COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

12 Months Ended

Sep. 27, 2014

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]

11. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Leases — The Company leases its restaurants, bar facilities, and administrative headquarters through its subsidiaries under terms expiring at various dates through 2032. Most of the leases provide for the payment of base rents plus real estate taxes, insurance and other expenses and, in certain instances, for the payment of a percentage of the restaurants’ sales in excess of stipulated amounts at such facility and in one instance based on profits.

As of September 27, 2014, future minimum lease payments under noncancelable leases are as follows:

	Amount
Fiscal Year	(In thousands)
2015	$	9,230
2016		8,840
2017		7,492
2018		5,620
2019		4,489
Thereafter		27,429
Total minimum payments	$	63,100

In connection with certain of the leases included in the table above, the Company obtained and delivered irrevocable letters of credit in the aggregate amount of approximately $388,000 as security deposits under such leases.

Rent expense was approximately $13,686,000 and $14,117,000 for the fiscal years ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013, respectively. Contingent rentals, included in rent expense, were approximately $4,903,000 and $4,811,000 for the fiscal years ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013, respectively.

Legal Proceedings — In the ordinary course its business, the Company is a party to various lawsuits arising from accidents at its restaurants and worker’s compensation claims, which are generally handled by the Company’s insurance carriers. The employment by the Company of management personnel, waiters, waitresses and kitchen staff at a number of different restaurants has resulted in the institution, from time to time, of litigation alleging violation by the Company of employment discrimination laws. Management believes, based in part on the advice of counsel, that the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.