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Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	Aug. 03, 2018	Sep. 20, 2018	Jan. 26, 2018
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	CRACKER BARREL OLD COUNTRY STORE, INC
Entity Central Index Key	0001067294
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--08-03
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 4,213,396,663
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		24,011,550
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Aug. 03, 2018

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 03, 2018	Jul. 28, 2017
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 114,656	$ 161,001
Accounts receivable	19,496	18,116
Income taxes receivable	0	4,265
Inventories	156,253	156,367
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	16,347	16,047
Deferred income taxes	0	3,061
Total current assets	306,752	358,857
Property and Equipment:
Land	307,207	306,105
Buildings and improvements	861,949	837,804
Buildings under capital leases	3,289	3,289
Restaurant and other equipment	658,978	604,413
Leasehold improvements	353,329	326,750
Construction in progress	27,849	15,087
Total	2,212,601	2,093,448
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization of capital leases	1,063,466	995,351
Property and equipment - net	1,149,135	1,098,097
Other assets	71,468	64,988
Total	1,527,355	1,521,942
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	122,332	118,395
Taxes withheld and accrued	37,069	36,725
Accrued employee compensation	60,562	70,945
Accrued employee benefits	25,416	26,759
Deferred revenue	76,292	72,376
Dividend payable	31,117	30,639
Other current liabilities	11,831	19,989
Total current liabilities	364,619	375,828
Long-term debt	400,000	400,000
Long-term interest rate swap liability	0	6,833
Other long-term obligations	128,794	129,353
Deferred income taxes	52,161	65,421
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; 2018 - 24,011,550 shares issued and outstanding; 2017 - 24,055,682 shares issued and outstanding	240	241
Additional paid-in capital	44,049	55,659
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	4,685	(4,229)
Retained earnings	532,807	492,836
Total shareholders' equity	581,781	544,507
Total	$ 1,527,355	$ 1,521,942

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Aug. 03, 2018	Jul. 28, 2017
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)	24,011,550	24,055,682
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	24,011,550	24,055,682
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	Aug. 03, 2018	Jul. 28, 2017	Jul. 29, 2016
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME [Abstract]
Total revenue	$ 3,030,445	$ 2,926,289	$ 2,912,351
Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation and rent)	935,397	891,293	928,176
Labor and other related expenses	1,055,811	1,017,124	1,006,188
Other store operating expenses	601,889	563,300	554,534
Store operating income	437,348	454,572	423,453
General and administrative expenses	143,756	141,414	142,982
Operating income	293,592	313,158	280,471
Interest expense	15,169	14,271	14,052
Income before income taxes	278,423	298,887	266,419
Provision for income taxes	30,803	96,988	77,120
Net income	$ 247,620	$ 201,899	$ 189,299
Net income per share - basic (in dollars per share)	$ 10.31	$ 8.40	$ 7.91
Net income per share - diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 10.29	$ 8.37	$ 7.86
Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	24,011,161	24,031,810	23,945,041
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	24,075,614	24,118,288	24,074,273

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 03, 2018	Jul. 28, 2017	Jul. 29, 2016
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]
Net income	$ 247,620	$ 201,899	$ 189,299
Other comprehensive income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit):
Change in fair value of interest rate swaps	13,103	15,402	(16,188)
Income tax expense (benefit)	4,189	5,891	(6,173)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	8,914	9,511	(10,015)
Comprehensive income	$ 256,534	$ 211,410	$ 179,284

- 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 Income (Loss) [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Total
Balance at Jul. 31, 2015	$ 240	$ 56,066	$ (3,725)	$ 485,687	$ 538,268
Balance (in shares) at Jul. 31, 2015	23,975,755
Comprehensive Income:
Net income	$ 0	0	0	189,299	189,299
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	0	0	(10,015)	0	(10,015)
Comprehensive income	0	0	(10,015)	189,299	179,284
Cash dividends declared	0	0	0	(186,505)	(186,505)
Share-based compensation	0	13,202	0	0	13,202
Issuance of share-based compensation awards, net of shares withheld for employee taxes	$ 1	(5,780)	0	0	(5,779)
Issuance of share-based compensation awards, net of shares withheld for employee taxes (in shares)	80,379
Tax benefit realized upon exercise of share-based compensation awards	$ 0	2,626	0	0	2,626
Purchases and retirement of common stock	$ (1)	(14,652)	0	0	$ (14,653)
Purchases and retirement of common stock (in shares)	(100,000)				(100,000)
Balance at Jul. 29, 2016	$ 240	51,462	(13,740)	488,481	$ 526,443
Balance (in shares) at Jul. 29, 2016	23,956,134
Comprehensive Income:
Net income	$ 0	0	0	201,899	201,899
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	0	0	9,511	0	9,511
Comprehensive income	0	0	9,511	201,899	211,410
Cash dividends declared	0	0	0	(197,544)	(197,544)
Share-based compensation	0	8,458	0	0	8,458
Issuance of share-based compensation awards, net of shares withheld for employee taxes	$ 1	(6,897)	0	0	(6,896)
Issuance of share-based compensation awards, net of shares withheld for employee taxes (in shares)	99,548
Tax benefit realized upon exercise of share-based compensation awards	$ 0	2,636	0	0	2,636
Purchases and retirement of common stock	$ 0	0	0	0	$ 0
Purchases and retirement of common stock (in shares)	0				0
Balance at Jul. 28, 2017	$ 241	55,659	(4,229)	492,836	$ 544,507
Balance (in shares) at Jul. 28, 2017	24,055,682				24,055,682
Comprehensive Income:
Net income	$ 0	0	0	247,620	$ 247,620
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	0	0	8,914	0	8,914
Comprehensive income	0	0	8,914	247,620	256,534
Cash dividends declared	0	0	0	(207,649)	(207,649)
Share-based compensation	0	6,977	0	0	6,977
Issuance of share-based compensation awards, net of shares withheld for employee taxes	$ 0	(3,816)	0	0	$ (3,816)
Issuance of share-based compensation awards, net of shares withheld for employee taxes (in shares)	55,868				55,868
Tax benefit realized upon exercise of share-based compensation awards	$ 0	0	0	0	$ 0
Purchases and retirement of common stock	$ (1)	(14,771)	0	0	$ (14,772)
Purchases and retirement of common stock (in shares)	(100,000)				(100,000)
Balance at Aug. 03, 2018	$ 240	$ 44,049	$ 4,685	$ 532,807	$ 581,781
Balance (in shares) at Aug. 03, 2018	24,011,550				24,011,550

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 03, 2018	Jul. 28, 2017	Jul. 29, 2016
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY [Abstract]
Cash dividends declared (in dollars per share)	$ 8.60	$ 8.15	$ 7.70

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 03, 2018	Jul. 28, 2017	Jul. 29, 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 247,620	$ 201,899	$ 189,299
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	93,692	86,319	78,223
Loss on disposition of property and equipment	7,119	5,585	7,146
Share-based compensation	6,977	8,458	13,202
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	0	(2,636)	(2,626)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(1,380)	1,273	(1,339)
Income taxes receivable	4,265	14,555	(13,558)
Inventories	114	(4,059)	750
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(500)	(1,274)	(406)
Other assets	(1,400)	(4,344)	130
Accounts payable	3,937	(14,098)	(624)
Taxes withheld and accrued	344	(836)	(1,500)
Accrued employee compensation	(10,389)	9,752	(6,246)
Accrued employee benefits	(1,343)	(1,169)	211
Deferred revenues	3,916	8,348	5,048
Other current liabilities	(8,121)	4,470	(3,705)
Other long-term obligations	157	3,461	(6,269)
Deferred income taxes	(14,388)	5,063	13,642
Net cash provided by operating activities	330,620	320,767	271,378
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property and equipment	(152,249)	(110,591)	(114,022)
Proceeds from insurance recoveries of property and equipment	616	483	662
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	411	503	845
Net cash used in investing activities	(151,222)	(109,605)	(112,515)
Cash flows from financing activities:
(Taxes withheld) and proceeds from issuance of share-based compensation awards, net	(3,816)	(6,896)	(5,779)
Purchases and retirement of common stock	(14,772)	0	(14,653)
Dividends on common stock	(207,155)	(196,867)	(255,546)
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	0	2,636	2,626
Net cash used in financing activities	(225,743)	(201,127)	(273,352)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(46,345)	10,035	(114,489)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	161,001	150,966	265,455
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	114,656	161,001	150,966
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest, net of amounts capitalized	17,272	12,847	12,752
Income taxes	43,471	78,092	84,868
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities:
Capital expenditures accrued in accounts payable	8,183	6,743	6,379
Change in fair value of interest rate swaps	13,103	15,402	(16,188)
Change in deferred tax asset for interest rate swaps	(4,189)	(5,891)	6,173
Dividends declared but not yet paid	$ 31,784	$ 31,296	$ 30,625

Description of the Business

12 Months Ended

Aug. 03, 2018

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

Aug. 03, 2018

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. The Company’s fiscal year ended August 3, 2018 consisted of 53 weeks and the fourth quarter of 2018 consisted of fourteen weeks. 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 – In 2017, inventories were stated at the lower of cost or market. In the first quarter of 2018, the Company adopted new accounting guidance which required companies to measure certain inventory at lower of cost and net realizable value (see section below entitled “Inventory” under “Recent Accounting Pronouncements Adopted”. 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 are valued using moving average cost. Approximately 80% of retail inventories are valued using RIM. Retail inventories valued using RIM are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost of restaurant inventory and retail inventory valued using moving average cost are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value. 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. Retail inventory also includes an estimate of retail inventory shrinkage that is adjusted upon physical inventory counts. Annual physical inventory counts are conducted throughout the third quarter 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:

	2018		2017		2016
Total depreciation expense	$	93,266	$	85,912	$	77,816
Depreciation expense related to store operations*		86,913		79,214		71,382

*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 revolving 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. Using 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, $750 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.

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:

		2018				2017				2016
Advertising expense		$	83,448			$	83,623			$	79,409

Share-based compensation – The Company’s share-based compensation consists of nonvested stock awards and units and performance-based market stock units (“MSU Grants”). 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 units 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 units and MSU Grants issued by the Company are calculated using the treasury stock method. The outstanding stock options, nonvested stock awards and units 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 Adopted

Inventory

In July 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“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 fiscal years on a prospective basis. The adoption of this accounting guidance in the first quarter of 2018 did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Deferred Taxes

In November 2015, in order to simplify the presentation of deferred income taxes, the FASB issued accounting guidance which requires deferred tax liabilities and assets to be classified as noncurrent in the balance sheet. This accounting guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those fiscal years. This accounting guidance may be applied either prospectively to all deferred tax liabilities and assets or retrospectively to all periods presented. Other than the revised balance sheet presentation of deferred tax liabilities and assets, the adoption of this accounting guidance on a prospective basis in the first quarter of 2018 did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations. Prior periods were not retrospectively adjusted for the adoption of this accounting guidance.

Share-Based Payments

In March 2016, the FASB issued accounting guidance in order to simplify certain aspects of the accounting and presentation of share-based payments, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities and classification on the statement of cash flows. This accounting guidance is effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those fiscal years. This guidance may be applied either on a prospective basis, retrospective basis or a modified retrospective basis depending on the specific accounting topic covered in the accounting guidance. The Company adopted this accounting guidance in the first quarter of 2018. The impact of recognizing excess tax benefits of $759 as a reduction to the provision for income taxes on a prospective basis resulted in a benefit of $0.03 per diluted share in the first quarter of 2018. The Company elected to apply the presentation of excess tax benefits on the statement of cash flows on a prospective basis; prior periods were not retrospectively adjusted. The Company also elected to continue estimating forfeitures of share-based awards.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

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. The Company is in the process of evaluating the Company’s current revenue recognition process in comparison to the adoption of this guidance. The Company plans to adopt this accounting guidance using the modified retrospective transition method. The adoption of this accounting guidance in the first quarter of 2019 is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations, and the Company does not anticipate recording a cumulative catch-up adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings.

Leases

In February 2016, the FASB issued accounting guidance which requires the recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosure of key information about leasing arrangements. The accounting guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those fiscal years on a modified retrospective basis. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is in the process of implementing software to assist in the quantification of the impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations related to the adoption of this accounting guidance in the first quarter of 2020.

Recognition of Breakage for Certain Prepaid Stored-Value Products

In March 2016, in order to address diversity in practice related to the derecognition of a prepaid stored-value product liability, the FASB issued accounting guidance requiring breakage for prepaid stored-value product liabilities to be accounted for consistent with the breakage guidance in the revenue recognition standard (see “Revenue Recognition” above). This accounting guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those years. This accounting guidance may be applied either on a modified retrospective basis or on a retrospective basis. The Company does not expect that the adoption of this accounting guidance in the first quarter of 2019 will have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Modification of Share-Based Payment Awards

In May 2017, the FASB issued accounting guidance to provide clarity, reduce the diversity in practice and to simplify the accounting guidance related to a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award. This new standard provides guidance for evaluating which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award are substantive and require modification accounting to be applied. This accounting guidance is effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those years on a prospective basis. The Company does not expect that the adoption of this accounting guidance in the first quarter of 2019 will have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Accounting for Hedging Activities

In August 2017, the FASB issued accounting guidance which amends the recognition, presentation and disclosure requirements of hedge accounting in order to better portray the economics of entities’ risk management activities, increase transparency and understandability of hedging relationships and simplify the application of hedge accounting. This accounting guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application is permitted. The recognition requirements for cash flow and net investment hedges existing at the date of adoption will be applied using a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings. The amended presentation and disclosure requirements will be applied on a prospective basis. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this accounting guidance in the first quarter of 2020.

Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted P.L. 115-97, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”). In February 2018, the FASB issued accounting guidance which allows a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulted from the Tax Act. This accounting guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. If elected, this accounting guidance should be applied either in the period of adoption or retrospectively to each period in which the change in the U.S. federal corporate rate in the Tax Act is recognized. Early application is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this accounting guidance in the first quarter of 2020.

Share-Based Payment Arrangements With Nonemployees

In June 2018, the FASB issued accounting guidance in order to simplify accounting for share-based payments granted to nonemployees for goods and services. This new guidance aligns most of the accounting requirements for share-based payments granted to nonemployees with the existing guidance for share-based payments granted to employees. This accounting guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years, using a modified retrospective transition approach. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect that the adoption of this accounting guidance in the first quarter of 2020 will have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Fair Value Measurements

12 Months Ended

Aug. 03, 2018

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 August 3, 2018 were as follows:

	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total Fair Value
Cash equivalents*	$	38,446	$	--	$	--	$	38,446
Interest rate swap asset (see Note 6)		--		6,255		--		6,255
Total	$	38,446	$	6,255	$	--	$	44,701
Deferred compensation plan assets** measured at net asset value								32,669
Total assets at fair value							$	77,370

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

The Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at July 28, 2017 were as follows:

	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total Fair Value
Cash equivalents*	$	82,524	$	--	$	--	$	82,524
Interest rate swap asset (see Note 6)		--		32		--		32
Deferred compensation plan assets**		31,196		--		--		31,196
Total assets at fair value	$	113,720	$	32	$	--	$	113,752

Interest rate swap liability (see Note 6)	$	--	$	6,880	$	--	$	6,880
Total liabilities at fair value	$	--	$	6,880	$	--	$	6,880

*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 are measured at fair value using quoted market prices. The fair values of the Company’s interest rate swap assets 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 Company’s deferred compensation plan assets are measured based on net asset value per share as a practical expedient to estimate fair value.

The fair values of accounts receivable and accounts payable at August 3, 2018 and July 28, 2017, 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 August 3, 2018 and July 28, 2017.

- 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

Aug. 03, 2018

Inventories [Abstract]

Inventories

4.	Inventories

Inventories were comprised of the following at:

	August 3, 2018		July 28, 2017
Retail	$	117,606	$	119,446
Restaurant		20,659		20,252
Supplies		17,988		16,669
Total	$	156,253	$	156,367

Debt

12 Months Ended

Aug. 03, 2018

Debt [Abstract]

Debt

On January 8, 2015, the Company entered into a five-year $750,000 revolving credit facility (the “2015 Revolving Credit Facility”). At both August 3, 2018 and July 28, 2017, the Company had $400,000 in outstanding borrowings under the 2015 Revolving Credit Facility. On September 5, 2018, the Company entered into a five-year $950,000 revolving credit facility (“2019 Revolving Credit Facility”) with substantially the same terms and financial covenants as the 2015 Revolving Credit Facility, which it replaced. The 2019 Revolving Credit Facility also contains an option to increase the revolving credit facility by $300,000.

At August 3, 2018, the Company had $9,455 of standby letters of credit, which reduce the Company’s borrowing availability under the 2015 Revolving Credit Facility (see Note 15). At August 3, 2018, the Company had $340,545 in borrowing availability under the 2015 Revolving Credit Facility.

In accordance with the 2015 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 August 3, 2018 and July 28, 2017, the Company’s outstanding borrowings were swapped at a weighted average interest rates of 3.73% and 3.21%, respectively (see Note 6 for information on the Company’s interest rate swaps).

The 2015 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 August 3, 2018 and July 28, 2017, the Company was in compliance with all debt covenants.

The 2015 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 2015 Revolving Credit Facility, provided there is no default existing and the total of the Company’s availability under the 2015 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

Aug. 03, 2018

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 spread was 1.25% at both August 3, 2018 and July 28, 2017. 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 August 3, 2018 is as follows:

Trade Date	Effective Date	Term (in Years)		Notional Amount		Fixed Rate
June 18, 2014	May 3, 2015		4	$	160,000		2.51	%
June 24, 2014	May 3, 2015		4		120,000		2.51	%
July 1, 2014	May 5, 2015		4		120,000		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 estimated fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments were as follows:

(See Note 3)	Balance Sheet Location	August 3, 2018		July 28, 2017
Interest rate swaps	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	169	$	32
Interest rate swaps	Other assets		6,086		--
Total assets		$	6,255	$	32

Interest rate swaps	Other current liabilities	$	--	$	47
Interest rate swaps	Long-term interest rate swap liability		--		6,833
Total liabilities		$	--	$	6,880

**These interest rate swap assets and liabilities are recorded at gross at both August 3, 2018 and July 28, 2017 since there were no offsetting assets and liabilities under the Company’s master netting agreements.

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 August 3, 2018 and July 28, 2017 resulted in reductions of $213 and $103, respectively, in the total fair value of the interest rate swap assets and liabilities. The offset to the interest rate swap assets and liabilities is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCIL”), net of the deferred tax assets, and will be reclassified into earnings over the term of the underlying debt. As of August 3, 2018, the estimated pre-tax portion of AOCIL that is expected to be reclassified into earnings over the next twelve months is $533. 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 AOCIL for each of the three years:

	Amount of Income (Loss) Recognized in AOCIL on Derivatives (Effective Portion)
	2018		2017		2016
Cash flow hedges:
Interest rate swaps	$	13,103	$	15,402	$	(16,188	)

The following table summarizes the changes in AOCIL, net of tax, related to the Company’s interest rate swaps for the years ended August 3, 2018, July 28, 2017 and July 29, 2016:

	August 3, 2018			July 28, 2017			July 29, 2016
Beginning AOCIL balance	$	(4,229	)	$	(13,740	)	$	(3,725	)

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		11,274			12,082			(6,683	)
Amounts reclassified from AOCIL into earnings		(2,360	)		(2,571	)		(3,332	)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		8,914			9,511			(10,015	)
Ending AOCIL balance	$	4,685		$	(4,229	)	$	(13,740	)

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 AOCIL into Income (Effective Portion)		Amount of Loss Reclassified from AOCIL into Income (Effective Portion)
		2018		2017		2016
Cash flow hedges:
Interest rate swaps	Interest expense	$	3,398	$	4,163	$	5,395

The following table summarizes the amounts reclassified out of AOCIL related to the Company’s interest rate swaps for the years ended August 3, 2018, July 28, 2017 and July 29, 2016:

Details about AOCIL	August 3, 2018			July 28, 2017			July 29, 2016			Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Statement of Income

Loss on cash flow hedges:
Interest rate swaps	$	(3,398	)	$	(4,163	)	$	(5,395	)	Interest expense
Tax benefit		1,038			1,592			2,063		Provision for income taxes
	$	(2,360	)	$	(2,571	)	$	(3,332	)	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 2018, 2017 and 2016.

Share Repurchases

12 Months Ended

Aug. 03, 2018

Share Repurchases [Abstract]

Share Repurchases

7.	Share Repurchases

In each of 2018, 2017 and 2016, subject to a maximum amount of $25,000 and the limits imposed by its credit facility, the Company was authorized to repurchase shares at management’s discretion. In 2018, the Company repurchased 100,000 shares of its common stock in the open market at an aggregate cost of $14,772. The Company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock in 2017. In 2016, the Company repurchased 100,000 shares of its common stock in the open market at an aggregate cost of $14,653.

Segment Information

12 Months Ended

Aug. 03, 2018

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:

	2018		2017		2016
Restaurant	$	2,439,389	$	2,351,212	$	2,323,199
Retail		591,056		575,077		589,152
Total revenue	$	3,030,445	$	2,926,289	$	2,912,351

Leases

12 Months Ended

Aug. 03, 2018

Leases [Abstract]

Leases

As of August 3, 2018, the Company operated 240 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 last three years was:

Year	Minimum		Contingent		Total
2018	$	76,445	$	255	$	76,700
2017		75,000		252		75,252
2016		74,405		263		74,668

The following is a schedule by year of the future minimum rental payments required under the Company’s operating leases as of August 3, 2018:

Year	Total
2019	$	66,029
2020		53,510
2021		33,170
2022		31,763
2023		32,106
Later years		493,557
Total	$	710,135

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 August 3, 2018 and July 28, 2017, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.

Share-Based Compensation

12 Months Ended

Aug. 03, 2018

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 and units, performance-based MSU Grants, stock options and other types of share-based awards.

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 August 3, 2018, the number of shares authorized for future issuance under the Company’s active plan is 1,020,477. At August 3, 2018, the number of outstanding awards under the 2010 Omnibus Plan was 103,539.

Types of Share-Based Awards

Nonvested Stock Awards

Nonvested stock awards consist of the Company’s common stock, generally accrue dividend equivalents and vest over 1–5 years. The fair value of the Company’s nonvested stock awards which accrue dividends 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 August 3, 2018:

Long-Term Performance Plan (“LTPP”)	Performance Period		Vesting Period (in Years)
2018 LTPP		2018 – 2019	2 or 3
2017 LTPP		2017 – 2018	2 or 3

The following table summarizes the shares that have been accrued under the 2018 LTPP and 2017 LTPP at August 3, 2018:

2018 LTPP			8,892
2017 LTPP			23,511

A summary of the Company’s nonvested stock activity as of August 3, 2018, and changes during 2018 are presented in the following table:

Nonvested Stock	Shares			Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested at July 28, 2017		32,017		$	139.04
Granted		51,406			154.28
Vested		(38,889	)		153.66
Forfeited		(2,776	)		145.92
Unvested at August 3, 2018		41,758		$	143.73

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

		2018				2017				2016
Total fair value of nonvested stock		$	5,976			$	14,700			$	8,418

Nonvested Stock Units

Beginning in 2017, the Company adopted long-term incentive plans that award nonvested stock units based upon relative total shareholder return (“rTSR RSUs”). The number of nonvested stock units that will ultimately be awarded and will vest at the end of the applicable three-year performance period is based on relative total shareholder return, which is defined as increases in the Company’s stock price plus dividends paid during the performance period as compared to the total shareholder return of a group of peer companies determined by the Committee. The number of shares awarded at the end of the performance period for each nonvested stock unit may range from 75% to 125% of the target award. 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 nonvested stock units 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 nonvested stock units will be awarded and no compensation expense will be recorded.

The fair value of the nonvested stock units 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 volatilities are the historical volatilities of the Company’s stock and the members of the peer group 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 risk-free rates for the nonvested stock units granted in 2017 ranged from 1.0% to 1.4%. The risk-free interest rate for the nonvested stock units granted in 2018 was 1.6%.

·	The expected dividend yield is assumed to be zero since the award holders are entitled to any dividends paid over the performance period.

Dividends accrue on the nonvested stock units. Dividends will be forfeited for nonvested stock units that do not vest.

The following table summarizes the shares that have been accrued for rTSR RSUs awards under the 2018 and 2017 long-term incentive plans at August 3, 2018:

	Shares
2018 rTSR RSUs		3,368
2017 rTSR RSUs		5,676

Performance-Based Market Stock Units

The number of MSU Grants (last granted in 2016) 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 was determined using the Monte-Carlo simulation model, which simulated a range of possible future stock prices and estimated the probabilities of the potential payouts. This model used 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 incorporated the following ranges of assumptions:

·	The expected volatility was a blend of implied volatility based on market-traded options on the Company’s stock and historical volatility of our stock over the period commensurate with the three-year performance period. The expected volatility for the 2016 MSU Grants ranged from 23% to 24%.

·	The risk-free interest rate was based on the U.S. Treasury rate assumption commensurate with the three-year performance period. The risk-free rates for the 2016 MSU Grants ranged from 0.9% to 1.0%.

·	The expected dividend yield was assumed to be zero since the award holders are entitled to any dividends paid over the performance period.

Dividends accrue on the 2016 MSU Grants. Dividends will be forfeited for any MSU Grants that do not vest. No MSU Grants were awarded in 2017 or 2018. At August 3, 2018, 20,334 shares for the 2016 MSU Grants were accrued.

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 2016, 2017 or 2018.

A summary of the Company’s stock option activity as of August 3, 2018, and changes during 2018 are presented in the following table:


Fixed Options	Shares			Weighted- Average Price
Outstanding at July 28, 2017		4,000		$	32.86
Exercised		(4,000	)		32.86
Outstanding at August 3, 2018		--			--

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

		2018				2017				2016
Total intrinsic values of options exercised*		$	466			$	1,070			$	917

*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:

	2018		2017		2016
Nonvested stock awards and units	$	6,052	$	6,654	$	10,277
MSU Grants		925		1,804		2,925
Total compensation expense	$	6,977	$	8,458	$	13,202

The following table highlights the total unrecognized compensation expense related to the outstanding nonvested stock awards and nonvested stock units and the weighted-average periods over which the expense is expected to be recognized as of August 3, 2018:

	Nonvested Stock Awards		Nonvested Stock Units
Total unrecognized compensation	$	3,189	$	1,341
Weighted-average period in years		1.82		1.71

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

		2018				2017				2016
Total income tax benefit		$	774			$	2,740			$	3,819

During 2018, the Company issued 55,868 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 $3,816.

Shareholder Rights Plan

12 Months Ended

Aug. 03, 2018

Shareholder Rights Plan [Abstract]

Shareholder Rights Plans

11.	Shareholder Rights Plan

On April 9, 2018, 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, 2018 (the “Rights Agreement”), by and between the Company and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, as rights agent. The dividend was payable on April 19, 2018 to the shareholders of record on April 19, 2018. The Rights Agreement replaced the Company’s previous shareholder rights plan adopted in 2015 (the “2015 Plan”), and it became effective immediately following the expiration of the 2015 Plan at the close of business on April 9, 2018. The 2015 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 2015 Plan. The Rights Agreement will terminate unless approved by shareholders at the Company’s 2018 annual meeting.

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, by certificates that represent shares of the Company’s common stock. New Rights will accompany any new shares of common stock the Company issues after April 19, 2018 until the earlier to occur of the Distribution Date, redemption of the Rights by the Company’s Board of Directors or the final expiration 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 (the “Exercise Price”), 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 also 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 August 3, 2018, 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 (initially $1,200.00 per Right).

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 (initially $1,200.00 per Right).

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; and

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 will not cause the offeror or its affiliates 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 2018 annual meeting, the Rights will expire on April 9, 2021. If shareholders do not approve the Rights Agreement, the Rights will expire immediately following certification of the vote at the 2018 annual meeting.

Employee Savings Plans

12 Months Ended

Aug. 03, 2018

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 2018, the Company matched 50% of employee contributions for each participant in the 401(k) Savings Plan up to a total of 5% of the employee’s compensation and matched 25% of employee contributions in the Non-Qualified Savings Plan up to a total of 6% of the employee’s compensation. In 2017 and 2016, 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 $32,669 is included in other assets and the related liability to the participants of $32,669 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:

	2018		2017		2016
401(k) Savings Plan	$	3,812	$	2,501	$	2,528
Non-Qualified Savings Plan		342		291		296

Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Aug. 03, 2018

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:

	2018			2017		2016
Current:
Federal	$	40,761		$	83,743	$	62,054
State		6,099			7,567		6,447
Deferred:
Federal		(16,779	)		4,696		12,477
State		722			982		(3,858	)
Total provision for income taxes	$	30,803		$	96,988	$	77,120

A reconciliation of the Company’s provision for income taxes and income taxes based on the statutory U.S. federal rate of 26.9%, 35.0% and 35.0% in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, was as follows:

	2018			2017			2016
Provision computed at federal statutory income tax rate	$	74,859		$	104,611		$	93,247
State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit		5,066			5,856			1,427
Revaluation of deferred taxes due to a reduction in the federal tax rate at the enactment date of the Tax Act		(26,772	)		--			--
Revaluation of deferred taxes due to the impact of the change in rate on 2018 temporary items		(3,710	)		--			--
Employer tax credits for FICA taxes paid on employee tip income		(13,707	)		(11,543	)		(11,048	)
Other employer tax credits		(4,476	)		(2,814	)		(7,326	)
Other-net		(457	)		878			820
Total provision for income taxes	$	30,803		$	96,988		$	77,120

The decrease in the Company’s provision for income taxes from 2017 to 2018 reflected the significant impact of the Tax Act. The Tax Act made broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code, including, but not limited to, reducing the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018. In accordance with Section 15 of the Internal Revenue Code, the Company used a blended rate of 26.9% for its fiscal 2018 tax year, by applying a prorated percentage of the number of days prior to and subsequent to the January 1, 2018 effective date of the Tax Act.

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

	August 3, 2018		July 28, 2017
Deferred tax assets:
Compensation and employee benefits	$	6,342	$	10,110
Deferred rent		12,667		18,270
Accrued liabilities		8,546		13,233
Insurance reserves		7,291		12,401
Inventory		3,106		4,411
Other		--		2,767
Deferred tax assets	$	37,952	$	61,192

Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment	$	75,433	$	100,373
Inventory		7,448		10,906
Other		7,232		12,273
Deferred tax liabilities		90,113		123,552
Net deferred tax liability	$	52,161	$	62,360

The decrease in the Company’s net deferred tax liability reflected the significant impact of the Tax Act on rate and capitalization policies. While the Company is able to make reasonable estimates of the impact of both, the final impact of the Tax Act may differ from these estimates, due to, among other things, additional guidance that may be issued by the Internal Revenue Service, expected state tax responses to either follow or reject the federal changes, and changes in our interpretations and assumptions. The Company continues to gather additional information to determine the final impact.

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 August 3, 2018 and July 28, 2017, the Company’s gross liability for uncertain tax positions, exclusive of interest and penalties, was $18,634 and $20,731, 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:

	August 3, 2018			July 28, 2017			July 29, 2016
Balance at beginning of year	$	20,731		$	21,899		$	25,507
Tax positions related to the current year:
Additions		3,029			4,003			4,860
Reductions		--			--			--
Tax positions related to the prior year:
Additions		610			582			2,186
Reductions		(575	)		(2,966	)		(6,896	)
Settlements		(3,878	)		(1,027	)		(2,324	)
Expiration of statute of limitations		(1,283	)		(1,760	)		(1,434	)
Balance at end of year	$	18,634		$	20,731		$	21,899

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:

		2018				2017				2016
Uncertain tax positions		$	14,721			$	13,475			$	14,234

The Company had $5,681, $6,128, and $5,497 in interest and penalties accrued as of August 3, 2018, July 28, 2017, and July 29, 2016, respectively.

The Company recognized accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits of $(447), $631 and $(4,256) in its provision for income taxes on August 3, 2018, July 28, 2017 and July 29, 2016, respectively. The decrease from 2017 to 2018 was mostly attributable to audit settlements in 2018. The increase from 2016 to 2017 was attributable to the Company’s revaluation of select reserves and audit settlements in 2016.

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 August 3, 2018 by approximately $2,000 to $3,000 within the next twelve months. At August 3, 2018, the Company was subject to income tax examinations for its U.S. federal income taxes after 2014 and for state and local income taxes generally after 2014.

Net Income Per Share and Weighted Average Shares

12 Months Ended

Aug. 03, 2018

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:

	2018		2017		2016
Net income per share numerator	$	247,620	$	201,899	$	189,299

Net income per share denominator:
Basic weighted average shares outstanding		24,011,161		24,031,810		23,945,041
Add potential dilution:
Stock options, nonvested stock awards and units and MSU Grants		64,453		86,478		129,232
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding		24,075,614		24,118,288		24,074,273

Commitments and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Aug. 03, 2018

Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

15.	Commitments and Contingencies

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 August 3, 2018, the Company had $9,455 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 August 3, 2018, the Company is secondarily liable for lease payments associated with two properties. The Company is not aware of any non-performance under these lease arrangements that would result in the Company having to perform in accordance with the terms of these guarantees, 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 agreements.

The Company enters into certain indemnification agreements in favor of third parties in the ordinary course of business. The Company believes that the probability of incurring an actual liability under other indemnification agreements is sufficiently remote so that no liability has been recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 03, 2018

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) [Abstract]

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

16.	Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

Quarterly financial data for 2018 and 2017 are summarized as follows:

	1^st Quarter		2^nd Quarter		3^rd Quarter		4^th Quarter ^(a)
2018
Total revenue	$	710,368	$	787,771	$	721,413	$	810,893
Store operating income		107,731		112,686		98,718		118,213
Income before income taxes		67,220		72,994		59,715		78,494
Net income		46,380		91,139		48,747		61,354
Net income per share – basic		1.93		3.80		2.03		2.56
Net income per share – diluted		1.92		3.79		2.03		2.55
2017
Total revenue	$	709,971	$	772,682	$	700,410	$	743,226
Store operating income		109,832		117,513		107,478		119,749
Income before income taxes		72,068		79,058		68,089		79,672
Net income		48,355		52,727		46,924		53,893
Net income per share – basic		2.01		2.19		1.95		2.24
Net income per share – diluted		2.01		2.19		1.95		2.23

(a)

The Company’s fourth quarter of fiscal 2018 consisted of 14 weeks.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 03, 2018

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:

	2018		2017		2016
Total depreciation expense	$	93,266	$	85,912	$	77,816
Depreciation expense related to store operations*		86,913		79,214		71,382

*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:

		2018				2017				2016
Advertising expense		$	83,448			$	83,623			$	79,409

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 Adopted and Not Yet Adopted

Recent Accounting Pronouncements Adopted

Inventory

Deferred Taxes

Share-Based Payments

Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

Revenue Recognition

Leases

Recognition of Breakage for Certain Prepaid Stored-Value Products

Modification of Share-Based Payment Awards

Accounting for Hedging Activities

Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

Share-Based Payment Arrangements With Nonemployees

Fair Value Measurements (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 03, 2018

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

Aug. 03, 2018

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Estimated Useful Lives of Assets

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

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:

	2018		2017		2016
Total depreciation expense	$	93,266	$	85,912	$	77,816
Depreciation expense related to store operations*		86,913		79,214		71,382

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

Advertising Expense

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

		2018				2017				2016
Advertising expense		$	83,448			$	83,623			$	79,409

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 03, 2018

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 August 3, 2018 were as follows:

	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total Fair Value
Cash equivalents*	$	38,446	$	--	$	--	$	38,446
Interest rate swap asset (see Note 6)		--		6,255		--		6,255
Total	$	38,446	$	6,255	$	--	$	44,701
Deferred compensation plan assets** measured at net asset value								32,669
Total assets at fair value							$	77,370

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

The Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at July 28, 2017 were as follows:

	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total Fair Value
Cash equivalents*	$	82,524	$	--	$	--	$	82,524
Interest rate swap asset (see Note 6)		--		32		--		32
Deferred compensation plan assets**		31,196		--		--		31,196
Total assets at fair value	$	113,720	$	32	$	--	$	113,752

Interest rate swap liability (see Note 6)	$	--	$	6,880	$	--	$	6,880
Total liabilities at fair value	$	--	$	6,880	$	--	$	6,880

*Consists of money market fund investments.

Inventories (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 03, 2018

Inventories [Abstract]

Inventories

Inventories were comprised of the following at:

	August 3, 2018		July 28, 2017
Retail	$	117,606	$	119,446
Restaurant		20,659		20,252
Supplies		17,988		16,669
Total	$	156,253	$	156,367

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 03, 2018

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Abstract]

Interest Rate Swaps

A summary of the Company’s interest rate swaps at August 3, 2018 is as follows:

Trade Date	Effective Date	Term (in Years)		Notional Amount		Fixed Rate
June 18, 2014	May 3, 2015		4	$	160,000		2.51	%
June 24, 2014	May 3, 2015		4		120,000		2.51	%
July 1, 2014	May 5, 2015		4		120,000		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	%

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	August 3, 2018		July 28, 2017
Interest rate swaps	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	169	$	32
Interest rate swaps	Other assets		6,086		--
Total assets		$	6,255	$	32

Interest rate swaps	Other current liabilities	$	--	$	47
Interest rate swaps	Long-term interest rate swap liability		--		6,833
Total liabilities		$	--	$	6,880

Pre-tax Effects of Derivative Instruments on AOCIL and Income

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

	Amount of Income (Loss) Recognized in AOCIL on Derivatives (Effective Portion)
	2018		2017		2016
Cash flow hedges:
Interest rate swaps	$	13,103	$	15,402	$	(16,188	)

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

The following table summarizes the changes in AOCIL, net of tax, related to the Company’s interest rate swaps for the years ended August 3, 2018, July 28, 2017 and July 29, 2016:

	August 3, 2018			July 28, 2017			July 29, 2016
Beginning AOCIL balance	$	(4,229	)	$	(13,740	)	$	(3,725	)

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		11,274			12,082			(6,683	)
Amounts reclassified from AOCIL into earnings		(2,360	)		(2,571	)		(3,332	)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		8,914			9,511			(10,015	)
Ending AOCIL balance	$	4,685		$	(4,229	)	$	(13,740	)

Amounts Reclassified Out of AOCIL 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 AOCIL into Income (Effective Portion)		Amount of Loss Reclassified from AOCIL into Income (Effective Portion)
		2018		2017		2016
Cash flow hedges:
Interest rate swaps	Interest expense	$	3,398	$	4,163	$	5,395

The following table summarizes the amounts reclassified out of AOCIL related to the Company’s interest rate swaps for the years ended August 3, 2018, July 28, 2017 and July 29, 2016:

Details about AOCIL	August 3, 2018			July 28, 2017			July 29, 2016			Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Statement of Income

Loss on cash flow hedges:
Interest rate swaps	$	(3,398	)	$	(4,163	)	$	(5,395	)	Interest expense
Tax benefit		1,038			1,592			2,063		Provision for income taxes
	$	(2,360	)	$	(2,571	)	$	(3,332	)	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://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4B
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109980867&loc=SL5624163-113959

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1B
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109980867&loc=SL5580258-113959

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109980867&loc=d3e41620-113959

Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109980867&loc=SL5579245-113959

Reference 5: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
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-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109980867&loc=d3e41638-113959

Reference 6: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109980867&loc=d3e41678-113959

Reference 7: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109980867&loc=d3e41641-113959

Reference 8: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
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Reference 9: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-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

Reference 10: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109980867&loc=SL5579240-113959

+ Details

Segment Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 03, 2018

Segment Information [Abstract]

Composition of Total Revenue

Total revenue was comprised of the following at:

	2018		2017		2016
Restaurant	$	2,439,389	$	2,351,212	$	2,323,199
Retail		591,056		575,077		589,152
Total revenue	$	3,030,445	$	2,926,289	$	2,912,351

Leases (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 03, 2018

Leases [Abstract]

Rent Expense

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

Year	Minimum		Contingent		Total
2018	$	76,445	$	255	$	76,700
2017		75,000		252		75,252
2016		74,405		263		74,668

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 August 3, 2018:

Year	Total
2019	$	66,029
2020		53,510
2021		33,170
2022		31,763
2023		32,106
Later years		493,557
Total	$	710,135

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 03, 2018

Share-Based Compensation [Abstract]

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 August 3, 2018:

Long-Term Performance Plan (“LTPP”)	Performance Period		Vesting Period (in Years)
2018 LTPP		2018 – 2019	2 or 3
2017 LTPP		2017 – 2018	2 or 3

Outstanding Awards under LTPP

The following table summarizes the shares that have been accrued under the 2018 LTPP and 2017 LTPP at August 3, 2018:

2018 LTPP			8,892
2017 LTPP			23,511

Nonvested Stock Activity

A summary of the Company’s nonvested stock activity as of August 3, 2018, and changes during 2018 are presented in the following table:

Nonvested Stock	Shares			Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested at July 28, 2017		32,017		$	139.04
Granted		51,406			154.28
Vested		(38,889	)		153.66
Forfeited		(2,776	)		145.92
Unvested at August 3, 2018		41,758		$	143.73

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:

		2018				2017				2016
Total fair value of nonvested stock		$	5,976			$	14,700			$	8,418

Shares Accrued Under TSR RSUs Awards

The following table summarizes the shares that have been accrued for rTSR RSUs awards under the 2018 and 2017 long-term incentive plans at August 3, 2018:

	Shares
2018 rTSR RSUs		3,368
2017 rTSR RSUs		5,676

Stock Option Activity

A summary of the Company’s stock option activity as of August 3, 2018, and changes during 2018 are presented in the following table:


Fixed Options	Shares			Weighted- Average Price
Outstanding at July 28, 2017		4,000		$	32.86
Exercised		(4,000	)		32.86
Outstanding at August 3, 2018		--			--

Total Intrinsic Values of Options Exercised

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

		2018				2017				2016
Total intrinsic values of options exercised*		$	466			$	1,070			$	917

*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:

	2018		2017		2016
Nonvested stock awards and units	$	6,052	$	6,654	$	10,277
MSU Grants		925		1,804		2,925
Total compensation expense	$	6,977	$	8,458	$	13,202

Unrecognized Compensation Cost, Nonvested Awards

	Nonvested Stock Awards		Nonvested Stock Units
Total unrecognized compensation	$	3,189	$	1,341
Weighted-average period in years		1.82		1.71

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:

		2018				2017				2016
Total income tax benefit		$	774			$	2,740			$	3,819

Employee Savings Plans (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 03, 2018

Employee Savings Plans [Abstract]

Contributions for Employee Savings Plans

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

	2018		2017		2016
401(k) Savings Plan	$	3,812	$	2,501	$	2,528
Non-Qualified Savings Plan		342		291		296

Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 03, 2018

Income Taxes [Abstract]

Provision for Income Taxes

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

	2018			2017		2016
Current:
Federal	$	40,761		$	83,743	$	62,054
State		6,099			7,567		6,447
Deferred:
Federal		(16,779	)		4,696		12,477
State		722			982		(3,858	)
Total provision for income taxes	$	30,803		$	96,988	$	77,120

Reconciliation of Provision for Income Taxes

	2018			2017			2016
Provision computed at federal statutory income tax rate	$	74,859		$	104,611		$	93,247
State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit		5,066			5,856			1,427
Revaluation of deferred taxes due to a reduction in the federal tax rate at the enactment date of the Tax Act		(26,772	)		--			--
Revaluation of deferred taxes due to the impact of the change in rate on 2018 temporary items		(3,710	)		--			--
Employer tax credits for FICA taxes paid on employee tip income		(13,707	)		(11,543	)		(11,048	)
Other employer tax credits		(4,476	)		(2,814	)		(7,326	)
Other-net		(457	)		878			820
Total provision for income taxes	$	30,803		$	96,988		$	77,120

Significant Components of Net Deferred Tax Liability

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

	August 3, 2018		July 28, 2017
Deferred tax assets:
Compensation and employee benefits	$	6,342	$	10,110
Deferred rent		12,667		18,270
Accrued liabilities		8,546		13,233
Insurance reserves		7,291		12,401
Inventory		3,106		4,411
Other		--		2,767
Deferred tax assets	$	37,952	$	61,192

Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment	$	75,433	$	100,373
Inventory		7,448		10,906
Other		7,232		12,273
Deferred tax liabilities		90,113		123,552
Net deferred tax liability	$	52,161	$	62,360

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:

	August 3, 2018			July 28, 2017			July 29, 2016
Balance at beginning of year	$	20,731		$	21,899		$	25,507
Tax positions related to the current year:
Additions		3,029			4,003			4,860
Reductions		--			--			--
Tax positions related to the prior year:
Additions		610			582			2,186
Reductions		(575	)		(2,966	)		(6,896	)
Settlements		(3,878	)		(1,027	)		(2,324	)
Expiration of statute of limitations		(1,283	)		(1,760	)		(1,434	)
Balance at end of year	$	18,634		$	20,731		$	21,899

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:

		2018				2017				2016
Uncertain tax positions		$	14,721			$	13,475			$	14,234

Net Income Per Share and Weighted Average Shares (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 03, 2018

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:

	2018		2017		2016
Net income per share numerator	$	247,620	$	201,899	$	189,299

Net income per share denominator:
Basic weighted average shares outstanding		24,011,161		24,031,810		23,945,041
Add potential dilution:
Stock options, nonvested stock awards and units and MSU Grants		64,453		86,478		129,232
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding		24,075,614		24,118,288		24,074,273

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 03, 2018

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) [Abstract]

Quarterly Financial Data

Quarterly financial data for 2018 and 2017 are summarized as follows:

	1^st Quarter		2^nd Quarter		3^rd Quarter		4^th Quarter ^(a)
2018
Total revenue	$	710,368	$	787,771	$	721,413	$	810,893
Store operating income		107,731		112,686		98,718		118,213
Income before income taxes		67,220		72,994		59,715		78,494
Net income		46,380		91,139		48,747		61,354
Net income per share – basic		1.93		3.80		2.03		2.56
Net income per share – diluted		1.92		3.79		2.03		2.55
2017
Total revenue	$	709,971	$	772,682	$	700,410	$	743,226
Store operating income		109,832		117,513		107,478		119,749
Income before income taxes		72,068		79,058		68,089		79,672
Net income		48,355		52,727		46,924		53,893
Net income per share – basic		2.01		2.19		1.95		2.24
Net income per share – diluted		2.01		2.19		1.95		2.23

(a)

The Company’s fourth quarter of fiscal 2018 consisted of 14 weeks.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Oct. 27, 2017

USD ($)

$ / shares

Aug. 03, 2018

USD ($)

Segment

Jul. 28, 2017

USD ($)

Jul. 29, 2016

USD ($)

Inventories [Abstract]

Percentage of retail inventories valued using the retail inventory method

80.00%

Property and equipment [Abstract]

Total depreciation expense

$ 93,266

$ 85,912

$ 77,816

Depreciation expense related to store operations

^[1]

86,913

79,214

71,382

Derivative instruments and hedging activities [Abstract]

Credit exposure to the counterparty if the company owes the counterparty

$ 0

Segment reporting [Abstract]

Number of reportable operating segments | Segment

Insurance [Abstract]

Threshold amount for workers' compensation insurance Level 1

$ 250

250

Threshold amount for workers' compensation insurance Level 2

750

500

Threshold amount for workers' compensation insurance Level 3

1,000

Threshold amount for general liability insurance

500

Advertising [Abstract]

Advertising expense

$ 83,448

$ 83,623

$ 79,409

Buildings and Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]

Property and equipment [Abstract]

Estimated useful life

30 years

Buildings and Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]

Property and equipment [Abstract]

Estimated useful life

45 years

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

Property and equipment [Abstract]

Estimated useful life

15 years

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

Property and equipment [Abstract]

Estimated useful life

25 years

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

Property and equipment [Abstract]

Estimated useful life

2 years

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

Property and equipment [Abstract]

Estimated useful life

10 years

Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]

Property and equipment [Abstract]

Estimated useful life

1 year

Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]

Property and equipment [Abstract]

Estimated useful life

35 years

Leases [Member] | Maximum [Member]

Property and equipment [Abstract]

Estimated useful life

35 years

Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncement [Member]

Share-Based Payments [Abstract]

Impact of recognizing excess tax benefits

$ 759

Impact of recognizing excess tax benefits per diluted share (in dollars per share) | $ / shares

$ 0.03

[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

Aug. 03, 2018

Jul. 28, 2017

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Abstract]

Cash equivalents

^[1]

$ 82,524

Interest rate swap asset (see Note 6)

Deferred compensation plan assets

^[2]

31,196

Total assets at fair value

$ 77,370

113,752

Interest rate swap liability (see Note 6)

6,880

Total liabilities at fair value

6,880

Level 1, 2 and 3 [Member]

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Abstract]

Cash equivalents

^[1]

38,446

Interest rate swap asset (see Note 6)

6,255

Total

44,701

Level 1 [Member]

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Abstract]

Cash equivalents

^[1]

38,446

82,524

Interest rate swap asset (see Note 6)

Total

38,446

Deferred compensation plan assets

^[2]

31,196

Total assets at fair value

113,720

Interest rate swap liability (see Note 6)

Total liabilities at fair value

Level 2 [Member]

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Abstract]

Cash equivalents

^[1]

Interest rate swap asset (see Note 6)

6,255

Total

6,255

Deferred compensation plan assets

^[2]

Total assets at fair value

Interest rate swap liability (see Note 6)

6,880

Total liabilities at fair value

6,880

Level 3 [Member]

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Abstract]

Cash equivalents

^[1]

Interest rate swap asset (see Note 6)

Total

Deferred compensation plan assets

^[2]

Total assets at fair value

Interest rate swap liability (see Note 6)

Total liabilities at fair value

$ 0

Measured at Net Asset Value [Member]

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Abstract]

Deferred compensation plan assets

^[2]

$ 32,669

[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	Aug. 03, 2018	Jul. 28, 2017
Inventories [Abstract]
Retail	$ 117,606	$ 119,446
Restaurant	20,659	20,252
Supplies	17,988	16,669
Total	$ 156,253	$ 156,367

Debt (Details) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
Debt (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 05, 2018 USD ($)	Aug. 03, 2018 USD ($)	Jul. 28, 2017 USD ($)
2015 Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Line of credit facility, term		5 years
Maximum borrowing capacity		$ 750,000
Outstanding borrowings		400,000	$ 400,000
Amount of standby letters of credit		9,455
Current borrowing capacity		$ 340,545
Weighted average interest rates of swapped debt		3.73%	3.21%
Restrictions on dividends payable		Under the 2015 Revolving Credit Facility, provided there is no default existing and the total of the Company’s availability under the 2015 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, maximum		3.00
Multiplier used in calculating aggregate amount of cash dividends on shares of common stock in any fiscal year		4
2019 Revolving Credit Facility [Member] \| Subsequent Event [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Line of credit facility, term	5 years
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 950,000
Option to increase revolving credit facility	$ 300,000

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 03, 2018	Jul. 28, 2017
Derivative Instruments [Abstract]
Company's credit spread	1.25%	1.25%
Interest Rate Swap June 18, 2014 [Member]
Derivative Instruments [Abstract]
Trade date	Jun. 18, 2014
Effective date	May 03, 2015
Term	4 years
Notional amount	$ 160,000
Fixed rate	2.51%
Interest Rate Swap June 24, 2014 [Member]
Derivative Instruments [Abstract]
Trade date	Jun. 24, 2014
Effective date	May 03, 2015
Term	4 years
Notional amount	$ 120,000
Fixed rate	2.51%
Interest Rate Swap July 1, 2014 [Member]
Derivative Instruments [Abstract]
Trade date	Jul. 01, 2014
Effective date	May 05, 2015
Term	4 years
Notional amount	$ 120,000
Fixed rate	2.43%
Interest Rate Swap One January 30, 2015 [Member]
Derivative Instruments [Abstract]
Trade date	Jan. 30, 2015
Effective date	May 03, 2019
Term	2 years
Notional amount	$ 80,000
Fixed rate	2.15%
Interest Rate Swap Two January 30, 2015 [Member]
Derivative Instruments [Abstract]
Trade date	Jan. 30, 2015
Effective date	May 03, 2019
Term	2 years
Notional amount	$ 60,000
Fixed rate	2.16%
Interest Rate Swap Three January 30, 2015 [Member]
Derivative Instruments [Abstract]
Trade date	Jan. 30, 2015
Effective date	May 04, 2021
Term	3 years
Notional amount	$ 120,000
Fixed rate	2.41%
Interest Rate Swap Four January 30, 2015 [Member]
Derivative Instruments [Abstract]
Trade date	Jan. 30, 2015
Effective date	May 03, 2019
Term	2 years
Notional amount	$ 60,000
Fixed rate	2.15%
Interest Rate Swap Five January 30, 2015 [Member]
Derivative Instruments [Abstract]
Trade date	Jan. 30, 2015
Effective date	May 04, 2021
Term	3 years
Notional amount	$ 80,000
Fixed rate	2.40%

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, Estimated Fair Values of Derivative Instruments (Details) - Interest Rate Swaps [Member] - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

Aug. 03, 2018

Jul. 28, 2017

Estimated Fair Value of Derivative Instruments [Abstract]

Fair value, asset

^[1]

$ 6,255

$ 32

Fair value, liability

^[1]

6,880

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member]

Estimated Fair Value of Derivative Instruments [Abstract]

Fair value, asset

^[1]

169

Other Assets [Member]

Estimated Fair Value of Derivative Instruments [Abstract]

Fair value, asset

^[1]

6,086

Other Current Liabilities [Member]

Estimated Fair Value of Derivative Instruments [Abstract]

Fair value, liability

^[1]

Long-term Interest Rate Swap Liability [Member]

Estimated Fair Value of Derivative Instruments [Abstract]

Fair value, liability

^[1]

$ 0

$ 6,833

[1]	These interest rate swap assets and liabilities are recorded at gross at both August 3, 2018 and July 28, 2017 since there were no offsetting assets and liabilities under the Company's master netting agreements.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, Offsetting of Derivative Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 03, 2018	Jul. 28, 2017
Derivative Instruments by Risk Exposure [Abstract]
Estimated pre-tax portion of AOCIL that is expected to be reclassified into earnings over the next twelve months	$ 533
Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Derivative Instruments by Risk Exposure [Abstract]
Offsetting assets	0	$ 0
Offsetting liabilities	0	0
Reduction in fair value of interest rate swap assets and liabilities due to adjustment related to non-performance risk	$ 213	$ 103

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, Pre-Tax Effects of Derivative Instruments on AOCIL and Income (Details) - Interest Rate Swaps [Member] - Cash Flow Hedging [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 03, 2018	Jul. 28, 2017	Jul. 29, 2016
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedges [Abstract]
Amount of income (loss) recognized in AOCIL on derivatives (effective portion)	$ 13,103	$ 15,402	$ (16,188)
Interest Expense [Member]
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedges [Abstract]
Amount of loss reclassified from AOCIL into income (effective portion)	$ 3,398	$ 4,163	$ 5,395

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, Changes in AOCIL, Net of Tax, Related to Interest Rate Swaps (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 03, 2018	Jul. 28, 2017	Jul. 29, 2016
Changes in AOCIL, net of tax, related to interest rate swaps [Roll Forward]
Balance	$ 544,507	$ 526,443	$ 538,268
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	11,274	12,082	(6,683)
Amounts reclassified from AOCIL into earnings	(2,360)	(2,571)	(3,332)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	8,914	9,511	(10,015)
Balance	581,781	544,507	526,443
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Changes in AOCIL, net of tax, related to interest rate swaps [Roll Forward]
Balance	(4,229)	(13,740)	(3,725)
Balance	$ 4,685	$ (4,229)	$ (13,740)

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, Amounts Reclassified out of AOCIL Related to Interest Rate Swaps (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Jul. 27, 2018

^[1]

Apr. 27, 2018

Jan. 26, 2018

Oct. 27, 2017

Jul. 28, 2017

^[1]

Apr. 28, 2017

Jan. 27, 2017

Oct. 28, 2016

Aug. 03, 2018

Jul. 28, 2017

Jul. 29, 2016

Amounts Reclassified Out of AOCL Related to Interest Rate Swaps [Abstract]

Interest expense

$ (15,169)

$ (14,271)

$ (14,052)

Provision for income taxes

30,803

96,988

77,120

Net of tax

$ 61,354

$ 48,747

$ 91,139

$ 46,380

$ 53,893

$ 46,924

$ 52,727

$ 48,355

247,620

201,899

189,299

Interest Rate Swaps [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]

Amounts Reclassified Out of AOCL Related to Interest Rate Swaps [Abstract]

Ineffectiveness recorded in earnings on interest rate cash flow hedge

Loss on Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]

Amounts Reclassified Out of AOCL Related to Interest Rate Swaps [Abstract]

Provision for income taxes

1,038

1,592

2,063

Net of tax

(2,360)

(2,571)

(3,332)

Loss on Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]

Amounts Reclassified Out of AOCL Related to Interest Rate Swaps [Abstract]

Interest expense

$ (3,398)

$ (4,163)

$ (5,395)

[1]	The Company's fourth quarter of fiscal 2018 consisted of 14 weeks.

- 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	Aug. 03, 2018	Jul. 28, 2017	Jul. 29, 2016
Share Repurchases [Abstract]
Maximum aggregate purchase price	$ 25,000	$ 25,000	$ 25,000
Shares of common stock repurchased (in shares)	100,000	0	100,000
Cost of shares repurchased	$ 14,772	$ 0	$ 14,653

Segment Information (Details)
$ in Thousands

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Jul. 27, 2018

USD ($)

^[1]

Apr. 27, 2018

USD ($)

Jan. 26, 2018

USD ($)

Oct. 27, 2017

USD ($)

Jul. 28, 2017

USD ($)

^[1]

Apr. 28, 2017

USD ($)

Jan. 27, 2017

USD ($)

Oct. 28, 2016

USD ($)

Aug. 03, 2018

USD ($)

Segment

Line

Jul. 28, 2017

USD ($)

Jul. 29, 2016

USD ($)

Segment Information [Abstract]

Number of product lines | Line

Number of reportable operating segments | Segment

Composition of Total Revenue [Abstract]

Revenue

$ 810,893

$ 721,413

$ 787,771

$ 710,368

$ 743,226

$ 700,410

$ 772,682

$ 709,971

$ 3,030,445

$ 2,926,289

$ 2,912,351

Restaurant [Member]

Composition of Total Revenue [Abstract]

Revenue

2,439,389

2,351,212

2,323,199

Retail [Member]

Composition of Total Revenue [Abstract]

Revenue

$ 591,056

$ 575,077

$ 589,152

[1]	The Company's fourth quarter of fiscal 2018 consisted of 14 weeks.

Leases (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Leases (Details) $ in Thousands	Aug. 03, 2018 USD ($) Store	Jul. 28, 2017 USD ($)	Jul. 29, 2016 USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2009 Store	Jul. 28, 2000 Store
Leases [Abstract]
Number of leased facilities for stores \| Store	240
Minimum lease payments	$ 76,445	$ 75,000	$ 74,405
Contingent lease payments	255	252	263
Total lease payments	76,700	$ 75,252	$ 74,668
Future minimum rental payments, operating leases [Abstract]
2019	66,029
2020	53,510
2021	33,170
2022	31,763
2023	32,106
Later years	493,557
Total	$ 710,135
Sale-leaseback Transactions in 2009 [Member] \| Owned Stores [Member]
Sale Leaseback Transactions [Abstract]
Number of owned stores involved in sale-lease back transactions \| Store				15
Initial lease term	20 years
Lease renewal option	20 years
Sale-leaseback Transactions in 2009 [Member] \| Retail Distribution Center [Member]
Sale Leaseback Transactions [Abstract]
Initial lease term	15 years
Lease renewal option	20 years
Sale-leaseback Transactions in 2000 [Member] \| Owned Stores [Member]
Sale Leaseback Transactions [Abstract]
Number of owned stores involved in sale-lease back transactions \| Store					65
Initial lease term	21 years
Lease renewal option	20 years

Share-Based Compensation, Stock Compensation Plans (Details)	Aug. 03, 2018 Plan shares
Stock Compensation Plans [Abstract]
Number of active compensation plans \| Plan	1
2010 Omnibus Plan [Member]
Stock Compensation Plans [Abstract]
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)	1,020,477
Number of outstanding awards (in shares)	103,539

Share-Based Compensation, Nonvested Stock (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 03, 2018	Jul. 28, 2017	Jul. 29, 2016
Nonvested Stock Awards [Member]
Nonvested stock, shares [Roll Forward]
Unvested, beginning of period (in shares)	32,017
Granted (in shares)	51,406
Vested (in shares)	(38,889)
Forfeited (in shares)	(2,776)
Unvested, end of period (in shares)	41,758	32,017
Nonvested stock, weighted-average grant date fair value [Roll Forward]
Unvested, beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$ 139.04
Granted (in dollars per share)	154.28
Vested (in dollars per share)	153.66
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	145.92
Unvested, end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 143.73	$ 139.04
Total fair value of nonvested stock	$ 5,976	$ 14,700	$ 8,418
Nonvested Stock Awards [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Nonvested Stock Awards and Nonvested Stock Units [Abstract]
Vesting period	1 year
Nonvested Stock Awards [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Nonvested Stock Awards and Nonvested Stock Units [Abstract]
Vesting period	5 years
2018 LTPP [Member]
Nonvested Stock Awards and Nonvested Stock Units [Abstract]
Nonvested stock earned (in shares)	8,892
2018 LTPP [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Nonvested Stock Awards and Nonvested Stock Units [Abstract]
Performance period	2018
Vesting period	2 years
2018 LTPP [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Nonvested Stock Awards and Nonvested Stock Units [Abstract]
Performance period	2019
Vesting period	3 years
2017 LTPP [Member]
Nonvested Stock Awards and Nonvested Stock Units [Abstract]
Nonvested stock earned (in shares)	23,511
2017 LTPP [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Nonvested Stock Awards and Nonvested Stock Units [Abstract]
Performance period	2017
Vesting period	2 years
2017 LTPP [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Nonvested Stock Awards and Nonvested Stock Units [Abstract]
Performance period	2018
Vesting period	3 years
Omnibus Plan 2010 [Member] \| Nonvested Stock Units [Member]
Nonvested stock, weighted-average grant date fair value [Roll Forward]
Award performance period	3 years
Measurement period for average stock prices in consecutive calendar days	60 days
Measurement period for average stock prices prior to first business day of performance period	30 days
Measurement period for average stock prices after first business day of performance period	30 days
Risk-free interest rate for nonvested stock units granted minimum		1.00%
Risk-free interest rate for nonvested stock units granted maximum		1.40%
Risk-free interest rate for nonvested stock units granted	1.60%
Omnibus Plan 2010 [Member] \| Nonvested Stock Units [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Nonvested stock, weighted-average grant date fair value [Roll Forward]
Percentage of shares of target award that may be awarded	75.00%
Omnibus Plan 2010 [Member] \| Nonvested Stock Units [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Nonvested stock, weighted-average grant date fair value [Roll Forward]
Percentage of shares of target award that may be awarded	125.00%

Share-Based Compensation, Performance-Based Market Stock Units (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 03, 2018 shares
2018 rTSR RSUs [Member]
Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]
Number of shares accrued (in shares)	3,368
2017 rTSR RSUs [Member]
Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]
Number of shares accrued (in shares)	5,676
2016 MSU Grants [Member]
Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]
Expected volatility, minimum	23.00%
Expected volatility, maximum	24.00%
Risk-free interest rate, minimum	0.90%
Risk-free interest rate, maximum	1.00%
Number of shares accrued (in shares)	20,334
Omnibus Plan 2010 [Member] \| MSU Grants [Member]
Performance-Based Market Stock Units [Abstract]
Award performance period	3 years
Measurement period for average stock prices in consecutive calendar days	60 days
Measurement period for average stock prices prior to first business day of performance period	30 days
Measurement period for average stock prices after first business day of performance period	30 days
Omnibus Plan 2010 [Member] \| MSU Grants [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Performance-Based Market Stock Units [Abstract]
Percentage of shares of target award that may be awarded	150.00%

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

12 Months Ended

Aug. 03, 2018

Jul. 28, 2017

Jul. 29, 2016

Stock Options [Abstract]

Yearly exercisable cumulative rate

33.00%

Number of years to expiration date from grant date

10 years

Fixed options, shares [Roll Forward]

Outstanding, beginning of period (in shares)

4,000

Granted (in shares)

Exercised (in shares)

(4,000)

Outstanding, end of period (in shares)

4,000

Fixed options, weighted-average price [Roll Forward]

Outstanding, beginning of period (in dollars per share)

$ 32.86

Exercised (in dollars per share)

32.86

Outstanding, end of period (in dollars per share)

$ 0

$ 32.86

Total intrinsic values of options exercised

^[1]

$ 466

$ 1,070

$ 917

[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
	Aug. 03, 2018	Jul. 28, 2017	Jul. 29, 2016
Compensation Expense [Abstract]
Total compensation expense	$ 6,977	$ 8,458	$ 13,202
Total income tax benefit recognized [Abstract]
Total income tax benefit	$ 774	2,740	3,819
Number of shares issued from vesting of share-based compensation awards and stock option exercises (in shares)	55,868
Tax withholding payment net of cash received from issuance of share based compensation awards	$ (3,816)	(6,896)	(5,779)
Nonvested Stock Awards and Units [Member]
Compensation Expense [Abstract]
Total compensation expense	6,052	6,654	10,277
Nonvested Stock Awards [Member]
Total unrecognized compensation expense and weighted-average periods over which the expense is expected to be recognized [Abstract]
Total unrecognized compensation	$ 3,189
Weighted average period in years	1 year 9 months 25 days
Nonvested Stock Units [Member]
Total unrecognized compensation expense and weighted-average periods over which the expense is expected to be recognized [Abstract]
Total unrecognized compensation	$ 1,341
Weighted average period in years	1 year 8 months 16 days
MSU Grants [Member]
Compensation Expense [Abstract]
Total compensation expense	$ 925	$ 1,804	$ 2,925

Shareholder Rights Plan (Details)	12 Months Ended
Shareholder Rights Plan (Details)	Aug. 03, 2018 Right $ / shares shares	Jul. 28, 2017 $ / shares
Shareholder Rights Plan [Abstract]
Par value of common share outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Rights Agreement [Member]
Shareholder Rights Plan [Abstract]
Dividend declaration date	Apr. 09, 2018
Number of preferred share purchase right declared as dividend for each share of common stock outstanding \| Right	1
Par value of common share outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01
Dividend record date	Apr. 19, 2018
Dividend payment date	Apr. 19, 2018
Rights expiration date	Apr. 09, 2021
Exercise price of each right (in dollars per share)	$ 600.00
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
Market value expressed in multiple of exercise price, if a person or group becomes an acquiring person	2
Market value of each right If a person or group becomes an acquiring person (in dollars per share)	$ 1,200.00
Exercise price of each right, if the company is later acquired in a merger (in dollars per share)	$ 600.00
Market value expressed in multiple of exercise price, if the company is later acquired in a merger	2
Market value of each right, if the company is later acquired in a merger (in dollars per share)	$ 1,200.00
Redemption price of the right (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01
Subsequent offering period	20 days
Number of common stock shares that can be exchanged for each right if rights were extinguished (in shares) \| shares	1
Rights Agreement [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Shareholder Rights Plan [Abstract]
Period before rights can be exercised	10 days
Percentage of outstanding common stock ownership required to qualify for an "Acquiring Person"	20.00%
Offering period	60 days
Percentage of an ownership of common stock by an Acquiring Person before board of directors may extinguish right	50.00%
Percentage of adjustment to exercise price	1.00%
Rights Agreement [Member] \| Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock [Member]
Shareholder Rights Plan [Abstract]
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
2015 Plan [Member]
Shareholder Rights Plan [Abstract]
Rights expiration date	Apr. 09, 2018

Employee Savings Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Employee Savings Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 03, 2018	Jul. 28, 2017	Jul. 29, 2016
401(k) Savings Plan [Member]
Defined Contribution Plan [Abstract]
Defined contribution plan, type [Extensible List]	us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Defined contribution plan, tax status [Extensible List]	us-gaap:QualifiedPlanMember
Requisite service period	90 days
Minimum age of eligible employees required	21 years
Percentage of compensation allowed to be deferred by eligible employees	50.00%
Percentage of company match to employee contribution	50.00%	25.00%	25.00%
Percentage of company contributions that vests annually	20.00%	20.00%	20.00%
Percentage of company contribution that vests on employee's fifth anniversary of employment	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Company's contributions to the plan	$ 3,812	$ 2,501	$ 2,528
401(k) Savings Plan [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Defined Contribution Plan [Abstract]
Percentage of employee's compensation matched by company	5.00%	6.00%	6.00%
Non-Qualified Savings Plan [Member]
Defined Contribution Plan [Abstract]
Defined contribution plan, type [Extensible List]	us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Defined contribution plan, tax status [Extensible List]	us-gaap:NonqualifiedPlanMember
Percentage of compensation allowed to be deferred by eligible employees	50.00%
Percentage of eligible bonuses allowed to be deferred	100.00%
Percentage of company match to employee contribution	25.00%	25.00%	25.00%
Percentage of company contributions that vests annually	20.00%	20.00%	20.00%
Percentage of company contribution that vests on employee's fifth anniversary of employment	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Market value of the trust assets	$ 32,669
Liability obligations to participants	32,669
Company's contributions to the plan	$ 342	$ 291	$ 296
Non-Qualified Savings Plan [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Defined Contribution Plan [Abstract]
Percentage of employee's compensation matched by company	6.00%	6.00%	6.00%

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	7 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 03, 2018	Aug. 03, 2018	Jul. 28, 2017	Jul. 29, 2016
Current [Abstract]
Federal		$ 40,761	$ 83,743	$ 62,054
State		6,099	7,567	6,447
Deferred [Abstract]
Federal		(16,779)	4,696	12,477
State		722	982	(3,858)
Total provision for income taxes		$ 30,803	$ 96,988	$ 77,120
Reconciliation of provision for income taxes and income taxes [Abstract]
U.S. federal statutory rate used	21.00%	26.90%	35.00%	35.00%
Provision computed at federal statutory income tax rate		$ 74,859	$ 104,611	$ 93,247
State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit		5,066	5,856	1,427
Revaluation of deferred taxes due to a reduction in the federal tax rate at the enactment date of the Tax Act		(26,772)	0	0
Revaluation of deferred taxes due to the impact of the change in rate on 2018 temporary items		(3,710)	0	0
Employer tax credits for FICA taxes paid on employee tip income		(13,707)	(11,543)	(11,048)
Other employer tax credits		(4,476)	(2,814)	(7,326)
Other-net		(457)	878	820
Total provision for income taxes		30,803	96,988	77,120
Deferred tax assets [Abstract]
Compensation and employee benefits	$ 6,342	6,342	10,110
Deferred rent	12,667	12,667	18,270
Accrued liabilities	8,546	8,546	13,233
Insurance reserves	7,291	7,291	12,401
Inventory	3,106	3,106	4,411
Other	0	0	2,767
Deferred tax assets	37,952	37,952	61,192
Deferred tax liabilities [Abstract]
Property and equipment	75,433	75,433	100,373
Inventory	7,448	7,448	10,906
Other	7,232	7,232	12,273
Deferred tax liabilities	90,113	90,113	123,552
Net deferred tax liability	52,161	52,161	62,360
Reconciliation of gross liability for uncertain tax positions [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year		20,731	21,899	25,507
Tax positions related to the current year [Abstract]
Additions		3,029	4,003	4,860
Reductions		0	0	0
Tax positions related to prior year [Abstract]
Additions		610	582	2,186
Reductions		(575)	(2,966)	(6,896)
Settlements		(3,878)	(1,027)	(2,324)
Expiration of statute of limitations		(1,283)	(1,760)	(1,434)
Balance at end of year	18,634	18,634	20,731	21,899
Uncertain tax positions	14,721	14,721	13,475	14,234
Potential interest and penalties [Abstract]
Interest and penalties	5,681	5,681	6,128	5,497
Interest and penalties [Abstract]
Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions		(447)	$ 631	$ (4,256)
Minimum [Member]
Uncertain Tax Positions [Abstract]
Potential decrease of liabilities for uncertain tax positions within the next twelve months	2,000	2,000
Maximum [Member]
Uncertain Tax Positions [Abstract]
Potential decrease of liabilities for uncertain tax positions within the next twelve months	$ 3,000	$ 3,000

Net Income Per Share and Weighted Average Shares (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Jul. 27, 2018

^[1]

Apr. 27, 2018

Jan. 26, 2018

Oct. 27, 2017

Jul. 28, 2017

^[1]

Apr. 28, 2017

Jan. 27, 2017

Oct. 28, 2016

Aug. 03, 2018

Jul. 28, 2017

Jul. 29, 2016

Net Income Per Share and Weighted Average Shares [Abstract]

Net income per share numerator

$ 61,354

$ 48,747

$ 91,139

$ 46,380

$ 53,893

$ 46,924

$ 52,727

$ 48,355

$ 247,620

$ 201,899

$ 189,299

Net income per share denominator [Abstract]

Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)

24,011,161

24,031,810

23,945,041

Add potential dilution [Abstract]

Stock options, nonvested stock awards and units and MSU Grants (in shares)

64,453

86,478

129,232

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)

24,075,614

24,118,288

24,074,273

[1]	The Company's fourth quarter of fiscal 2018 consisted of 14 weeks.

- 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	Aug. 03, 2018 USD ($) Property
Standby Letters of Credit [Member] \| Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Abstract]
Letters of credit outstanding \| $	$ 9,455
Lease Performance Guarantee [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Abstract]
Number of properties for which the company is secondarily liable for lease payments \| Property	2

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Jul. 27, 2018

^[1]

Apr. 27, 2018

Jan. 26, 2018

Oct. 27, 2017

Jul. 28, 2017

^[1]

Apr. 28, 2017

Jan. 27, 2017

Oct. 28, 2016

Aug. 03, 2018

Jul. 28, 2017

Jul. 29, 2016

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) [Abstract]

Total revenue

$ 810,893

$ 721,413

$ 787,771

$ 710,368

$ 743,226

$ 700,410

$ 772,682

$ 709,971

$ 3,030,445

$ 2,926,289

$ 2,912,351

Store operating income

118,213

98,718

112,686

107,731

119,749

107,478

117,513

109,832

437,348

454,572

423,453

Income before income taxes

78,494

59,715

72,994

67,220

79,672

68,089

79,058

72,068

278,423

298,887

266,419

Net income

$ 61,354

$ 48,747

$ 91,139

$ 46,380

$ 53,893

$ 46,924

$ 52,727

$ 48,355

$ 247,620

$ 201,899

$ 189,299

Net income per share - basic (in dollars per share)

$ 2.56

$ 2.03

$ 3.80

$ 1.93

$ 2.24

$ 1.95

$ 2.19

$ 2.01

$ 10.31

$ 8.40

$ 7.91

Net income per share - diluted (in dollars per share)

$ 2.55

$ 2.03

$ 3.79

$ 1.92

$ 2.23

$ 1.95

$ 2.19

$ 2.01

$ 10.29

$ 8.37

$ 7.86

[1]	The Company's fourth quarter of fiscal 2018 consisted of 14 weeks.

- Definition

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

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Paragraph 1
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+ Details

- Definition

The amount of net income (loss) for the period available to each share of common stock or common unit outstanding during the reporting period and to each share or unit that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares or units for all dilutive potential common shares or units outstanding during the reporting period.

+ References

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+ Details

- Definition

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

+ References + Details