obligations. The market value of the trust assets for the Non-Qualified Savings Plan of $26,947 is included in other assets and the related liability to the participants of $26,947 is included in other long-term obligations in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Company contributions under both plans are recorded as either labor and other related expenses or general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

The following table summarizes the Company’s contributions for each plan for each of the three years:

	2015		2014		2013
401(k) Savings Plan	$	2,364	$	2,167	$	2,180
Non-Qualified Savings Plan		234		253		241

Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2015

Income Taxes [Abstract]

Income Taxes

13. Income Taxes

The components of the provision for income taxes for each of the three years were as follows:

	2015			2014			2013
Current:
Federal	$	71,386		$	53,713		$	44,853
State		6,050			4,597			4,375
Deferred:
Federal		(6,178	)		(2,863	)		(4,365	)
State		3,040			3,274			3,654
Total provision for income taxes	$	74,298		$	58,721		$	48,517

A reconciliation of the Company’s provision for income taxes and income taxes based on the statutory U.S. federal rate of 35% was as follows:

	2015			2014			2013
Provision computed at federal statutory income tax rate	$	83,370		$	66,797		$	58,024
State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit		6,378			5,029			5,698
Employer tax credits for FICA taxes paid on employee tip income		(10,681	)		(9,962	)		(9,635	)
Other employer tax credits		(5,058	)		(3,781	)		(5,927	)
Other-net		289			638			357
Total provision for income taxes	$	74,298		$	58,721		$	48,517

Significant components of the Company’s net deferred tax liability consisted of the following at:

	July 31, 2015		August 1, 2014
Deferred tax assets:
Compensation and employee benefits	$	13,721	$	10,858
Deferred rent		16,022		14,900
Accrued liabilities		16,869		13,942
Insurance reserves		12,074		11,944
Inventory		4,525		6,212
Other		2,606		3,172
Deferred tax assets	$	65,817	$	61,028

Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment	$	88,651	$	88,543
Inventory		11,568		13,415
Other		9,534		9,591
Deferred tax liabilities		109,753		111,549
Net deferred tax liability	$	43,936	$	50,521

The Company believes that adequate amounts of tax, interest and penalties have been provided for potential tax uncertainties; these amounts are included in other long-term liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of July 31, 2015 and August 1, 2014, the Company’s gross liability for uncertain tax positions, exclusive of interest and penalties, was $25,507 and $22,832, respectively. Summarized below is a tabular reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance of the Company’s total gross liability for uncertain tax positions exclusive of interest and penalties:

	July 31, 2015			August 1, 2014			August 2, 2013
Balance at beginning of year	$	22,832		$	20,972		$	18,098
Tax positions related to the current year:
Additions		3,994			3,989			3,731
Reductions		--			--			--
Tax positions related to the prior year:
Additions		118			1,400			191
Reductions		(227	)		(1,630	)		(280	)
Settlements		(204	)		(755	)		--
Expiration of statute of limitations		(1,006	)		(1,144	)		(768	)
Balance at end of year	$	25,507		$	22,832		$	20,972

If the Company were to prevail on all uncertain tax positions, the reversal of this accrual would be a tax benefit to the Company and impact the effective tax rate. The following table highlights the amount of uncertain tax positions, exclusive of interest and penalties, which, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate for each of the three years:

		2015				2014				2013
Uncertain tax positions		$	16,579			$	14,840			$	13,631

The Company had $9,754, $8,559 and $7,869 in interest and penalties accrued as of July 31, 2015, August 1, 2014, and August 2, 2013, respectively.

The Company recognized accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits of $1,194, $691 and $1,264 in its provision for income taxes on July 31, 2015, August 1, 2014 and August 2, 2013, respectively.

In many cases, the Company’s uncertain tax positions are related to tax years that remain subject to examination by the relevant taxing authorities. Based on the outcome of these examinations or as a result of the expiration of the statutes of limitations for specific taxing jurisdictions, it is reasonably possible that the related uncertain tax positions taken regarding previously filed tax returns could decrease from those recorded as liabilities for uncertain tax positions in the Company’s financial statements at July 31, 2015 by approximately $3,000 to $4,000 within the next twelve months. At July 31, 2015, the Company was subject to income tax examinations for its U.S. federal income taxes after 2011 and for state and local income taxes generally after 2011.

Net Income Per Share and Weighted Average Shares

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2015

Net Income Per Share and Weighted Average Shares [Abstract]

Net Income Per Share and Weighted Average Shares

14. Net Income Per Share and Weighted Average Shares

The following table reconciles the components of diluted earnings per share computations:

	2015		2014		2013
Net income per share numerator	$	163,903	$	132,128	$	117,265

Net income per share denominator:
Basic weighted average shares outstanding		23,918,368		23,817,768		23,708,875
Add potential dilution:
Stock options, nonvested stock awards and MSU Grants		130,556		148,247		239,446
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding		24,048,924		23,966,015		23,948,321

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies	Jul. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	15. Commitments and Contingencies During 2014 and through September 25, 2014, the Company was served with several claims filed as a putative collective action alleging violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”). The Company has recorded a total provision of approximately $3,500 at July 31, 2015 to reflect the liability related to these lawsuits. Although we continue to believe that the Company’s associate managers are and have been properly classified as exempt employees under FLSA and have therefore aggressively challenged the plaintiffs’ claims in these lawsuits, in light of the potential cost and uncertainty involved in these lawsuits, in March 2015, we entered into a memorandum of understanding (the “MOU”) with respect to a settlement with plaintiffs’ counsel to resolve the series of lawsuits. Per the MOU, all three of these federal lawsuits were dismissed and a consolidated lawsuit was filed in Broward County, Florida Circuit Court with respect to the underlying claims. In May 2015, the parties executed the settlement agreement based on the MOU, and the settlement agreement was approved by the Florida court on July 31, 2015. Consistent with the terms of the MOU and the court-approved agreement, the parties will distribute notice to potential claimants and process submitted claims through a settlement administrator. See “Item 3. Legal Proceedings” of Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information related to these claims. In addition to the matters described above, the Company and its subsidiaries are party to various legal and regulatory proceedings and claims incidental to their business in the ordinary course. In the opinion of management, based upon information currently available, the ultimate liability with respect to these proceedings and claims will not materially affect the Company’s consolidated results of operations or financial position. The Company maintains insurance coverage for various aspects of its business and operations. The Company has elected, however, to retain all or a portion of losses that occur through the use of various deductibles, limits and retentions under its insurance programs. This situation may subject the Company to some future liability for which it is only partially insured, or completely uninsured. The Company intends to mitigate any such future liability by continuing to exercise prudent business judgment in negotiating the terms and conditions of its contracts. See Note 2 for a further discussion of insurance and insurance reserves. Related to its insurance coverage, the Company is contingently liable pursuant to standby letters of credit as credit guarantees to certain insurers. As of July 31, 2015, the Company had $11,530 of standby letters of credit related to securing reserved claims under workers’ compensation insurance. All standby letters of credit are renewable annually and reduce the Company’s borrowing availability under its Revolving Credit facility (see Note 5). As of July 31, 2015, the Company is secondarily liable for lease payments associated with one property. The Company is not aware of any non-performance under this lease arrangement that would result in the Company having to perform in accordance with the terms of this guarantee, and therefore, no provision has been recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for amounts to be paid in case of non-performance by the third party by the primary obligor under such lease agreement. The Company enters into certain indemnification agreements in favor of third parties in the ordinary course of business. At August 1, 2014 and July 31, 2015, the Company recorded a liability related to legal costs. The Company believes that the amount recorded is immaterial to the Company’s consolidated results of operations and financial position and that the probability of incurring an actual liability under other indemnification agreements is sufficiently remote so that no additional liability has been recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2015

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) [Abstract]

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

16. Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

Quarterly financial data for 2015 and 2014 are summarized as follows:

	1^st Quarter		2^nd Quarter		3^rd Quarter		4^th Quarter
2015
Total revenue	$	683,428	$	755,966	$	683,705	$	719,185
Store operating income		88,634		108,411		94,047		111,332
Income before income taxes		51,018		66,537		51,447		69,199
Net income		34,024		47,163		35,317		47,399
Net income per share – basic	$	1.43	$	1.97	$	1.48	$	1.98
Net income per share – diluted	$	1.42	$	1.96	$	1.47	$	1.97
2014
Total revenue	$	649,141	$	698,491	$	643,298	$	692,747
Store operating income		81,124		88,634		77,754		90,281
Income before income taxes		39,830		54,235		40,886		55,898
Net income		27,160		37,055		28,728		39,185
Net income per share – basic	$	1.14	$	1.56	$	1.21	$	1.65
Net income per share – diluted	$	1.14	$	1.55	$	1.20	$	1.63

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2015

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

GAAP

GAAP – The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. (“GAAP”).

Fiscal year

Principles of consolidation

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents – The Company’s policy is to consider all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Accounts receivable

Accounts receivable – Accounts receivable represent their estimated net realizable value. Accounts receivable are written off when they are deemed uncollectible.

Inventories

Property and equipment

	Years
Buildings and improvements		30-45
Buildings under capital leases		15-25
Restaurant and other equipment		2-10
Leasehold improvements		1-35

Accelerated depreciation methods are generally used for income tax purposes.

Total depreciation expense and depreciation expense related to store operations for each of the three years are as follows:

	2015		2014		2013
Total depreciation expense	$	72,390	$	67,620	$	65,351
Depreciation expense related to store operations*		66,754		62,746		60,574

*Depreciation expense related to store operations is included in other store operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Gain or loss is recognized upon disposal of property and equipment. The asset and related accumulated depreciation and amortization amounts are removed from the accounts.

Maintenance and repairs, including the replacement of minor items, are charged to expense and major additions to property and equipment are capitalized.

Impairment of long-lived assets

Derivative instruments and hedging activities

Segment reporting

Revenue recognition

Unredeemed gift cards and certificates

Insurance

Store pre-opening costs

Leases

Advertising

Advertising – The Company expenses the costs of producing advertising the first time the advertising takes place. Other advertising costs are expensed as incurred.

Advertising expense for each of the three years was as follows:

		2015				2014				2013
Advertising expense		$	68,665			$	63,707			$	59,957

Share-based compensation

Additionally, the Company’s policy is to issue shares of common stock to satisfy exercises of share-based compensation awards.

Income taxes

Comprehensive income

Comprehensive income – Comprehensive income includes net income and the effective unrealized portion of the changes in the fair value of the Company’s interest rate swaps.

Net income per share

Use of estimates

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity

Revenue Recognition

Debt Issuance Costs

Inventory

Fair Value Measurements (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2015

Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]

Fair value measurements

·	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (“Level 1”) – quoted prices (unadjusted) for an identical asset or liability in an active market.

·	Significant Other Observable Inputs (“Level 2”) – quoted prices for a similar asset or liability in an active market or model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs are observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

·	Significant Unobservable Inputs (“Level 3”) – unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement of the asset or liability.

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2015

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Schedule of Estimated Useful Lives of Assets

For financial reporting purposes, depreciation and amortization on these assets are computed by use of the straight‑line and double‑declining balance methods over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets, as follows:

	Years
Buildings and improvements		30-45
Buildings under capital leases		15-25
Restaurant and other equipment		2-10
Leasehold improvements		1-35

Schedule of Total Depreciation Expense and Depreciation Expense Related to Store Operations

Total depreciation expense and depreciation expense related to store operations for each of the three years are as follows:

	2015		2014		2013
Total depreciation expense	$	72,390	$	67,620	$	65,351
Depreciation expense related to store operations*		66,754		62,746		60,574

*Depreciation expense related to store operations is included in other store operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Schedule of Advertising Expense

Advertising expense for each of the three years was as follows:

		2015				2014				2013
Advertising expense		$	68,665			$	63,707			$	59,957

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2015

Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at July 31, 2015 were as follows:

	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Fair Value
Cash equivalents*	$	191,084	$	--	$	--	$	191,084
Interest rate swap asset (see Note 6)		--		3,759		--		3,759
Deferred compensation plan assets**		26,947		--		--		26,947
Total assets at fair value	$	218,031	$	3,759	$	--	$	221,790

Interest rate swap liability (see Note 6)	$	--	$	9,821	$	--	$	9,821
Total liabilities at fair value	$	--	$	9,821	$	--	$	9,821

The Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at August 1, 2014 were as follows:

	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Fair Value
Cash equivalents*	$	63,068	$	--	$	--	$	63,068
Interest rate swap asset (see Note 6)		--		240		--		240
Deferred compensation plan assets**		25,322		--		--		25,322
Total assets at fair value	$	88,390	$	240	$	--	$	88,630

Interest rate swap liability (see Note 6)	$	--	$	7,943	$	--	$	7,943
Total liabilities at fair value	$	--	$	7,943	$	--	$	7,943

*Consists of money market fund investments.

Inventories (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2015

Inventories [Abstract]

Inventories

Inventories were comprised of the following at:

	July 31, 2015		August 1, 2014
Retail	$	115,777	$	128,386
Restaurant		22,212		22,371
Supplies		15,069		14,669
Total	$	153,058	$	165,426

Debt (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2015

Debt [Abstract]

Schedule of Long-term Debt

Long‑term debt consisted of the following at:

	July 31, 2015		August 1, 2014
Revolving Credit Facility expiring on January 8, 2020	$	400,000	$	--
Revolving Credit Facility expiring on July 8, 2016		--		212,500
Term loan payable on or before July 8, 2016		--		187,500
		400,000		400,000
Current maturities		--		25,000
Long-term debt	$	400,000	$	375,000

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of long-debt instruments or arrangements, including identification, terms, features, collateral requirements and other information necessary to a fair presentation. These are debt arrangements that originally required repayment more than twelve months after issuance or greater than the normal operating cycle of the entity, if longer.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21475-112644

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 470
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6479336&loc=d3e64711-112823

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(e),(f))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 55
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=34725769&loc=d3e28878-108400

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21538-112644

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21506-112644

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28541-108399

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28551-108399

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 7
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21521-112644

+ Details

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2015

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Abstract]

Summary of Interest Rate Swaps

A summary of the Company’s interest rate swaps at July 31, 2015 is as follows:

Trade Date	Effective Date	Term (in Years)		Notional Amount		Fixed Rate
July 25, 2011	May 3, 2013		3	$	50,000		2.45	%
December 7, 2011	May 3, 2013		3		50,000		1.40	%
March 18, 2013	May 3, 2015		3		50,000		1.51	%
April 8, 2013	May 3, 2015		2		50,000		1.05	%
April 15, 2013	May 3, 2015		2		50,000		1.03	%
April 22, 2013	May 3, 2015		3		25,000		1.30	%
April 25, 2013	May 3, 2015		3		25,000		1.29	%
June 18, 2014	May 3, 2015		4		40,000		2.51	%
June 24, 2014	May 3, 2015		4		30,000		2.51	%
July 1, 2014	May 5, 2015		4		30,000		2.43	%
January 30, 2015	May 3, 2019		2		80,000		2.15	%
January 30, 2015	May 3, 2019		2		60,000		2.16	%
January 30, 2015	May 4, 2021		3		120,000		2.41	%
January 30, 2015	May 3, 2019		2		60,000		2.15	%
January 30, 2015	May 4, 2021		3		80,000		2.40	%

Schedule of Estimated Fair Value of Derivative Instruments

The estimated fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments were as follows:

(See Note 3)	Balance Sheet Location	July 31, 2015		August 1, 2014
Interest rate swaps	Other assets	$	3,759	$	240
Interest rate swaps	Current interest rate swap liability	$	1,117	$	4,704
Interest rate swaps	Long-term interest rate swap liability		8,704		3,239
Total liabilities		$	9,821	$	7,943

Offsetting Assets

The following table summarizes the offsetting of the Company’s derivative assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at July 31, 2015 and August 1, 2014:

	Gross Asset Amounts				Liability Amount Offset					Net Asset Amount Presented in the Balance Sheets
(See Note 3)	July 31, 2015		August 1, 2014		July 31, 2015			August 1, 2014		July 31, 2015		August 1, 2014
Interest rate swaps	$	3,878	$	240	$	(119	)	$	--	$	3,759	$	240

Offsetting Liabilities

The following table summarizes the offsetting of the Company’s derivative liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at July 31, 2015 and August 1, 2014:

	Gross Liability Amounts				Asset Amount Offset					Net Liability Amount Presented in the Balance Sheets
(See Note 3)	July 31, 2015		August 1, 2014		July 31, 2015		August 1, 2014			July 31, 2015		August 1, 2014
Interest rate swaps	$	9,821	$	8,441	$	--	$	(498	)	$	9,821	$	7,943

Schedule of Pre-tax Effects of Derivative Instruments on Income and AOCL

The following table summarizes the pre-tax effects of the Company’s derivative instruments on AOCL for each of the three years:

	Amount of Income Recognized in AOCL on Derivatives (Effective Portion)
	2015		2014		2013
Cash flow hedges:
Interest rate swaps	$	1,641	$	3,058	$	23,620

Changes in AOCL, Net of Tax, Related to Interest Rate Swaps

The following table summarizes the changes in AOCL, net of tax, related to the Company’s interest rate swaps for the years ended July 31, 2015 and August 1, 2014:

	July 31, 2015			August 1, 2014
Beginning AOCL balance	$	(4,733	)	$	(6,612	)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		5,955			6,836
Amounts reclassified from AOCL into earnings		(4,947	)		(4,957	)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax		1,008			1,879
Ending AOCL balance	$	(3,725	)	$	(4,733	)

Amounts Reclassified out of AOCL Related to Interest Rate Swaps

The following table summarizes the pre-tax effects of the Company’s derivative instruments on income for each of the three years:

	Location of Loss Reclassified from AOCL into Income (Effective Portion)	Amount of Loss Reclassified from AOCL into Income (Effective Portion)
		2015			2014			2013
Cash flow hedges:
Interest rate swaps	Interest expense		$	8,052		$	8,068		$	20,773

The following table summarizes the amounts reclassified out of AOCL related to the Company’s interest rate swaps for the years ended July 31, 2015 and August 1, 2014:

Details about AOCL	July 31, 2015			August 1, 2014			Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Statement of Income
Loss on cash flow hedges:
Interest rate swaps	$	(8,052	)	$	(8,068	)	Interest expense
Tax benefit		3,105			3,111		Provision for income taxes
	$	(4,947	)	$	(4,957	)	Net of tax

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of pertinent information about a derivative or group of derivatives on a disaggregated basis, such as for individual instruments, or small groups of similar instruments. May include a combination of the type of instrument, risks being hedged, notional amount, hedge designation, related hedged item, inception date, maturity date, or other relevant item.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56946850&loc=d3e41641-113959

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4B
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56946850&loc=SL5624163-113959

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56946850&loc=d3e41678-113959

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56946850&loc=d3e41638-113959

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1B
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56946850&loc=SL5580258-113959

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56946850&loc=SL5579245-113959

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4C
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56946850&loc=SL5624171-113959

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 25
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6886632&loc=d3e76258-113986

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56946850&loc=SL5579240-113959

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56946850&loc=d3e41620-113959

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(n)(2))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690

+ Details

Share Repurchases (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2015

Share Repurchases [Abstract]

Summary of Share Repurchases

The following table summarizes our share repurchases for the last three years:

	2015		2014		2013
Maximum aggregate purchase price	$	25,000	$	50,000	$	100,000
Cost of shares repurchased	$	--	$	12,473	$	3,570
Shares of common stock repurchased		--		120,000		44,300

Segment Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2015

Segment Information [Abstract]

Composition of Total Revenue

Total revenue was comprised of the following at:

	2015		2014		2013
Restaurant	$	2,269,610	$	2,137,405	$	2,104,768
Retail		572,674		546,272		539,862
Total revenue	$	2,842,284	$	2,683,677	$	2,644,630

Leases (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2015

Leases [Abstract]

Schedule of Rent Expense

Rent expense under operating leases, including the sale-leaseback transactions discussed below, for each of the three years was:

Year	Minimum		Contingent		Total
2015	$	72,877	$	252	$	73,129
2014		71,123		242		71,365
2013		70,095		232		70,327

Schedule of Future Minimum Operating Lease Payments

The following is a schedule by year of the future minimum rental payments required under the Company’s operating leases as of July 31, 2015:

Year	Total
2016	$	61,405
2017		48,885
2018		44,489
2019		42,853
2020		43,175
Later years		502,283
Total	$	743,090

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of a lessee's leasing arrangements including: (1) the basis on which contingent rental payments are determined, (2) the existence and terms of renewal or purchase options and escalation clauses, (3) restrictions imposed by lease arrangements, such as those concerning dividends, additional debt, and further leasing, (4) rent holidays, rent concessions, or leasehold improvement incentives and unusual provisions or conditions. Disclosure may also include the specific period used to amortize material leasehold improvements made at the inception of the lease or during the lease term. Additionally, for operating leases having initial or remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year: (a) future minimum rental payments required as of the date of the latest balance sheet presented, in the aggregate and for each of the five succeeding fiscal years, (b) the total of minimum rentals to be received in the future under noncancelable subleases as of the date of the latest balance sheet presented, and (c) for all operating leases, rental expense for each period for which an income statement is presented, with separate amounts for minimum rentals, contingent rentals, and sublease rentals. Rental payments under leases with terms of a month or less that were not renewed need not be included.

+ References + Details

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2015

Share-Based Compensation [Abstract]

Schedule of Outstanding Awards under Each Plan

The following table summarizes the number of outstanding awards under each plan at July 31, 2015:

2010 Omnibus Plan			217,131
Amended and Restated Stock Option Plan			4,458
2002 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan			18,500
Total			240,089

LTPP Performance and Vesting Period

The following table summarizes the performance periods and vesting periods for the Company’s nonvested stock awards under its long-term performance plans at July 31, 2015:

Long-Term Performance Plan (“LTPP”)	Performance Period		Vesting Period (in Years)
2015 LTPP		2015 – 2016	2 or 3
2014 LTPP		2014 – 2015	2 or 3

Schedule of Outstanding Awards under LTPP

The following table summarizes the shares that have been accrued under the 2015 LTPP and 2014 LTPP at July 31, 2015:

2015 LTPP			49,072
2014 LTPP			37,126

Schedule of Nonvested Stock Activity

A summary of the Company’s nonvested stock activity as of July 31, 2015, and changes during 2015 are presented in the following table:

Nonvested Stock	Shares			Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested at August 1, 2014		64,065		$	68.25
Granted		74,089			101.58
Vested		(98,991	)		82.35
Forfeited		--			--
Unvested at July 31, 2015		39,163		$	95.66

Aggregate Fair Value of Non Vested Stock

The following table summarizes the total fair value of nonvested stock that vested for each of the three years:

		2015				2014				2013
Total fair value of nonvested stock		$	8,152			$	17,417			$	7,445

Assumptions Used in Determining Fair Value of MSU Grants

The following assumptions were used in determining the fair value for the Company’s MSU Grants:

				Year Ended
	July 31, 2015			August 1, 2014			August 2, 2013
Dividend yield***		--			--			3.0	%
Expected volatility		21	%		25	%		27	%
Risk-free interest rate range		1.0	%		0.7% - 0.8	%		0.3	%

***Dividends accrue on the 2014 and 2015 MSU Grants. Dividends will be forfeited for any 2014 and 2015 MSU Grants that do not vest.

Schedule of Shares Accrued under the MSU Grants

The following table summarizes the shares that have been accrued under the 2013 MSU Grants, the 2014 MSU Grants and 2015 MSU Grants at July 31, 2015:

	Shares
2013 MSU Grants		53,295
2014 MSU Grants		25,829
2015 MSU Grants		15,146

Schedule of Stock Option Activity

A summary of the Company’s stock option activity as of July 31, 2015, and changes during 2015 are presented in the following table:

Fixed Options	Shares			Weighted- Average Price		Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at August 1, 2014		87,132		$	36.75
Granted		--			--
Exercised		(44,753	)		37.97
Forfeited		--			--
Canceled		(21,921	)		36.95
Outstanding at July 31, 2015		20,458		$	33.88		2.08	$	2,414
Exercisable		20,458		$	33.88		2.08	$	2,414

Summary of Total Intrinsic Values of Options Exercised

The following table summarizes the total intrinsic values of options exercised during each of the three years:

		2015				2014				2013
Total intrinsic values of options exercised*		$	4,652			$	169			$	10,526

*The intrinsic value for stock options is defined as the difference between the current market value and the grant price.

Components of Share-based Compensation Expense

The following table highlights the components of share-based compensation expense for each of the three years:

	2015		2014		2013
Nonvested stock awards	$	13,243	$	5,762	$	15,416
MSU Grants		2,967		2,162		2,335
Stock options		--		--		88
Total compensation expense	$	16,210	$	7,924	$	17,839

Schedule of Unrecognized Compensation Cost, Nonvested Awards

	Nonvested Stock		MSU Grants
Total unrecognized compensation	$	1,564	$	3,604
Weighted-average period in years		1.56		1.66

Total Share-based Compensation Income Tax Benefit

The following table highlights the total income tax benefit recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income for each of the three years:

		2015				2014				2013
Total income tax benefit		$	5,056			$	2,438			$	5,221

Employee Savings Plans (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2015

Employee Savings Plans [Abstract]

Schedule of Contributions for Each Plan

The following table summarizes the Company’s contributions for each plan for each of the three years:

	2015		2014		2013
401(k) Savings Plan	$	2,364	$	2,167	$	2,180
Non-Qualified Savings Plan		234		253		241

Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2015

Income Taxes [Abstract]

Schedule of Provision for Income Taxes

The components of the provision for income taxes for each of the three years were as follows:

	2015			2014			2013
Current:
Federal	$	71,386		$	53,713		$	44,853
State		6,050			4,597			4,375
Deferred:
Federal		(6,178	)		(2,863	)		(4,365	)
State		3,040			3,274			3,654
Total provision for income taxes	$	74,298		$	58,721		$	48,517

Schedule of a Reconciliation of Provision for Income Taxes

A reconciliation of the Company’s provision for income taxes and income taxes based on the statutory U.S. federal rate of 35% was as follows:

	2015			2014			2013
Provision computed at federal statutory income tax rate	$	83,370		$	66,797		$	58,024
State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit		6,378			5,029			5,698
Employer tax credits for FICA taxes paid on employee tip income		(10,681	)		(9,962	)		(9,635	)
Other employer tax credits		(5,058	)		(3,781	)		(5,927	)
Other-net		289			638			357
Total provision for income taxes	$	74,298		$	58,721		$	48,517

Schedule of Significant Components of Net Deferred Tax Liability

Significant components of the Company’s net deferred tax liability consisted of the following at:

	July 31, 2015		August 1, 2014
Deferred tax assets:
Compensation and employee benefits	$	13,721	$	10,858
Deferred rent		16,022		14,900
Accrued liabilities		16,869		13,942
Insurance reserves		12,074		11,944
Inventory		4,525		6,212
Other		2,606		3,172
Deferred tax assets	$	65,817	$	61,028

Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment	$	88,651	$	88,543
Inventory		11,568		13,415
Other		9,534		9,591
Deferred tax liabilities		109,753		111,549
Net deferred tax liability	$	43,936	$	50,521

Schedule of Total Gross Liability for Uncertain Tax Positions Exclusive of Interest and Penalties

Summarized below is a tabular reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance of the Company’s total gross liability for uncertain tax positions exclusive of interest and penalties:

	July 31, 2015			August 1, 2014			August 2, 2013
Balance at beginning of year	$	22,832		$	20,972		$	18,098
Tax positions related to the current year:
Additions		3,994			3,989			3,731
Reductions		--			--			--
Tax positions related to the prior year:
Additions		118			1,400			191
Reductions		(227	)		(1,630	)		(280	)
Settlements		(204	)		(755	)		--
Expiration of statute of limitations		(1,006	)		(1,144	)		(768	)
Balance at end of year	$	25,507		$	22,832		$	20,972

Schedule of Uncertain Tax Positions that, if Recognized, Would Affect Effective Tax Rate

The following table highlights the amount of uncertain tax positions, exclusive of interest and penalties, which, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate for each of the three years:

		2015				2014				2013
Uncertain tax positions		$	16,579			$	14,840			$	13,631

Net Income Per Share and Weighted Average Shares (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2015

Net Income Per Share and Weighted Average Shares [Abstract]

Reconciliation of Components of Diluted Earnings per Share Computations

The following table reconciles the components of diluted earnings per share computations:

	2015		2014		2013
Net income per share numerator	$	163,903	$	132,128	$	117,265

Net income per share denominator:
Basic weighted average shares outstanding		23,918,368		23,817,768		23,708,875
Add potential dilution:
Stock options, nonvested stock awards and MSU Grants		130,556		148,247		239,446
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding		24,048,924		23,966,015		23,948,321

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2015

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) [Abstract]

Quarterly Financial Data

Quarterly financial data for 2015 and 2014 are summarized as follows:

	1^st Quarter		2^nd Quarter		3^rd Quarter		4^th Quarter
2015
Total revenue	$	683,428	$	755,966	$	683,705	$	719,185
Store operating income		88,634		108,411		94,047		111,332
Income before income taxes		51,018		66,537		51,447		69,199
Net income		34,024		47,163		35,317		47,399
Net income per share – basic	$	1.43	$	1.97	$	1.48	$	1.98
Net income per share – diluted	$	1.42	$	1.96	$	1.47	$	1.97
2014
Total revenue	$	649,141	$	698,491	$	643,298	$	692,747
Store operating income		81,124		88,634		77,754		90,281
Income before income taxes		39,830		54,235		40,886		55,898
Net income		27,160		37,055		28,728		39,185
Net income per share – basic	$	1.14	$	1.56	$	1.21	$	1.65
Net income per share – diluted	$	1.14	$	1.55	$	1.20	$	1.63

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2015

Aug. 01, 2014

Aug. 02, 2013

Property and equipment [Abstract]

Total depreciation expense

$ 72,390

$ 67,620

$ 65,351

Depreciation expense related to store operations

^[1]

66,754

62,746

60,574

Derivative instruments and hedging activities [Abstract]

Credit exposure to the counterparty if the company owes the counterparty

Insurance [Abstract]

Threshold amount for workers' compensation insurance Level 1

250

Threshold amount for workers' compensation insurance Level 2

500

Threshold amount for workers' compensation insurance Level 3

1,000

Threshold amount for general liability insurance

$ 500

Leases [Abstract]

Maximum useful life of leases

35 years

Advertising [Abstract]

Advertising expense

$ 68,665

$ 63,707

$ 59,957

Minimum [Member]

Inventory [Line Items]

Percentage of retail inventories valued using the retail inventory method (in hundredths)

70.00%

Maximum [Member]

Inventory [Line Items]

Percentage of retail inventories valued using the retail inventory method (in hundredths)

75.00%

Buildings and Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]

Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]

Estimated useful life

30 years

Buildings and Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]

Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]

Estimated useful life

45 years

Buildings under Capital Leases [Member] | Minimum [Member]

Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]

Estimated useful life

15 years

Buildings under Capital Leases [Member] | Maximum [Member]

Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]

Estimated useful life

25 years

Restaurant and Other Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]

Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]

Estimated useful life

2 years

Restaurant and Other Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]

Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]

Estimated useful life

10 years

Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]

Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]

Estimated useful life

1 year

Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]

Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]

Estimated useful life

35 years

[1]	Depreciation expense related to store operations is included in other store operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

Jul. 31, 2015

Aug. 01, 2014

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

Cash equivalents

^[1]

$ 191,084

$ 63,068

Interest rate swap asset (see Note 6)

3,759

240

Deferred compensation plan assets

^[2]

26,947

25,322

Total assets at fair value

221,790

88,630

Interest rate swap liability (see Note 6)

9,821

7,943

Total liabilities at fair value

9,821

7,943

Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

Cash equivalents

^[1]

191,084

63,068

Interest rate swap asset (see Note 6)

Deferred compensation plan assets

^[2]

26,947

25,322

Total assets at fair value

218,031

88,390

Interest rate swap liability (see Note 6)

Total liabilities at fair value

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

Cash equivalents

^[1]

Interest rate swap asset (see Note 6)

3,759

240

Deferred compensation plan assets

^[2]

Total assets at fair value

3,759

240

Interest rate swap liability (see Note 6)

9,821

7,943

Total liabilities at fair value

9,821

7,943

Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

Cash equivalents

^[1]

Interest rate swap asset (see Note 6)

Deferred compensation plan assets

^[2]

Total assets at fair value

Interest rate swap liability (see Note 6)

Total liabilities at fair value

$ 0

[1]	Consists of money market fund investments.
[2]	Represents plan assets invested in mutual funds established under a Rabbi Trust for the Company's non-qualified savings plan and is included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as other assets (see Note 12).

Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 31, 2015	Aug. 01, 2014
Inventories [Abstract]
Retail	$ 115,777	$ 128,386
Restaurant	22,212	22,371
Supplies	15,069	14,669
Total	$ 153,058	$ 165,426

Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jan. 30, 2015	Jul. 31, 2015	Jan. 08, 2015	Aug. 01, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 400,000		$ 400,000
Current maturities		0		25,000
Long-term debt		$ 400,000		375,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, term		5 years
Maximum borrowing capacity		$ 750,000
Loan acquisition costs	$ 3,537
Long-term debt, gross		$ 400,000		$ 0
Line of credit facility, expiration date		Jul. 08, 2020
Current borrowing capacity		$ 338,470
Weighted average interest rates of the Company's swapped debt (in hundredths)		2.96%		3.73%
Restrictions on dividends payable		Under the Revolving Credit Facility, provided there is no default existing and the total of the Company’s availability under the Revolving Credit Facility plus the Company’s cash and cash equivalents on hand is at least $100,000 (the “cash availability”), the Company may declare and pay cash dividends on shares of its common stock and repurchase shares of its common stock (1) in an unlimited amount if at the time such dividend or repurchase is made the Company’s consolidated total leverage ratio is 3.00 to 1.00 or less and (2) in an aggregate amount not to exceed $100,000 in any fiscal year if the Company’s consolidated total leverage ratio is greater than 3.00 to 1.00 at the time the dividend or repurchase is made; notwithstanding (1) and (2), so long as immediately after giving effect to the payment of any such dividends, cash availability is at least $100,000, the Company may declare and pay cash dividends on shares of its common stock in an aggregate amount not to exceed in any fiscal year the product of the aggregate amount of dividends declared in the fourth quarter of the immediately preceding fiscal year multiplied by four.
Liquidity requirements		$ 100,000
Dividends threshold		$ 100,000
Leverage ratio		3.00
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] \| Standby Letters of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount of standby letters of credit		$ 11,530
Prior Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Loan acquisition costs written off	$ 412
Long-term debt, gross		$ 0	$ 218,750	$ 212,500
Line of credit facility, expiration date		Jul. 08, 2016
Term Loans Payable [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 0	$ 181,250	$ 187,500
Maturity date		Jul. 08, 2016

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2015	Aug. 01, 2014
Derivative [Line Items]
Company's credit spread (in hundredths)	1.25%	1.50%
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value, liability	$ 9,821	$ 7,943
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value, asset	3,759	240
Fair value, liability	$ 9,821	7,943
Interest Rate Swap [Member] \| Interest Rate Swap July 25, 2011 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Trade date	Jul. 25, 2011
Effective date	May 03, 2013
Term	3 years
Notional amount	$ 50,000
Fixed rate (in hundredths)	2.45%
Interest Rate Swap [Member] \| Interest Rate Swap December 7, 2011 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Trade date	Dec. 07, 2011
Effective date	May 03, 2013
Term	3 years
Notional amount	$ 50,000
Fixed rate (in hundredths)	1.40%
Interest Rate Swap [Member] \| Interest Rate Swap March 18, 2013 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Trade date	Mar. 18, 2013
Effective date	May 03, 2015
Term	3 years
Notional amount	$ 50,000
Fixed rate (in hundredths)	1.51%
Interest Rate Swap [Member] \| Interest Rate Swap April 8, 2013 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Trade date	Apr. 08, 2013
Effective date	May 03, 2015
Term	2 years
Notional amount	$ 50,000
Fixed rate (in hundredths)	1.05%
Interest Rate Swap [Member] \| Interest Rate Swap April 15, 2013 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Trade date	Apr. 15, 2013
Effective date	May 03, 2015
Term	2 years
Notional amount	$ 50,000
Fixed rate (in hundredths)	1.03%
Interest Rate Swap [Member] \| Interest Rate Swap April 22, 2013 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Trade date	Apr. 22, 2013
Effective date	May 03, 2015
Term	3 years
Notional amount	$ 25,000
Fixed rate (in hundredths)	1.30%
Interest Rate Swap [Member] \| Interest Rate Swap April 25, 2013 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Trade date	Apr. 25, 2013
Effective date	May 03, 2015
Term	3 years
Notional amount	$ 25,000
Fixed rate (in hundredths)	1.29%
Interest Rate Swap [Member] \| Interest Rate Swap June 18, 2014 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Trade date	Jun. 18, 2014
Effective date	May 03, 2015
Term	4 years
Notional amount	$ 40,000
Fixed rate (in hundredths)	2.51%
Increase in notional amount each year	$ 40,000
Maximum notional amount	$ 160,000
Interest Rate Swap [Member] \| Interest Rate Swap June 24, 2014 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Trade date	Jun. 24, 2014
Effective date	May 03, 2015
Term	4 years
Notional amount	$ 30,000
Fixed rate (in hundredths)	2.51%
Increase in notional amount each year	$ 30,000
Maximum notional amount	$ 120,000
Interest Rate Swap [Member] \| Interest Rate Swap July 1, 2014 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Trade date	Jul. 01, 2014
Effective date	May 05, 2015
Term	4 years
Notional amount	$ 30,000
Fixed rate (in hundredths)	2.43%
Increase in notional amount each year	$ 30,000
Maximum notional amount	$ 120,000
Interest Rate Swap [Member] \| Interest Rate Swap One January 30, 2015 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Trade date	Jan. 30, 2015
Effective date	May 03, 2019
Term	2 years
Notional amount	$ 80,000
Fixed rate (in hundredths)	2.15%
Interest Rate Swap [Member] \| Interest Rate Swap Two January 30, 2015 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Trade date	Jan. 30, 2015
Effective date	May 03, 2019
Term	2 years
Notional amount	$ 60,000
Fixed rate (in hundredths)	2.16%
Interest Rate Swap [Member] \| Interest Rate Swap Three January 30, 2015 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Trade date	Jan. 30, 2015
Effective date	May 04, 2021
Term	3 years
Notional amount	$ 120,000
Fixed rate (in hundredths)	2.41%
Interest Rate Swap [Member] \| Interest Rate Swap Four January 30, 2015 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Trade date	Jan. 30, 2015
Effective date	May 03, 2019
Term	2 years
Notional amount	$ 60,000
Fixed rate (in hundredths)	2.15%
Interest Rate Swap [Member] \| Interest Rate Swap Five January 30, 2015 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Trade date	Jan. 30, 2015
Effective date	May 04, 2021
Term	3 years
Notional amount	$ 80,000
Fixed rate (in hundredths)	2.40%
Other Assets [Member] \| Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value, asset	$ 3,759	240
Current Interest Rate Swap Liability [Member] \| Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value, liability	1,117	4,704
Long-term Interest Rate Swap Liability [Member] \| Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value, liability	$ 8,704	$ 3,239

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, Offsetting of Derivative Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2015	Aug. 01, 2014
Offsetting of derivative liabilities in consolidated balance sheets [Abstract]
Net Liability Amount Presented in the Balance Sheets	$ 9,821	$ 7,943
Estimated pre-tax portion of AOCL that is expected to be reclassified into earnings over the next twelve months	3,866
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Offsetting of derivative assets in balance sheets [Abstract]
Gross Asset Amounts	3,878	240
Liability Amount Offset	(119)	0
Net Asset Amount Presented in the Balance Sheets	3,759	240
Offsetting of derivative liabilities in consolidated balance sheets [Abstract]
Gross Liability Amounts	9,821	8,441
Asset Amount Offset	0	(498)
Net Liability Amount Presented in the Balance Sheets	9,821	7,943
Reduction in the fair value	209	62
Other Assets [Member] \| Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Offsetting of derivative assets in balance sheets [Abstract]
Net Asset Amount Presented in the Balance Sheets	3,759	240
Current Interest Rate Swap Liability [Member] \| Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Offsetting of derivative liabilities in consolidated balance sheets [Abstract]
Net Liability Amount Presented in the Balance Sheets	1,117	4,704
Long-term Interest Rate Swap Liability [Member] \| Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Offsetting of derivative liabilities in consolidated balance sheets [Abstract]
Net Liability Amount Presented in the Balance Sheets	$ 8,704	$ 3,239

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, Pre-Tax Effects of Derivative Instruments on AOCL and Income (Details) - Interest Rate Swap [Member] - Cash Flow Hedging [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2015	Aug. 01, 2014	Aug. 02, 2013
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Income Recognized in AOCL on Derivative (Effective Portion)	$ 1,641	$ 3,058	$ 23,620
Interest Expense [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Loss Reclassified from AOCL into Income (Effective Portion)	$ 8,052	$ 8,068	$ 20,773

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, Changes in AOCL, Net of Tax, Related to Interest Rate Swaps (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2015	Aug. 01, 2014	Aug. 02, 2013
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance	$ 528,641	$ 484,026	$ 382,675
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	1,008	1,879	14,546
Balance	538,268	528,641	484,026
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member] \| Interest Rate Swap [Member]
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance	(4,733)	(6,612)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	5,955	6,836
Amounts reclassified from AOCL into earnings	(4,947)	(4,957)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	1,008	1,879
Balance	$ (3,725)	$ (4,733)	$ (6,612)

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, Amounts Reclassified out of AOCL Related to Interest Rate Swaps (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2015	May 01, 2015	Jan. 30, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014	Aug. 01, 2014	May 02, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014	Nov. 01, 2013	Jul. 31, 2015	Aug. 01, 2014	Aug. 02, 2013
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Interest expense									$ (16,679)	$ (17,557)	$ (35,742)
Provision for income taxes									(74,298)	(58,721)	(48,517)
Net of tax	$ 47,399	$ 35,317	$ 47,163	$ 34,024	$ 39,185	$ 28,728	$ 37,055	$ 27,160	163,903	132,128	$ 117,265
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member] \| Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Provision for income taxes									3,105	3,111
Net of tax									(4,947)	(4,957)
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member] \| Interest Rate Swap [Member] \| Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Interest expense									$ (8,052)	$ (8,068)

- Definition

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

+ References + Details

Share Repurchases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Share Repurchases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 31, 2015	Aug. 01, 2014	Aug. 02, 2013
Share Repurchases [Abstract]
Original expiration date	Oct. 03, 2015
Maximum aggregate purchase price	$ 25,000	$ 50,000	$ 100,000
Cost of shares repurchased	$ 0	$ 12,473	$ 3,570
Shares of common stock repurchased (in shares)	0	120,000	44,300

Segment Information (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
Segment Information (Details) $ in Thousands	Jul. 31, 2015 USD ($)	May 01, 2015 USD ($)	Jan. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Aug. 01, 2014 USD ($)	May 02, 2014 USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Nov. 01, 2013 USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2015 USD ($) ProductLine Segment	Aug. 01, 2014 USD ($)	Aug. 02, 2013 USD ($)
Segment Information [Abstract]
Number of product lines \| ProductLine									2
Number of reportable operating segments \| Segment									1
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 719,185	$ 683,705	$ 755,966	$ 683,428	$ 692,747	$ 643,298	$ 698,491	$ 649,141	$ 2,842,284	$ 2,683,677	$ 2,644,630
Restaurant [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenue									2,269,610	2,137,405	2,104,768
Retail [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenue									$ 572,674	$ 546,272	$ 539,862

Leases (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Leases (Details) $ in Thousands	Jul. 31, 2015 USD ($) Store	Aug. 01, 2014 USD ($)	Aug. 02, 2013 USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2009 Store	Jul. 28, 2000 Store
Leases [Abstract]
Number of leased facilities for stores \| Store	220
Minimum Lease Payments	$ 72,877	$ 71,123	$ 70,095
Contingent Lease Payments	252	242	232
Total Lease Payments	73,129	$ 71,365	$ 70,327
Future minimum rental payments, operating leases [Abstract]
2016	61,405
2017	48,885
2018	44,489
2019	42,853
2020	43,175
Later years	502,283
Total	$ 743,090
Sale Leaseback Transaction [Line Items]
Number of owned stores involved in sale-lease back transaction \| Store				15
Owned Stores [Member]
Sale Leaseback Transaction [Line Items]
Number of owned stores involved in sale-lease back transaction \| Store					65
Initial lease term				20 years	21 years
Lease renewal option				20 years	20 years
Retail Distribution Center [Member]
Sale Leaseback Transaction [Line Items]
Initial lease term				15 years
Lease renewal option				20 years

Share-Based Compensation (Details)	Jul. 31, 2015 CompensationPlan shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of active compensation plans \| CompensationPlan	1
Number of other compensation plans \| CompensationPlan	2
Number of shares of the Company's common stock originally authorized for issuance (in shares)	1,500,000
Common stock reserved for future issuance (in shares)	1,119,722
Number of outstanding awards under each plan (in shares)	240,089
Amended and Restated Stock Option Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of outstanding awards under each plan (in shares)	4,458
Omnibus Plan 2010 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of outstanding awards under each plan (in shares)	217,131
2002 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of outstanding awards under each plan (in shares)	18,500

Share-Based Compensation, Nonvested Stock (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2015	Aug. 01, 2014	Aug. 02, 2013
Nonvested Stock [Member]
Nonvested stock, shares [Roll Forward]
Unvested, beginning of period (in shares)	64,065
Granted (in shares)	74,089
Vested (in shares)	(98,991)
Forfeited (in shares)	0
Unvested, end of period (in shares)	39,163	64,065
Nonvested stock, weighted-average grant date fair value [Roll Forward]
Unvested, beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$ 68.25
Granted (in dollars per share)	101.58
Vested (in dollars per share)	82.35
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	0
Unvested, end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 95.66	$ 68.25
Total fair value of nonvested stock	$ 8,152	$ 17,417	$ 7,445
Nonvested Stock [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	1 year
Nonvested Stock [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	3 years
2015 LTPP [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Nonvested stock earned (in shares)	49,072
2015 LTPP [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance period	2015
Vesting period	2 years
2015 LTPP [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance period	2016
Vesting period	3 years
2014 LTPP [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Nonvested stock earned (in shares)	37,126
2014 LTPP [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance period	2014
Vesting period	2 years
2014 LTPP [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance period	2015
Vesting period	3 years

Share-Based Compensation, Performance-Based Market Stock Units (Details) - shares

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2015

Aug. 01, 2014

Aug. 02, 2013

MSU Grants [Member]

Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]

Dividend yield (in hundredths)

^[1]

0.00%

3.00%

Expected volatility ( in hundredths)

21.00%

25.00%

27.00%

Risk-free interest rate, minimum (in hundredths)

0.70%

Risk-free interest rate (in hundredths)

1.00%

0.30%

Risk-free interest rate, maximum (in hundredths)

0.80%

Omnibus Plan 2010 [Member] | MSU Grants [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Award performance period

3 years

Percentage of shares that may be awarded to the executives, maximum (in hundredths)

150.00%

Measurement period for average prices in consecutive calendar days

60 days

Measurement period for average prices prior to first business day of performance period

30 days

Measurement period for average prices after first business day of performance period

30 days

MSU Grants 2013 [Member]

Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]

Number of shares accrued (in shares)

53,295

MSU Grants 2014 [Member]

Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]

Number of shares accrued (in shares)

25,829

MSU Grants 2015 [Member]

Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]

Number of shares accrued (in shares)

15,146

[1]	Dividends accrue on the 2014 and 2015 MSU Grants. Dividends will be forfeited for any 2014 and 2015 MSU Grants that do not vest.

Share-Based Compensation, Stock Options (Details) - Stock Options [Member] - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2015

Aug. 01, 2014

Aug. 02, 2013

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Yearly exercisable cumulative rate (in hundredths)

33.00%

Number of years to expiration date from grant date

10 years

Fixed options, shares [Roll Forward]

Outstanding, beginning of period (in shares)

87,132

Granted (in shares)

Exercised (in shares)

(44,753)

Forfeited (in shares)

Canceled (in shares)

(21,921)

Outstanding, end of period (in shares)

20,458

87,132

Exercisable (in shares)

20,458

Fixed options, weighted average price [Roll Forward]

Outstanding, beginning of period (in dollars per share)

$ 36.75

Granted (in dollars per share)

Exercised (in dollars per share)

37.97

Forfeited (in dollars per share)

Canceled (in dollars per share)

36.95

Outstanding, end of period (in dollars per share)

33.88

$ 36.75

Exercisable (in dollars per share)

$ 33.88

Fixed options, weighted-average remaining contractual term [Abstract]

Outstanding

2 years 29 days

Exercisable

2 years 29 days

Fixed options, aggregate intrinsic value [Abstract]

Outstanding

$ 2,414

Exercisable

2,414

Total intrinsic values of options exercised

^[1]

$ 4,652

$ 169

$ 10,526

[1]	The intrinsic value for stock options is defined as the difference between the current market value and the grant price.

Share-Based Compensation, Compensation Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2015	Aug. 01, 2014	Aug. 02, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Total compensation expense	$ 16,210	$ 7,924	$ 17,839
Total income tax benefit recognized [Abstract]
Total income tax benefit	$ 5,056	2,438	5,221
Number of shares issued from vesting of share-based compensation awards and stock option exercises (in shares)	154,528
Tax withholding payment net of cash received from issuance of share based compensation awards	$ (4,816)	(8,457)	6,454
Excess tax benefit realized upon exercise of share-based compensation awards	4,705
Nonvested Stock Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Total compensation expense	13,243	5,762	15,416
Total unrecognized compensation expense and weighted-average periods over which the expense is expected to be recognized [Abstract]
Total unrecognized compensation	$ 1,564
Weighted average period in years	1 year 6 months 22 days
MSU Grants [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Total compensation expense	$ 2,967	2,162	2,335
Total unrecognized compensation expense and weighted-average periods over which the expense is expected to be recognized [Abstract]
Total unrecognized compensation	$ 3,604
Weighted average period in years	1 year 7 months 28 days
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Total compensation expense	$ 0	$ 0	$ 88

Shareholder Rights Plan (Details)	12 Months Ended
Shareholder Rights Plan (Details)	Jul. 31, 2015 PreferredShare $ / shares shares	Aug. 01, 2014 $ / shares
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Par value of common share outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Rights Agreement [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Dividend declaration date	Apr. 09, 2015
Number of preferred share purchase right declared as dividend for each share of common stock outstanding \| PreferredShare	1
Par value of common share outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01
Dividend record date	Apr. 20, 2015
Dividend payment date	Apr. 20, 2015
Rights expiration date	Apr. 09, 2018
Exercise price of each right (in dollars per share)	$ 600.00
Minimum number of days before rights can be exercised	10 days
Minimum percentage of outstanding common stock ownership required to qualify for an "Acquiring Person" (in hundredths)	20.00%
Rights exercisable (in shares) \| shares	0
Exercise price of each right, if a person or group becomes an acquiring person (in dollars per share)	$ 600.00
Exercise price of each right, if the company is later acquired in a merger (in dollars per share)	$ 600.00
Redemption price of the right (in dollars per share)	0.01
Minimum offering period	60 days
Subsequent offering period	20 days
Minimum percentage of an ownership of common stock by an Acquiring Person before board of directors may extinguish right (in hundredths)	50.00%
Number of common stock shares that can be exchanged for each right if rights were extinguished (in shares) \| shares	1
Minimum percentage of adjustment to exercise price (in hundredths)	1.00%
Rights Agreement [Member] \| Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Common share equivalent for each preferred share portion (in shares) \| shares	1
Quarterly dividends payments per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01
Amount entitled to receive per share upon liquidation of preferred share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.00
2012 Plan [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Rights expiration date	Apr. 09, 2015

Employee Savings Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Employee Savings Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 31, 2015	Aug. 01, 2014	Aug. 02, 2013
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosures [Line Items]
Participation eligibility terms of the plan	salaried and hourly employees who have completed ninety days of service and have attained the age of twenty-one
Percentage of company match to employee contribution (in hundredths)	25.00%	25.00%	25.00%
Maximum percentage of employee's compensation matched by company (in hundredths)	6.00%	6.00%	6.00%
Percentage of company contributions that vests annually (in hundredths)	20.00%	20.00%	20.00%
Percentage of company contribution that vests on employee's fifth anniversary of employment (in hundredths)	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
401(k) Savings Plan [Member]
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosures [Line Items]
Percentage of compensation allowed to be deferred by eligible employees (in hundredths)	50.00%
Company contribution to the plan during the period	$ 2,364	$ 2,167	$ 2,180
Non-Qualified Savings Plan [Member]
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosures [Line Items]
Percentage of compensation allowed to be deferred by eligible employees (in hundredths)	50.00%
Percentage of eligible bonuses allowed to be deferred (in hundredths)	100.00%
Market value of the trust assets	$ 26,947
Liability obligations to participants	26,947
Company contribution to the plan during the period	$ 234	$ 253	$ 241

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 31, 2015	Aug. 01, 2014	Aug. 02, 2013
Current [Abstract]
Federal	$ 71,386	$ 53,713	$ 44,853
State	6,050	4,597	4,375
Deferred [Abstract]
Federal	(6,178)	(2,863)	(4,365)
State	3,040	3,274	3,654
Total provision for income taxes	$ 74,298	58,721	48,517
U.S. federal statutory rate used (in hundredths)	35.00%
Provision computed at federal statutory income tax rate	$ 83,370	66,797	58,024
State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit	6,378	5,029	5,698
Employer tax credits for FICA taxes paid on employee tip income	(10,681)	(9,962)	(9,635)
Other employer tax credits	(5,058)	(3,781)	(5,927)
Other-net	289	638	357
Total provision for income taxes	74,298	58,721	48,517
Deferred tax assets [Abstract]
Compensation and employee benefits	13,721	10,858
Deferred rent	16,022	14,900
Accrued liabilities	16,869	13,942
Insurance reserves	12,074	11,944
Inventory	4,525	6,212
Other	2,606	3,172
Deferred tax assets	65,817	61,028
Deferred tax liabilities [Abstract]
Property and equipment	88,651	88,543
Inventory	11,568	13,415
Other	9,534	9,591
Deferred tax liabilities	109,753	111,549
Net deferred tax liability	43,936	50,521
Reconciliation of gross liability for uncertain tax positions [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	22,832	20,972	18,098
Tax positions related to the current year [Abstract]
Additions	3,994	3,989	3,731
Reductions	0	0	0
Tax positions related to prior years [Abstract]
Additions	118	1,400	191
Reductions	(227)	(1,630)	(280)
Settlements	(204)	(755)	0
Expiration of statute of limitations	(1,006)	(1,144)	(768)
Balance at end of year	25,507	22,832	20,972
Uncertain tax positions	16,579	14,840	13,631
Potential interest and penalties [Abstract]
Interest and penalties	9,754	8,559	7,869
Interest and penalties [Abstract]
Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions	1,194	$ 691	$ 1,264
Minimum [Member]
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible [Line Items]
Potential decrease of liabilities for uncertain tax positions within the next twelve months	3,000
Maximum [Member]
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible [Line Items]
Potential decrease of liabilities for uncertain tax positions within the next twelve months	$ 4,000

Net Income Per Share and Weighted Average Shares (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2015	May 01, 2015	Jan. 30, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014	Aug. 01, 2014	May 02, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014	Nov. 01, 2013	Jul. 31, 2015	Aug. 01, 2014	Aug. 02, 2013
Net Income Per Share and Weighted Average Shares [Abstract]
Net income per share numerator	$ 47,399	$ 35,317	$ 47,163	$ 34,024	$ 39,185	$ 28,728	$ 37,055	$ 27,160	$ 163,903	$ 132,128	$ 117,265
Net income per share denominator [Abstract]
Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)									23,918,368	23,817,768	23,708,875
Add potential dilution [Abstract]
Stock options, nonvested stock awards and MSU Grants (in shares)									130,556	148,247	239,446
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)									24,048,924	23,966,015	23,948,321

- Definition

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

+ References + Details

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies (Details) $ in Thousands	Jul. 31, 2015 USD ($) Lawsuit Property
Fair Labor Standards Act Litigation [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Provision recorded for potential liability related to lawsuits	$ 3,500
Number of federal lawsuits dismissed \| Lawsuit	3
Standby Letters of Credit [Member] \| Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Standby letters of credit	$ 11,530
Lease Performance Guarantee [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of properties for which the company is secondarily liable for lease payments \| Property	1

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2015	May 01, 2015	Jan. 30, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014	Aug. 01, 2014	May 02, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014	Nov. 01, 2013	Jul. 31, 2015	Aug. 01, 2014	Aug. 02, 2013
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Total revenue	$ 719,185	$ 683,705	$ 755,966	$ 683,428	$ 692,747	$ 643,298	$ 698,491	$ 649,141	$ 2,842,284	$ 2,683,677	$ 2,644,630
Store operating income	111,332	94,047	108,411	88,634	90,281	77,754	88,634	81,124	402,424	337,793	344,786
Income before income taxes	69,199	51,447	66,537	51,018	55,898	40,886	54,235	39,830	238,201	190,849	165,782
Net income	$ 47,399	$ 35,317	$ 47,163	$ 34,024	$ 39,185	$ 28,728	$ 37,055	$ 27,160	$ 163,903	$ 132,128	$ 117,265
Net income per share - basic (in dollars per share)	$ 1.98	$ 1.48	$ 1.97	$ 1.43	$ 1.65	$ 1.21	$ 1.56	$ 1.14	$ 6.85	$ 5.55	$ 4.95
Net income per share - diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 1.97	$ 1.47	$ 1.96	$ 1.42	$ 1.63	$ 1.20	$ 1.55	$ 1.14	$ 6.82	$ 5.51	$ 4.90

- Definition

The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period.

+ References + Details

- Definition

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

+ References + Details