CAFETERIA OPERATORS LP
POS AM, 1998-09-29
EATING PLACES
Previous: DEUTSCHE MORTGAGE & ASSET RECEIVING CORP, S-3/A, 1998-09-29
Next: ALL AMERICAN FOOD GROUP INC, 3, 1998-09-29



<PAGE>
   
                                                    PRIVILEGED AND CONFIDENTIAL
                                                   FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY
                                                           DRAFT DATED 09/24/98
    
    As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 29, 1998.
                                                      Registration No. 333-4578
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                                --------------
                                          
                      POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 4 ON 
                                   FORM S-3
                                 TO FORM S-1
                                       
           REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                                       
                           CAFETERIA OPERATORS, L.P.
                           -------------------------
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

                     DELAWARE                        75-2186655
                     --------                        ----------
         (State or other jurisdiction of          (I.R.S. Employer 
         incorporation or organization)           Identification No.)
                                       
                              6901 QUAKER AVENUE
                            LUBBOCK, TEXAS  79413
                                (806) 792-7151
        (Address, including zip code,  and telephone number, including area
                 code, of Registrant's principal executive offices)

                                --------------
                                          
                                ALTON R. SMITH
                           Executive Vice President
                          Cafeteria Operators, L.P.
                              6901 Quaker Avenue
                            Lubbock, Texas  79413
                                (806) 792-7151
                    (Name, address, and telephone number,
                  including area code, of agent for service)

                                --------------
                                          
                                  COPIES TO:
                                          
                            MICHAEL W. TANKERSLEY
                            Hughes & Luce, L.L.P.
                         1717 Main Street, Suite 2800
                             Dallas, Texas  75201
                               (214)  939-5500


<PAGE>

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:  From time 
to time after the effective date of this Registration Statement.

If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered 
pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the 
following box:   / /

If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a 
delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 
1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or 
interest reinvestment plans, check the following box:   /X/

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering 
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following 
box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier 
effective registration statement for the same offering.   / /

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) 
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act 
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement 
for the same offering.   / /

If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434, 
please check the following box:   / /


- ---------------
THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR 
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT 
SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT THAT SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS 
REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH 
SECTION 8(a) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THIS REGISTRATION 
STATEMENT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING 
PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a), MAY DETERMINE.


                                       i
<PAGE>
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
Preliminary Prospectus dated September 29, 1998

THIS PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS AND THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN ARE SUBJECT 
TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT.  A REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE 
SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.  THESE 
SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE 
TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES EFFECTIVE.  THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT 
CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY, NOR SHALL 
THERE BE ANY SALE OF, THESE SECURITIES IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH 
OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION, 
QUALIFICATION OR FILING UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH JURISDICTION.

                                       
                           CAFETERIA OPERATORS, L.P.
           $13,041,007.53 SENIOR SECURED NOTES DUE DECEMBER 31, 2001

                         -----------------------------

     This Prospectus relates to the public offering by the selling security 
holders (the "Selling Security Holders") of up to $13,041,007.53 aggregate 
principal amount of 12% Senior Secured Notes due December 31, 2001 (the 
"Notes") of Cafeteria Operators, L.P. (the "Company"), a Delaware limited 
partnership and indirect wholly owned partnership subsidiary of 
Furr's/Bishop's, Incorporated, a Delaware corporation (the "Parent").  
     
     The Notes were originally issued by the Company pursuant to the 
Indenture, dated as of March 27, 1992 (the "Original Indenture") as amended 
and restated on November 15, 1995 (the "Indenture") between the Company and 
Fleet National Bank of Massachusetts (f/k/a Shawmut Bank, N.A.), as trustee 
(the "Trustee"). Interest on the Notes is payable semi-annually on March 31 
and September 30 of each year, commencing March 31, 1996.  

     The Notes are redeemable at the option of the Company at any time, upon 
not less than thirty nor more than sixty days' notice, in whole or in part, 
at 103% of the principal amount if the redemption occurs on or before 
September 30, 1998 and at 100% of the principal amount if the redemption 
occurs after September 30, 1998, in each case together with the accrued 
interest thereon to the redemption date.  The Company is required to redeem 
Notes from the proceeds of certain property transfers and casualty losses 
which are not, within 180 days of the date of receipt thereof, applied, in 
the case of transfer, to purchase certain assets used or useful in the 
business of the Company, or, in the case of casualty loss, to either repair 
or replace the property that gave rise to such casualty loss.  

     The obligations under the Notes are secured by a security interest in 
substantially all of the property and assets of the Company.

     The Notes rank pari passu with all existing and future senior 
indebtedness of the Company.  As of the date hereof, there is no senior 
indebtedness outstanding.  The Indenture contains limitations with respect to 
the amount of additional indebtedness that can be incurred by 


                                       2
<PAGE>

the Company and its subsidiaries.  The Company, however, may obtain a 
revolving credit facility in the amount of $5.0 million and, under certain 
circumstances, release certain collateral, or subordinate to such facility 
the liens, securing the Notes.

     SEE "RISK FACTORS" ON PAGE [X] FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN RISKS 
INVOLVED IN THE PURCHASE OF THE NOTES.

     THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES 
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE 
COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR 
ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS.  ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A 
CRIMINAL OFFENSE 

- ----------------

     The Selling Security Holders directly or through agents, dealers or 
underwriters may sell the Notes from time to time on terms to be determined 
at the time of sale.  To the extent required, the specific Notes to be sold, 
the names of the Selling Security Holders, the respective purchase prices and 
public offering prices, the names of any agent, dealer or underwriter and 
applicable commissions or discounts with respect to a particular offering 
will be set forth in an accompanying Prospectus Supplement or, if 
appropriate, a post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement of 
which this Prospectus is a part.  See "Plan of Distribution."  Each of the 
Selling Security Holders reserves the sole right to accept or to reject, in 
whole or in part, any proposed purchase of the Notes.

     The Company will not receive any proceeds from this offering but, by 
agreement, will pay substantially all expenses of this offering, other than 
the commissions or discounts of underwriters, dealers or agents, but 
including the fees and disbursements of one counsel to certain of the Selling 
Security Holders.  The Selling Security Holders, and any underwriters, 
dealers or agents that participate with the Selling Security Holders in the 
distribution of the Notes, may be deemed to be "underwriters" within the 
meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and 
any commissions received by them and any profit on the resale of the Notes 
purchased by them may be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts 
under the Securities Act.  See "Plan of Distribution" and "Description of 
Notes" for a description of indemnification arrangements between the Company 
and the Selling Security Holders and indemnification arrangements for 
underwriters.

THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS _________, 1998


                                       3
<PAGE>

NO PERSON IS AUTHORIZED IN CONNECTION WITH ANY OFFERING MADE HEREBY TO GIVE 
ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN 
THIS PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION 
MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY. THIS 
PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER 
TO PURCHASE ANY SECURITY OTHER THAN THE SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY, NOR DOES 
IT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO PURCHASE ANY 
SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY TO ANY PERSON IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH IT WOULD 
BE UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION TO SUCH PERSON. NEITHER THE 
DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY DISTRIBUTION OF THE SECURITIES OFFERED 
HEREBY SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THE 
INFORMATION SET FORTH HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF ANY DATE SUBSEQUENT TO THE DATE 
HEREOF.
                                       
                            AVAILABLE INFORMATION

     The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the 
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in 
accordance therewith files reports, proxy statements, and other information 
with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). The 
Registration Statement, the exhibits and schedules forming a part thereof, 
and the reports, proxy statements and other information filed by the Company 
with the Commission in accordance with the Exchange Act can be inspected and 
copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the Commission at 
Room 1024 Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, 
and at the regional offices of the Commission at Citicorp Center, 500 West 
Madison Street, Chicago, Illinois 60661 and Seven World Trade Center, 13th 
Floor, New York, New York 10048 and are available at http://www.sec.gov on 
the world wide web or by calling the Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330. Copies of 
such material also can be obtained from the Public Reference Section of the 
Commission at Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 
and at its public reference facilities in New York, New York and Chicago, 
Illinois at prescribed rates. In addition, material filed by the Company can 
also be inspected at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE"), 20 
Broad Street, Seventh Floor, New York, New York 10005.

     The Company has filed with the Commission a Registration Statement (of 
which this Prospectus is a part) on Form S-3 (together with any amendments 
thereto, the "Registration Statement") under the Securities Act with respect 
to the Notes.  This Prospectus does not contain all the information set forth 
or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement and the exhibits 
and schedules relating thereto, certain portions of which have been omitted 
as permitted by the rules and regulations of the Commission. For further 
information, reference is made to the Registration Statement and the exhibits 
filed or incorporated as a part thereof, which are on file at the offices of 
the Commission and may be obtained upon payment of the fee prescribed by the 
Commission, or may be examined without charge at the offices of the 
Commission.


                                       4
<PAGE>

     Statements contained in this Prospectus as to the contents of other 
documents referred to herein are not necessarily complete, and in each 
instance reference is made to the copy of such contract or other document 
filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement or such other document, and 
each such statement is qualified in all respects by such reference.
                                       
                               AFFILIATE FILING
                                          
     Furr's/Bishop's, Incorporated, a Delaware corporation  (the "Parent") of 
which the Company is a direct and indirect wholly owned partnership 
subsidiary, is subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act, 
and in accordance therewith files reports, proxy statements, and other 
information with the Commission as described above.

               INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

     The following documents, which have been filed with the Commission by 
the Company, are incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof:

     (i)    Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 1997
            (the "1997 10-K");
     
     (ii)   Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the 13 weeks ended March 31,
            1998;
     
     (iii)  Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the 13 weeks ended June 30,1998
            (the "June 30, 1998 10-Q"); and
     
     (iv)   Registration Statement on Form 8-A registering the Notes, filed in
            connection with this Registration Statement.

     All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 
and 15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this Prospectus and 
prior to the termination of the offering of Notes to be made hereunder shall 
be deemed to be incorporated by reference herein and to be a part hereof from 
the date of filing thereof. Any statement contained herein or in a document 
incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be 
modified or superseded for all purposes of this Prospectus to the extent that 
a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed document 
which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or 
supersedes such statement. Any statement so modified or superseded shall not 
be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this 
Prospectus.

     The Company will provide, without charge, to each person to whom a copy 
of this Prospectus is delivered, upon the written or oral request of such 
person, a copy of any or all of the documents incorporated by reference in 
this Prospectus (other than exhibits and schedules thereto, unless such 
exhibits or schedules are specifically incorporated by reference into the 
information that this Prospectus incorporates). Written or telephonic 
requests for copies should be 


                                       5
<PAGE>

directed to the Company's principal office: Furr's/Bishop's, Incorporated, 
6901 Quaker Avenue, Lubbock, Texas 79413, Attention: Alton R. Smith 
(telephone: (806) 792-7151).

     The Indenture pursuant to which the Notes were issued requires the 
Company to distribute to the Trustee and holders of the Notes copies of 
quarterly, annual and current reports and of other information, documents and 
other reports which the Company is required to file with the Commission 
pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act or the rules and 
regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder.
   
<TABLE>
                              TABLE OF CONTENTS
                                       

<S>                                                                        <C>
Prospectus Summary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   7
     The Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   7
     Background; The Restructuring. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   7
     Risk Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   8
     The Offering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   8
     Summary Financial Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  11
Risk Factors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  13
Use of Proceeds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  16
Selling Security Holders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  17
Plan of Distribution. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  18
Description of Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  19
     General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  19
     Interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  20
     Optional Redemption. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  20
     Required Redemption. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  20
     Payment at Maturity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  21
     Ranking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  21
     Security and Guaranty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  21
     Certain Covenants. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  22
     Events of Default and Remedies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  28
     Amendments and Waivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  31
     Transfer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  32
     Defeasance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  32
     Information Concerning the Trustee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  33
     Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  33
Legal Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  49
Experts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  49
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements . . . . . . . . . . . .  50
</TABLE>
    

                                       6
<PAGE>
                              PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

     The following is a summary of certain information contained elsewhere in 
this Prospectus.  It is not, and is not intended to be complete.  Reference 
is made to, and this summary is qualified in its entirety by, the more 
detailed information contained elsewhere in this Prospectus.  Unless 
otherwise defined, capitalized terms used in this Summary have the meanings 
ascribed to them elsewhere in this Prospectus.  Prospective purchasers are 
encouraged to read carefully all of the information contained in this 
Prospectus in its entirety.

THE COMPANY

     Cafeteria Operators, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the 
"Company"), was formed on June 22, 1987.  The Company's sole general partner 
is Furr's/Bishop's, Incorporated, a Delaware corporation (the "Parent").  The 
Parent owns 94% of the outstanding limited partnership interest in the 
Company and Furr's/Bishop's Cafeterias, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership 
and indirect wholly owned partnership subsidiary of the Parent ("FBLP"), owns 
6% of the outstanding limited partnership interest in the Company.  The 
principal executive offices of the Company and the Parent are located at 
6901 Quaker Avenue, Lubbock, Texas  79413, and the telephone number is 
(806) 792-7151. Unless the context otherwise requires, all references in this 
Prospectus to the "Company" include the Company and its subsidiaries.

     The Company is one of the largest operators of family-style cafeteria 
restaurants in the United States (based on the number of cafeterias 
operated). The Company believes that its cafeterias and buffets, which are 
operated under the "Furr's" and "Bishop's" names, are well recognized in 
their regional markets for their value, convenience, food quality and 
friendly service.  The Company's 100 cafeterias and one buffet are located in 
12 states in the Southwest, West and Midwest.  In addition, the Company 
operates Dynamic Foods, its food preparation, processing and distribution 
division, in Lubbock, Texas.  Dynamic Foods provides approximately 85% of the 
food and supply requirements of the Company's cafeteria and buffet 
restaurants.  Dynamic Foods also sells bakery items, meats and seafood and 
various prepared foods to the restaurant, food service and retail markets.

BACKGROUND; THE RESTRUCTURING

     On January 2, 1996, the Company received the approval of its lenders and 
the stockholders of the Parent of a restructuring of its financial position, 
which resulted in a reduction of the Company's debt and other obligations by 
over $200 million, a significant reduction in interest expense and an 
increase in its net worth.  Approval of the Restructuring concluded nearly 
three years of discussions aimed at providing the Company with greater 
financial stability and the resources to compete in an increasingly 
competitive industry.

     As part of the Restructuring, the Company executed the Indenture dated 
as of November 15, 1995 between the Company and Fleet National Bank of 
Massachusetts (f/k/a 


                                       7
<PAGE>

Shawmut Bank, N.A.), as trustee, pursuant to which, among other things, the 
terms of $40.0 million aggregate principal amount outstanding under the 
Company's 11% Senior Secured Notes due June 30, 1998 (the "11% Notes"), 
issued pursuant to the Original Indenture were amended, with the consent of 
the holders of the 11% Notes at such time (the "Original 11% Noteholders"), 
to constitute $40.0 million (subject to the issuance of additional notes in 
payment of the first interest installment) aggregate principal amount of 12% 
Notes issued pursuant to the Indenture.  In addition, the Company issued a 
12% Note in the original principal amount of $1.7 million (plus interest) to 
the Trustees of General Electric Pension Trust ("GEPT") in settlement of a 
$5.4 million judgment against FBLP.  As part of the Restructuring, Wells 
Fargo Bank, National Association ("Wells Fargo") received an option to 
purchase 2.5% of the outstanding Common Stock (the "Wells Fargo Option") in 
satisfaction of approximately $6.1 million principal amount (plus 
approximately $1.6 million of accrued and unpaid interest) of indebtedness of 
a subsidiary of the Parent.  State Street Bank and Trust Company is currently 
the trustee under the Indenture.

     As a result of the Restructuring, indebtedness of the Company in the 
amount of approximately $153 million aggregate principal amount (plus 
approximately $46.6 million in accrued and unpaid interest) outstanding under 
the Original Indenture was exchanged by holders of the 11% Notes (the 
"Exchanging 11% Noteholders" and together with the Original 11% Noteholders, 
the "former 11% Noteholders") on January 2, 1996 for an aggregate of 95% of 
the limited partnership interests of the Company and the right to put to the 
Parent their 95% limited partnership interests in the Company in exchange for 
95% of the outstanding Common Stock (the "Put Option").  In addition, 
outstanding warrants to purchase capital stock of the Parent held by certain 
of the Exchanging 11% Noteholders were canceled.

     On March 12, 1996, a majority of the Exchanging 11% Noteholders 
exercised the Put Option and, accordingly, all Exchanging 11% Noteholders put 
their aggregate 95% limited partnership interests to the Parent in exchange 
for 95% of the outstanding Common Stock of Parent.  On March 15, 1996, Wells 
Fargo exercised the Wells Fargo Option thereby becoming the beneficial owner 
of 2.5% of the outstanding Common Stock of Parent.

RISK FACTORS
   
     For a discussion of certain factors that should be considered in 
evaluating an investment in the Notes, see "Risk Factors" on page 13.
    

THE OFFERING

Securities Offered . . . . .  $13,041,007.53 aggregate principal amount of 12%
                              Senior Secured Notes due December 31, 2001 (the
                              "Notes") held by selling security holders (the
                              "Selling Security Holders").  Notes in the
                              aggregate principal amount of $40.0 million were
                              originally issued in a private placement by the
                              Company pursuant to the Amended and Restated
                              Indenture (the "Indenture") dated as of
                              November 15, 1995 between the Company and Fleet
                              National Bank of Massachusetts (f/k/a Shawmut
                              Bank, N.A.), as trustee (the 


                                       8 
<PAGE>
                              "Trustee"), in exchange for 11% Notes of the 
                              Company.  A Note in the original principal 
                              amount of $1.7 million was issued to GEPT in 
                              settlement of a judgment and Notes in the 
                              aggregate principal amount of approximately 
                              $4.1 million were issued in payment of the 
                              first interest installment under the Indenture. 
                              The Notes offered hereby are being offered for 
                              sale by the Selling Security Holders and the 
                              Company will not receive any part of the 
                              proceeds from any sale thereof.  No additional 
                              Notes were issued or may be issued pursuant to 
                              the Indenture.

Interest Rate. . . . . . . .  12% per annum, except that upon a default in the
                              payment of interest for thirty days or principal
                              at maturity, such interest rate shall be increased
                              to the lesser of 13% per annum and the highest
                              rate allowed by applicable law.

Interest Payment Dates . . .  January 24, 1996 and each March 31 and 
                              September 30 thereafter, commencing on March 
                              31, 1996.  Interest accrued from April 1, 1995 
                              through January 24, 1996 was paid on January 
                              24, 1996 by the issuance of additional Notes.  
                              All future interest payments must be made in 
                              cash.

Maturity Date. . . . . . . .  December 31, 2001.

Optional Redemption. . . . .  The Notes are redeemable at the option of the
                              Company at any time, upon not less than thirty nor
                              more than sixty days notice, in whole or in part,
                              at 103% of the principal amount if the redemption
                              occurs on or before September 30, 1998 and at 100%
                              of the principal amount of the Notes to be
                              redeemed if the redemption occurs after September
                              30, 1998, in each case together with the accrued
                              interest thereon to the redemption date.

Required Redemption. . . . .  The Company is required to redeem Notes from the
                              proceeds of certain transfers of property and
                              casualty losses which are not, within 180 days of
                              the date of receipt thereof, applied, in the case
                              of transfer, to purchase certain assets used or
                              useful in the business of the Company or its
                              subsidiaries, or, in the case of casualty loss, to
                              either repair or replace the property that gave
                              rise to such casualty loss.

Ranking. . . . . . . . . . .  The Notes are senior obligations of the Company. 
                              The obligations under the Notes are secured by a
                              security interest in substantially all of the
                              property and assets of the Company.  The Notes
                              rank pari passu with all existing and future
                              senior indebtedness of the Company.  As of the
                              date hereof, there is no other senior indebtedness
                              outstanding.  The Indenture contains limitations
                              with 


                                       9
<PAGE>
                              respect to the amount of additional 
                              indebtedness that can be incurred by the 
                              company and its subsidiaries.  The Company may 
                              obtain a revolving credit facility in the 
                              amount of $5.0 million and, under certain 
                              circumstances, release certain collateral, or 
                              subordinate to such facility the liens, 
                              securing the Notes.  See "Description of the 
                              Notes -- Security and Guaranty."

Security and Guaranty. . . .  Pursuant to the Collateral Documents (as defined
                              in the Indenture), the Notes are secured by a
                              valid, perfected security interest in certain
                              assets and property of the Company, including,
                              without limitation, certain real property,
                              inventory, equipment, accounts receivable and
                              intellectual property of the Company, and by a
                              pledge of the partnership interest of the Company
                              in and to Furr's/Bishop's Specialty Group, L.P.
                              ("Specialty").  The obligations of the Company in
                              respect of the Notes and the Indenture are fully
                              and unconditionally guaranteed by Specialty, which
                              guarantee is secured by a security interest in
                              substantially all of the property and assets of
                              Specialty.  Specialty, however, has no material
                              assets.  The liens and security interests with
                              respect to certain property may be subject to
                              prior liens and encumbrances, including liens
                              which may be created to secure a working capital
                              facility not exceeding $5.0 million.  In addition,
                              collateral may be released in connection with a
                              permitted sale of assets by the Company.  There
                              can be no assurance that the amount realized upon
                              any enforcement in respect of such collateral
                              would be sufficient to satisfy the Company's
                              payment obligations in respect of the Notes.

Covenants. . . . . . . . . .  In addition to certain customary affirmative
                              covenants, the Indenture contains covenants that,
                              among other things, restrict the ability of the
                              Company's and each of its subsidiaries, subject to
                              certain exceptions contained therein, to
                              (i) create, incur, assume or guarantee any
                              indebtedness, (ii) consolidate or merge with, or
                              transfer substantially all of its assets and
                              properties to any other person or entity,
                              (iii) make certain investments, (iv) make any
                              dividend or other distribution to the holders of
                              its partnership interests, make any payment on
                              account of the purchase, redemption, retirement or
                              acquisition of its partnership interests or make
                              any optional prepayment of any subordinated
                              indebtedness, (v) create or permit to exist any
                              liens (other than liens securing the Notes and
                              certain purchase money liens) securing any
                              indebtedness upon certain of the properties and
                              assets owned by the Company or any of its
                              subsidiaries, or agree for the benefit of certain
                              other creditors to restrict its right to create
                              any such liens, (vi) transfer all or any part of
                              its assets (other than transfers of inventory in
                              the 


                                      10
<PAGE>

                              ordinary course of business), (vii) enter into 
                              any transaction with any affiliate of the 
                              company or any subsidiary thereof on terms that 
                              would be less favorable than those obtained 
                              through an arm's length negotiation with an 
                              unaffiliated third party or (vii) permit any 
                              subsidiary of the Company to enter into certain 
                              agreements, restricting the subsidiary's 
                              ability to pay dividends and make distributions 
                              to, create or pay indebtedness owing to or 
                              transfer any of its property to, the Company.

Defaults and Remedies. . . .  If the Company or certain of its subsidiaries
                              shall (i) fail to pay amounts due, or observe any
                              other covenant beyond certain grace periods, in
                              respect of the Notes, the Indenture or the Credit
                              Documents relating thereto, (ii) default in the
                              payment of certain other indebtedness or allow to
                              remain unpaid certain judgments, (iii) become the
                              subject of certain events of bankruptcy or
                              insolvency or (iv) sustain uninsured casualties in
                              respect of certain of their properties; or if
                              certain events rendering unenforceable the
                              obligations of the Company or the liens granted
                              for the benefit of the holders of the Notes shall
                              have occurred and be continuing, then the Trustee
                              or the holders of a majority in principal amount
                              of the Notes may accelerate the maturity of the
                              Notes, and the Trustee may (and upon direction by
                              holders of a majority of the outstanding principal
                              amount of the Notes shall) proceed against the
                              collateral securing the Notes and pursue all other
                              available legal remedies.

SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA

     The following table presents, in summary form, historical financial data 
derived from the audited and unaudited historical consolidated financial 
statements of the Company and subsidiaries.  The interim unaudited financial 
statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the 
Commission.  In management's opinion, all adjustments and eliminations, 
consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair 
presentation of the financial statements, have been made.  The results of 
operations for such interim period are not necessarily indicative of the 
results of operations for the full year.  The data should be read in 
conjunction with the historical financial statements, and the respective 
notes thereto, contained in the 1997 10-K and the June 30, 1998 10-Q, 
incorporated herein by reference.


                                      11
<PAGE>

                  CAFETERIA OPERATORS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                            SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA
                                       
                            (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                      TWENTY-SIX     TWENTY-SIX                       FISCAL YEARS ENDED:
                                         WEEKS          WEEKS                         -------------------
                                         ENDED          ENDED     DEC. 30,   DEC. 31,    JAN. 2,        JAN. 3,    DEC. 28,
                                     JUNE 30, 1998  JULY 1, 1997    1997       1996       1996           1995        1993
                                     -------------  ------------  --------   --------    -------        -------    --------
<S>                                  <C>            <C>           <C>        <C>         <C>            <C>        <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:

Net Sales (1). . . . . . . . . . . .  $94,244         $97,140     $193,530   $197,196    $209,769       $224,819   $253,490
Gross Profit . . . . . . . . . . . .   66,478          67,796      135,238    135,869     142,360        154,631    177,700
Net Income (Loss) Before 
  Extraordinary Items (2). . . . . .    4,500            (108)      (4,740)     8,550     (37,154)(3)    (19,710)  (163,386)(4)

BALANCE SHEET 
DATA:

Cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    7,927           4,457        4,395      3,668         964          1,475      2,891
Net Working Capital 
  Deficiency (5) . . . . . . . . . .  (10,839)        (14,013)     (13,646)   (16,144)    (20,323)      (237,344)  (223,931)
Total Assets . . . . . . . . . . . .   79,865          81,262       77,314     86,342      86,066        103,430    111,615
Total Debt (6) . . . . . . . . . . .   68,952          71,894       71,698     74,640      78,408        226,824    203,808
Partners' Capital (Deficit). . . . .  (23,795)        (24,075)     (28,295)   (23,967)    (34,946)      (160,120)  (141,775)
Ratio of Earnings (Loss)
  to Fixed Charges . . . . . . . . .   3.38:1          0.95:1     (0.19):1     3.20:1    (0.23):1         0.29:1   (5.14):1
Amount of Coverage 
  Deficiency . . . . . . . . . . . .      N/A             108        4,740        N/A      37,154         19,710    163,386
</TABLE>
    
- ----------------
   
(1)  The Company closed eight restaurants in 1997, five in 1996, fourteen in 
     1995 and fourteen in 1994.
(2)  Excludes interest not expensed in accordance with SFAS 15 of $2,746 for the
     26 weeks ended June 30, 1998 and July 1, 1997 and $5,493 for the years
     ended December 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996. See Note 2 of Notes to 
     Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 1997 10-K.
(3)  Excludes a net gain of $157,619 from financial restructuring transactions
     in the fiscal year ended January 2, 1996.
(4)  Includes a write-off of goodwill of approximately $135,208 in the fourth
     quarter of the fiscal year ended December 28, 1993.
(5)  Includes long-term debt classified as current of $192,854 at January 3, 
     1995 and December 28, 1993.
(6)  Includes interest accrued to maturity on long-term debt of $20,629, 
     $26,121, $23,374, $28,867 and $33,913 at June 30, 1998, July 1, 1997, 
     December 30, 1997, December 31, 1996 and January 2, 1996, respectively, 
     and interest subject to restructuring of $33,903 and $10,838 at January 3,
     1995 and December 28, 1993, respectively.
    
                                      12
<PAGE>
                                       
                                 RISK FACTORS

     In considering the matters set forth in this Prospectus, prospective 
investors should carefully consider, among other things, the significant 
factors described below which are associated with the Notes before making an 
investment in the Notes.

CAPITAL EXPENDITURES, ACCESS TO CAPITAL

     The Company has had limited funds in recent years to apply to capital 
maintenance of many of its restaurants, and many of its restaurants have not 
been recently updated.  In 1997 the Company began implementing a plan to 
remodel certain of its stores in designated markets, which has resulted in 
generally positive effects on individual store revenues where the remodeling 
has been completed.  The results of the remodeling program to date suggest 
that it would be beneficial for the Company to implement the remodeling 
program more broadly. Management is also considering opening new restaurants 
in selected markets to replace units closed due to lease terminations and to 
build on the Company's name identification and marketing as well as to 
enhance operating efficiencies in those markets.  Substantial capital 
expenditures will be required to meet the requirements of capital maintenance 
and to implement these plans. Management believes that the proposed capital 
expenditure program is necessary to enable the Company and its subsidiaries 
to maintain or improve customer counts, increase revenues and improve 
profitability.

     The Company will be required to make significant payments with respect 
to its debt and obligations incurred in connection with the settlement of 
litigation. These payments will limit the Company's ability to make future 
capital expenditures. The Company does not presently have access to 
sufficient capital to satisfy all of the needs that have been identified.  In 
response, management is preparing a more detailed capital plan and plans to 
seek additional capital in 1999, including a potential refinancing of the 
Company's Notes.  There is no assurance that the Company will be able to 
obtain capital from sources outside the Company in amounts or at a cost that 
will allow the Company to meet the capital needs identified above or to 
refinance the Notes. In the meantime, a capital plan is being prepared to 
address some of the Company's most pressing needs within the limits of the 
Company's anticipated cash flow for 1998 and 1999. 

     The Company's ability to implement these plans will be impaired if the 
Company experiences any unexpected cash requirements or a decline in 
operating cash flow to devote to these projects.  The Company's ability to 
incur additional debt to fund capital requirements or for other purposes is 
limited by the terms of the Indenture governing the Company's  Notes (the 
"Indenture"), which generally limit the Company to a $5 million revolving 
line (which has not been implemented to date), purchase money debt and 
leasing as sources of additional funding.  Management believes that the 
Company is likely to continue to experience impaired access to capital due to 
its recent losses, the restructuring of its debt in 1995 and the absence of 
an active trading market for its debt and equity securities.  Management 
believes that the Company can operate at levels comparable to recent periods 
while relying on internal cash flow to fund capital requirements if recent 
results continue and no unexpected contingencies arise.  The Company's 
prospects for improved operating results will depend on the availability of 
outside sources of 


                                      13
<PAGE>

capital.  If the Company's near and long-term capital needs cannot be met, 
the Company's results and financial condition will be materially adversely 
affected.

LEVERAGE

     As of June 30, 1998, the Company's total indebtedness was approximately 
$69.0 million (including approximately $20.6 million of interest accrued 
through maturity).  At such date, the Company's total assets were 
approximately $79.9 million.

     In addition to certain customary affirmative covenants, the Indenture 
contains covenants that, among other things, restrict the ability of the 
Company and each of its subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions contained 
therein, to incur debt, make distributions to the Parent or transfer assets. 
The restrictions may limit the ability of the Company to expand its business 
and take other actions that the Parent considers to be in the Company's best 
interest.

     The Company and its subsidiaries presently have significant annual 
interest expense payment obligations under outstanding debt instruments.  The 
interest payments on the  Notes are not reflected as an expense on the 
Company's income statement because of the manner in which that obligation was 
created in the 1995 restructuring.  Instead, the entire amount of future 
interest payments is reflected as part of the balance of the Notes on the 
Company's balance sheet. If the Notes were to be settled for an amount less 
than their carrying value on the Company's balance sheet, the Company would 
report an extraordinary gain on its statement of operations.  Thereafter, if 
the Notes were settled with proceeds from new indebtedness, interest on the
new indebtedness would be charged against the Company's earnings.  See the 
footnotes to the Company's financial statements. 

     The ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to satisfy their 
respective obligations is dependent upon their future performance, which will 
be subject to financial, business and other risk factors affecting the 
business and operations of the Company, including risk factors beyond the 
control of the Company and its subsidiaries, such as prevailing economic 
conditions.  The Company is presently in compliance with the terms of the 
Indenture and its other debt obligations, but there is no assurance that the 
Company will be able to maintain compliance with such terms,  refinance its 
existing debt or that any additional financing will be obtainable in order to 
pursue the Company's plans.

OWNERSHIP OF THE PARENT, RECENT MANAGEMENT CHANGES

     As a result of the comprehensive restructuring of the Company and the 
Parent completed in 1995 and subsequent sales of Common Stock by the Selling 
Security Holders and purchases by other investors, approximately 86% of the 
outstanding Common Stock of the Parent is owned by seven investors who have 
made filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission under Section 13 of 
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, of whom four are Selling Security 
Holders who own in the aggregate approximately 47% of the Parent's 
outstanding common stock. Management believes these holders intend to vote 
separately upon all matters submitted to a vote of security holders of the 
Parent. To the Company's knowledge, there are no agreements, 


                                      14
<PAGE>

arrangements or understandings among any of the Selling Security Holders 
concerning the voting or disposition of any of such Common Stock or any other 
matter regarding the Company or the Parent or which might be the subject of a 
vote of the Parent's stockholders. Also, no Selling Security Holder (or 
affiliated group of Selling Security Holders) is a beneficial owner of more 
than 18% of the Common Stock; accordingly, no single Selling Security Holder 
or affiliated group could itself approve any matter regarding the Company or 
the Parent or which might be the subject of a vote of the Parent's 
stockholders.

     In March 1998, Teacher's Insurance and Annuity Association of America 
("TIAA"), the Parent's largest single shareholder, filed a Schedule 13D 
indicating, among other things, that TIAA might take action to influence the 
composition of the Parent's Board of Directors.  In April 1998, TIAA proposed 
that the present members of the Board of Directors be elected as the Board of 
Directors at the Parent's Annual Meeting of Stockholders in opposition to a 
slate of directors nominated by the nominating committee of the Board of 
Directors serving at that time.  The directors nominated by TIAA were elected 
by a vote of more than 95% of the shares present and entitled to vote at the 
Annual Meeting.  None of such directors, however, is affiliated with TIAA or 
any Selling Security Holder and, to the Company's knowledge, there is no 
agreement, understanding or arrangement among any Selling Security Holders or 
any such director concerning any matter regarding the governance of the 
Parent or the Company.  In July 1998 TIAA withdrew its Schedule 13D, which 
was replaced by a Schedule 13G.

     The President and CEO of the Parent at the time of the May 1998 Annual 
Meeting of Stockholders resigned immediately following the election of the 
current Board of Directors at that meeting.  The former President and CEO had 
been hired by the Parent in March 1997 and had announced his resignation in 
September 1997, which was followed by his service as interim CEO until March 
1998 and as President and CEO through May 1998.  Since the election of the 
present Board of Directors in May 1998, Suzanne Hopgood, a member of the 
Board of Directors since 1996 and currently Chairman of the Board, has served 
as acting CEO while the Board of Directors conducts a search for a new 
President and CEO.  Only two of the seven members of the current Board of 
Directors, Ms. Hopgood and Mr. Osnos, served as directors prior to the May 
1998 Annual Meeting. It is likely that some period of time will be required 
before a new CEO can be hired and begin influencing the management and 
results of the Company.

HISTORY OF LOSSES, PARTNERS' DEFICIT

     Through fiscal year 1995, the Company had not reported net income since 
fiscal year 1990.  Although the Company reported net income from continuing 
operations of $8.6 million for fiscal year 1996, the Company reported a net 
loss from continuing operations of $4.7 million for the fifty-two week year 
ended December 30, 1997.  The Company reported net income of $4.5 million for 
the twenty-six week period ended June 30, 1998.  Among the causes 
contributing to the Company's losses have been excessive leverage, litigation 
and settlement expenses and costs associated with closing of its restaurants. 
The Company continues to have a significant amount of indebtedness and 
related debt service will require the expenditure of significant sums by the 
Company in the future. The Company continues to be party to various 
litigation matters.  While management believes that the Company has adequate 
reserves established to address known 


                                      15
<PAGE>

contingencies, there is no assurance that adverse results in litigation will 
not result in additional material expense in the future. Management does not 
presently anticipate material additional expenses from restaurant closings in 
1998 or 1999, but the Company is preparing a strategic plan that will seek to 
improve the Company's overall operating efficiency by emphasizing focusing on 
markets where the Company has significant operations. There is no assurance 
that the strategic plan adopted by the Company will not contemplate 
additional closings of weaker restaurants that could result in material 
additional charges.
   
     The Company's losses have contributed to a material continuing partners' 
deficit.  The Company's partners' deficit at December 30, 1997 was $28.3 
million and at June 30, 1998 was $23.8 million.  The Company's operating cash 
flow since completion of the 1995 restructuring has been sufficient to 
support its operations and to satisfy all of its obligations as they have 
come due, and management expects that this will continue to be the case.  
However, it is likely that the Company will continue to have a substantial 
partners' deficit for several years, at a minimum, and there is no assurance 
that the Company's net income or additional capital infusions or other 
transactions will be available or sufficient to produce a positive partners' 
capital.  Management believes that the principal disadvantages to the Company 
of its partners' deficit are its diminished attractiveness as a recipient of 
capital funding and favorable trade credit terms from vendors, potentially 
resulting in higher capital and trade credit costs to the Company than would 
otherwise be available.
    

ABSENCE OF AN ESTABLISHED PUBLIC MARKET

     The Notes are not listed or admitted for trading on any securities 
exchange or national market system.  The Company has filed an application to 
list the Notes on the New York Stock Exchange in conjunction with the filing 
of the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part.  There is 
no assurance that the Notes will be accepted for trading on the New York 
Stock Exchange. At present, almost all of the Notes offered hereby are owned 
by a small number of institutional investors, and there is no established 
public market for the Notes. No assurance can be given as to the prices or 
liquidity of, or trading markets for, the Notes. The liquidity of any market 
for the Notes will depend upon the number of holders of Notes, interest of 
securities dealers in making a market in the Notes and other factors. The 
absence of any established active market for the Notes could adversely affect 
the liquidity of the Notes. The liquidity of, and trading markets for, the 
Notes may also be adversely affected by general declines in the market for 
similar grade debt. Such declines may adversely affect the liquidity of, and 
the trading markets for, the Notes, independent of the financial performance 
of, and the prospects for, the Company. Accordingly, no assurance can be 
given that a holder of the Notes will be able to sell its Notes in the future 
or that any future sale can be consummated at a price equal to or higher than 
the price at which the Notes were originally purchased. 

                               USE OF PROCEEDS

     The Company will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the Notes 
offered pursuant to this Prospectus.  The Selling Security Holders will 
receive all of the net proceeds from any sale of the Notes offered hereby.


                                      16
<PAGE>

                            SELLING SECURITY HOLDERS

     The following table provides certain information with respect to the 
Notes held by each Selling Security Holder.  As a result of the comprehensive 
Restructuring of the Company and the Parent and subsequent sales of Common, 
par value $.01 per share, of the Parent (the "Common Stock") by Selling 
Security Holders, certain of the Selling Security Holders own approximately 
47% of the outstanding Common Stock of the Parent.  Such Selling Security 
Holders are four separate holders of Notes and no Selling Security Holder (or 
affiliated group of Selling Security Holders) is a beneficial owner of more 
than 18% of the Common Stock.  Since the Selling Security Holders may sell 
all or some of their Notes, no estimate can be made of the aggregate amount 
of the Notes that are to be offered hereby or that will be owned by each 
Selling Security Holder upon completion of the offering to which this 
Prospectus relates.

     As a part of the Restructuring, certain 11% Noteholders designated for 
nomination a majority of the members of the Board of Directors of the Parent. 
These directors were duly nominated and elected by holders of the former 
classes of the Parent's capital stock at a meeting of stockholders held prior 
to the Exchanging 11% Noteholders having exercised their Put Option.  Certain 
of these directors continue to serve on the Board of Directors of the Parent. 
None of such directors, however, is affiliated with any former 11% 
Noteholder or Selling Security Holder and to the Company's knowledge there is 
no agreement, understanding or arrangement among any former 11% Noteholder, 
Selling Security Holder or any such director concerning any matter regarding 
the governance of the Parent or the Company.  

     The Notes offered by this Prospectus may be offered from time to time by 
the Selling Security Holders named below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       Aggregate Amount of
                                                     Notes Beneficially Owned
               Name                                    and Being Registered
- -------------------------------------------------    ------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>
EQ Asset Trust 1993 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         $8,075,045.42
Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company . . . . .         $3,122,435.77
The Ohio National Life Insurance Company. . . . .         $  935,048.67
CUNA Mutual Life Insurance Company. . . . . . . .         $  908,477.67
</TABLE>

     Equitable Real Estate Investment Management, Inc. ("EREIMI"), a former 
affiliate of EQ Asset Trust 1993, is the owner of six properties in Illinois 
and Iowa which are leased by the Company.  The aggregate amount paid by the 
Company to EREIMI in respect of periodic rental installments during fiscal 
1997 was $549,756.  Such lease was entered into by the Company and EREIMI 
prior to EQ Asset Trust 1993's acquisition of an interest in the Company in 
connection with the Restructuring.  Such lease was negotiated at arm's length 
on terms no less favorable than the Company would have obtained from an 
unrelated landlord.


                                      17
<PAGE>

                             PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

     The Company will receive none of the proceeds from this offering.  The 
Notes may be sold from time to time to purchasers directly by any of the 
Selling Security Holders.  Alternatively, the Selling Security Holders may 
from time to time offer the Notes through underwriters, brokers, dealers or 
agents, pursuant to (a) a block trade in which a broker or dealer will 
attempt to sell the Notes as agent but may position and resell a portion of 
the block as principal to facilitate the transaction, (b) purchases by a 
broker or dealer as principal and resale by such broker or dealer for its 
account pursuant to this prospectus or (c) ordinary brokerage transactions 
and transactions in which the broker or dealer solicits purchasers.  In 
effecting such sales, underwriters, brokers or dealers engaged by the Selling 
Security Holders may arrange for other brokers or dealers to participate in 
the resales.  Such sales may be effected at market prices and on terms 
prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to such market prices, at 
negotiated prices or at fixed prices.  In addition, the Selling Security 
Holders may engage in hedging or other similar transactions, and may pledge 
the Notes being offered, and, upon default, the pledgee may effect sales of 
the pledged Notes pursuant to this prospectus.  Underwriters, brokers, 
dealers and agents may receive compensation in the form of underwriting 
discounts, concessions or commissions from the Selling Security Holders or 
the purchasers of Notes for whom they may act as agent.  The Selling Security 
Holders and any underwriters, dealers or agents that participate in the 
distribution of Notes may be deemed to be "underwriters" within the meaning 
of the Securities Act and any profit on the sale of Notes by them and any 
discounts, commissions or concessions received by any such underwriters, 
dealers or agents might be deemed to be underwriting discounts and 
commissions under the Securities Act.

     There is currently no active market for the Notes.  The Company has 
filed an application to list the Notes for trading on the New York Stock 
Exchange, but there is no assurance that the Notes will be accepted for 
Listing or that an active trading market for the Notes will develop.  The 
Company has not been advised by any broker or dealer that it intends to make 
a market in the Notes.

     To comply with the securities laws of certain jurisdictions, if 
applicable, the Notes may be offered or sold in such jurisdictions only 
through registered or licensed brokers or dealers.  In addition, in certain 
jurisdictions the Notes may not be offered or sold unless they have been 
registered or qualified for sale in such jurisdictions or an exemption from 
registration or qualification is available and is complied with.

     There is no assurance that the Selling Security Holders will sell any of 
the Notes.  In addition, any Notes covered by this prospectus which qualify 
for sale pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act may be sold pursuant 
to Rule 144 rather than pursuant to this prospectus.

     Pursuant to the Exchange Agreement (the "Exchange Agreement") dated as 
of November 15, 1995 between the Parent, the Company and former 11% 
Noteholders, some of which are Selling Security Holders, the Company will pay 
the expenses of former 11% Noteholders incident to this offering and sale of 
the Notes to the public, other than commissions, concessions and discounts of 
underwriters, dealers or agents, but including the fees and 


                                      18
<PAGE>

disbursements of one counsel to such Selling Security Holders.  In addition, 
the Company has agreed to indemnify the Selling Security Holders, and, if 
requested, any underwriter they may utilize, against certain civil 
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act and, if such 
indemnification is unavailable, to contribute to payments required to be made 
by any of them in respect of such liabilities.  The Exchange Agreement 
requires the Company to keep the Registration Statement of which this 
Prospectus is a part continuously effective until the earlier of (a) July 18, 
1999, and (b) the date upon which all Notes have either (i) been disposed of 
under this Prospectus, (ii) been distributed to the public pursuant to Rule 
144 or Rule 145 under the Securities Act, (iii) been otherwise transferred 
and subsequent disposition of them shall not require registration or 
qualification of them under the Securities Act or any similar state law then 
in force, or (iv) ceased to be outstanding.

                             DESCRIPTION OF NOTES

     The following is only a summary of the material terms of the Notes, does 
not purport to be a full description thereof and is qualified in its entirety 
by reference to the Indenture, the Notes and the other exhibits to the 
Indenture (including certain terms defined in such documents), copies of 
which have been filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement of which this 
Prospectus is a part.  See "Available Information."  The terms of the Notes 
include those stated in the Indenture and those made part of the Indenture by 
reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as in effect on the date of the 
Indenture (the "Trust Indenture Act").  The definitions of the material terms 
used herein are set forth in "Definitions" contained elsewhere in this 
Prospectus.

GENERAL

     Notes in the aggregate principal amount of $40.0 million were originally 
issued in a private placement by the Company pursuant to the Indenture in 
exchange for the 11% Notes of the Company.  In addition, a Note in the 
original principal amount of $1.7 million was issued to GEPT in settlement of 
a judgment against FBLP.  On January 24, 1996, approximately $4.1 million 
aggregate principal amount of Notes were issued in payment of the first 
interest installment under the Indenture.  No additional Notes may be issued 
pursuant to the Indenture and all future payments of interest must be made in 
cash.  The maturity date of the Notes is December 31, 2001.  The Notes 
offered hereby are being offered for sale by the Selling Security Holders, 
and the Company will not receive any part of the proceeds from any sale 
thereof.  

     The Notes are issuable only in registered form without coupons in 
denominations of one thousand dollars ($1,000) and any integral multiple 
thereof, except as necessary to reflect principal amounts not evenly 
divisible by one thousand dollars ($1,000).  As provided in the Indenture and 
subject to certain limitations therein, the Notes are exchangeable for a like 
aggregate principal amount of Notes of a different authorized denomination, 
as requested by the Holder surrendering the same.  No service charge shall be 
made for any registration of transfer or exchange or redemption of Notes, but 
the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other 
governmental charge payable in connection therewith.


                                      19
<PAGE>

INTEREST

     The Notes bear interest at 12% per annum, except that upon a default in 
the payment of interest for thirty days or principal at maturity, such 
interest rate shall be increased to the lesser of 13% per annum and the 
highest rate allowed by applicable law.  Interest on the Notes is payable 
semi-annually on March 31 and September 30.  Interest on the Notes shall be 
computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.  Interest on 
the Notes which is payable, and is punctually paid by the Company to the 
Trustee or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date shall be paid by 
the Trustee to the Person in whose name the Notes are registered at the close 
of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest.  On January 24, 
1996, approximately $4.1 million aggregate principal amount of Notes were 
issued in payment of the first interest installment.  No additional Notes are 
issuable under the Indenture and all future interest payments shall be made 
in cash.

OPTIONAL REDEMPTION

     The Notes are redeemable at the option of the Company at any time, upon 
not less than thirty nor more than sixty days notice, in whole or in part, at 
103% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed if the redemption 
occurs on or before September 30, 1998 and at 100% of the principal amount if 
the redemption occurs after September 30, 1998, in each case together with 
the accrued interest thereon to the redemption date.

     In the case of any redemption of Notes, interest installments whose 
Stated Maturity is on or prior to the Redemption Date will be payable to the 
Trustee for payment to the Holders of record of such Notes at the close of 
business on the relevant Regular Record Date.  Notes (or portions thereof) 
for whose redemption and payment provision is made in accordance with the 
Indenture shall cease to bear interest from and after the date fixed for 
redemption.

REQUIRED REDEMPTION

     The Company is required to redeem Notes from the proceeds of certain 
transfers of assets or property or casualty losses which are not, within 180 
days of the date of receipt thereof, applied, in the case of transfer, to 
purchase certain assets used or useful in the business of the Company, or, in 
the case of casualty loss, to either repair or replace the property that gave 
rise to such casualty loss except that such proceeds may not be used to 
purchase assets if a Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be 
continuing.

     In the event that a Specified Asset Sale shall be deemed to have 
occurred, or a Specified Casualty Loss Event shall occur, the Company shall 
irrevocably offer to redeem Notes without premium in the aggregate principal 
amount equal to the Net Cash Proceeds of such Specified Asset Sale, or an 
amount equal to such Specified Casualty Loss Payment, as the case may be, if 
such proceeds exceed $1.0 million.  Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, 
the Company is required to irrevocably offer to redeem Notes without premium 
in the aggregate principal amount equal to all Collected Amounts aggregating 
$1.0 million.  Failure to affirmatively accept such offer in the manner 
specified in the Indenture shall be deemed to be a rejection of such 


                                      20
<PAGE>

prepayment offer.  A Holder may not elect to have redeemed less than or more 
than all of the portion of the Securities held by such Holder which the 
Company offers to redeem.

PAYMENT AT MATURITY

     The entire outstanding principal amount of all Notes, together with all 
accrued and unpaid interest thereon and any and all other amounts owing in 
respect thereof, shall become due and payable on December 31, 2001.  If the 
Trustee requests in writing following payment in full of all amounts due, 
each Note holder is required to promptly return the Notes it holds to the 
Trustee for cancellation.

RANKING

     The Notes are senior obligations of the Company.  The obligations under 
the Notes are secured by a security interest in substantially all of the 
property and assets of the Company.  See "Security and Guaranty".  The Notes 
rank pari passu with all existing and future senior indebtedness of the 
Company.  As of the date hereof, there is no other senior indebtedness 
outstanding.  The Indenture contains limitations with respect to the amount 
of additional indebtedness that can be incurred by the Company and its 
subsidiaries.  The Company may obtain a  revolving credit facility in the 
amount of $5.0 million and, under certain circumstances, release certain 
collateral, or subordinate to such facility the liens, securing the Notes.  
See "--Security and Guaranty."

SECURITY AND GUARANTY

     Pursuant to the Collateral Documents, the Notes are secured by a valid, 
perfected security interest in substantially all of the assets and property 
of the Company, including, without limitation, certain real property, all 
inventory, equipment, accounts receivable and intellectual property of the 
Company.  The liens and security interest with respect to certain property 
may be subject to prior liens and encumbrances.  In addition, property and 
assets of the Company may be released from the liens of the Collateral 
Documents in connection with a transfer permitted under the provisions 
described in "Certain Covenants -- Restrictions on Transfers of Assets."

     In the event the Company desires to obtain a revolving credit or similar 
facility from another lender, the Trustee shall, at the request of the 
Company, either (i) subordinate the Liens of the Collateral Documents to the 
Lien of such lender in an amount not to exceed $5.0 million or (ii) release 
the Lien of the Collateral Documents upon particularly identified Collateral 
which has a fair market value not to exceed $8.0 million.

     There can be no assurance that the amount that might be realized by a 
holder upon any enforcement against the Collateral following an Event of 
Default would be sufficient to satisfy the Company's payment obligations in 
respect of the Notes.


                                      21
<PAGE>

CERTAIN COVENANTS

     The Indenture contains, among others, the following covenants:

     RESTRICTED PAYMENTS AND RESTRICTED INVESTMENTS.

     The Company will not declare or make, or incur any liability to declare 
or make, or permit any of its Subsidiaries to declare or make, or incur any 
liability to declare or make, any Restricted Payment or any Restricted 
Investment, except that, at any time after March 31, 1996, the Company may, 
and may permit any Subsidiary to take the foregoing actions, so long as, 
immediately prior to giving effect to such declaration or payment, and 
immediately thereafter and after giving effect thereto, both:

          (a)  no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred or be
     continuing; and 
     
          (b)  the aggregate amount of all Restricted Payments made during the
     period (treated as a single accounting period) beginning on January 2, 1996
     and ending on such date, plus the aggregate amount of all Restricted
     Investments made after January 2, 1996 and remaining outstanding on such
     date, does not exceed the difference of:

               (i)    fifty percent (50%) of Consolidated Net Income accrued
          during the period (treated as a single accounting period) beginning on
          January 2, 1996 and ending on the last day of the full fiscal quarter
          of the Company most recently ended as of such date; minus
          
               (ii)   (A)     if Consolidated Net Income for the period
          commencing on the first day of the period of four (4) full consecutive
          fiscal quarters then most recently ended and ending on the last day of
          the fiscal quarter of the Company then most recently ended as of such
          date is a loss, one hundred percent (100%) of the positive amount of
          such loss; and

                      (B)     if Consolidated Net Income for the period referred
               to in (b)(ii)(A) above is not a loss, Zero Dollars ($0).

     LIMITATIONS ON INDEBTEDNESS.

     The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, 
create, incur, assume, or Guarantee any Indebtedness except:

          (a)  the Company and the Subsidiaries may create, incur, assume or
     Guarantee Indebtedness pursuant to a revolving credit or similar facility,
     and may from time to time obtain advances in respect of such facility, so
     long as the aggregate amount of Indebtedness outstanding thereunder at any
     time, after giving effect to such creation, incurrence, assumption or
     Guarantee, or such advance, shall not exceed Five Million Dollars
     ($5,000,000); and


                                      22
<PAGE>

          (b)  any Subsidiary may incur unsecured Indebtedness to the Company or
     any Guarantor Subsidiary, and the Company may incur Subordinated
     Intercompany Indebtedness; 
     
          (c)  the Company and its Subsidiaries may incur, create, assume or
     Guarantee any other Indebtedness (including Indebtedness in excess of Five
     Million Dollars ($5,000,000) in respect of the revolving credit or similar
     facility referred to in clause (a) above) so long as immediately after, and
     after giving effect to, such creation, incurrence, assumption or Guarantee
     and the concurrent prepayment, redemption, retirement or acquisition of any
     Indebtedness of the Company being prepaid, redeemed, retired or acquired
     concurrently with the proceeds of such Indebtedness, the Pro Forma Interest
     Coverage Ratio calculated at such time exceeds, for periods after January
     7, 1998, 325%.

     NEGATIVE PLEDGE.

     The Company will not create or assume, or permit any of its Subsidiaries to
create or assume, any Lien securing any Indebtedness on any asset or property,
whether now owned or hereafter acquired by it, except:

          (a)  Liens in favor of the Trustee, for the benefit of the Trustee and
     the Holders, including such Liens contemplated by the Collateral Documents;
     
          (b)  Liens upon property securing Indebtedness which refinances,
     renews, replaces or extends Indebtedness secured by Liens on such Property
     in existence on the date of the Indenture, but not any increase in the
     principal amount of any thereof or the extension thereof to any other
     property of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (except as otherwise
     permitted by the Indebtedness covenant and clause (e) of this covenant);
     
          (c)  Liens securing the revolving credit or similar facility referred
     to in "Limitations on Indebtedness," so long as such Liens secure an amount
     not in excess of Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000) (except as otherwise
     permitted by certain provisions of the Indenture); with respect to such
     Liens, the Trustee, if requested by the Company to take either the action
     specified in clauses  (i) or (ii) below (but not both) shall, if the lender
     under such facility is unwilling to make such facility available upon terms
     satisfactory to the Company unless the Trustee takes the action requested
     by the Company, either:

               (i)    enter into an agreement for the benefit of such lender or
          lenders subordinating the Liens of the Collateral Documents (but not
          the rights of the Holders to receive payment generally) to the Lien of
          such lender securing the obligations owing such lender under such
          facility, but only insofar as such obligations do not exceed Five
          Million Dollars ($5,000,000); or
          
               (ii)   release the Lien of the Collateral Documents upon
          particularly identified Collateral specified in such Company Order
          (but no other Collateral) 


                                      23
<PAGE>

          including, without limitation, any particularly identified 
          Collateral thereafter acquired, which specified Collateral has a 
          fair market value of not greater than Eight Million Dollars 
          ($8,000,000) at any time;

          (d)  Purchase Money Mortgages by the Company or any of its
     Subsidiaries (including, without limitation, Capital Leases), so long as
     (i) such Purchase Money Mortgage secures only the obligation to pay the
     purchase price of such asset (or the obligations under such Capital Lease)
     or a Subsidiary being acquired, together with related fees and expenses,
     (ii) the initial amount secured by such Purchase Money Mortgage shall not
     be more than one hundred percent (100%) of the purchase price of such asset
     (or the obligation under such Capital Lease) or such Subsidiary being
     acquired, together with related fees and expenses, and (iii) the aggregate
     Indebtedness secured by all such Purchase Money Mortgages (other than
     Capital Leases) shall not exceed in the aggregate for the Company and its
     Subsidiaries twenty percent (20%) of the aggregate amount of assets
     reflected on a consolidated balance sheet of the Company and the
     Subsidiaries, as at the end of the fiscal quarter of the Company then most
     recently ended; which Purchase Money Mortgages may rank senior to the Lien,
     if any, of the Collateral Documents in respect of the property or assets so
     acquired; provided, however, that in the event that the Company or any
     Subsidiary shall apply any Entire Cash Proceeds in respect of any Transfer,
     or any Casualty Loss Payment in respect of any Casualty Loss, to the
     purchase of any property or assets in accordance with certain provisions of
     the Indenture, as the case may be, and the purchase price of such property
     or assets exceeds the amount of Entire Cash Proceeds or Casualty Loss
     Payment, the Company or such Subsidiary (subject to certain provisions of
     the Indenture) may finance the amount of such excess and may secure such
     financing with a Purchase Money Mortgage upon such property or assets,
     subject to the limitations set forth in this paragraph, as if the "purchase
     price," as such term is used above, were equal to the amount of such
     excess; and
     
          (e)  subject to the Liens described in clause (a) above, other Liens
     securing Indebtedness, so long as, at the time such Lien is created or
     assumed, the Indebtedness secured thereby is permitted to be created and
     incurred pursuant to the provisions restricting Indebtedness.

     LIMITATIONS ON NEGATIVE PLEDGES. 

     The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to enter
into any agreement prohibiting the creation or assumption of any Lien upon the
properties or assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in favor of the
Trustee (except under Capital Leases and Purchase Money Mortgage or Lien
documents permitted hereunder but only to the extent such prohibition relates
solely to the property or asset purchased or leased thereunder) or requiring an
obligation to be secured if any Obligations are secured.


                                      24
<PAGE>

     RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFERS OF ASSETS.

     The Company shall not, nor shall it permit any Subsidiary to, Transfer 
all or any part of its assets (other than conveyances or transfers of the 
properties and assets of the Company substantially as an entirety in 
compliance with the provisions of the Indenture governing successors and 
other than Permitted Transfers) or agree to do any of the foregoing, unless 
the Company, no later than the date following the date of such Transfer, pays 
the Entire Cash Proceeds in respect of such Transfer to the Trustee, subject 
to release to the Company. All such Entire Cash Proceeds shall be held in 
trust for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders, and the Company 
granted to the Trustee a Lien in all such Entire Cash Proceeds.

     In the event that, within one hundred eighty (180) days after the 
occurrence of any Transfer, the Company wishes to apply all or a portion of 
the Entire Cash Proceeds therefrom to purchase one or more assets 
constituting either fixed assets, real property, machinery or equipment, in 
each case, used or useful in the business of the Company or such Subsidiary, 
then, so long as no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be 
continuing, the Company may request the Trustee to pay to the Company or to 
its order all or any portion of the amount of such Entire Cash Proceeds 
actually applied to any such purchase; provided, however, that the Company 
and its Subsidiaries shall not be entitled to apply to any such purchase any 
Entire Cash Proceeds, or any portion thereof, which have become Net Cash 
Proceeds.  As promptly as practicable following receipt by the Trustee of a 
Company order specifying the amount of the Entire Cash Proceeds to be paid by 
the Trustee, accompanied by an officers' certificate certifying that such 
amount is to be applied to purchase one or more assets constituting either 
fixed assets, real property, leasehold improvements, machinery or equipment, 
in each case, used or useful in the business of the Company or such 
Subsidiary, the Trustee shall pay the requested amount of such Entire Cash 
Proceeds to the Company or its order in payment for the purchase price of 
such purchase, so long as (i) at or prior to the time of such purchase, the 
Company or such Subsidiary grants to the Trustee a Lien in such acquired 
property and (ii) such acquired property shall be owned by the Company or 
such Subsidiary, as the case may be, free and clear of all Liens, other than 
Liens not securing Indebtedness and other than those permitted by certain 
provisions of the Indenture.

     Upon the transfer of property or assets permitted by these provisions, 
the lien of the Collateral Documents in respect of the property or assets so 
transferred shall be released, but the lien of the Collateral Documents shall 
continue in the proceeds of such transfer.

     LIMITATIONS ON TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES.

     The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, 
directly or indirectly, enter into any transaction (including, without 
limitation, the purchase, sale or exchange of property or the rendering of a 
service), whether or not in the ordinary course of business, with any 
Affiliate of the Company or such Subsidiary unless (a) such transaction is 
entered into upon terms and conditions no less favorable to the Company, or 
the affected Subsidiary, as those that would be obtained through an 
arm's-length negotiation with an unaffiliated third party, and (b) the terms 
of any such transaction shall be approved by a majority of the directors who 
are not parties to, 


                                      25
<PAGE>

and have no interest in, such transaction.  The foregoing restrictions shall 
not apply to (i) any issuance of capital stock of the Parent, or options, 
stock appreciation rights or similar rights in respect thereof, or other 
awards or grants, in cash or otherwise, pursuant to, or the funding of, 
employee benefit plans approved by a majority of the disinterested directors 
of the board of directors of the Parent, (ii)  loans or advances to employees 
in the ordinary course of business, (iii) transactions between and among the 
Company and the Guarantor Subsidiaries, (iv) transactions and the making of 
payments contemplated by the Reimbursement Agreement and (v) any agreements 
to do any of the foregoing acts described in clauses (i) through (iv).

     FUTURE PROPERTY.

     The Company will, with respect to all property (other than real property 
and improvements thereon) acquired by the Company after the date of the 
Indenture (and, if such acquisition were financed, if there were no 
prohibition in the documents governing such financing to encumbrances on such 
property), duly execute and deliver to the Trustee, not later than thirty 
(30) days after the acquisition thereof, such pledge agreements, security 
agreements or other like agreements with respect to such property creating in 
the Trustee's favor for the ratable benefit of the Holders a valid, perfected 
and enforceable first priority (except for Liens permitted by certain 
provisions of the Indenture) Lien on such property, such pledge agreements, 
security agreements or other like agreements to be, to the extent applicable, 
substantially in the forms of such agreements executed by the Company in 
favor of the Trustee on the date of the Original Indenture (except for 
changes authorized under the Indenture) reasonably acceptable to the Trustee, 
together with such other documents, certificates, opinions of counsel and the 
like as the Trustee shall reasonably request in connection therewith.

     The Company will, with respect to its real property and improvements 
thereon (other than any leasehold interests of the Company in real property 
and improvements thereon) acquired by the Company after the date hereof (and, 
if such acquisition were financed, if there was no prohibition in the 
documents governing such financing to encumbrances on such property), duly 
execute and deliver to the Trustee, not later than thirty (30) days after the 
acquisition thereof, Mortgages creating in the Trustee's favor for the 
ratable benefit of the Holders, upon recordation thereof, a valid, perfected 
and enforceable first priority (except for Liens permitted by certain 
provisions of the Indenture) Lien on all such real property and improvements 
thereon, such Mortgages to contain substantially the same terms as the 
Mortgages securing the Obligations on the date after the date of the 
Indenture and which shall be reasonably acceptable to the Trustee, and the 
enforceability, proper filing and proper recording of which shall be 
supported by an opinion of counsel acceptable to the Trustee.  The Company 
shall use its best efforts to cause to be executed and delivered to the 
Trustee, prior to or concurrently with the delivery by the Company of the 
aforesaid Mortgages to the Trustee (or if such is not possible, as promptly 
as possible thereafter), any and all necessary estoppel certificates, 
non-disturbance agreements, waivers, consents of third parties thereto to the 
extent deemed necessary or appropriate by the Trustee, and the Company shall 
cause such Mortgages to be duly recorded in the appropriate recording office 
or offices and shall pay all fees and taxes payable in connection therewith.


                                     26
<PAGE>

     MAINTENANCE OF LIENS.

     Except for the filing of continuation statements and the making of other 
filings by the Trustee as secured party or assignee, the Company shall at all 
times take all action necessary to maintain the Liens provided for under or 
pursuant to the Collateral Documents as valid and perfected first priority 
Liens on the property intended to be covered thereby (subject only to Liens 
expressly permitted hereunder) and supply all information to the Trustee 
necessary for such maintenance.

     LIMITATION ON DIVIDENDS AND OTHER PAYMENT RESTRICTIONS AFFECTING 
SUBSIDIARIES.

     The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, 
create or otherwise cause or suffer to exist or become effective any 
consensual encumbrance or restriction of any kind on the ability of any such 
Subsidiary to (a) pay dividends or make any other distribution on any of such 
Subsidiary's Capital Stock owned by the Company or any Subsidiary of the 
Company, (b) pay any Indebtedness owed to the Company or any other 
Subsidiary, (c) make loans or advances to the Company or any other 
Subsidiary, or (d) transfer any of its property or assets to the Company or 
any other Subsidiary; except, in each case, for (i) any restrictions created 
by the Credit Documents; (ii) any restrictions existing under any agreements 
in effect on the date of the Original Indenture; (iii) any renewals or 
extensions of the restrictions referred to in clause (i) or (ii); (iv) with 
respect to clause (d) above only, Capital Leases or Purchase Money Mortgage 
or Lien documents permitted hereunder (but only with respect to the property 
leased or purchased thereunder), and customary non-assignment provisions of 
any leases governing any leasehold interest or any supply, license or other 
similar agreement entered into in the ordinary course of business; and (v) 
any restrictions existing by reason of applicable law.

     LIMITATIONS ON MERGER, CONSOLIDATION AND SALE OF SUBSTANTIALLY ALL 
ASSETS.

     The Company shall not consolidate with or merge with or into, Transfer 
its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to or purchase or 
acquire the properties and assets substantially as an entirety of any of the 
Parent Restricted Subsidiaries.  The Company shall not consolidate with or 
merge with or into any other Person, or Transfer its properties and assets 
substantially as an entirety to any Person, unless (a)  the Person (if other 
than the Company) formed by such consolidation or into which the Company is 
merged or the Person which acquires by Transfer the properties and assets of 
the Company substantially as an entirety (the "Surviving Person") shall be a 
corporation or partnership organized and existing under the laws of the 
United States of America or any State or the District of Columbia, and shall 
expressly assume by a supplemental indenture the due and punctual payment of 
the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on all the Notes, the 
performance of every covenant of the Indenture and the other Credit Documents 
on the part of the Company to be performed or observed, and all other 
Obligations of the Company pursuant to the Indenture, the Notes and the 
Credit Documents; (b)  immediately after, and after giving effect to, such 
transaction, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be 
continuing; (c)  either (i) immediately after, and after giving effect to, 
such transaction, both (A) the Tangible Net Worth of the Company or the 
Surviving Person, as the case may be, and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated 
basis shall be equal to or greater than the Tangible Net Worth of 


                                      27
<PAGE>

the Company and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis immediately prior to 
the consummation of such transaction and (B) the Company or the Surviving 
Person, as the case may be, shall be entitled to incur at least One Dollar 
($1.00) of additional Indebtedness pursuant to certain provisions of the 
Indenture or (ii) such transaction involves a merger of the Company with and 
into, or a Transfer of its properties and assets substantially as an entirety 
to, the Parent, so long as, but only so long as, the Parent shall not, at any 
time prior to or contemporaneously with such transaction, have consolidated 
with or merged with or into, Transferred its properties and assets 
substantially as an entirety to or purchased or acquired the properties and 
assets substantially as an entirety of, any of the Parent Restricted 
Subsidiaries; and (d) the Company or the Surviving Person, as the case may 
be, has executed and delivered to the Trustee certain certificates and 
opinions and all necessary assignments, amendments to financing statements 
under the Uniform Commercial Code of any jurisdiction and other documents 
necessary to maintain the Trustee's right, title and interest in and to the 
Trust Estate.

     REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.

     Notwithstanding that the Company may not be required to remain subject 
to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities 
Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"), the Company shall file with the 
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") and provide the Trustee 
and Holders with such annual, quarterly and current reports and such 
information, documents and other reports specified in Section 13 and 15(d) of 
the Exchange Act which the Company would be required to file with the 
Commission if it were subject to such reporting requirements.

EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES

     The Indenture defines Event of Default as any one of the following 
events: (a) if default shall be made in the due and punctual payment of the 
principal, premium (if any) or interest when due and payable on any of the 
Notes and, in the case of interest, such default shall continue unremedied 
for a period of thirty (30) days; or (b) if (i) a default shall be made in 
the performance or observance of any covenant, agreement or provision 
described above in "--Certain Covenants" and such default shall continue 
unremedied for a period of thirty (30) days after any officer of the General 
Partner becomes aware of such default, (ii) a default shall be made in the 
due and punctual payment of any amounts payable under the Indenture or under 
any other Credit Document when due and payable or a default shall be made in 
the performance or observance of any covenant, agreement or provision 
contained in the Indenture or the Notes or in any other Credit Document, and 
such default shall continue unremedied for a period of thirty (30) days after 
there has been given, in the manner contemplated by the Indenture by the 
Holders of twenty-five percent (25%) or more in aggregate principal amount of 
outstanding Notes, a written notice specifying such default or breach, 
requiring it to be remedied and stating that such notice is a "Notice of 
Default," (iii) the Indenture or any other Credit Document shall terminate, 
be terminated or become void or unenforceable without the prior written 
consent of the Holders, or (iv) any of the Liens created by the Collateral 
Documents shall cease to be enforceable or shall not have the priority 
purported to be created thereby with respect to Collateral having a fair 
market value in excess of two million five hundred thousand dollars 
($2,500,000); or (c) if a default shall 


                                      28
<PAGE>

occur (i) in the payment of any principal or interest (after giving effect to 
any applicable grace period) with respect to any Indebtedness of the Company 
or any of its Subsidiaries or any General Partner (other than the Notes) or 
(ii) under any agreement pursuant to which any such indebtedness may have 
been issued, created, assumed, Guaranteed or secured by the Company or any of 
its Subsidiaries or any General Partner, and, as a result thereof, such 
Indebtedness shall be declared due and payable prior to the stated maturity 
thereof or shall not be paid in full at the stated maturity thereof, 
provided, however, that the aggregate amount of all Indebtedness as to which 
such a payment default or such other default causing acceleration shall occur 
exceeds (x) one million dollars ($1,000,000) in Indebtedness other than Non- 
Recourse Indebtedness or (y) two million five hundred thousand dollars 
($2,500,000) in Indebtedness consisting of Non-Recourse Indebtedness; or (d) 
if the Company or any of its Significant Subsidiaries or any General Partner 
(i) is dissolved, (ii) files a petition to take advantage of any insolvency 
act, (iii) makes an assignment for the benefit of its creditors of itself or 
of the whole or any substantial part of its property, (iv) commences a 
proceeding for the appointment of a receiver, trustee, liquidator or 
conservator of itself or of the whole or any substantial part of its property 
or (v) files a petition or answer seeking reorganization or similar relief 
under applicable law or statute of the United States of America, any state 
thereof or any foreign country; or (e) if a court of competent jurisdiction 
(i) shall enter an order, judgment or decree appointing a custodian, 
receiver, trustee, liquidator or conservator of the Company or any of its 
Significant Subsidiaries or any General Partner or of the whole or any 
substantial part of their respective properties, or approve a petition filed 
against the Company or any of its Significant Subsidiaries or any General 
Partner seeking reorganization or similar relief under applicable law or 
statute of the United States of America, any state thereof or any foreign 
country, (ii) under the provisions of any other law for the relief or aid of 
debtors, shall assume custody or control of the Company or any of its 
Significant Subsidiaries or any General Partner or of the whole or any 
substantial part of their respective properties, or (iii) if there is 
commenced against the Company or any of its Significant Subsidiaries or any 
General Partner any proceeding for any of the foregoing relief and such 
proceeding remains undismissed for a period of sixty (60) days or the Company 
or any of its Significant Subsidiaries or any General Partner by any act 
indicates its consent to or approval of any such proceeding or petition; or 
(f) if (i) one or more judgments exceeding the insurance coverage in respect 
thereof by more than two million five hundred thousand dollars ($2,500,000) 
in the aggregate are rendered against any of the Company or any of its 
Subsidiaries or any General Partner or (ii) there are any attachments or 
executions against any of the properties of the Company or any of its 
Subsidiaries or any General Partner for amounts in excess of two million five 
hundred dollars ($2,500,000) in the aggregate and (iii) such judgments, 
attachments or executions remain unpaid, unstayed or undismissed for any 
period of sixty (60) consecutive days; or (g) if there shall occur the loss, 
theft, substantial damage to or destruction of any portion of the Collateral 
not fully covered by insurance (less deductibles in an amount permitted 
hereunder), which uncovered portion of the Collateral by itself has a fair 
market value in excess of two million five hundred thousand dollars 
($2,500,000) or with other such losses, thefts, damage or destruction of 
uncovered portions of Collateral occurring while the Indenture is in effect 
have an aggregate fair market value in excess of two million five hundred 
thousand dollars ($2,500,000); or (h) the partnership agreement of the 
Company shall be amended in any manner so that the partnership agreement 
shall violate, conflict with or breach any provision of the Indenture, any of 
the Collateral Documents or any other document delivered thereunder or the 
partnership agreement shall prohibit or prevent the 


                                      29
<PAGE>

performance by the Company of any of its obligations or agreements made in 
the Indenture, any of the Collateral Documents or any other such documents.

     If an Event of Default specified in clause (d) or (e) above with respect 
to the Company occurs and is continuing, then the principal amount of the 
Notes, together with accrued interest on the principal amount of such Notes 
as well as all other Obligations, shall automatically become immediately due 
and payable, without any declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee 
or any Holder. If an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default 
specified in clause (d) or (e) above with respect to the Company) occurs and 
is continuing, then and in every such case the Holders of not less than a 
majority of the principal amount of the Notes outstanding may, and the 
Trustee upon the request of the Holders of not less than a majority of the 
principal amount of the Notes outstanding shall, by written notice to the 
Company (and to the Trustee if given by Holders) declare the principal of the 
Notes, together with accrued interest on the principal amount of such Notes 
as well as all other Obligations, to be immediately due and payable and the 
same shall become immediately due and payable without any further declaration 
or other act on the part of the Trustee or any Holder.  Under certain 
circumstances, the Holders of the Requisite Amount of the Notes outstanding 
may rescind any such acceleration with respect to the Notes and its 
consequences.

     The Holders of the Requisite Amount of the Notes Outstanding may on 
behalf of the Holders of all the Notes waive any past Default under the 
Indenture or under any other Credit Document and its consequences, except a 
Default in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest 
on any Note or in respect of a covenant or provision in the Indenture or 
under any other Credit Document which under the provisions of the Indenture 
cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each 
Outstanding Security affected. Upon any such waiver, such Default shall cease 
to exist, and any Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have 
been cured, for every purpose of the Indenture; but no such waiver shall 
extend to any subsequent or other Default or impair any right consequent 
thereon.

     The Holders of the Requisite Amount of the Notes outstanding shall have 
the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding 
for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or power 
conferred on the Trustee, whether before or after the occurrence of an Event 
of Default, provided that such direction shall not be in conflict with any 
rule of law or with the Indenture and the Trustee may, but shall not be 
required to, take any other action deemed proper by the Trustee which is not 
inconsistent with such direction.

     In addition to exercise of all other rights and remedies permitted to be 
exercised by the Trustee, in the event that either (a) the Stated Maturity of 
the Notes is accelerated in accordance with the provisions of the Indenture 
or (b) under certain circumstances, an Event of Default has occurred and is 
continuing, and the Trustee is directed to do so in writing by the Holders of 
the Requisite Amount of Notes, then the Trustee shall proceed, subject to 
certain provisions of the Indenture, to enforce the rights of the Trustee and 
the Holders of Notes pursuant to the provisions of the Collateral Documents.  
In no event may a Holder exercise any right or remedy with respect to any 
Collateral under any Collateral Document, such right of exercise being vested 
solely in the Trustee as herein provided and as provided in the Collateral 
Documents.


                                      30
<PAGE>

     No Holder of any Notes shall have any right to institute any proceeding, 
judicial or otherwise, with respect to the Indenture, or for the appointment 
of a receiver or trustee, or for any other remedy, unless (a) such Holder has 
previously given written notice to the Trustee of a continuing Event of 
Default, (b) the Holders of not less than twenty-five percent (25%) in 
principal amount of the Outstanding Notes shall have made written request to 
the Trustee to institute proceedings in respect of such Event of Default in 
its own name as Trustee, (c) such Holder or Holders have offered to the 
Trustee reasonable indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities to 
be incurred in compliance with such request, (d) the Trustee for sixty (60) 
days after its receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity has 
failed to institute any such proceeding, and (e) no direction inconsistent 
with such written request has been given to the Trustee during such sixty 
(60) day period by the Holders of the Requisite Amount of the Notes 
outstanding; it being understood and intended that no one or more Holders 
shall have any right in any manner whatever by virtue of, or by availing of, 
any provision of the Indenture to affect, disturb or prejudice the rights of 
any other Holders, or to obtain priority or preference over any other Holders 
or to enforce any right under the Indenture, except in the manner provided in 
the Indenture and for the equal and ratable benefit of all the Holders. 

     The Company will be required to furnish annually to the Trustee a 
statement as to the performance by the Company of certain of its obligations 
under the Indenture and as to any default in such performance.

AMENDMENTS AND WAIVERS

     Without prior notice to or the Consent of the Holders of Notes 
outstanding, the Company (and additionally for any Credit Document as to 
which the Company is not the sole obligor, such other obligor(s); or for any 
Credit Document as to which the Company is not the obligor, the obligor of 
such document) and the Trustee may enter into an indenture or indentures 
supplemental to the Indenture or amendments or waivers to other Credit 
Documents constituting Collateral Documents or Guarantees, but solely for one 
or more of the following purposes (a) to evidence the succession of a 
successor to the Company or such obligor, and the assumption by such 
successor of the covenants of the Company or such obligor under the 
Indenture, in the Notes and in the other Credit Documents to which the 
Company or such obligor is a party contained, (b) to add to the covenants of 
the Company or such other obligor, for the benefit of the Holders, or to 
surrender any right or power herein or therein conferred upon the Company or 
such other obligor, (c) to cure any ambiguity, to correct or supplement any 
provision of the Indenture which may be inconsistent with any other provision 
of the Indenture or in such Credit Documents or to make any other provisions 
with respect to matters arising thereunder which shall not be inconsistent 
with the provisions of the Indenture; provided, however, such action shall 
not adversely affect the interests of the Holders, and (d) to modify, 
eliminate or add to the provisions of the Indenture to the extent necessary 
to effect the qualification of the Indenture under, or the compliance by the 
Indenture with the provisions of, the Trust Indenture Act.

     With the Consent of the Holders, the Company (and additionally for any 
Credit Document as to which the Company is not the sole obligor, such other 
obligor(s); or for any Credit 


                                      31
<PAGE>

Document as to which the Company is not the obligor, the obligor of such 
document) and the Trustee may enter into an indenture or indentures 
supplemental to the Indenture or amendments or waivers to other Credit 
Documents constituting Collateral Documents or Guarantees for the purpose of 
adding, amending or waiving compliance with any provisions of the Indenture 
or any such other Credit Document or of modifying in any manner the rights of 
the Holders under the Indenture or under any such other Credit Document; 
provided, however, that no such supplemental indenture, amendment or waiver 
shall, without the consent of the Holder of each outstanding Note affected 
thereby (a) change the Stated Maturity of or any Redemption Date with respect 
to the principal of, or of any installment of interest on or any premium 
payable upon the redemption of, any Note, or reduce the principal amount 
thereof or the rate of interest thereon payable upon the redemption or other 
payment thereof, or change the coin or currency in which, any Note or the 
interest thereon is payable, or impair the right to institute suit for the 
enforcement of any such payment after the Stated Maturity thereof (or, in the 
case of redemption, on or after any Redemption Date), (b) reduce the 
percentage in principal amount of the outstanding Notes, the consent of whose 
Holders is required for any such supplemental indenture, amendment or waiver, 
(c) modify certain remedial provisions of the Indenture, except to increase 
any such percentage or to provide that certain or other provisions of the 
Indenture cannot be modified or waived without the consent of the Holder of 
each Note affected thereby, (d) waive a Default or Event of Default in the 
payment of principal of or interest on, or redemption payment with respect 
to, any Security, or (e) modify any of the provisions of the Indenture 
relating to the pro rata redemption of Notes.

     It shall not be necessary for the Holders to approve the particular form 
of any proposed supplemental indenture, amendment or waiver, but it shall be 
sufficient if they shall approve the substance thereof. 

     After a supplemental indenture, amendment or waiver under the Indenture 
with respect to a Credit Document is effective, the Company shall mail to 
each Holder a copy of such supplemental indenture, amendment or waiver.  Any 
failure of the Company to so mail such copy shall not, however, in any way 
impair or affect the validity of any such supplemental indenture, amendment 
or waiver.

TRANSFER

     The Notes will be issued in registered form in denominations of one 
thousand dollars ($1,000) and any integral multiple thereof, except as 
necessary to reflect principal amounts not evenly divisible by one thousand 
dollars ($1,000), and will be transferable only upon surrender of the Notes 
being transferred for registration of transfer.  The Company may require 
payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge 
payable in connection with certain transfers and exchanges.

DEFEASANCE

     The Indenture shall cease to be of further effect (except as to any 
surviving rights of transfer or exchange of Notes expressly provided for), 
and the Trustee, on demand of and at the 


                                      32
<PAGE>

expense of the Company, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging 
satisfaction and discharge of the Indenture and release of the Liens of the 
Collateral Documents securing the Obligations, when (a) either (i) all Notes 
theretofore authenticated and delivered (other than Notes which have been 
destroyed, lost or stolen and which have been replaced) have been delivered 
to the Trustee canceled or for cancellation or (ii) all such Notes not 
theretofore delivered to the Trustee canceled or for cancellation (A) have 
become due and payable in full, or (B) will become due and payable at their 
Stated Maturity within six (6) months or (C) are to be called for redemption 
within six (6) months under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the 
giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee in the name, and at the 
expense, of the Company; and the Company, in the case of (A), (B) or (C) 
above, has deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee as trust 
funds in trust for the purpose an amount in cash sufficient (without giving 
effect to any income or gain in respect of the investment of such amount) to 
pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on such Securities not theretofore 
delivered to the Trustee canceled or for cancellation, for principal (and 
premium, if any) and interest to the date of such deposit (in the case of 
Notes which have become due and payable), or to the Stated Maturity or 
Redemption Date, as the case may be (b) the Company has paid or caused to be 
paid all other sums payable hereunder by the Company and (c) the Company has 
delivered to the Trustee certain officers' certificates and opinions of 
counsel.  Notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of the Indenture, 
the obligations of the Company pursuant to certain Sections of the Indenture 
shall survive.

INFORMATION CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE

     The Trustee and its subsidiaries may from time to time in the future 
provide the Company and its Subsidiaries with banking and financial services 
in the ordinary course of their business.

DEFINITIONS

     Affiliate -- means, with respect to any Person, any other Person (the 
"Subject Affiliate") that, directly or indirectly through one or more 
intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control 
with, such Person and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, 
includes:

          (a)  any Subject Affiliate which beneficially owns or holds ten
     percent (10%) or more of any class of voting securities of such Person or
     ten percent (10%) or more of the equity interest in such Person;

          (b)  any Subject Affiliate ten percent (10%) or more of any class of
     voting securities (or, in the case of any Person which is not a
     corporation, ten percent (10%) or more of the equity interest) in which is
     held by such Person; and
     
          (c)  any director or executive officer of such Person or an Affiliate
     of such Person;


                                      33
<PAGE>

provided, however, that in no event shall any Person who was a holder of 
Original Securities on the day prior to the date of the Indenture be deemed, 
at any time or for any purpose under the Indenture, to be an Affiliate of the 
Company, the Parent, and General Partner or any of their respective 
Subsidiaries; and provided, further, that the Parent, the General Partner and 
their respective Subsidiaries shall be deemed to be Affiliates of the Company 
whether or not they would otherwise be included by virtue of the foregoing 
provisions of this definition.

     The term "control" (including, with correlative meanings, the terms 
"controlled by" and "under common control") means the possession, directly or 
indirectly, of the power either to direct or cause the direction of the 
management or policies of a Person, or to vote a majority of the securities 
having ordinary voting power for the election of directors of such Person, in 
either case whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract, 
by proxy or otherwise.  The term "Affiliate," when used with respect to any 
particular Person, means an Affiliate of the Company.

     Capital Expenditures -- means, with respect to any Person, any item 
which, pursuant to GAAP, would be classified on the financial statements of 
such Person as a "capital expenditure."

     Capital Lease -- means, as to any Person, an y lease of property, real 
or personal, the obligations under which are, or should be in conformity with 
GAAP, capitalized on a consolidated balance sheet of such Person.

     Casualty Loss -- means and includes each separate loss, damage or injury 
to any tangible property subject to the Lien of the Trustee or any 
condemnation or eminent domain proceedings in respect of any such property.

     Casualty Loss Payment -- means and includes any payment of proceeds of 
any insurance required to be maintained on account of each separate loss, 
damage or injury to any tangible property subject to the Lien of the Trustee 
or any payment of proceeds of any condemnation or eminent domain proceedings 
in respect of any such property.

     Collateral -- means all property and interests therein (real and 
personal, tangible and intangible) in which a Lien is now or hereafter held 
by the Trustee or granted by the Company or any other Person to the Trustee 
for the ratable benefit of the Holders as security for the payment and 
performance of any or all of the Obligations.

     Collateral Documents -- means and includes each document, agreement, 
assignment, mortgage or deed of trust executed or delivered with the Old 
Indenture, the Indenture or from time to time granting a Lien in any property 
in favor of the Trustee for the ratable benefit of the Holders to secure the 
payment and performance of any or all of the Obligations.

     Collected Amount -- Redemption Amounts less than $1,000,000 plus certain 
excess amounts of past Redemption Amounts.


                                      34
<PAGE>

     Consent of the Holders -- means the requisite principal amount of the 
Securities Outstanding with respect to any consent of the Holders pursuant to 
the Indenture which, except as otherwise specifically stated in any provision 
of the Indenture, shall be more than fifty percent (50%) of the principal 
amount of the Securities Outstanding.

     Consolidated Cash Flow -- means, for any period, the sum of:

          (a)  Consolidated Net Income for such period; provided, however, that
     for purposes of calculating Consolidated Cash Flow only:

               (i)    extraordinary non-cash charges (to the extent deducted in
          calculating Consolidated Net Income) shall be added back to
          Consolidated Net Income; and
          
               (ii)   extraordinary non-cash revenue (to the extent included in
          calculating Consolidated Net Income) shall be deducted from
          Consolidated Net Income;

     plus

          (b)  the sum of (but in each case, only to the extent not included in
     Consolidated Net Income for such period) the following, without
     duplication:
          
               (i)    Consolidated Interest Expense; plus
          
               (ii)   Consolidated Income Tax Expense; plus
          
               (iii)  Consolidated Depreciation and Amortization Expense.

     Consolidated Depreciation and Amortization Expense -- means, for any 
period, the consolidated depreciation and amortization expense of the Company 
and its Subsidiaries for such period, calculated on a consolidated basis in 
accordance with GAAP.

     Consolidated Income Tax Expense -- means, for any period, the aggregate 
of all current and deferred taxes based upon income and franchise tax expense 
of the Company and its Subsidiaries for such period determined on a 
consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.

     Consolidated Interest Expense -- means, for any period, the interest 
expense of the Company and its Subsidiaries (including amortization of 
original issue discount on any Indebtedness, the interest portion of any 
deferred payment obligation, the net costs associated with interest rate swap 
obligations or agreements and the interest component of rentals in respect of 
Capital Leases) for such period calculated on a consolidated basis, such 
consolidation to be performed in accordance with GAAP.


                                      35
<PAGE>

     Consolidated Net Income -- means, for any period, the aggregate of the 
Net Income of the Company and its Subsidiaries, determined on a consolidated 
basis.  

     Consolidated Revenues -- means, for any period, the aggregate revenue 
for such period of the Company and its Subsidiaries, determined on a 
consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.

     Credit Documents -- means, collectively, the Indenture, the Securities, 
the Collateral Documents, the Specialty Guaranty, any other Guarantees of any 
or all of the Obligations and any and all other documents, instruments and 
agreements now or hereafter executed and/or delivered in connection therewith.

     Default -- means an event, act or condition that, with notice or lapse 
of time, or both, would become an Event of Default.

     Defaulted Interest -- any interest which is payable, but is not 
punctually paid or duly provided for on any Interest Payment Date.

     Entire Cash Proceeds -- means, with respect to any Transfer of assets, 
the difference of:

          (a)  the cash proceeds (whenever received) actually received by the
     Company or any Subsidiary of the Company from such Transfer; minus
     
          (b)  the sum of:

               (i)    commissions and other fees and expenses (including fees
          and expenses of counsel, accountants and investment bankers) related
          to such Transfer; plus
          
               (ii)   provisions for all taxes paid or payable as a result
          thereof and in connection therewith and payments made to retire
          Indebtedness (other than the Securities or the Original Securities)
          secured by or otherwise relating directly to such assets being sold or
          otherwise disposed of where payment of such Indebtedness is required
          in connection therewith.

     Event of Default -- has the meaning described in "Description of 
Notes -- Events of Default."

     GAAP -- means generally accepted accounting principles in effect from 
time to time in the United States applied on a consistent basis.

     General Partner -- means the Parent or any other general partner of the 
Company.

     Governmental Authority -- means any federal, state, local, foreign or 
other governmental or administrative body, instrumentality, department or 
agency or any court, tribunal, 


                                      36
<PAGE>

administrative hearing body, arbitration panel, commission or other similar 
dispute resolving panel or body.

     Guarantee -- means, with respect to any Person, any guarantee or other 
contingent liability (other than any endorsement for collection or deposit in 
the ordinary course of business), direct or indirect, of such Person with 
respect to any obligation of another Person, through an agreement or 
otherwise, including, without limitation:

          (a)  any other endorsement or discount with recourse or undertaking
     substantially equivalent to or having economic effect similar to a
     guarantee in respect of any such obligation; and
     
          (b)  any agreement:

               (i)    to purchase, or to advance or supply funds for the
          payment or purchase of, any such obligation;
          
               (ii)   to purchase, sell or lease property, products, materials,
          supplies, transportation or services, to enable such other Person to
          pay any such obligation or to assure the owner thereof against loss
          regardless of the delivery or nondelivery of the property, products,
          materials, supplies, transportation or services; or
          
               (iii)  to make any Investment in, or to otherwise provide funds
          to or for, such other Person to enable such Person to satisfy any
          obligation (including any liability for a dividend, stock liquidation
          payment or expense) or to assure a minimum equity, working capital or
          other balance sheet condition in respect of any such obligation.

The amount of any Guarantee shall be equal to the outstanding amount of the 
obligation directly or indirectly guaranteed.  The term "Guarantee" used as a 
verb has a corresponding meaning.

Guarantor Subsidiary -- means Specialty.

Holder -- means a Person in whose name a Security is registered in the 
Security register.

Indebtedness -- of a Person means, without duplication:

          (a)  all indebtedness of such Person for borrowed money or evidenced
     by bonds, notes, debentures or similar instruments;
     
          (b)  all obligations of such Person under leases which have been or,
     in accordance with GAAP, should be, recorded as Capital Leases;
     
          (c)  all indebtedness of such Person arising under acceptance
     facilities;


                                      37
<PAGE>

          (d)  the face amount of all letters of credit (other than letters of
     credit securing solely the payment of insurance premiums) issued for the
     account of such Person and, without duplication, all drafts drawn
     thereunder;
     
          (e)  all liabilities secured by any Lien on any property owned by such
     Person, to the extent attributable to such Person's interest in such
     property, even though such Person has not assumed or become liable for the
     payment thereof;
     
          (f)  all obligations of such Person under any interest rate swap,
     interest rate future, interest rate cap, interest rate option or other form
     of interest rate hedging agreement or arrangement designed to protect
     against fluctuations in interest rates; and
     
          (g)  any Guarantee of such Person with respect to Indebtedness of
     another Person.

     Investment -- means any investment in any Person, whether by means of 
asset or share or equity purchase, capital contribution, loan, advance, time 
deposit, purchase of notes, bonds or other evidences of Indebtedness or 
otherwise, other than:

          (a)  the purchase by such Person of assets either constituting Capital
     Expenditures or made in the ordinary course of such Person's business; 
     
          (b)  the exchange of the Original Securities pursuant to the
     provisions of, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by,
     the Exchange Agreement; and
     
          (c)  repurchases of the Securities.

     Junior Indebtedness -- means any Indebtedness of the Company which is 
subordinated to the Securities in right of payment.

     Lien -- means any mortgage, deed of trust, pledge, hypothecation, 
assignment for security, deposit arrangement, encumbrance, lien (statutory or 
other), security interest, easement, defect in or exception to title or 
preference, priority or other security agreement or preferential arrangement 
of any kind or nature whatsoever, including, without limitation, any 
conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any Capital Lease having 
substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing, and the 
filing of any financing statement (other than notice filings not perfecting a 
security interest) under the Uniform Commercial Code or comparable law of any 
jurisdiction in respect of any of the foregoing.

     Mortgages -- means each and every mortgage, deed of trust, collateral 
assignment of leases, collateral assignment of rents or similar instrument 
granting the Trustee an interest in or Lien upon any real property and 
securing the Obligations, in each case, as amended through and including the 
date hereof and as hereafter amended.


                                      38
<PAGE>

     Net Cash Proceeds -- means:

          (a)  in respect of a Specified Asset Sale described in clause (a) of
     the definition of "Specified Asset Sale", the Entire Cash Proceeds with
     respect to such Specified Asset Sale; and
     
          (b)  in respect of a Specified Asset Sale described in clause (b) of
     the definition of "Specified Asset Sale", an amount equal to the difference
     of:

               (i)    the Entire Cash Proceeds in respect of such Transfer;
          minus
          
               (ii)   the amount of such Entire Cash Proceeds in respect of
          such Transfer actually applied to purchase assets used or useful in
          the business of the Company or its Subsidiaries;

together, in either case, with any amounts previously retained by the Trustee 
required to be added thereto.

     Net Income -- means, for any Person and for any period, the net income 
(loss) of such Person for such period, determined in accordance with GAAP; 
provided, however, that:

          (a)  no gains and no losses realized by such Person and its
     Subsidiaries upon the sale or other disposition (including, without
     limitation, pursuant to Sale-Leaseback Transactions, sales or disposals of
     business segments, or sales or abandonment of properties, plants and
     equipment of such Person and its Subsidiaries) of property or assets which
     are not sold or otherwise disposed of in the ordinary course of business,
     or pursuant to the sale of any Capital Stock of or other equity or
     ownership interest in such Person or any Subsidiary, shall be considered in
     calculating Net Income;
     
          (b)  no writedowns, writeoffs or writeups by such Person and its
     Subsidiaries of receivables, inventories, fixed assets, real property, real
     estate leasehold interests or intangible assets (not including amortization
     of intangible assets in accordance with GAAP) shall be considered in
     calculating Net Income;
     
          (c)  net income or net loss of any Person combined with such Person on
     a "pooling of interests" basis attributable to any period prior to the date
     of such combination shall not be considered in calculating Net Income; and
     
          (d)  net income or net loss of any Person which is not consolidated
     with such Person shall not be considered in calculating Net Income except
     to the extent of the amount of dividends or distributions paid to such
     Person or any of its Subsidiaries.

     Non-Recourse Indebtedness -- owing by any Person means Indebtedness for 
money borrowed or evidenced by a Lien, wherein liability is limited solely to 
the security therefor without any liability on the part of such Person for 
any deficiency, or with respect to which the holder of 


                                      39
<PAGE>

such Indebtedness has irrevocably made the election under Section 
1111(b)(1)(A)(i) of Title 11 of the United States Code, as amended.

     Obligations -- means any and all obligations and liabilities of the 
Company, now or hereafter incurred, under or with respect to the Securities, 
the Indenture, the Collateral Documents or any other Credit Document, whether 
or not such obligations and liabilities are reduced to judgment, liquidated, 
unliquidated, evidenced by any note or other instrument, direct or indirect, 
absolute or contingent, due or to become due, disputed, undisputed, legal, 
equitable, secured or unsecured, and whether or not any such obligations and 
liabilities are discharged, stayed or otherwise affected by any dissolution, 
insolvency or similar proceeding such obligations and liabilities to include 
without limitation:

          (a)  the payment of the principal and interest (and premium, if any)
     on all of the Securities now and hereafter issued and delivered and
     outstanding;
     
          (b)  the payment of all other sums owing hereunder and under each of
     the other Credit Documents to any Holder or to the Trustee;
     
          (c)  all costs and expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred or
     payable in connection with any Credit Document; and 
     
          (d)  the performance of the respective covenants of the Company herein
     and in each of the other Credit Documents contained.

     Omnibus Amendment -- means that certain Omnibus Amendment Agreement, 
dated as November 15, 1995, among the Company, Specialty and the Trustee.

     Original Holders -- means the holders of the Original Securities on the 
day preceding the date of the Indenture.

     Parent Restricted Subsidiaries -- means and includes Cavalcade Holdings, 
Inc.; Cavalcade Foods, Inc.; Cavalcade Development, L.P.; Furr's/Bishop's 
Cafeterias, L.P.; any of their respective subsidiaries; or any of their 
respective successors and assigns.

     Paying Agent -- means the Person or Persons authorized by the Company to 
pay the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on any Securities on 
behalf of the Company.  The Company initially appoints the Trustee to act as 
Paying Agent.  For purposes of redemption of the Notes, neither the Company 
nor any Affiliate may act as Paying Agent.


                                      40
<PAGE>

     Permitted Transfers -- means and includes:

          (a)  sales of inventory in the ordinary course of business;
     
          (b)  Transfers of obsolete or worn-out machinery and equipment, and
     subleases of leased property, no longer used or useful in the conduct of
     the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries;
     
          (c)  Transfers of assets from any Subsidiary of the Company to the
     Company; and Transfers from the Company to any Guarantor Subsidiary;
     
          (d)  with respect to cafeteria or other restaurant properties acquired
     after the date of the Indenture and in accordance with the terms thereof,
     Transfers of land adjacent to or in the immediate proximity of any such
     cafeteria or restaurant not necessary for the operation of such cafeteria's
     or restaurant's business;
     
          (e)  so long as no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and
     be continuing, with respect to any land, buildings or equipment acquired
     after the date of the Indenture and in accordance with the terms thereof,
     Sale-Leaseback Transactions of any such assets; and
     
          (f)  so long as no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and
     be continuing, Transfers of any assets or property of the Company, so long
     as the aggregate fair market value for all such assets or property so sold
     or disposed of in any one calendar year does not exceed Five Million
     Dollars ($5,000,000).

     Person -- means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, 
association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization or 
Governmental Authority or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

     Priority Indebtedness -- means and includes, without duplication:

          (a)  Indebtedness secured by any Lien (including, without limitation,
     any Purchase Money Mortgage) on any property owned by the Company or any of
     its Subsidiaries, to the extent attributable to such Person's interest in
     such property, whether or not such Person has not assumed or become liable
     for the payment thereof;
     
          (b)  all Indebtedness of, and all preferred stock (valued at the
     liquidation preference thereof), of Subsidiaries of the Company (other than
     Guarantor Subsidiaries), except:
     
               (i)    such Indebtedness owing to, or such preferred stock
          beneficially owned by, the Company; and


                                      41
<PAGE>

               (ii)   in the case of any such Indebtedness owing to, or
          preferred stock beneficially owned by, a Subsidiary of the Company,
          for the amount thereof owing (directly or indirectly through
          Subsidiaries of the Company) to the Company; and
     
          (c)  with respect to any Sale-Leaseback Transaction, the net amount of
     all rent required to be paid in respect of the lease of the property
     subject thereto by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries during the
     remaining primary term thereof, discounted from the respective due dates
     thereof to such date at the rate per annum implicit in such lease. 

     Pro Forma - means, for any period, with respect to any calculation of 
Consolidated Cash Flow or Consolidated Interest Expense, in connection with 
the incurrence of any Indebtedness during such period, the amount of 
Consolidated Cash Flow or Consolidated Interest Expense, as the case may be, 
which would have resulted during and for such period, assuming that:

          (a)  any assets acquired with the proceeds of the Indebtedness being
     incurred had been acquired, and such Indebtedness had been incurred,
     created, assumed or Guaranteed, on the first day of such period;
     
          (b)  any other Indebtedness repaid with the proceeds of such
     Indebtedness had been repaid on the first day of such period;
     
          (c)  the rate of interest in effect for floating rate Indebtedness
     shall at all times be the rate of interest in effect on the date of
     determination; 
     
          (d)  the entire principal amount of such newly incurred Indebtedness
     shall be outstanding for each day during such period; and
     
          (e)  if the Second Closing Date occurred during such period, the
     Second Closing Date had occurred, and the transactions contemplated to
     occur on the Second Closing Date pursuant to the provisions of the Exchange
     Agreement had occurred, on the first day of such period.

     Pro Forma Interest Coverage Ratio -- means, at any time of calculation, 
the ratio, expressed as a percentage, of:

          (a)  Pro Forma Consolidated Cash Flow for the period of four (4) full
     consecutive fiscal quarters of the Company most recently ended at such
     time; to
     
          (b)  Pro Forma Consolidated Interest Expense for such period.

     Purchase Money Mortgage -- means:

          (a)  a Lien held by any Person (whether or not the seller of such
     assets) on tangible property (other than assets acquired to replace,
     repair, upgrade or alter tangible property owned by the Company or any of
     its Subsidiaries on the date hereof) acquired or 


                                      42
<PAGE>

     constructed by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries after the date of 
     the Indenture, which Lien secures all or a portion of the related 
     purchase price or construction costs of such property; provided, 
     however, that such Lien is created not later than one hundred eighty 
     (180) days after acquisition or completion of construction of such 
     property;

          (b)  any Lien existing on any fixed assets at the time such fixed
     assets are acquired by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; and
     
          (c)  any Lien existing on any fixed assets of any Person at the time
     it becomes a direct or indirect Subsidiary of the Company;

provided, however, that no such Lien extends to any other asset or property 
of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

     Redemption Amount -- the aggregate Net Cash Proceeds and Specified 
Casualty Loss Payments prompting an offer of redemption.

     Redemption Date -- when used with respect to any Securities to be 
redeemed means the date fixed for such redemption by or pursuant to the 
Indenture.

     Redemption Price -- when used with respect to any Security to be 
redeemed means the price at which it is to be redeemed pursuant to the 
Indenture (including, without limitation, any accrued and unpaid interest 
thereon payable with respect to such redemption).

     Regular Record Date -- for the interest payable on any Interest Payment 
Date (other than the first Interest Payment Date and other than on December 
31, 2001) means the March 15 or September 15 (whether or not a business day), 
as the case may be, next preceding such Interest Payment Date or, in the case 
of the first Interest Payment Date, the Second Closing Date.

     Reimbursement Agreement -- means the Reimbursement Agreement, dated as 
of the date of the Indenture, among the Company, the Parent and 
Furr's/Bishop's Cafeterias, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership.  

     Requisite Amount -- means the requisite principal amount of the 
Securities Outstanding with respect to any request, demand or other action of 
the Holders pursuant to the Indenture which, except as otherwise specifically 
stated in any provision of the Indenture, shall be more than fifty percent 
(50%) of the principal amount of the Notes outstanding.

     Restricted Investment -- means any Investment made by the Company or any 
Subsidiary of the Company except:

          (a)  Investments in stock or partnership interests of any Subsidiaries
     of the Company existing on the date of the Indenture, but not any increase
     in the amount thereof;


                                      43
<PAGE>

          (b)  Temporary Cash Investments, which shall be pledged to the Trustee
     for the ratable benefit of the Holders as collateral security for the
     payment of the Obligations pursuant to a pledge agreement in form and
     substance stated in an opinion of counsel to be effective to accomplish the
     valid pledge thereof to the Trustee; provided, however, that to the extent
     that such pledge agreement and such opinion of counsel covers specified
     after-acquired Temporary Cash Investments, no new pledge agreement or
     opinion of counsel shall be necessary upon the subsequent acquisition of
     such after-acquired Temporary Cash Investments if the Lien thereupon is
     perfected in the manner contemplated in such opinion of counsel and the
     Company so states in an officers' certificate delivered to the Trustee;
     
          (c)  Investments in Guarantor Subsidiaries or Persons which,
     contemporaneously with the making of such Investment become Guarantor
     Subsidiaries;
     
          (d)  for the formation of other Subsidiaries of the Company created
     and utilized solely to satisfy state and local alcoholic beverage licensing
     requirements for the Company's businesses and any of its current or future
     retail liquor sales establishments; and
     
          (e)  Investments in Subsidiaries of the Company:

               (i)    in which the Company has contributed less than One
          Million Dollars ($1,000,000) (whether in cash, property, assets or
          otherwise) in the aggregate, which contributions (to the extent
          subject to a Lien in favor of the Trustee) shall remain subject to the
          Lien of the Trustee after giving effect to such contribution (and such
          Subsidiaries shall acknowledge same); and
          
               (ii)   so long as the Company has no Indebtedness and no other
          obligations owing to such Subsidiaries or to any third party with
          respect to such Subsidiary.

     Restricted Payment -- means, with respect to any Person:

          (a)  any dividend or other distribution in respect of such Person's
     capital stock, or incurrence of a liability for such dividend or
     distribution, in cash, properties or other assets, on any shares of such
     Person's capital stock, but excluding any dividend or distribution
     consisting solely of capital stock of such Person;
     
          (b)  any payment (including, without limitation, the setting aside of
     assets or the deposit of funds therefor) on account of the purchase,
     redemption, retirement or acquisition of:

               (i)    any capital stock of such Person, the Company or any of
          its Subsidiaries; or


                                      44
<PAGE>

               (ii)   any option, warrant or other right to acquire any
          security or interest described in the immediately preceding clause
          (i); and

          (c)  any optional payment or prepayment of principal or premium on
     account of Junior Indebtedness (other than Non-Recourse Indebtedness paid
     solely out of the property or assets securing such Non-Recourse
     Indebtedness) or any optional purchase, defeasance, redemption, retirement
     or acquisition of any principal on any such Junior Indebtedness (including,
     without limitation, the setting aside of assets or the deposit of funds
     therefor);

provided, however, that:

          (A)  no such dividend, distribution or payment made by any Subsidiary
     to the Company or any Guarantor Subsidiary shall be deemed to be a
     Restricted Payment;

          (B)  no such dividend, distribution or payment made by any Subsidiary
     to another Subsidiary shall be deemed to be a Restricted Payment to the
     extent of the Company's direct or indirect equity interest in such
     Subsidiary;
     
          (C)  the exchange, conversion or exercise of any option on the part of
     holders of the limited partnership interests of the Company to exchange,
     convert, exercise or otherwise transfer such interests to the Parent or any
     Affiliate of the Parent, solely in exchange for Capital Stock of the Parent
     or such Affiliate, shall not constitute a Restricted Payment; and
     
          (D)  payments made by the Company and the Subsidiaries pursuant to the
     Reimbursement Agreement shall not constitute Restricted Payments; and 
     
          (E)  payments made by the Company to any Person which is or was a
     partner of the Company solely to reimburse such Person for income taxes
     payable and paid by such partner in respect of the income of the Company
     for any period, shall not constitute a Restricted Payment.  

     Sale-Leaseback Transaction -- means any arrangements, directly or 
indirectly, with any Person, whereby the Company or any of its Subsidiaries 
shall sell or transfer any property, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, 
used or useful in its business, in connection with the rental or lease of the 
property so sold or transferred or of other property which the Company or 
such Subsidiary intends to use for substantially the same purpose or purposes 
as the property so sold or transferred.

     Significant Subsidiary -- means a Subsidiary, including its 
Subsidiaries, which meets any of the following conditions:

          (a)  the Company's and its other Subsidiaries' investments in and
     advances to the Subsidiary exceed ten percent (10%) of the total assets of
     the Company and its 


                                      45
<PAGE>

     Subsidiaries consolidated as of the end of the most recently completed 
     fiscal year of the Company; or
     
          (b)  the total assets (after intercompany eliminations) of the
     Subsidiary exceed ten percent (10%) of the total assets of the Company and
     its Subsidiaries consolidated as of the end of the most recently completed
     fiscal year of the Company; or
     
          (c)  the Company's and its other Subsidiaries' equity in the income
     from continuing operations before income taxes, extraordinary items and
     cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle of the Subsidiary
     exceeds ten percent (10%) of such income of the Company and its
     Subsidiaries consolidated for the most recently completed fiscal year of
     the Company.

     Specialty -- means Furr's/Bishop's Specialty Group, L.P., a Delaware 
limited partnership.

     Specialty Guaranty -- means that certain Unlimited Guaranty of 
Specialty, dated March 27, 1992, for the benefit of the Trustee, as amended 
by the Omnibus Amendment and as thereafter amended from time to time. 

     Specified Asset Sales -- means:

          (a)  the receipt by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries of any
     Entire Cash Proceeds in respect of any Transfer (other than Permitted
     Transfers), if any Default or Event of Default is continuing at the time of
     receipt of such proceeds; and
     
          (b)  the failure of the Company to apply the entire amount of Entire
     Cash Proceeds from any such Transfer to purchase assets used or useful in
     the business of the Company or its Subsidiaries within one hundred eighty
     (180) days of the date of receipt thereof.

     Specified Casualty Loss Event -- means:

          (a)  the receipt by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries of any
     Casualty Loss Payment in respect of any Casualty Loss, if any Default or
     Event of Default is continuing at the time of receipt of such Casualty Loss
     Payment; and
     
     
          (b)  the failure of the Company to apply the entire amount of any
     Casualty Loss Payment to  either repair or replace the property that gave
     rise to such Casualty Loss within one hundred eighty (180) days of the date
     of receipt thereof.


                                      46
<PAGE>

     Specified Casualty Loss Payment -- means:

          (a)  in respect of a Specified Casualty Loss Event described in 
     clause (a) of the definition of "Specified Casualty Loss Event", the entire
     Casualty Loss Payment with respect to such Specified Casualty Loss Event;
     and
     
          (b)  in respect of a Specified Casualty Loss Event described in clause
     (b) of the definition of "Specified Casualty Loss Event", an amount equal
     to the difference of:

               (i)    the entire Casualty Loss Payment in respect of such
          Casualty Loss; minus
          
               (ii)   the amount of such Casualty Loss Payment in respect of
          such Casualty Loss actually applied to either repair or replace the
          property that gave rise to such Casualty Loss;

together, in either case, with any excess amounts previously retained by the 
Trustee and required to be added thereto.

     Stated Maturity -- when used with respect to any Security or any 
installment of interest thereon means the date specified in such Security as 
the fixed date on which the principal of such Security (disregarding any 
mandatory redemption payments required by the terms of the Indenture) or such 
installment of interest is due and payable.

     Subordinated Intercompany Indebtedness -- means unsecured Indebtedness 
of the Company or any Guarantor Subsidiary, owing solely to one or more 
Guarantor Subsidiaries, which is subordinated to the Securities in right of 
payment and the terms of which do not permit the Company to make any payment 
in respect thereof at any time:

          (a)  during which an Event of Default shall have occurred or shall be
     continuing; or
     
          (b)  following acceleration of the maturity of the Securities or 
     the exercise of any other remedy in respect thereof, pursuant to any 
     Collateral Document or otherwise, until after the final and indefeasible 
     payment in full of all the Securities.

     Subsidiary -- means, with respect to any Person, any corporation or 
other Person with respect to which more than fifty percent (50%) of the 
Capital Stock or other equity or ownership interests having ordinary voting 
power (other than stock or other equity or ownership interests having such 
power only by reason of the happening of a contingency) is at the time owned 
by such Person or by one or more Subsidiaries of such Person or by such 
Person and one or more Subsidiaries of such Person.

     Tangible Net Worth -- means, with respect to any Person or group of 
consolidated Persons, at any time, the difference of:


                                      47
<PAGE>

          (a)  the stockholders' equity (or, in the case of a partnership, the
     partners' equity) of such Person or group determined on a consolidated
     basis in accordance with GAAP at such time; minus
     
          (b)  the sum of:

               (i)    the aggregate amount of deferred assets, other than
          prepaid insurance and prepaid taxes;
          
               (ii)   patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade names, franchises,
          goodwill and other similar intangible assets; and
          
               (iii)  unamortized debt discount and expense;

of such Person or group of consolidated Persons at such time.

     Temporary Cash Investments -- means and includes Investments in:

          (a)  securities issued or directly and fully guaranteed or insured by
     the United States Government or any agency or instrumentality thereof
     having maturities of not more than one (1) year from the date of
     acquisition;
     
          (b)  certificates of deposit and Eurodollar time deposits with
     maturities of not more than six (6) months from the date of acquisition,
     bankers' acceptances with maturities not exceeding six (6) months and
     overnight bank deposits, in each case, with:

               (i)    Amarillo National Bank;
          
               (ii)   any domestic commercial bank having capital and surplus 
          in excess of One Hundred Million Dollars ($100,000,000) and a 
          long-term unsecured debt rating from both Moody's Investors 
          Services, Inc. and Standard & Poor's Ratings Group (a division of 
          McGraw Hill, Inc.) of at least "A";

          (c)  repurchase obligations with respect to securities of the types
     described in clauses (a) and (b), entered into with any financial
     institution meeting the qualifications specified in clause (b) above and
     having a term not in excess of fourteen (14) days;
     
          (d)  commercial paper rated at least A-2 or the equivalent thereof by
     Standard & Poor's Ratings Group (a division of McGraw Hill, Inc.) or at
     least P-2 or the equivalent thereof by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. and
     in either case maturing within six (6) months after the date of
     acquisition; 
     
          (e)  certificates of deposit with maturities of not greater than 
     six (6) months from the date of acquisition with any domestic commercial 
     bank at which the Company 


                                      48
<PAGE>

     has an operating account aggregating not greater than One Hundred 
     Thousand Dollars ($100,000) at any one time outstanding for all such 
     certificates of deposit at any one such bank and not greater than Five 
     Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000) at any one time outstanding for all 
     such certificates of deposits under this clause (e); and
     
          (f)  money market mutual funds subject to regulation as investment
     companies under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, so long as
     such mutual fund:

               (i)    has assets of at least One Hundred Million Dollars
          ($100,000,000);
          
               (ii)   is either:

                      (A)     an Affiliate of, or managed by, Fidelity
               Management & Research Company; or
               
                      (B)     rated "A" or better by Standard & Poor's Ratings
               Group (a division of McGraw Hill, Inc.) or an equivalent rating
               by another nationally recognized rating service;

               (iii)  invests solely in Investments listed in clause (a) and
          clause (c) of this definition of "Temporary Cash Investments;"

               (iv)   permits redemptions to be made on any Business Day; and

               (v)    has as a fundamental investment goal the maintenance of a
          constant net asset value.

     Transfer -- means, with respect to any assets or property, to sell, 
lease, transfer, convey or otherwise dispose of such assets or property.

     Trust Estate -- means all Collateral granted to the Trustee.
                                       
                                LEGAL MATTERS

     The legality of the Securities offered hereby has been passed upon for 
the Company by Fulbright & Jaworski, L.L.P.  Certain other legal matters with 
respect to the Securities have been passed upon for the Company by Hughes & 
Luce, L.L.P.

                                   EXPERTS
   
     The consolidated financial statements and schedule of Cafeteria 
Operators, L.P. as of December 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996, and for the 52 
week years then ended, have been incorporated by reference herein and in the 
Registration Statement in reliance upon the report of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, 
independent certified public accountants, incorporated by reference herein, 
and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.  
The report of KPMG Peat 
    

                                      49
<PAGE>

Marwick LLP covering the December 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996 consolidated 
financial statements and schedule refers to a change, effective January 2, 
1996, in the method of accounting for impairment of long-lived assets and for 
long-lived assets to be disposed of to conform to Statement of Financial 
Accounting Standards No. 121.

     The consolidated statements of operations, changes in partners' capital 
(deficit) and cash flows for the fifty-two week year ended January 2, 1996 
incorporated by reference in this Prospectus, have been audited by Deloitte & 
Touche LLP, independent certified public accountants, as stated in their 
report incorporated by reference herein, and are so incorporated in reliance 
upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in 
accounting and auditing.

              SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

     This Prospectus includes and incorporates by reference certain 
statements that may constitute "forward-looking" information (as defined in 
the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995).  Words such as 
"anticipate", "estimate", "project" and similar expressions are intended to 
identify such forward-looking statements.  Forward-looking statements may be 
included in this Prospectus in, among other places, under "Prospectus Summary 
- -- The Company," "Risk Factors" and "Use of Proceeds" and in certain portions 
of the 1997 10-K incorporated herein by reference.  Such forward-looking 
statements may include, but are not limited to statements concerning 
estimates of current and future results of operations, earnings, the 
development of new production facilities, future capacity under the Company's 
credit arrangements, and future capital expenditure and liquidity 
requirements.

     Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks, 
uncertainties and assumptions, including without limitation those discussed 
under "Risk Factors" and in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of 
Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in the 1997 10-K incorporated 
herein by reference. Should one or more of these risks materialize, or should 
any of the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results of current 
and future operations may vary materially from those anticipated, estimated 
or projected.  Prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue 
reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their 
dates.  The Company assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking 
statements.


                                      50
<PAGE>

                    INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

ITEM 14.  OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.

     The following table sets forth the costs and expenses, other than 
     underwriting discounts and commissions, that were paid in connection 
     with the sale of the Notes being registered, all of which will be paid 
     by the registrant.  All amounts are estimates except the registration 
     fee.
<TABLE>
     <S>                                                       <C>
     Registration Fee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      $ 15,784
     Accounting Fees and Expenses . . . . . . . . . . . .      $  5,000
     Legal Fees and Expenses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      $ 60,000
     Trustee's Fees and Expenses. . . . . . . . . . . . .      $  5,000
     Printing and Engraving Fees and Expenses . . . . . .      $  7,500
     Miscellaneous. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      $  7,500
                                                               --------
          Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      $100,784
                                                               --------
                                                               --------
</TABLE>

ITEM 15.  INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.

     Section 102(b)(7) of the General Corporation Law of Delaware enables a 
     Delaware corporation to provide in its certificate of incorporation, and 
     the Parent has so provided in its Restated Certificate of Incorporation, 
     for the elimination or limitation of the personal liability of a 
     director to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for 
     breach of fiduciary duty as a director; provided, however, that a 
     director's liability is not eliminated or limited:  (1) for any breach 
     of the director's duty of loyalty to the corporation or its 
     stockholders; (2) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which 
     involve an intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law; (3) 
     under Section 174 of the General Corporation Law of Delaware (which 
     imposes liability on directors for unlawful payment of dividends or 
     unlawful stock purchases or redemptions); or (4) for any transaction 
     from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.  The 
     Restated Certificate of Incorporation further provides that if the 
     Delaware General Corporation Law is amended to authorize the further 
     elimination or limitation of the liability of directors, then the 
     liability of a director shall be eliminated or limited to the fullest 
     extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law, as amended.

     Section 145 of the General Corporation Law of Delaware empowers a 
     corporation to indemnify any person who was or is a party or witness or 
     is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed 
     action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or 
     investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the 
     corporation) by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director, 
     officer, employee or agent of the corporation or is or was serving at 
     the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent 
     of another corporation or enterprise.  Depending on the character of the 
     proceeding, a corporation may indemnify against expenses (including 
     attorneys' fees), 


                                      51
<PAGE>

     judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably 
     incurred in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if the 
     person indemnified acted in good faith and in a manner he or she 
     reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the 
     corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had 
     no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful.  If the 
     person indemnified is not wholly successful in such action, suit or 
     proceeding, but is successful, on the merits or otherwise, in one or 
     more but less than all claims, issues or matters in such proceeding, he 
     or she may be indemnified against expenses actually and reasonably 
     incurred in connection with each successfully resolved claim, issue or 
     matter.  In the case of an action or suit by or in the right of the 
     corporation, no indemnification may be made in respect to any claim, 
     issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be 
     liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the Court 
     of Chancery or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall 
     determine that despite the adjudication of liability such person is 
     fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the 
     court shall deem proper.  Section 145 provides that to the extent a 
     director, officer, employee or agent of a corporation has been 
     successful in the defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to 
     above or in the defense of any claim, issue or manner therein, he or she 
     shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys' fees) 
     actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection therewith.

     The By-laws of the Parent provide that, to the fullest extent permitted 
     by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, the Parent 
     shall indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be 
     made a party to any action, suit or proceeding of the type described 
     above by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director or 
     officer of the Parent or is or was serving at the request of the Parent 
     as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, 
     partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise.  No expenses will 
     be paid in advance except, as authorized by the Board of Directors, to a 
     director or officer for expenses incurred while acting in his or her 
     capacity as a director or officer, who has delivered an undertaking to 
     the corporation to repay all amounts advanced if it should be later 
     determined that such director or officer was not entitled to 
     indemnification.  The By-laws further provide that the above rights of 
     indemnification are not exclusive of any other rights of indemnification 
     that a director or officer may be entitled to from any other source.

     In addition, the Partnership Agreement of the Company provides that the 
     Company shall indemnify and hold harmless each general partner, and any 
     former general partner, of the Company, their respective affiliates and 
     all officers, directors, partners, employees and agents of each general 
     partner, former general partner and their respective affiliates 
     (individually, an "Indemnitee"; provided, however, under no 
     circumstances shall Michael J. Levenson or any of his affiliates be 
     considered an Indemnitee) from and against all losses, claims, demands, 
     costs, damages, liabilities, joint and several, expenses (including 
     attorneys' fees and disbursements), judgments, fines, settlements and 
     other amounts arising from any and all claims, demands, actions, suits, 
     or proceedings, civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, in 
     which an Indemnitee may be involved, or threatened to be involved, as a 
     party or otherwise, relating to or arising out of the Company, its 


                                      52
<PAGE>

     property, business or affairs, regardless of whether the Indemnitee 
     continues to be a general partner, an affiliate or an officer, director, 
     partner, employee or agent of a general partner or an affiliate at the 
     time any such liability or expense is paid or incurred, if the 
     Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner the Indemnitee reasonably 
     believed to be in the best interest of the Company and the Indemnitee's 
     course of conduct does not constitute actual fraud, gross negligence or 
     willful or wanton misconduct; provided, however, that such 
     indemnification will be recoverable only out of the assets of the 
     Company.  The indemnification provided by the Partnership Agreement of 
     the Company is in addition to any other rights to which the Indemnitee 
     may be entitled to under any agreement with the Company or by vote of 
     the partners, as a matter of law, or otherwise, as to both an action in 
     the Indemnitee's capacity and any action in another capacity, and shall 
     continue as to Indemnitee who has ceased to serve in such capacity and 
     shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, successors, assigns, 
     administrators, and personal representatives of the Indemnitee.  An 
     Indemnitee shall not be denied indemnification because the Indemnitee 
     had an interest in the transaction with respect to which the 
     indemnification applies if the transaction was not prohibited by the 
     terms of the Partnership Agreement of the Company.

     Expenses incurred (including legal fees and expenses) by, or on behalf 
     of, the Indemnitee shall, from time to time, be paid by the Company in 
     advance of any final disposition upon the approval of the general 
     partner and the receipt of a written undertaking by, or on behalf of, 
     the Indemnitee to repay such amounts if it shall ultimately be 
     determined by a final, non-appealable judgment of a court of competent 
     jurisdiction that the Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified by 
     the Company.  The Company may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf 
     of any Indemnitee, enter into indemnity contracts with Indemnitees and 
     adopt written procedures pursuant to which arrangements are made for the 
     advancement of expenses and the funding of indemnification obligations.

     Each current director of the Parent has entered into an Indemnification 
     Agreement by and between the Parent and such director pursuant to which 
     the Parent will indemnify such director and hold such director harmless 
     from any and all losses, expenses and fines to the fullest extent 
     authorized, permitted or not prohibited (i) by the Delaware General 
     Corporation Law or any other applicable law (including judicial, 
     regulatory or administrative interpretations or readings thereof), the 
     Parent's Certificate of Incorporation or By-laws as in effect on the 
     date of execution of the agreement or other statutory provision 
     authorizing such indemnification. In the event that after the date of 
     the agreements the Parent provides any greater right of indemnification, 
     in any respect, to any other person serving as an officer or director of 
     the Parent, then such greater right of indemnification shall inure to 
     the benefit of the respective director and shall be deemed to be 
     incorporated in the relevant agreement as a basis for indemnity, at each 
     director's election, together with the indemnity expressly set forth 
     therein.


                                      53
<PAGE>

ITEM 16.  EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   EXHIBIT                              DESCRIPTION
   <S>           <C>
      *4.1  --   Amended and Restated Indenture, dated as of November 15, 
                 1995, between Cafeteria Operators, L.P. and Fleet National 
                 Bank of Massachusetts (f/k/a Shawmut Bank, N.A.).
    ***4.2  --   First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of January 24, 1996, 
                 between Cafeteria Operators, L.P. and Fleet National Bank of 
                 Massachusetts (f/k/a Shawmut Bank, N.A.).
      *4.3  --   General Security Agreement, dated March 27, 1992, between 
                 Cafeteria Operators, L.P. and Fleet National Bank of 
                 Massachusetts (f/k/a Shawmut Bank, N.A.).
      *4.4  --   Security Agreement, dated March 27, 1992, between Cafeteria 
                 Operators, L.P. and Fleet National Bank of Massachusetts 
                 (f/k/a Shawmut Bank, N.A.).
      *4.5  --   Form of Assignment and Security Agreements relating to 
                 deposits at Amarillo National Bank and Carlsbad National 
                 Bank, dated March 27, 1992, between Cafeteria Operators, 
                 L.P. and Fleet National Bank of Massachusetts (f/k/a Shawmut 
                 Bank, N.A.).
      *4.6  --   General Security Agreement, dated March 27, 1992, between 
                 Furr's/Bishop's Specialty Group, L.P. and Fleet National 
                 Bank of Massachusetts (f/k/a Shawmut Bank, N.A.).
      *4.7  --   Assignment for Security (Trademarks), dated as of March 27, 
                 1992, by Cafeteria Operators, L.P., filed with the Patent 
                 and Trademark Office.
      *4.8  --   Assignment for Security (Trademarks), dated as of December 
                 28, 1995, by Cafeteria Operators, L.P., filed with the 
                 Patent and Trademark Office.
      *4.9       Assignment for Security (Trademarks) dated as of December 
                 28, 1995 by Furr's/Bishop's Specialty Group, L.P. filed with 
                 the Patent and Trademark Office.
     *4.10       Amended and Restated Security Agreement and 
                 Mortgage-Trademarks and Patents dated as of December 31, 
                 1995 by and among Cafeteria Operators, L.P., Furr's/Bishop's 
                 Specialty Group, L.P. and Fleet National Bank of 
                 Massachusetts (f/k/a Shawmut Bank, N.A.).
     *4.11  --   Special Power of Attorney, dated March 27, 1992, by 
                 Cafeteria Operators, L.P.
     *4.12  --   Special Power of Attorney, dated as of December 28, 1995, by 
                 Cafeteria Operators, L.P.
     *4.13  --   Special Power of Attorney, dated as of December 28, 1995, by 
                 Furr's/Bishop's Specialty Group, L.P.
    **4.14       Omnibus Agreement dated November 15, 1996 by and among 
                 Cafeteria Operators, L.P., Specialty Group, L.P. and Fleet 
                 National Bank of Massachusetts (f/k/a  Shawmut Bank, N.A.) 
                 (included as Exhibit E to the Exchange Agreement filed as 
                 Exhibit 10.1).
     *4.15       First Amendment to Deed of Trust, dated as of November 15, 
                 1995 by and between Cafeteria Operators, L.P. and Fleet 
                 National Bank of Massachusetts (f/k/a Shawmut Bank, N.A.) 
                 for premises located at Pima County, Arizona.


                                      54
<PAGE>
   EXHIBIT                              DESCRIPTION
   <S>           <C>
     *4.16       First Amendment to Deed of Trust dated as of November 15, 
                 1995 by and between Cafeteria Operators, L.P. and Fleet 
                 National Bank of Massachusetts (f/k/a Shawmut Bank, N.A.) 
                 for premises located at Jefferson County, Colorado.
     *4.17       First Amendment to Deed of Trust, dated as of November 15, 
                 1995 by and between Cafeteria Operators, L.P. and Fleet 
                 National Bank of Massachusetts (f/k/a Shawmut Bank, N.A.) 
                 for premises located at Clark County, Nevada.
     *4.18       First Amendment to Deed of Trust, Security Agreement, 
                 Financing Statement, Fixture Filing and Assignment of Rents 
                 and Leases, dated as of November 15, 1995 by and between 
                 Cafeteria Operators, L.P. and Fleet National Bank of 
                 Massachusetts (f/k/a Shawmut Bank, N.A.) for premises 
                 located at San Bernardino County, California.
     *4.19       First Amendment to Mortgage, Security Agreement and 
                 Assignment of Lease and Rents, dated as of November 15, 1995 
                 by and between Cafeteria Operators, L.P. and Fleet National 
                 Bank of Massachusetts (f/k/a Shawmut Bank, N.A.) for 
                 premises located at Johnson County, Kansas.
     *4.20       First Amendment to Deed of Trust, Security Agreement and 
                 Assignment of Leases and Rents, dated as of November 15, 
                 1995 by and between Cafeteria Operators, L.P., and Fleet 
                 National Bank of Massachusetts (f/k/a Shawmut Bank, N.A.) 
                 for premises located at St. Louis County, Missouri.
     *4.21       First Amendment to New Mexico Deed of Trust, of November 15, 
                 1995 by and between Cafeteria Operators, L.P., and Fleet 
                 National Bank of Massachusetts (f/k/a Shawmut Bank, N.A.) 
                 for premises located at Bernadillo County, New Mexico.
     *4.22       First Amendment to Mortgage with Power of Sale, dated of 
                 November 15, 1995 by and between Cafeteria Operators, L.P., 
                 and Fleet National Bank of Massachusetts (f/k/a Shawmut 
                 Bank, N.A.) for premises located at Tulsa County, Oklahoma.
     *4.23       First Amendment to Deed of Trust, Security Agreement and 
                 Assignment of Leases, dated as of November 15, 1995 by and 
                 between Cafeteria Operators, L.P., and Fleet National Bank 
                 of Massachusetts (f/k/a  Shawmut Bank, N.A.) premises 
                 located at Taylor County, Texas.
     *4.24       First Amendment to Deed of Trust, Security Agreement and 
                 Assignment of Leases, dated as of November 15, 1995 by and 
                 between Cafeteria Operators, L.P., and Fleet National Bank 
                 of Massachusetts (f/k/a Shawmut Bank, N.A.) for premises 
                 located at Cameron County, Texas.
     *4.25       First Amendment to Deed of Trust, Security Agreement and 
                 Assignment of Leases, dated as of November 15, 1995 by and 
                 between Cafeteria Operators, L.P., and Fleet National Bank 
                 of Massachusetts (f/k/a Shawmut Bank, N.A.) for premises 
                 located at Dallas County, Texas.
     *4.26       First Amendment to Deed of Trust, Security Agreement and 
                 Assignment of Leases, dated as of November 15, 1995 by and 
                 between Cafeteria Operators, L.P., and Fleet National Bank 
                 of Massachusetts (f/k/a Shawmut Bank, N.A.) for premises 
                 located at Lubbock County, Texas.


                                      55
<PAGE>
   EXHIBIT                              DESCRIPTION
   <S>           <C>
     *4.27       First Amendment to Deed of Trust, Security Agreement and 
                 Assignment of Leases, dated as of November 15, 1995 by and 
                 between Cafeteria Operators, L.P., and Fleet National Bank 
                 of Massachusetts (f/k/a Shawmut Bank, N.A.) for premises 
                 located at Grayson County, Texas.
     *4.28       First Amendment to Deed of Trust, Security Agreement and 
                 Assignment of Leases, dated as of November 15, 1995 by and 
                 between Cafeteria Operators, L.P., and Fleet National Bank 
                 of Massachusetts (f/k/a Shawmut Bank, N.A.) for premises 
                 located at Hopkins County, Texas.
    **4.29  --   Exchange Agreement, dated as of November 15, 1995, among 
                 Furr's/Bishop's, Incorporated, Cafeteria Operators, L.P. and 
                 holders of 11% Senior Secured Notes.
      *5.1       Opinion of Fulbright & Jaworski, L.L.P. 
     *12.1  --   Statement re Computation of Ratios.
      23.1       Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick, LLP, as independent certified 
                 public accountants.
      23.2       Consent of Deloitte & Touche, LLP, as independent certified 
                 public accountants.
     *23.3       Consent of Fulbright & Jaworski, L.L.P. (included in their 
                 opinion filed as Exhibit 5.1)
      24.1       Power of Attorney (included in the Signature Page to this 
                 Registration Statement).
     *25.1       Statement of Eligibility of Trustee.
</TABLE>
- ----------------------------

*    Previously filed.

**   Incorporated by reference from Furr's/Bishop's, Incorporated's Registration
     Statement on Form S-4, File No. 33- 92236.

***  Incorporated by reference from Furr's/Bishop's, Incorporated's Form 10-K
     for the year ended January 2, 1996.
- ----------------------------

ITEM 17.  UNDERTAKINGS

          (a)  The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
     
               (1)  To file, during any period in which offers or sales are
     being made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:
     
                    (i)    To include any prospectus required by Section
     10(a)(3) of the Securities Act;


                                      56
<PAGE>

                    (ii)   To reflect in the Prospectus any facts or events
     arising after the effective date of the Registration Statement (or the most
     recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the
     aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in
     the Registration Statement.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or
     decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar amount of
     securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any
     deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range
     may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission
     pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and
     price represent no more than 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate
     offering price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in
     the effective Registration Statement;
     
                    (iii)  To include any material information with respect to
     the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the Registration
     Statement or any material change to such information in the Registration 
     Statement.
     
               (2)  That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
     Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a
     new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and
     the offering of such securities at the time shall be deemed to be the
     initial bona fide offering thereof.
     
               (3)  To remove from registration by means of a post-effective
     amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
     termination of the offering.
     
          (b)  The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes
     of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the
     registrant's annual report pursuant to section 13(a) or section 15(d) of
     the Exchange Act (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit
     plan's annual report pursuant to section 15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is
     incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement shall be deemed to
     be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein,
     and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the
     initial bona fide offering thereof.
     
          (c)  Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
     Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling
     persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or
     otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the
     Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in
     the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a
     claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment
     by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or
     controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any
     action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or
     controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the
     registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel in the matter has
     been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
     jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against
     public 


                                      57
<PAGE>

     policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final
     adjudication of such issue.


                                      58
<PAGE>

                                  SIGNATURES

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the 
registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets 
all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this 
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, 
thereunto duly authorized, in the city of Lubbock, state of Texas, on 
September 29, 1998.
                                       
                                       CAFETERIA OPERATORS, L.P.

                                       By:  Furr's/Bishop's, Incorporated
                                            Its general partner



                                       By:  /s/ SUZANNE HOPGOOD 
                                            ----------------------------------
                                            Suzanne Hopgood
                                            Chief Executive Officer (Acting)

                                       
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

     Each person whose signature appears below constitutes Suzanne Hopgood 
for his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of 
substitution and resubstitution for him or her and in his or her name, place 
and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any or all Amendments 
(including post-effective Amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to 
file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection 
therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said 
attorneys-in-fact and agents, each acting alone, full power and authority to 
do and perform each and every act and thing appropriate or necessary to be 
done in connection therewith, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or 
she might or could do in person hereby ratifying and confirming all that said 
attorney-in-fact and agent, acting alone, or his or her substitute or 
substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this 
Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the 
capacities and on the dates indicated:

 /s/ JACOB C. BAUM             Director
 ---------------------------
          Jacob C. Baum                                      September 29, 1998

 /s/ BEN EVANS                 Director
 ---------------------------
          Ben Evans                                          September 29, 1998

 /s/ SUZANNE HOPGOOD           Director and Chief Executive 
 ---------------------------     Officer (Acting)
          Suzanne Hopgood                                    September 29, 1998


                                      59
<PAGE>

 /s/ DAMIEN KOVARY             Director
 ----------------------------
       Damien Kovary                                          September 29, 1998

 /s/ WILLIAM J. NIGHTINGALE    Director
 ----------------------------
       William J. Nightingale                                 September 29, 1998

 /s/ GILBERT C. OSNOS          Director
 ----------------------------
       Gilbert C. Osnos                                       September 29, 1998

 /s/ BARRY W. RIDINGS          Director
 ----------------------------
       Barry W. Ridings                                       September 29, 1998

 /s/ ALTON R. SMITH            Chief Financial and 
 ----------------------------    Accounting Officer
       Alton R. Smith                                         September 29, 1998


                                      60
<PAGE>

Exhibit 12.1

   
                         Statement re Computation of Ratios
                               (Dollars in thousands)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    TWENTY-SIX     TWENTY-SIX                       FISCAL YEARS ENDED:
                                       WEEKS          WEEKS       
                                       ENDED          ENDED       
                                      JUNE 30,       JULY 1,     Dec. 30,     Dec. 31,    Jan. 2,       Jan. 3,       Dec. 28, 
                                       1998           1997         1997         1996       1996          1995           1993
                                   -------------  ------------   ---------    --------   ---------     ---------     ---------
<S>                                <C>            <C>            <C>          <C>        <C>           <C>           <C>
Pre-tax income (loss) from
  continuing operations . . .          $4,500        $ (108)     $  (4,740)    $ 8,550    $(37,154)     $(19,710)     $(163,386)
Adjustments for fixed
  charges . . . . . . . . . .           1,887         1,974          3,968       3,878      30,185        27,695         26,593
                                       ------        ------      ---------     -------    --------      --------      ---------

Earnings (loss) . . . . . . .          $6,387        $1,866      $    (772)    $12,428    $ (6,969)     $  7,985      $(136,793)
                                       ------        ------      ---------     -------    --------      --------      ---------
                                       ------        ------      ---------     -------    --------      --------      ---------

Interest expense. . . . . . .          $  114        $  134      $     289     $   239    $ 26,209      $ 23,570      $  22,105

Interest factor in rental
  expense (1) . . . . . . . .           1,773         1,840          3,679       3,639       3,976         4,125          4,488
                                       ------        ------      ---------     -------    --------      --------      ---------

      Total fixed charges . .          $1,887        $1,974      $   3,968     $ 3,878    $ 30,185      $ 27,695      $  26,593
                                       ------        ------      ---------     -------    --------      --------      ---------
                                       ------        ------      ---------     -------    --------      --------      ---------
Ratio of earnings (loss)
  to fixed charges. . . . . .          3.38:1        0.95:1       (0.19):1      3.20:1    (0.23):1        0.29:1       (5.14):1
                                       ------        ------      ---------     -------    --------      --------      ---------
                                       ------        ------      ---------     -------    --------      --------      ---------

Amount of coverage
  deficiency. . . . . . . . .            n/a         $  108       $  4,740       n/a      $ 37,154      $ 19,710      $ 163,386
                                       ------        ------       --------     -------    --------      --------      ---------
                                       ------        ------       --------     -------    --------      --------      ---------
</TABLE>

(1)  Based on one-third of rental expense estimated to be the portion 
     attributable to interest.
    

                                      61

<PAGE>

                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
                                          


     We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Post-Effective 
amendment No. 4 to Registration Statement File No. 333-4578 of Cafeteria 
Operators, L.P. on Form S-3 to Form S-1 of our report dated March 28, 1996, 
appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Cafeteria Operators, L.P. for 
the year ended December 31, 1997, and to the reference to us under the 
heading "Experts" in the Prospectus, which is part of such Registration 
Statement.

                                       
                                       /s/  DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP             
                                       ---------------------------------------
                                       DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP


Dallas, Texas

September 29, 1998



<PAGE>

                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT






The Board of Directors
Cafeteria Operators, L.P.:
   
     We consent to the use of our report incorporated herein by reference, 
and to the reference to our firm under the heading "Experts" in the 
Prospectus.  Our report refers to a change in the method of accounting for 
impairment of long-lived assets and for long-lived assets to be disposed of.
    

                                       /s/ KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP              
                                       ---------------------------------------
                                       KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP


Dallas, Texas

September 29, 1998






© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission