SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 28, 2016

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and include our accounts and the accounts of our subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain reclassifications have been made to prior period amounts to conform to the current year presentation.

Pursuant to the provisions of Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-02, Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis ("ASU 2015-02"), adopted on December 31, 2015, SSE Holdings is now considered a VIE. Prior to the adoption of ASU 2015-02, we consolidated SSE Holdings as a voting interest entity. Shake Shack Inc. is the primary beneficiary as we have the majority economic interest in SSE Holdings and, as the sole managing member, have decision making authority that significantly affects the economic performance of the entity, while the limited partners have no substantive kick-out or participating rights. As a result, we will continue to consolidate SSE Holdings. The assets and liabilities of SSE Holdings represent substantially all of our consolidated assets and liabilities with the exception of certain deferred taxes and liabilities under the Tax Receivable Agreement. As of December 28, 2016 and December 30, 2015, the net assets of SSE Holdings were $158,845 and $124,214, respectively. The assets of SSE Holdings are subject to certain restrictions in SSE Holdings' revolving credit agreements. See Note 8 for more information.

Fiscal Year

We operate on a 52/53 week fiscal year ending on the last Wednesday in December. Fiscal year 2016 contained 52 weeks and ended on December 28, 2016. Fiscal year 2015 contained 52 weeks and ended on December 30, 2015. Fiscal year 2014 contained 53 weeks and ended on December 31, 2014. Unless otherwise stated, references to years in this report relate to fiscal years.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of these consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of sales and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Segment Reporting

We own and operate Shacks in the United States. We also have domestic and international licensed operations. Our chief operating decision maker (the "CODM") is our Chief Executive Officer. As the CODM reviews financial performance and allocates resources at a consolidated level on a recurring basis, we have one operating segment and one reportable segment.

Fair Value Measurements

We apply fair value accounting for all financial assets and liabilities and non-financial assets and liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities that are required to be recorded at fair value, we assume the highest and best use of the asset by market participants in which we would transact and the market-based risk measurements or assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, such as inherent risk, transfer restrictions, and credit risk.

Assets and liabilities are classified using a fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value into three levels, and bases the categorization within the hierarchy upon the lowest level of input that is available and significant to the fair value measurement:


▪	Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities


▪	Level 2 - Observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities, quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in inactive markets, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities


▪	Level 3 - Inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurements reflecting an entity's estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist primarily of cash on hand, deposits with banks, and short-term, highly liquid investments that have original maturities of three months or less. Cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates fair value. Cash equivalents consist primarily of money market funds.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable consist primarily of receivables from landlords for tenant improvement allowances, receivables from our licensees for licensing revenue and related reimbursements, credit card receivables and vendor rebates. We evaluate the collectibility of our accounts receivable based on a variety of factors, including historical experience, current economic conditions and other factors.

Inventories

Inventories, which consist of food, beer, wine, other beverages and retail merchandise, are stated at the lower of cost or market with cost determined on a first-in, first-out basis.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment is stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation. Property and equipment is depreciated based on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, generally ranging from three to seven years for equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment and software. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of their estimated useful life or the related lease life, generally ranging from 10 to 20 years. For leases with renewal periods at our option, we use the original lease term, excluding renewal option periods, to determine estimated useful lives.

Costs incurred when constructing Shacks are capitalized. The cost of repairs and maintenance are expensed when incurred. Costs for refurbishments and improvements that significantly increase the productive capacity or extend the useful life of the asset are capitalized. When assets are disposed of, the resulting gain or loss is recognized on the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss).

We assess potential impairments to our long-lived assets, which includes property and equipment, whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of an asset is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset group to its estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of the asset group exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset.

Deferred Financing Costs

Deferred financing costs incurred in connection with the issuance of long-term debt and establishing credit facilities are capitalized and amortized to interest expense based on the related debt agreements. Deferred financing costs are included in other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Other Assets

Other assets consist primarily of long-term marketable securities, security deposits, transferable liquor licenses and certain custom furniture pre-ordered for future Shacks and yet to be placed in service.

The costs of obtaining non-transferable liquor licenses that are directly issued by local government agencies for nominal fees are expensed as incurred. The costs of purchasing transferable liquor licenses through open markets in jurisdictions with a limited number of authorized liquor licenses are capitalized as indefinite-lived intangible assets. Annual liquor license renewal fees are expensed over the renewal term. As of December 28, 2016 and December 30, 2015, indefinite-lived intangible assets relating to transferable liquor licenses totaled $701. We evaluate our indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually during our fiscal fourth quarter, and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that an impairment may exist. When evaluating other intangible assets for impairment, we may first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that an intangible asset group is impaired. If we do not perform the qualitative assessment, or if we determine that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the intangible asset group exceeds its carrying amount, we calculate the estimated fair value of the intangible asset group. If the carrying amount of the intangible asset group exceeds the estimated fair value, an impairment charge is recorded to reduce the carrying value to the estimated fair value. In addition, we continuously monitor and may revise our intangible asset useful lives if and when facts and circumstances change.

Equity-based Compensation

Equity-based compensation expense is measured based on fair value. For awards with graded-vesting features and service conditions only, compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the total requisite service period for the entire award. For awards with graded-vesting features and a combination of service and performance conditions, compensation expense is recognized using a graded-vesting attribution method over the vesting period based on the most probable outcome of the performance conditions. Equity-based compensation expense is included within general and administrative expenses and labor and related expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss).

Leases

We lease all of our domestic company-operated Shacks, our home office and certain equipment under various non-cancelable lease agreements that expire on various dates through 2034. Generally, our real estate leases have initial terms ranging from 10 to 20 years and typically include two five-year renewal options. At the inception of each lease, we determine its classification as an operating or capital lease. Most of our leases are classified as operating leases and typically provide for fixed minimum rent payments and/or contingent rent payments based upon sales in excess of specified thresholds. When the achievement of such sales thresholds are deemed to be probable, contingent rent is accrued in proportion to the sales recognized during the period. For operating leases that include rent holidays and rent escalation clauses, we recognize rent expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term from the date we take possession of the leased property. The difference between the straight-line rent amounts and amounts payable under the lease agreements is recorded as deferred rent and is included as rent expense in occupancy and related expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss). Rent expense incurred before a Shack opens is recorded in pre-opening costs. Once a domestic company-operated Shack opens, we record the straight-line rent expense and any contingent rent, if applicable, in occupancy and related expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss).

Many of our leases also require us to pay real estate taxes, common area maintenance costs and other occupancy costs which are included in occupancy and related expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss).

We expend cash for leasehold improvements to build out and equip our leased premises. Generally, a portion of the leasehold improvements and building costs are reimbursed by our landlords as landlord incentives pursuant to agreed-upon terms in our lease agreements. If obtained, landlord incentives usually take the form of up-front cash, full or partial credits against our future minimum or contingent rents otherwise payable by us, or a combination thereof. When contractually due, we classify landlord incentives as deferred rent on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and amortize the landlord incentives on a straight-line basis over the lease term as a reduction of occupancy costs and related expenses or pre-opening costs on the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss).

Lease Financing Arrangements

In certain leasing arrangements, due to our involvement in the construction of the leased assets, we are considered the owner of the leased assets for accounting purposes. In such cases, in addition to capitalizing our own construction costs, we capitalize the construction costs funded by the landlord related to our leased premises, and also recognize a corresponding liability for those costs as deemed landlord financing. If, upon completion of construction, the arrangement does not meet the sales recognition criteria under the sale-leaseback accounting guidance, we would be precluded from de-recognizing the landlord-funded asset and related financing obligation and would continue to account for the landlord-funded asset as if we were the legal owner. If de-recognition is permitted we would be required to account for the lease as either an operating or capital lease.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue consists of Shack sales and licensing revenue. Revenue from Shack sales are presented net of discounts and recognized when food and beverage products are sold. Sales tax collected from customers is excluded from Shack sales and the obligation is included in sales tax payable until the taxes are remitted to the appropriate taxing authorities. Revenue from our gift cards are deferred and recognized upon redemption. Licensing revenues include initial territory fees and ongoing licensing fees from all licensed Shacks. Initial territory fees are recorded as deferred revenue when received and proportionate amounts are recognized as revenue when a licensed Shack is opened and all material services and conditions related to the fee have been substantially performed. Ongoing licensing fees from these Shacks are based on a percentage of sales and are recognized as revenue as the fees are earned and become receivable from the licensee.

Income Taxes

We account for income taxes pursuant to the asset and liability method which requires the recognition of deferred income tax assets and liabilities related to the expected future tax consequences arising from temporary differences between the carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities based on enacted statutory tax rates applicable to the periods in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse. Any effects of changes in income tax rates or laws are included in income tax expense in the period of enactment. A valuation allowance is recognized if we determine it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be recognized.

Pre-Opening Costs

Pre-opening costs are expensed as incurred and consist primarily of legal fees, occupancy, manager and employee wages, travel and related training costs incurred prior to the opening of a Shack.

Advertising

The cost of advertising is expensed as incurred.

Recently Issued and Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

We adopted the Accounting Standards Updates (“ASUs”) summarized below in fiscal 2016. The effects of adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.



Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”)	Description	Date Adopted
Customers' Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement (ASU 2015-05)	This standard provides guidance in evaluating whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. If a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, then the software license element of the arrangement should be accounted for as an acquisition of a software license. Otherwise, it should be accounted for as a service contract.	December 31, 2015
Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs (ASU 2015-03, 2015-15)	ASU 2015-03 requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized liability be presented on the balance sheet as a direct reduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. ASU 2015-15 clarifies that for line-of-credit arrangements, the SEC staff would not object to an entity deferring and presenting debt issuance costs as an asset and subsequently amortizing the deferred issuance costs ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement.	December 31, 2015

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements



Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”)	Description	Expected Impact	Effective Date
Statement of Cash Flows: Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Payments (ASU 2016-15)	This standard provides guidance on eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing diversity in practice. It should be applied retrospectively to each period presented, subject to certain conditions.	We are currently evaluating the impact this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.	December 28, 2017
Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (ASU 2016-09)	This standard simplifies certain aspects of accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, an option to recognize gross stock compensation expense with actual forfeitures recognized as they occur, as well as certain classifications on the statement of cash flows. Adoption methodology allowed varies based on each provision of the standard.	The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.	December 29, 2016
Recognition of Breakage for Certain Prepaid Stored-Value Products (ASU 2016-04)	This standard provides guidance on derecognition of a liability resulting from the sale of certain prepaid store-value products when an entity expects to be entitled to a breakage amount. It should be applied using either a modified retrospective or retrospective transition method.	The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.	December 28, 2017
Leases (ASU 2016-02)	This standard establishes a new lease accounting model, which introduces the recognition of lease assets and liabilities for those leases classified as operating leases under previous GAAP. It should be applied using a modified retrospective approach, with the option to elect various practical expedients. Early adoption is permitted.	We are currently evaluating the impact this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.	December 27, 2018
Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (ASU 2016-01)	For public business entities, this standard requires: (i) certain equity investments to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income; (ii) a qualitative assessment to identify impairment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values; (iii) elimination of the requirement to disclose the method(s) and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value for financial instruments measured at amortized cost on the balance sheet; (iv) use of the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes; (v) separate presentation in other comprehensive income of the portion of the total change in the fair value of a liability resulting from a change in the instrument-specific credit risk when the entity has elected to measure the liability at fair value in accordance with the fair value option for financial instruments; (vi) separate presentation of financial assets and liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset in the financial statements; and (vii) an entity to evaluate the need for a valuation allowance on a deferred tax asset related to available-for-sale securities in combination with the entity’s other deferred tax assets. The standard should be applied by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to the balance sheet at the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. Early adoption is permitted, subject to certain conditions resulting from a change in the instrument-specific credit risk when the entity has elected to measure the liability at fair value.	We are currently evaluating the impact this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.	December 28, 2017



Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”)	Description	Expected Impact	Effective Date
Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory (ASU 2015-11)	This standard applies to inventory measured using methods other than last-in, first-out (LIFO) or the retail method, and requires entities to measure such inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value. It should be applied prospectively.	The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.	December 29, 2016
Revenue from Contracts with Customers and related standards (ASU’s 2014-09, 2015-14, 2016-08, 2016-10, 2016-12, 2015-20)	This standard supersedes the existing revenue recognition guidance and provides a new framework for recognizing revenue. The core principle of the standard is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services. The new standard also requires significantly more comprehensive disclosures than the existing standard. Guidance subsequent to ASU 2014-09 has been issued to clarify various provisions in the standard, including principal versus agent considerations, identifying performance obligations, licensing transactions, as well as various technical corrections and improvements. This standard may be adopted using either a retrospective or modified retrospective method. Early adoption is permitted.	We are currently in the process of evaluating the impact this standard is expected to have on our consolidated financial statements. It is still too early in our process to determine the magnitude of the potential impact. However, based on our preliminary assessment, we believe that further evaluation of the initial territory fees associated with our licensing agreements may reveal differences in the timing of revenue recognition from current policy, but that it is likely that recognition of sales-based royalties will not significantly change. In addition to further evaluating each of our licensing agreements, we are in the process of assessing whether any sales promotions or discounts we currently offer related to our Shack sales could be considered separate performance obligations. As we continue our evaluation, we will further clarify the expected impact of the adoption of the standard. We plan to adopt the standard on December 28, 2017, and we have not yet selected a transition method.	December 28, 2017