<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM CAFETERIA
OPERATORS, L.P., INC. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF AND FOR THE PERIOD ENDED
SEPTEMBER 26, 2000 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> JAN-02-2001
<PERIOD-START> DEC-29-1999
<PERIOD-END> SEP-26-2000
<CASH> 2,249
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 1,221
<ALLOWANCES> 53
<INVENTORY> 6,712
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 11,343
<PP&E> 120,883
<DEPRECIATION> 63,525
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 80,501
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 24,741
<BONDS> 52,473
0
0
<COMMON> 0
<OTHER-SE> (11,247)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 80,501
<SALES> 145,549
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 145,549
<CGS> 42,869
<TOTAL-COSTS> 42,869
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 94,323
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 259
<INCOME-PRETAX> 8,098
<INCOME-TAX> 0
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 8,098
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 8,098
<EPS-BASIC> 0
<EPS-DILUTED> 0
</TABLE>