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13. Franchise Operations
Results of franchise operations included in the consolidated statements of income consist of the following (in thousands):
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2011 |
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2010 |
|
2009 |
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Franchise royalties and fees:
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Royalty income
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$ |
13,863 |
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$ |
13,175 |
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$ |
12,627 |
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Franchise fees
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|
|
288 |
|
|
234 |
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|
198 |
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| |
|
|
|
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|
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Total franchise royalties and fees
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|
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14,151 |
|
|
13,409 |
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|
12,825 |
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Franchise development costs:
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Payroll and employee benefit costs
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|
|
972 |
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|
861 |
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|
650 |
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General and administrative
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3,164 |
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|
3,261 |
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|
3,553 |
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| |
|
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|
|
|
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Total franchise development costs
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|
4,136 |
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|
4,122 |
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|
4,203 |
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| |
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Operating income from franchise operations
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|
$ |
10,015 |
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$ |
9,287 |
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$ |
8,622 |
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The Company provides management expertise, training, pre-opening assistance, and restaurant operating assistance in exchange for area development fees, franchise fees, license fees, and royalties of 3% to 4% of the franchised adjusted gross restaurant sales. Franchise fee revenue is recognized when all material obligations and initial services to be provided by the Company have been performed, generally upon the opening of the new restaurant. Until earned, these fees are accounted for as deferred revenue. Deferred revenue totaled $30,000 and $230,000 as of December 25, 2011 and December 26, 2010, respectively. Area development fees are dependent upon the number of restaurants in the territory as well as the Company's obligations under the area franchise agreement. Consequently, as the Company's obligations are met, area development fees are recognized proportionately with the opening of each new restaurant. Royalties are accrued as earned and are calculated each period based on the franchisee's reported adjusted sales.
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