FIXED ASSETS

12 Months Ended

Sep. 29, 2018

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]

6. FIXED ASSETS

Fixed assets consist of the following:

	September 29, 2018		September 30, 2017
	(In thousands)
Land and building	$	18,029	$	17,164
Leasehold improvements		53,310		50,127
Furniture, fixtures and equipment		37,910		35,978
Construction in progress		59		980
		109,308		104,249
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization		64,044		59,034
	$	45,264	$	45,215

Depreciation and amortization expense related to fixed assets for the years ended September 29, 2018 and September 30, 2017 was $5,014,000 and $4,096,000, respectively.

Management continually evaluates unfavorable cash flows, if any, related to underperforming restaurants. Periodically it is concluded that certain properties have become impaired based on their existing and anticipated future economic outlook in their respective markets. In such instances, we may impair assets to reduce their carrying values to fair values. Estimated fair values of impaired properties are based on comparable valuations, cash flows and/or management judgment. Included in 2017 are impairment charges of $75,000 related to Canyon Road (see Note 4), $45,000 related to Branches, which is included in other operating costs and expenses, and $283,000 related to Sequoia (see Note 10).