FAMOUS DAVE S OF AMERICA INC
10KSB, 2000-03-15
EATING PLACES
Previous: HANSBERGER INSTITUTIONAL SERIES, NSAR-B, 2000-03-15
Next: TIME WARNER INC/, 425, 2000-03-15



<PAGE>   1

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                                 ---------------
                                   FORM 10-KSB

       [X] ANNUAL REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES
                              EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

                  FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JANUARY 2, 2000 OR

       [ ] TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES
                              EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
                FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM         TO
                                               -------    --------

                         COMMISSION FILE NUMBER: 0-21625

                         FAMOUS DAVE'S OF AMERICA, INC.
                                  (Registrant)

              Minnesota                                   41-1782300
              (State or other jurisdiction                (IRS Employer
              of incorporation or organization)           Identification No.)
              7657 Anagram Dr.                            55344
              Eden Prairie, MN                            (Zip Code)
              (Address of principal executive offices)

              Issuer's telephone number: (612) 294-1300

 Securities to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act: None

 Securities to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act:
                          Common Stock, $.01 par value

     Check whether the issuer (1) filed all reports required to be filed by
Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act during the past 12 months (or
for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports),
and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

                              Yes [X]      No [ ]

     Check if there is no disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-B contained in this form, and no disclosure will be contained,
to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-KSB or any
amendment to this Form 10-KSB. [ ]

     The issuer had total revenues of $47,575,000 for its fiscal year ended
January 2, 2000.


     As of March 13, 2000, assuming as market value the price of $2.00 per share
(the last per share sales price of Famous Dave's of America, Inc.'s Common Stock
on The Nasdaq National Market(SM)), the aggregate market value of shares held by
non-affiliates was $14,477,720.

     As of March 13, 2000 we had outstanding 9,070,360 shares of Common Stock,
$.01 par value.

     Transitional Small Business Disclosure Format: Yes [ ] No [X]





                                       1


<PAGE>   2




    Documents Incorporated by Reference: Portions of our Proxy Statement for our
Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be conducted in June, 2000 (the "2000 Proxy
Statement") are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-KSB, to
the extent described in Part III. The 2000 Proxy Statement will be filed within
120 days after the end of the fiscal year ended January 2, 2000.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                                                  PAGE NO.
                                                                                                  --------
     PART I
     <S>                  <C>                                                                     <C>
     Item 1.              Description of Business                                                 3
     Item 2.              Description of Property                                                 7
     Item 3.              Legal Proceedings                                                       8
     Item 4.              Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders                     8

     PART II

     Item 5.              Market for Common Equity
                            And Related Stockholder Matters                                       9
     Item 6.              Management's Discussion and Analysis of Plan of Operations              10
     Item 7.              Consolidated Financial Statements                                       14
     Item 8.              Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants                           14
                            On Accounting and Financial Disclosure

     PART III

     Item 9.              Directors, Executive Officers, Promoters and Control
                            Persons; Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act            15
     Item 10.             Executive Compensation                                                  15
     Item 11.             Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management          15
     Item 12.             Certain Relationships and Related Transactions                          15
     Item 13.             Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K                                        15

     SIGNATURES                                                                                   16

</TABLE>






                                       2
<PAGE>   3


                                     PART I

ITEM 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

GENERAL

    Famous Dave's of America, Inc. ("Famous Dave's") was incorporated as a
Minnesota corporation in March 1994 and opened its first restaurant in
Minneapolis in June 1995. As of January 2, 2000, we operated twenty-eight
restaurants and two franchises under the name "Famous Dave's". Fourteen
restaurants were located in Minnesota, four in Wisconsin, three in Iowa, two in
Illinois, three in Maryland and one each in Nebraska and Virginia. Two
additional units are under construction in the Chicago area and are expected to
open in the first quarter of 2000.

THE FAMOUS DAVE'S CONCEPT

    Our restaurants, a majority of which offer full table service, feature
hickory smoked off-the-grill meat entree favorites served in one of our three
casual formats: a "Northwoods" style lodge, a nostalgic roadhouse "shack," or a
Blues Club featuring nightly musical entertainment. We seek to differentiate
ourselves by providing high-quality food in these distinctive and comfortable
environments. In May 1997, Nation's Restaurant News, a leading restaurant
industry publication, named Famous Dave's of America, Inc. a "1997 Hot Concept".

Key elements of our concept include the following:

         High Quality Food. Each restaurant features a distinctive selection of
authentic hickory-smoked off-the-grill favorites such as flame-grilled St.
Louis-style ribs, Texas beef brisket, Georgia chopped pork, country-roasted
chicken, and generous signature sandwiches and salads. Enticing side items such
as honey-buttered corn bread, potato salad, coleslaw, Shack Fries and Wilbur
(TM) Beans accompany the broad entree selection. Homemade desserts, including
Famous Dave's Bread Pudding and Hot Fudge Kahlua(TM) Brownies, are a specialty.
To complement our smoked meat entree and appetizer items and to suit different
customer tastes, Famous Dave's BBQ Sauces come in five variations: Rich &
Sassy(TM), Texas Pit(TM), Georgia Mustard(TM), Hot & Sassy(TM), and Devil's Spit
(TM). These sauces and a variety of prepared meats and seasonings are also
distributed throughout Famous Dave's territory as retail grocery items. In 1999,
retail sales of our products contributed revenue of about $2.5 million. We
believe that our high quality food is a principal point of differentiation
between Famous Dave's and other casual dining competitors and is a significant
contributing factor to our level of repeat business.

         Distinctive Environment -- Decor and Music. In late 1997, we introduced
the "Lodge" format which features decor reminiscent of a comfortable
"Northwoods" hunting lodge with a full service dining room and bar. By the end
of 1999, we operated four units under the Lodge format, including two locations
in the Minneapolis market, one in the metropolitan Chicago area and one in
Lincoln, Nebraska. Our original theme, a nostalgic roadhouse shack ("Shack") is
promoted by the abundant use of rustic antiques, items of Americana from the
'30s and '40s and emphasizes a very casual experience with emphasis on value and
speed of delivery. While initially the Shack format only offered counter
service, ten Shacks have been opened as or converted to full service dining. In
addition, we have developed a larger "Blues Club" format that features authentic
Chicago Blues Club decor and live music seven nights a week. We currently
operate one Blues Club in the Minneapolis market and one in downtown Chicago.

         Broad-Based Appeal. We believe that our concept has broader appeal than
many other restaurant concepts because it attracts customers of all ages and the
menu offers a variety of items that appeal to many tastes. We believe that our
distinctive concept, combined with our high-quality food, make Famous Dave's
appealing to children, teenagers and adults of all ages.

OPERATING STRATEGY

Key elements of our operating strategy include the following:

         Operational Simplicity. In our Shacks, we strive to emphasize value and
speed of service by employing a streamlined operating system based on a focused
menu and simplified food preparation techniques. The Shack menu focuses on a
number of popular smoked meat barbecue entree items and delicious side dishes
which are prepared using easy-to-operate kitchen equipment and processes that
use prepared seasonings, sauces and mixes. This streamlined food preparation
system helps lower the cost of operation by requiring fewer staff, lower
training costs and the elimination of a need for highly compensated



                                       3

<PAGE>   4


chefs. By controlling the number of menu items and using simplified food
preparation processes, meals can be served quickly and consistently. In the
Lodge restaurants, we seek to provide a broader menu that will appeal to a
variety of tastes and may be used on more frequent dining occasions. To enhance
our appeal and expand our audience, we have added such items as catfish fingers,
pork roast and garlic mashed potatoes. As the menu broadens and food preparation
techniques become more focused on meals prepared to order, an increased training
requirement is necessary in order to prepare our staff for increased
sophistication in guest service. Additional staff costs and training expense is
justified, we believe, by the greater revenue produced by the Lodge restaurants
when compared to Shack restaurants. During 1999, average weekly volume of Lodge
locations was $52,600 compared to $31,200 for Shack locations.

         Recruiting, Training and Retaining Employees. We believe that a key
component of the success of our concept rests with the ability to hire, train
and motivate qualified restaurant employees. We believe that by providing
training, competitive compensation and opportunities for employee involvement
and advancement, we encourage a sense of personal commitment from our employees.
In 1997, we instituted Hog Heaven University, which augments our technical
training with programs aimed at improving the personal development skills of our
managers. We believe that our competitive compensation, employee involvement and
streamlined operating system help enable us to attract and retain qualified
restaurant managers and employees.

         Take-out --- Focus on Customer Convenience. We seek to provide our
customers with maximum convenience by offering convenient take-out service in
addition to our lively and entertaining sit-down experience. We believe that
Famous Dave's entrees and side dishes are viewed by guests as traditional
American "picnic foods" that maintain their quality and travel particularly
well, making them an attractive choice to replace a home-cooked meal. We believe
the high quality, reasonable cost and avoidance of preparation time make
take-out of our product particularly attractive to customers, and more than 25%
of our restaurant revenues are derived from this method. Our restaurants have
been designed specifically to accommodate a significant level of take-out sales,
including a separate take-out counter. In addition, we have added a drive-thru
window to an existing counter-service shack and are evaluating its impact on
sales.

         Style of Service. A majority of our locations utilize a full-service
style of serving guests. Through 1997, all of our Shacks used a more limited,
counter-style of service with self-service seating and drink selection. In 1998,
four of these units were converted to full service locations, and six more
Shacks were opened as full service facilities. On December 31, 1999, we acquired
four additional full-service locations in the Washington D.C. area and plan to
convert them to Famous Daves' in fiscal 2000. We continue to evaluate the
advantages of the full-service format on a location by location basis.

         Customer Satisfaction. We believe that we have achieved a significant
level of repeat business by providing high-quality food and efficient friendly
service, in an entertaining environment at moderate prices. We strive to
maintain quality and consistency in each of our restaurants through the training
and supervision of personnel and the establishment of and adherence to high
standards of personnel performance, food preparation and facility maintenance.
We have also built family-friendly strategies into each restaurant's food,
service and design by providing children's menus, smaller-sized entrees at
reduced prices and changing tables in restrooms.

         Attractive Value-to-Price Relationship. Famous Dave's offers high
quality food and distinctive atmosphere at competitive prices to encourage
frequent patronage. Lunch and dinner entrees range from $5 to $18 resulting in
an average check of approximately $10.98 during fiscal 1999.

EXPANSION STRATEGY

         We believe that the casual dining niche of the restaurant industry
offers strong growth opportunities for us because this niche of the restaurant
market is highly fragmented. The key elements of our growth strategy include the
following:

         Targeted Expansion. We believe that there are significant growth
opportunities for Famous Dave's restaurants throughout the United States. We
generally intend to enter new markets with a Lodge restaurant in high-profile,
heavy traffic retail locations in order to build brand awareness. Next we would
develop the market further with additional restaurants. Certain of these
additional locations may be in less visible, less traveled neighborhoods and
retail locations, and may be in smaller seating configurations with less overall
seating than our standard Lodge facility. We currently plan to concentrate our
expansion primarily in markets where multiple restaurants can be opened, thereby
expanding consumer awareness and creating opportunities for operating,
distribution and marketing efficiencies. In late 1997, we opened our first Lodge
restaurant and currently anticipate using this format as our primary growth
vehicle. We anticipate opening six additional Lodge units in fiscal


                                       4

<PAGE>   5


2000 and plan to target our expansion in the Chicago market. We intend to
finance our development through the use of cash flow, funds available under
existing and future lines of credit, and through forms of real estate related
financing such as sale-leaseback financing, build to suit arrangements, and
other similar financing. On March 31, 1999 we closed on a sale-leaseback
financing transaction that provided net proceeds of approximately $4.4 million
and on January 21, 2000 completed a mortgage financing for approximately $3.7
million. There can be no assurance that any future financing will be available,
nor on terms acceptable to us.

         Flexible Unit Formats. Because of variable unit formats, we believe we
can tailor the Famous Dave's concept to a variety of markets, demographic areas
and real estate locations. Management believes the flexibility in building size,
type of construction and configuration, as well as a variable service structure,
permits locations in a variety of economic and demographic areas throughout
different markets.

FRANCHISE PROGRAM

    At January 2, 2000 we had two franchise units in operation, one each in
Minnesota and Wisconsin. We are currently pursuing a more aggressive franchise
program for our restaurants and anticipate that additional franchise units will
open during fiscal 2000.

RESTAURANT OPERATIONS - MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES

    Our ability to manage multiple, geographically diverse units will be central
to our overall success. Our management team includes experienced personnel with
extensive restaurant experience. At the unit level, we place specific emphasis
on the position of general manager ("General Manager") and seek employees with
significant restaurant experience and management expertise. We strive to
maintain quality and consistency in each of our units through the careful
training and supervision of personnel and the establishment of, and adherence
to, high standards relating to personnel performance, food and beverage
preparation, and maintenance of facilities. We attempt to attract high quality,
experienced restaurant management and personnel with competitive compensation
and bonus programs.

    All General Managers must complete a training program, during which they are
instructed in areas such as food quality and preparation, customer service, and
employee relations. We have prepared operations manuals relating to food and
beverage quality and service standards. New staff members participate in
approximately three weeks of training under the close supervision of our
management. We strive to instill enthusiasm and dedication in our employees and
regularly solicit employee suggestions concerning our operations and endeavors
in order to be responsive to employees' concerns. In addition, we have numerous
programs designed to recognize and reward employees for superior performance.
Staffing levels at each restaurant vary according to the time of day and size of
the restaurant. However, in general each Shack or Lodge unit has between 25 and
90 employees.

PURCHASING

    We strive to obtain consistent quality items at competitive prices from
reliable sources. In order to maximize operating efficiencies and to provide the
freshest ingredients for our food products while obtaining the lowest possible
prices for the required quality, each unit's management team determines the
daily quantities of food items needed and orders such quantities from major
suppliers designated by us which are then shipped directly to the restaurants.
Approximately 90% of the products used by Famous Dave's restaurants are obtained
under a supply arrangement with a major foodservice supplier. Included in the
distribution and supply arrangement is a provision to distribute pork and meat
products provided under a separate contract with a national meatpacking concern.
We entered into a revised contract with this supplier during 1998 that resulted
in the reduction of certain meat prices, particularly pork, for part of 1998 and
for a portion of 1999. During the early part of 1999, we modified this agreement
to include fixed prices on certain pork products which had fallen in price
during the contract term. We believe that our relationships with these two food
suppliers are excellent, and anticipate no interruption in the supply of product
delivered by either of these firms. In case of a supply disruption, however, we
believe we could obtain competitive products and prices on short notice from a
number of alternative suppliers.




                                       5

<PAGE>   6



MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS

    We have developed restaurant-level management information systems that
include a computerized point-of-sale system which facilitates the movement of
customer orders between the customer areas and kitchen operations, processes
credit card transactions, and provides management with revenue and other key
operating and financial information. We also use a time management system which
tracks the time worked by each employee, allowing management to more effectively
manage labor costs through better scheduling of employee work hours.

    Our unit-level point-of-sale, time management and inventory management
systems provide data for posting to our general ledger and to other accounting
subsystems. The general ledger system provides various management reports
comparing actual and budgeted results. The results are reported to and reviewed
by management. Such reporting includes (i) daily reports of revenues, (ii)
weekly reports of selected controllable unit expenses and (iii) detailed monthly
reports of revenues and expenses. We continue to develop and implement new
enhancements to our systems, and a number of new developments in communication,
food and labor cost management and unit level efficiency are among the
enhancements we are evaluating at the present time.

MARKETING AND PROMOTION

    To date, we have relied primarily upon publicity and "word of mouth"
advertising to attract customers to our restaurants. We also use distinctive
exterior signage and off-site billboards. Our 2000 business plan calls for the
expenditure of approximately 2.5% of revenues on all marketing and advertising
areas. In addition to these efforts in advertising and the limited public
relations and billboard activity undertaken by us, we have also attempted to
create brand awareness in the "Famous Dave's" name by offering items such as
Famous Dave's BBQ sauces and prepared entrees for retail sale at our restaurants
and in grocery stores in many of the markets we serve.

TRADEMARKS

    We have received various trademarks and have applied for registration of
additional service marks and intend to defend these marks. However, there can be
no assurance that we will be granted trademark registration for pending
applications or any or all of the proposed uses in our applications. In the
event our additional mark(s) are granted registration, there can be no assurance
that we can protect such mark(s) and design(s) against prior users in areas
where we conduct operations. There is also no assurance that we will be able to
prevent competitors from using the same or similar marks, concepts or
appearance.

COMPETITION

    Competition in the restaurant industry is intense. Famous Dave's restaurants
compete with moderately priced casual dining restaurants primarily on the basis
of quality of food and service, atmosphere, location and value. In addition to
existing themed and barbecue restaurants, we expect to face competition from
steakhouses and other restaurants featuring large portions of red meat. We also
compete with other restaurants and retail establishments for quality sites.
Competition in the food service industry is affected by changes in consumer
taste, economic and real estate conditions, demographic trends, traffic
patterns, the cost and availability of qualified labor, product availability and
local competitive factors.

    Many of our competitors are well established and have substantially greater
financial, marketing and other resources than Famous Dave's. Regional and
national restaurant companies continue to expand their operations in our current
and anticipated market areas. We believe our ability to compete effectively
depends on our ongoing ability to offer high-quality, competitively priced food
in a distinctive and comfortable environment.

GOVERNMENT REGULATION

    We are subject to extensive state and local government regulation by various
governmental agencies, including state and local licensing, zoning, land use,
construction and environmental regulations and various regulations relating to
the sale of food and alcoholic beverages, sanitation, disposal of refuse and
waste products, public health, safety and fire standards. Our restaurants are
subject to periodic inspections by governmental agencies to ensure conformity
with such regulations. Any difficulty or failure to obtain required licensing or
other regulatory approvals could delay or prevent the opening of a new
restaurant, and the suspension of, or inability to renew, a license could
interrupt operations at an existing restaurant, any of




                                       6
<PAGE>   7

which would adversely affect our operations. Restaurant operating costs are also
affected by other government actions that are beyond our control, including
increases in the minimum hourly wage requirements, workers compensation
insurance rates, health care insurance costs and unemployment and other taxes.
We are also subject to "dram shop" statutes, which generally provide a person
injured by an intoxicated person the right to recover damages from an
establishment that wrongfully served alcoholic beverages to the intoxicated
persons.

    To the extent that Famous Dave's offers and sells franchises, we are also
subject to federal regulation and certain state laws that govern the offer and
sale of franchises. Many state franchise laws impose substantive requirements on
franchise agreements, including limitations on non-competition provisions and
the termination or nonrenewal of a franchise. Bills have been introduced in
Congress from time to time that would provide for federal regulation of
substantive aspects of the franchiser-franchisee relationship. As proposed, such
legislation would limit, among other things, the duration and scope of
non-competition provisions, the ability of a franchiser to terminate or refuse
to renew a franchise, and the ability of a franchiser to designate sources of
supply.

    The Federal Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination on the
basis of disability in public accommodations and employment. We could be
required to expend funds to modify our restaurants in order to provide service
to or make reasonable accommodations for disabled persons. Our restaurants are
currently designed to be accessible to the disabled. We believe we are in
substantial compliance with all current applicable regulations relating to
accommodations for the disabled.

EMPLOYEES

    As of January 2, 2000, Famous Dave's had approximately 1,300 employees,
approximately 29% of which were full-time. None of our employees are covered by
a collective bargaining agreement. Management believes that our relationships
with our employees are satisfactory.







ITEM 2. DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY

    The following table sets forth certain information about our existing
company-owned restaurant locations and locations in development as of January 2,
2000:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                 SQUARE       INTERIOR     LAND OWNED      DATE OPENED OR
              LOCATION               FORMAT     FOOTAGE         SEATS       OR LEASED   PLANNED TO BE OPENED
  ---------------------------        ------     -------         -----       ---------   --------------------
<S>                                  <C>        <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>
   Linden Hills, Minneapolis, MN      Shack      2,900           60          Leased           June 1995
   Roseville, MN                      Shack      4,800           105         Leased           June 1996
   Calhoun Square, Minneapolis, MN    Club       10,500          380         Leased        September 1996
   Maple Grove, MN                    Shack      5,200           125         Owned**         April 1997
   Highland Park, St. Paul, MN        Shack      5,200           125         Leased           June 1997
   Stillwater, MN                     Shack      5,200           130         Owned**          July 1997
   Apple Valley, MN                   Shack      3,800           90          Owned**          July 1997
   Madison, WI                        Shack      4,800           95          Leased          August 1997
   Grand Chute, WI (Appleton, WI)     Shack      2,900           80           Owned         October 1997
   Forest Lake, MN                    Shack      4,500           100         Leased         October 1997
   LaCrosse, WI                       Shack      3,800           95           Owned         December 1997
   Minnetonka, MN                     Lodge      5,500           140         Leased         December 1997
   Plymouth, MN                       Shack      2,100           20          Leased         December 1997
   West St. Paul, MN                  Shack      6,800           140         Leased         January 1998
   Rochester, MN                      Shack      5,200           140         Leased         February 1998
   Janesville, WI                     Shack      5,200           130         Leased          March 1998
   West Des Moines, IA                Shack      5,500           150         Leased          April 1998
   Des Moines, IA                     Shack      5,800           150         Leased          April 1998
   Naperville, IL                     Lodge      5,500           170         Leased          April 1998
   Cedar Falls, IA                    Shack      5,400           130         Leased        September 1998
   Bloomington, MN                    Shack      5,400           140         Leased         October 1998
   Woodbury, MN                       Lodge      5,900           180          Owned         October 1998
   Chicago, IL                        Club       17,000          450         Leased           May 1999
</TABLE>




                                       7

<PAGE>   8

<TABLE>


   <S>                                <C>        <C>             <C>        <C>             <C>
   Lincoln, NE                        Lodge      6,300           190          Owned         December 1999
   Columbia, MD                       Shack      7,200           270         Leased         January 2000
   Annapolis, MD                      Shack      7,000           210         Leased         January 2000
   Frederick, MD                      Shack      5,600           180         Leased         January 2000
   Woodbridge, VA                     Shack      5,600           190         Leased         January 2000
   Vernon Hills, IL                   Lodge      6,600           230         Leased         February 2000
   Addison, IL                        Lodge      4,700*          140*         Owned          March 2000*
</TABLE>

All seat count and square footage amounts are approximate
*Estimated
** Unit is collateral in a sale-leaseback financing

    The development cost of our restaurants varies depending primarily on the
size and style of the restaurant and whether it is a conversion of an existing
building or a newly constructed unit. Since inception and through fiscal 1999,
the development cost of existing shack or lodge restaurants has ranged from
approximately $700,000 to $2,350,000 per restaurant for conversions ranging in
size from 2,900 square feet to 5,500 square feet and $1,670,000 to $2,400,000
per restaurant for new construction ranging in size from 4,500 square feet to
5,500 square feet. Such development cost includes construction, fixtures,
furniture and equipment, and pre-opening costs, but does not include the cost of
purchased land as it has been our general practice to lease the majority of our
sites. The development cost of the existing 10,500 square foot Blues Club in
Minneapolis was approximately $2.8 million, including pre-opening expenses of
approximately $180,000. Development of the Chicago Blues Club cost an estimated
$6.9 million including approximately $482,000 for pre-opening expense.

    There can be no assurances that units planned for 2000 and later will open
when planned, or at all, due to the risks associated with the development of new
units, such as governmental approvals and the availability of capital, many of
which are beyond our control.

    Famous Dave's leased restaurant facilities are occupied under agreements
with terms ranging from seven to 15 years, excluding renewal options. Such
leases generally provide for fixed rental payments plus operating expenses
associated with the properties. Our executive offices are located in
approximately 12,500 square feet in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, under a lease
expiring in 2003.


ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

    We are not a party to any material litigation and are not aware of any
threatened litigation that would have a material adverse effect on our business.


ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

    No matter was submitted to a vote of our security holders during the fourth
quarter of the fiscal year ended January 2, 2000.




                                       8
<PAGE>   9


                                     PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK

    Our Common Stock is traded on the Nasdaq National Market(SM) under the
symbol DAVE. Our Common Stock was quoted on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market from
November 5, 1996 through July 24, 1997 and the Nasdaq National Market after July
24, 1997.

    The following table summarizes the high and low sale prices per share of the
Common Stock for the periods indicated, as reported on the Nasdaq National
Market(SM):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                            1998          HIGH    LOW
                                       -----------       -----   -----
                                       <S>               <C>     <C>
                                       1st Quarter        9.00    5.50
                                       2nd Quarter        7.06    4.75
                                       3rd Quarter        5.13    2.50
                                       4th Quarter        4.50    1.75
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            1999          HIGH    LOW
                                       -----------       -----   -----
                                       <S>               <C>     <C>
                                       1st Quarter        3.75    2.25
                                       2nd Quarter        3.56    2.19
                                       3rd Quarter        3.06    1.84
                                       4th Quarter        2.44    1.69
</TABLE>


    On March 13, 2000, the last reported sale price for the Common Stock was
$2.00 per share. As of March 13, 2000, we had 411 record holders of Common Stock
plus an estimated 6,200 additional beneficial shareholders.

    In October and November 1996, we sold 2,645,000 Units in our initial public
offering at an offering price of $6.50 per Unit and received net proceeds from
the offering of approximately $15.2 million. Each Unit consisted of one share of
Common Stock and one Redeemable Class A Warrant which entitled the holder to
purchase one share of Common Stock at $8.50 per share. During July 1997,
2,637,840 of the outstanding 2,645,000 warrants were exercised, and we issued an
additional 2,637,840 shares and received net proceeds totaling approximately
$22.3 million.

    Famous Dave's Board of Directors has not declared any dividends on our
Common Stock since its inception, and does not intend to pay out any cash
dividends on its Common Stock in the foreseeable future. The Board of Directors
presently intends to retain all earnings, if any, to finance the development and
opening of additional Units. The payment of cash dividends in the future, if
any, will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors and will depend upon
such factors as earnings levels, capital requirements, our financial condition
and other factors deemed relevant by the Board of Directors.

RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES

         On December 31, 1999, we completed the acquisition of four restaurants
known as "Red River Barbeque and Grille". The purchase was completed in part
through the issuance of 211,389 shares of our common stock valued at $2.03 per
share. Of these shares, 40,000 were issued into escrow to secure certain of the
Seller's obligations under the asset purchase agreement governing the
acquisition. We also issued warrants to purchase an aggregate of 200,000 shares
of our common stock. The exercise price of such warrants is $5.00 with respect
to 66,666 shares, $6.00 with respect to 66,667 shares and $7.00 with respect to
66,677 shares. We claimed exemption from registration under Section 4(2) of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, based on the belief by the Company that the
transaction did not involve any public offering. We have undertaken to register
the shares issued in connection with the acquisition and the shares issuable
upon exercise of the warrants. In that regard, we filed a registration statement
on Form S-3 covering such shares with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
January 25, 2000. This registration statement has not yet been declared
effective by the SEC.



                                       9

<PAGE>   10


ITEM 6. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF PLAN OF OPERATIONS

OVERVIEW

    The business of Famous Dave's of America, Inc. is to develop, operate and/or
franchise casual dining restaurants under the name "Famous Dave's". As of
January 2, 2000, we owned and operated twenty-four restaurants in the Midwest:
fourteen in Minnesota, four in Wisconsin, three in Iowa, two in Illinois and one
in Nebraska. On December 31, 1999 we acquired four Red River Barbeque and Grille
restaurants in the Washington D.C. area and plan to convert them to Famous
Dave's by June 2000. In addition to these twenty-eight restaurants, we have two
additional units in development in the Chicago area and two restaurants
operating in Minnesota and Wisconsin under franchise agreements.

    Our future additional revenues and profits will depend upon various factors,
including additional market acceptance of the Famous Dave's concept, the quality
of the restaurant operations, the ability to successfully expand into new
markets, our ability to raise additional financing as required and general
economic conditions. There can be no assurance we will successfully implement
our expansion plans, in which case we will continue to be dependent on revenues
from existing operations. We also face all of the risks, expenses and
difficulties frequently encountered in the development of an expanding business.
Furthermore, to the extent that our expansion strategy is successful, we must
manage the transition to multiple-site and higher-volume operations, the control
of overhead expenses and the addition and retention of necessary personnel.

    Components of operating expenses include operating payroll and employee
benefits, occupancy costs, repair and maintenance, and advertising and
promotion. Certain of these costs are variable and will increase with sales
volume. The primary fixed costs are corporate and restaurant management and
occupancy costs. Our experience is that when a new restaurant opens, it incurs
higher than normal levels of labor and food costs until operations stabilize,
usually during the first three months of operation. As restaurant management and
staff gain experience following the opening, labor scheduling, food cost
management and operating expense control are improved to levels similar to those
at our more established restaurants.

    General and administrative expenses include all corporate and administrative
functions that serve to support existing operations and provide an
infrastructure to support future growth. Management, supervisory and staff
salaries, employee benefits, travel, rent, depreciation, general insurance and
marketing expenses are major items in this category.

    As of January 1, 1996, we elected a 52 or 53 week fiscal year ending on the
Sunday nearest December 31. Before January 1, 1996, we used a fiscal year ending
on December 31. Fiscal 1998 was a 53-week year and fiscal 1999 was a 52 week
year.

    We were formed in March 1994 and opened our first restaurant in Minneapolis
in June 1995. Through January 2, 2000, we operated a total of twenty-eight
restaurants and franchised two locations.


OPERATING RESULTS

    Overall results of operations for the 52 weeks ended January 2, 2000 reflect
the opening of two new units during fiscal 1999 and charges to earnings
($5.7 million) taken in the fourth quarter of 1999 for impairment charges on
certain locations, severance payments and other miscellaneous expenses. Our
overall operating results for fiscal 1999 and fiscal 1998, expressed as a
percentage of net revenue, were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                        FISCAL YEARS ENDED
                                                                        ------------------
                                                                     JANUARY 2,     JANUARY 3,
                                                                        2000           1999
                                                                        ----           ----
                <S>                                                  <C>            <C>
                Revenue, Net.........................                  100.0           100.0

                Unit-Level Costs and Expenses:
                  Food and Beverage Costs............                   33.8            35.6
                  Labor and Benefits.................                   27.9            26.7
                  Operating Expenses.................                   24.0            21.6
                  Depreciation and Amortization......                    5.8             5.4
                  Pre-opening Expenses...............                    1.2             3.3
                                                                         ---             ---
                     Total Costs and Expenses........                   92.7            92.6
                                                                        ----            ----

                Income from Unit-level Operations....                    7.3             7.4
</TABLE>




                                       10
<PAGE>   11


<TABLE>



                <S>                                                 <C>            <C>
                General and Administrative Expenses..............       8.9            15.8
                Impairment Reserve on Restaurants and Other
                Assets...........................................      11.6             3.9
                Loss from Operations.............................     (13.2)          (12.3)

                Interest and Other Income (Expense)..............      (0.7)            0.7
                Net Loss Before Cumulative Effect of Change in
                Accounting Principle.............................     (13.9)          (11.6)
                Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting
                Principle........................................      (0.0)           (0.3)

                Net Loss.........................................     (13.9)          (11.9)
                                                                     ======          ======
</TABLE>


    A breakdown of our restaurant and non-restaurant operating results is as
follows (amounts in $000's):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                              FISCAL YEAR ENDED JANUARY 2, 2000
                                                              ---------------------------------
                                          Restaurant Operations   Non-restaurant Operations    Total Company
                                          ---------------------   -------------------------    -------------
                                                      % of Net                 % of Net                % of Net
                                            Amount     Revenue      Amount      Revenue      Amount     Revenue
                                            ------     -------      ------      -------      ------     -------
<S>                                         <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>       <C>
Revenue, Net.........................       44,659      100.0        2,916       100.0       47,575      100.0
                                            ------      -----        -----       -----       ------      -----
Unit-Level Costs and Expenses:
  Food and Beverage Costs............       14,363       32.1        1,718        58.9       16,081       33.8
  Labor and Benefits.................       12,963       29.0          323        11.1       13,286       27.9
  Operating Expenses.................       10,794       24.2          626        21.4       11,420       24.0
  Depreciation and Amortization......        2,723        6.1            2         0.1        2,725        5.8
  Pre-opening Expenses...............          573        1.3            0         0.0          573        1.2
                                               ---        ---            -         ---          ---        ---
     Total Costs and Expenses........       41,416       92.7        2,669        91.5       44,085       92.7
                                            ------       ----        -----        ----       ------       ----

Income from Unit-level Operations....        3,243        7.3          247         8.5        3,490        7.3
                                             -----        ---          ---         ---        -----        ---
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                             FISCAL YEAR ENDED JANUARY 3, 1999
                                                             ---------------------------------
                                          Restaurant Operations   Non-restaurant Operations     Total Company
                                          ---------------------   -------------------------     -------------
                                                      % of Net                 % of Net                % of Net
                                            Amount     Revenue      Amount      Revenue      Amount     Revenue
                                            ------     -------      ------      -------      ------     -------
<S>                                         <C>       <C>           <C>        <C>           <C>       <C>
Revenue, Net.........................       38,517      100.0        2,244       100.0       40,761      100.0
                                            ------      -----        -----       -----       ------      -----
Unit-Level Costs and Expenses:
  Food and Beverage Costs............       13,139       34.1        1,364        60.8       14,503       35.6
  Labor and Benefits.................       10,677       27.7          225        10.1       10,902       26.7
  Operating Expenses.................        8,172       21.2          635        28.3        8,807       21.6
  Depreciation and Amortization......        2,178        5.7            3         0.1        2,181        5.4
  Pre-opening Expenses...............        1,326        3.4            0         0.0        1,326        3.3
                                             -----        ---            -         ---        -----        ---
     Total Costs and Expenses........       35,492       92.1        2,227        99.3       37,719       92.6
                                            ------       ----        -----        ----       ------       ----

Income from Unit-level Operations....        3,025        7.9           17         0.7        3,042        7.4
                                             -----        ---           --         ---        -----        ---
</TABLE>




    Our non-restaurant revenues consist primarily of retail grocery and special
event sales in fiscal 1999 and fiscal 1998.

FISCAL YEAR 1999 COMPARED TO FISCAL YEAR 1998

    Net Revenue -- Net revenue increased by $6,814,000 or 16.7% to $47,575,000
for the year ended January 2, 2000 from $40,761,000 for the year ended January
3, 1999. The increase in revenue was due primarily to an additional two
restaurants opened during fiscal 1999, adding to the base of twenty-two
restaurants open as of January 3, 1999 (approximately $2.4 million of the
increase), the contribution of a full year of revenue from restaurants which
were open for only part of 1998 (approximately $4.8 million of the increase) and
an increase in non-restaurant revenues (approximately $673,000 of the increase)
offset by a decline in revenue from restaurants open for all of both periods
(approximately $511,000) and the lost revenue from two restaurants closed in
1998 (approximately $527,000). Because of the 1999 restaurant openings, and
expected additional restaurant openings in 2000, we anticipate net revenue and
operating costs and expenses to continue to increase during fiscal 2000. We had
no material menu price increases during fiscal 1999.




                                       11


<PAGE>   12


    Same Store Sales -- It is our policy to include in our same store sales base
restaurants that have been open more than eighteen months. During fiscal 1999,
there were nineteen restaurants included in this base. Same store sales for
fiscal 1999 increased approximately 2.6% compared to fiscal 1998's decrease of
approximately 17.5%. Management is encouraged by the increases as sales were
largely unaided by media advertising.

    Average Weekly Sales -- Average weekly sales from restaurant operations
decreased from $38,100 in fiscal 1998 to $37,750 in fiscal 1999. Restaurant
operating weeks during fiscal 1998 totaled 1,011 compared to 1,183 in fiscal
1999. Average weekly sales at units opened outside of the Minneapolis/St. Paul
market have generally been higher than sales at units within the Minneapolis/St.
Paul area which management finds encouraging as it expands into new markets.

    Food and Beverage Costs -- Food and beverage costs for fiscal 1999 were
$16,081,000 or 33.8% of net revenue compared to $14,503,000 or 35.6% for fiscal
1998. The decrease in food and beverage costs as a percent of net revenue was
primarily due to improved purchasing economies including contract pricing of
certain pork items and an increase in liquor sales, partially offset by costs
associated with increased sales of lower margin retail grocery items.

    Labor and Benefits -- Labor and benefits were $13,286,000 or 27.9% of net
revenue in fiscal 1999 compared to $10,902,000 or 26.7% of net revenue in fiscal
1998. The increase in labor and benefits as a percent of net revenue was
primarily attributable to the introduction of full table service in several
restaurants that were formerly counter service shacks as well as a heightened
emphasis on training and execution in our restaurants. Full service restaurants
that operate in states without a "tip credit" (such as Minnesota) experience a
higher wage rate for dining room labor than do restaurants located in states
where a tip credit is available to reduce wages paid to foodservers. The
migration toward full service dining in most of our restaurants is part of our
strategy for increasing unit-level revenue, but does result in higher labor
costs.

    Operating Expenses -- Operating expenses for fiscal 1999 were $11,420,000 or
24.0% of net revenue compared to $8,807,000 or 21.6% of net revenue for fiscal
1998. The increase in operating expenses both in amount and as a percent of net
revenue in fiscal 1999 compared to fiscal 1998 is primarily due to increases in
fixed expenses such as rent and real estate taxes, the marketing expenses
allocated to the restaurants and other operating costs, such as entertainment
expenses at the Blues Clubs.

    Depreciation and Amortization -- Unit-level depreciation and amortization
for fiscal 1999 was $2,725,000 or 5.8% of net revenue compared to $2,181,000 or
5.4% of net revenue for fiscal 1998. The increase in unit-level depreciation and
amortization as a percent of net revenue is due primarily to higher depreciation
expense resulting from increased construction costs of new units opened in
fiscal 1999 including the Chicago Blues Club and a full year's depreciation from
locations open only part of fiscal 1998.

    Pre-opening Expenses -- Pre-opening expenses were $573,000 or 1.2% of net
revenue for fiscal 1999 compared to $1,326,000 or 3.3% of net revenue for fiscal
1998. These expenses reflect the opening of two new restaurants in fiscal 1999
compared to the opening of ten new restaurants in fiscal 1998.

    Income from Unit-level Operations -- Income from unit-level operations
totaled $3,490,000 or 7.3% of net revenue for fiscal 1999 compared to $3,042,000
or 7.4% of net revenue for fiscal 1998. Income from unit-level operations
represents income from operations before general and administrative expenses.
Although income from unit-level operations should not be considered an
alternative to income/loss from operations as a measure of our operating
performance, such unit-level measurement is commonly used as an additional
measure of operating performance in the restaurant industry and certain related
industries. The change in income from unit-level operations, in amount from 1998
to 1999 is primarily attributable to the increase in net revenue both from
existing units and additional units opened. Other changes in costs and expenses
discussed above also contributed to the change in income from unit-level
operations.

    General and Administrative Expenses -- General and administrative expenses
decreased to $4,254,000 or 8.9% of net revenue in fiscal 1999 from $6,451,000 or
15.8% of net revenue in fiscal 1998. Included in the 1999 amount is $147,000
associated with severance and restructuring charges taken in the fourth quarter,
compared to the 1998 amount which includes $1,146,000 for severance and
restructuring costs recorded in the first quarter of that year. Without these
charges, general and administrative expense would still have been significantly
less ($1,198,000 or 4.4%) in fiscal 1999 than in the preceding year. The
reduction in general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net revenue
reflects increased revenue and the adjustment of our corporate infrastructure to
a reduced level which management believes is appropriate to support current,
more controlled plans for expansion.



                                       12


<PAGE>   13


    Loss From Operations -- Loss from operations totaled ($6,277,000) or (13.2%)
of net revenue for fiscal 1999 compared to ($4,997,000) or (12.3%) of net
revenue for fiscal 1998. The loss from operations in 1999 reflects approximately
$5.7 million in expenses associated with impairment charges on certain
restaurants, severance payments and other miscellaneous expenses taken in the
fourth quarter of fiscal 1999. This compares to the loss from operations in
fiscal 1998 which included approximately $2.7 million in expenses associated
with a provision for disposition of two restaurants and severance and
restructuring charges taken in the first quarter of 1998. Excluding these
special provisions, the comparable loss from operations for fiscal 1999 is
($617,000) or (1.3%) compared to a loss of ($2,263,000) or (5.6%) for fiscal
1998.

    Interest and Other Income (Expense), Net -- Interest and other income
(expense), net, which primarily represents interest income from short-term
investments and franchise income offset by interest expense on capital lease
obligations and notes payable, totaled ($333,000) for fiscal 1999 compared to
$288,000 for fiscal 1998. The decrease from fiscal 1998 to fiscal 1999 was due
primarily to the reduced level of short-term investments in 1999 and an increase
in interest expense on a sale-leaseback transaction and a line of credit.

    Net Loss/Net Loss per Share -- Net loss for fiscal 1999 was ($6,610,000)
compared to ($4,829,000) for fiscal 1998. Basic and diluted net loss per common
share was ($0.75) for fiscal 1999 compared to ($0.55) for fiscal 1998. The
increase in the net loss in 1999 compared to 1998 is due to the accounting
charges taken in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1999 for impairment charges on
certain restaurants, severance payments and other miscellaneous expenses.
Exclusive of the accounting charges taken in fiscal 1999 and fiscal 1998, the
comparable loss would have been ($950,000) or ($0.11) for fiscal 1999 and
($2,095,000) or ($0.24) for fiscal 1998.

FINANCIAL CONDITION, LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

    As of January 2, 2000, we held cash and short-term investments of
approximately $1.7 million compared to $3.6 million as of January 3, 1999. As
reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial statements, this decrease
in cash and short-term investments during the fifty-two weeks ended January 2,
2000 primarily represents cash used for the purchase and/or development of
property, equipment and leasehold improvements (approximately $8.4 million).

    At January 2, 2000, we were a party to a credit agreement with a bank which
provided approximately $3.1 million of borrowing capability to us, of which
$3,050,000 was outstanding at year end. This facility is secured by
substantially all of our property, and in addition is guaranteed by and secured
by certain of the assets of our Chairman, David Anderson. For fiscal year 2000,
the credit agreement carries an interest rate of 4% above the Prime Rate, and
provides for borrowing up to a maximum of 50% of the value of a collateral pool
which consists of our property and certain of the property pledged to secure the
credit agreement by Mr. Anderson. The credit agreement matures in April, 2000.

    On March 31, 1999 we closed on a sale-leaseback financing transaction that
provided net proceeds of approximately $4.4 million.

    On January 21, 2000 we closed on a mortgage financing that provided proceeds
of approximately $3.7 million for continued development of company-owned
restaurants.

    To continue our expansion, we anticipate that additional financing will be
required during fiscal 2000. We anticipate that future development and expansion
will be funded or financed primarily through cash and short-term investments
currently held, proceeds from the sale of additional equity and/or debt
securities, and proceeds from other forms of financing such as lease financing
or other credit facilities. However, there are no assurances that additional
financing required for expansion will be available on terms acceptable or
favorable to us.

INCOME TAXES

    At January 2, 2000, we had federal and state net operating loss
carryforwards ("NOL's") for tax reporting purposes of approximately $16.3
million, which if not used will begin to expire in 2011. Future changes in
ownership, if any, may place limitations on the use of these NOL's. We have
recorded a full valuation allowance against the deferred tax asset related to
the NOL's due to the uncertainty of realizing the related benefit.






                                       13

<PAGE>   14


QUARTERLY FLUCTUATIONS, SEASONALITY AND INFLATION

    Our units typically generate higher revenues in the second and third
quarters and lower revenues in the first and fourth quarters as a result of
seasonal traffic increases experienced during the summer months, and possible
adverse weather which can disrupt customer and employee transportation to our
restaurants.

    The primary inflationary factors affecting our operations include food and
beverage and labor costs. In addition, our leases require us to pay taxes,
maintenance, repairs and utilities and these costs are subject to inflationary
increases. In addition, we are subject to interest rate changes based on market
conditions.

    We believe low inflation rates have contributed to relatively stable costs.
There is no assurance, however, that low inflation rates will continue.

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    Certain Statements in this Form 10-KSB constitute "Forward-Looking
Statements" within the meaning of the private securities litigation reform act
of 1995 (the "Reform Act"). Such Forward-Looking statements involve known and
unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause our actual
results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future
results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such
forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the following:
additional market acceptance of the Famous Dave's concept; our ability to
successfully expand into new markets; our ability to execute our expansion
strategy; changes in business strategy or development plans; availability and
terms of capital; changes in costs of food, labor, and employee benefits;
changes in government regulations; competition; availability of locations and
terms of sites for restaurant development; development and operating costs;
advertising and promotional efforts; brand awareness and other factors
referenced in this Form 10-KSB.

ITEM 7. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

    The consolidated financial statements of Famous Dave's of America, Inc. are
included herein following the signatures, beginning at page F-1.

ITEM 8. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None





                                       14
<PAGE>   15


                                    PART III

ITEM 9. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, PROMOTERS AND CONTROL PERSONS; COMPLIANCE
WITH SECTION 16(A) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT

    Information in response to this Item is incorporated herein by reference to
our definitive proxy statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14 A within
120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this form 10-KSB.

ITEM 10. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

    Information in response to this Item is incorporated herein by reference to
our definitive proxy statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14 A within
120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this form 10-KSB.

ITEM 11. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

    Information in response to this Item is incorporated herein by reference to
our definitive proxy statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14 A within
120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this form 10-KSB.

ITEM 12. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

    Information in response to this Item is incorporated herein by reference to
our definitive proxy statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14 A within
120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this form 10-KSB.

ITEM 13. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

    (a) Exhibits.

        See "exhibit index" on the page following the Consolidated Financial
        Statements.

    (b) Reports on Form 8-K.

        None.




                                       15
<PAGE>   16


SIGNATURES

         In accordance with Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, the registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

                                   FAMOUS DAVE'S OF AMERICA, INC.
                                   ("REGISTRANT")


Dated: March 15, 2000               By  /s/ Martin J. O'Dowd
                                       --------------------------------------
                                       Martin J. O'Dowd
                                       Chief Executive Officer, President
                                       and Secretary



         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
this report has been signed on March 15, 2000 by the following persons on behalf
of the Registrant, in the capacities indicated.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

              SIGNATURE                          TITLE

              <S>                       <C>
              /s/ David W. Anderson     Chairman of the Board
              ----------------------
              David W. Anderson

              /s/Martin J. O'Dowd       Chief Executive Officer, President,
              ----------------------    Secretary and Director (principal executive
              Martin J. O'Dowd          officer and principal financial officer)

              /s/Steven A. Sekely       Corporate Controller (principal accounting
              ----------------------    officer)
              Steven A. Sekely

              /s/ Thomas J. Brosig      Director
              ----------------------
              Thomas J. Brosig

              /s/ Richard L. Monfort    Director
              ----------------------
              Richard L. Monfort
</TABLE>




                                       16
<PAGE>   17


  Item 7. Financial Statements








                    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS




To Famous Dave's of America, Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Famous Dave's of
America, Inc. and subsidiaries as of January 2, 2000 and January 3, 1999, and
the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity and cash
flows for the years then ended. These consolidated financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are
free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Famous Dave's of
America, Inc. and subsidiaries as of January 2, 2000 and January 3, 1999, and
the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended,
in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.



                                                  LUND KOEHLER COX & ARKEMA, LLP

Minneapolis, Minnesota
February 1, 2000







                                       F-1


<PAGE>   18


                 FAMOUS DAVE'S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                       JANUARY 2, 2000 AND JANUARY 3, 1999
                      (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                          1999              1998
                                                                                       ------------    -------------
                                                       ASSETS
<S>                                                                                    <C>             <C>
CURRENT ASSETS:
  Cash and cash equivalents                                                            $      1,712    $       1,951
  Securities available-for-sale                                                                   0            1,624
  Inventories                                                                                 1,108              908
  Prepaids and other current assets                                                           1,249              824
                                                                                       -------------   --------------
     Total current assets                                                                     4,069            5,307

PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT AND LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS, NET                                          38,742           35,576

OTHER ASSETS:
  Deposits                                                                                      315              286
  Debt issuance costs                                                                           200                0
                                                                                       -------------   --------------

                                                                                       $     43,326    $      41,169
                                                                                       =============   ==============

                                               LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
  Line of credit                                                                       $      3,050    $         683
  Current portion of capital lease obligations                                                1,026              403
  Accounts payable                                                                            4,220            4,173
  Accrued payroll and related taxes                                                             807              571
  Other current liabilities                                                                   2,136            1,266
                                                                                       -------------   --------------
     Total current liabilities                                                               11,239            7,096

FINANCING LEASE OBLIGATION                                                                    4,500                0

CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATIONS, NET OF CURRENT PORTION                                               577            1,000
                                                                                       -------------   --------------
     Total liabilities                                                                       16,316            8,096
                                                                                       -------------   --------------

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (NOTE 14)

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
  Common stock, $.01 par value, 100,000 shares authorized,
   9,055 and 8,838 shares issued and outstanding                                                 91               88
  Additional paid-in capital                                                                 43,265           42,721
  Accumulated deficit                                                                       (16,346)          (9,736)
                                                                                       -------------   --------------
     Total shareholders' equity                                                              27,010           33,073
                                                                                       -------------   --------------

                                                                                       $     43,326    $      41,169
                                                                                       =============   ==============
</TABLE>




          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                      F-2
<PAGE>   19


                 FAMOUS DAVE'S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
             FOR THE YEARS ENDED JANUARY 2, 2000 AND JANUARY 3, 1999
                      (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                                1999            1998
                                                                                            ------------    -----------
<S>                                                                                         <C>             <C>
REVENUES, NET                                                                               $     47,575    $    40,761
                                                                                            ------------    -----------

COSTS AND EXPENSES:
  Food and beverage costs                                                                         16,081         14,503
  Labor and benefits                                                                              13,286         10,902
  Operating expenses                                                                              11,420          8,807
  Depreciation and amortization                                                                    2,725          2,181
  Pre-opening expenses                                                                               573          1,326
  Impairment reserve on restaurants and other assets                                               5,513          1,588
  General and administrative                                                                       4,254          6,451
                                                                                            ------------   ------------
     Total costs and expenses                                                                     53,852         45,758
                                                                                            ------------   ------------

LOSS FROM OPERATIONS                                                                              (6,277)        (4,997)
                                                                                            ------------   ------------

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
  Interest income                                                                                     59            407
  Interest expense                                                                                  (446)          (146)
  Gain on sale of property                                                                             0              7
  Franchise income                                                                                    54             20
                                                                                            ------------   ------------
     Total other income (expense)                                                                   (333)           288
                                                                                            ------------   ------------

LOSS BEFORE CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE                                   (6,610)        (4,709)

CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE                                                    0           (120)
                                                                                            ------------   ------------

NET LOSS                                                                                    $     (6,610)  $     (4,829)
                                                                                            ============   ============

BASIC AND DILUTED NET LOSS PER COMMON SHARE BEFORE CUMULATIVE EFFECT
OF CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE                                                           $      (0.75)  $      (0.53)
                                                                                            ============   ============

BASIC AND DILUTED NET LOSS PER COMMON SHARE                                                 $      (0.75)  $      (0.55)
                                                                                            ============   ============

SHARES USED IN COMPUTING BASIC AND DILUTED NET LOSS PER COMMON SHARE                               8,842          8,813
                                                                                            ============   ============
</TABLE>




          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.





                                      F-3

<PAGE>   20


                 FAMOUS DAVE'S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
             FOR THE YEARS ENDED JANUARY 2, 2000 AND JANUARY 3, 1999
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>



                                                      Common Stock             Additional
                                                 ----------------------          Paid-in      Accumulated
                                                  Shares       Amount            Capital        Deficit             Total
                                                 --------    ----------        -----------   --------------    ---------------
<S>                                              <C>         <C>               <C>           <C>               <C>
BALANCE - DECEMBER 28, 1997                         8,667    $       87          $  41,928     $     (4,907)   $        37,108

  Exercise of stock options                           171             1                793               --                794

  Net loss                                             --            --                 --           (4,829)            (4,829)
                                                 --------    ----------          ---------     ------------      -------------
BALANCE - JANUARY 3, 1999                           8,838            88             42,721           (9,736)            33,073

   Issuance of common stock in
    connection with acquisition of
    property, equipment and leasehold
    improvements                                      211             3                427               --                430

   Issuance of warrants in connection
    with acquisition of property,
    equipment and leasehold
    improvements                                       --            --                110               --                110

   Exercise of stock options                            6            --                  7               --                  7

   Net loss                                            --            --                 --           (6,610)            (6,610)
                                                 --------    ----------          ---------     ------------    ---------------
BALANCE - JANUARY 2, 2000                           9,055    $       91          $  43,265     $    (16,346)   $        27,010
                                                 ========    ==========          =========     ============    ===============
</TABLE>

          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.






                                      F-4










<PAGE>   21


                 FAMOUS DAVE'S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
             FOR THE YEARS ENDED JANUARY 2, 2000 AND JANUARY 3, 1999
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                                       1999             1998
                                                                                  -------------    -------------
<S>                                                                               <C>              <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
  Net loss                                                                        $       (6,610)   $     (4,829)
  Adjustments to reconcile net loss to
  cash flows from operating activities:
    Depreciation and amortization                                                          2,954           2,560
    Impairment reserve for restaurants and other assets                                    5,513           1,588
    Reserve for other capital items                                                         (393)            260
    Loss on disposal of property, equipment and leasehold improvements                         0             253
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
     Inventories                                                                            (200)           (437)
     Prepaids and other current assets                                                      (425)             (5)
     Deposits                                                                                (29)            (46)
     Accounts payable                                                                     (1,252)         (1,545)
     Accrued payroll and related taxes                                                       236            (172)
     Other current liabilities                                                               495             565
                                                                                  --------------   -------------
      Cash flows from operating activities                                                   289          (1,808)
                                                                                  --------------   -------------

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale securities                                      1,648          17,757
  Purchase of available-for-sale securities                                                  (24)         (9,053)
  Purchases of property, equipment and leasehold improvements                             (8,405)        (14,058)
                                                                                  --------------    ------------
      Cash flows from investing activities                                                (6,781)         (5,354)
                                                                                  --------------    ------------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  Payments of debt issuance costs                                                           (200)              0
  Net advances on line of credit                                                           2,367             683
  Proceeds from financing lease obligation                                                 4,500               0
  Payments on capital lease obligations                                                     (421)           (348)
  Proceeds from exercise of stock options                                                      7             794
                                                                                  --------------    ------------
      Cash flows from financing activities                                                 6,253           1,129
                                                                                  --------------    ------------

DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS                                                       (239)         (6,033)

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR                                               1,951           7,984
                                                                                  --------------    ------------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR                                            $        1,712    $      1,951
                                                                                  ==============    ============
</TABLE>



          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.





                                      F-5







<PAGE>   22




                 FAMOUS DAVE'S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                       JANUARY 2, 2000 AND JANUARY 3, 1999


(1)      NATURE OF BUSINESS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

NATURE OF BUSINESS - Famous Dave's of America, Inc. (the Company) was
incorporated in Minnesota on March 14, 1994. The Company develops, owns,
operates and franchises restaurants under the name "Famous Dave's". As of
January 2, 2000, the Company had thirty restaurants in operation (including two
franchised units), with additional restaurants in development.

PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION - The consolidated financial statements include the
accounts of Famous Dave's of America, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries.
All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in
consolidation.

FISCAL YEAR - The Company has adopted a 52/53 week accounting period ending on
the Sunday nearest December 31 of each year. Fiscal year 1999 was a 52 week year
and fiscal year 1998 was a 53 week year.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - The Company includes as cash equivalents
certificates of deposit and all other investments with original maturities of
three months or less when purchased, which are readily convertible into known
amounts of cash. The Company deposits its cash in high credit quality financial
institutions. The balances, at times, may exceed federally insured limits.

INVENTORIES - Inventories consist principally of food, beverages and retail
goods and are recorded at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market.

DEPRECIATION - Property, equipment and leasehold improvements are recorded at
cost. Improvements are capitalized while repair and maintenance costs are
charged to operations when incurred. Furniture, fixtures, equipment and antiques
are depreciated or amortized using the straight-line method over five to seven
years, while buildings are depreciated over twenty five years. Leasehold
improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of
the lease term, including renewal options, or the estimated useful life of the
assets which is twenty years.

DEBT ISSUANCE COSTS - Debt issuance costs are amortized over the life of the
loan using the straight-line method, which approximates the interest method.

CAPITALIZED INTEREST - Interest costs capitalized during the construction period
of restaurants were approximately $328,000 and $84,000 for the years ended
January 2, 2000 and January 3, 1999.

ADVERTISING COSTS - Advertising costs are charged to expense as incurred.
Advertising costs were approximately $1,290,000 and $688,000 for the years ended
January 2, 2000 and January 3, 1999 and are included in operating expenses in
the consolidated statements of operations.




                                       F-6

<PAGE>   23


                 FAMOUS DAVE'S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
                       JANUARY 2, 2000 AND JANUARY 3, 1999


PRE-OPENING EXPENSES - The Company elected early adoption of Statement of
Position 98-5 ("SOP 98-5"), "Reporting on the Costs of Start-Up Activities,"
retroactive to the first quarter of fiscal 1998. This new accounting standard
requires the Company to expense all start-up and pre-opening costs as they are
incurred. The cumulative effect of this accounting change was approximately
$120,000 for the year ended January 3, 1999. This new accounting standard
accelerates the Company's recognition of pre-opening costs, but benefits the
post-opening results of new restaurants.

RECOVERABILITY OF PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT AND LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS - The Company
evaluates long-lived assets to be held and used in the business for impairment
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of
an asset may not be recoverable. An impairment is determined by comparing
estimated undiscounted future operating cash flows to the carrying amounts of
assets. If an impairment exists, the amount of impairment is measured as the sum
of the estimated discounted future operating cash flows of such asset and the
expected proceeds upon sale of the asset less its carrying amount. Assets held
for sale are reported at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less costs
to sell. During the years ended January 2, 2000 and January 3, 1999, the Company
recorded charges of $5,513,000 and $1,588,000 related to impairment of
long-lived assets in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 121 ("SFAS No. 121"), "Accounting for Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and
for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of."

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - In accordance with APB Opinion No. 25, the Company
uses the intrinsic value-based method for measuring stock-based compensation
cost which measures compensation cost as the excess, if any, of the quoted
market price of the Company's common stock at the grant date over the amount the
employee must pay for the stock. The Company's policy is to grant stock options
at fair value at the date of grant. Required pro forma disclosures of
compensation expense determined under the fair value method of Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation," are presented in Note 10.

NET LOSS PER SHARE - Basic and diluted loss per share is computed by dividing
the net loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the
reporting period. Dilutive common equivalent shares have not been included in
the computation of diluted EPS because their inclusion would be antidilutive.
Antidilutive common equivalent shares issuable based on future exercise of stock
options or warrants could potentially dilute basic EPS in subsequent years.

MANAGEMENT'S USE OF ESTIMATES - The preparation of financial statements in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to
make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of
the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses
during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - The carrying amounts for all financial instruments
approximate fair value. The carrying amounts for cash and cash equivalents,
accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate fair
value because of the short maturity of these instruments. The fair value of
capital lease obligations and notes payable approximates the carrying amounts
based upon the Company's expected borrowing rate for debt with similar remaining
maturities and comparable risk.



                                       F-7



<PAGE>   24

                 FAMOUS DAVE'S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
                       JANUARY 2, 2000 AND JANUARY 3, 1999


RECLASSIFICATIONS - Certain accounts in the prior year consolidated financial
statements have been reclassified for comparative purposes to conform with the
presentation in the current year consolidated financial statements. These
reclassifications had no effect on net loss or shareholders' equity.

(2)      ACQUISITION

On December 31, 1999, the Company completed the acquisition of four restaurants
known as Red River Barbeque & Grille and assumed certain liabilities. The total
purchase price was approximately $2,868,000 which was comprised of the
assumption of certain liabilities and issuance of common stock and warrants. The
acquisition was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting and,
accordingly, the purchase price was allocated to assets and liabilities based on
the estimated fair values as of the acquisition date.

(3)      SECURITIES AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE

Securities available-for-sale are reported at fair value and are due within one
year of the financial statement date. At January 2, 2000 and January 3, 1999, $0
and $1,624,300 of these securities had been pledged as collateral for
outstanding letters of credit.

(4)      INVENTORIES

Inventories consisted of the following at (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          January 2,          January 3,
                                                                                             2000                1999
                                                                                      ----------------     ---------------
<S>                                                                                   <C>                  <C>
Food and beverage                                                                     $            285     $           236
Retail goods                                                                                       823                 672
                                                                                      ================     ===============
                                                                                      $          1,108     $           908
                                                                                      ================     ===============
</TABLE>










                                      F-8


<PAGE>   25


                 FAMOUS DAVE'S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
                       JANUARY 2, 2000 AND JANUARY 3, 1999


(5)      PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT AND LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS

Property, equipment and leasehold improvements consisted of the following at (in
thousands):


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                            January 2,            January 3,
                                                                                              2000                  1999
                                                                                      --------------------  --------------------
<S>                                                                                   <C>                   <C>
Land, buildings and improvements                                                      $             31,862  $             27,446
Furniture, fixtures and equipment                                                                   12,508                10,691
Antiques                                                                                             1,387                 1,456
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization                                                      6,401                 3,610
Less: reserve for loss on restaurants to be disposed of                                              1,738                 1,588
Less: reserve for loss on other capital items                                                          100                   493
                                                                                      --------------------  --------------------
                                                                                                    37,518                33,902
Construction in progress                                                                             1,224                 1,674
                                                                                      --------------------  --------------------
                                                                                      $             38,742  $             35,576
                                                                                      ====================  ====================
</TABLE>



(6)      LINE OF CREDIT

The Company has a $3,131,000 revolving line of credit with BNC Financial
Corporation, of which $3,050,000 and $683,000 was outstanding at January 2, 2000
and January 3, 1999. Advances are due upon demand and accrue interest at the
prime rate plus 4% (12.50% at January 2, 2000) payable monthly. The note is
secured by certain of the Company's assets and is personally guaranteed (and
partially secured) by the Chairman of the Company. The agreement expires on
April 30, 2000. The agreement is subject to certain covenants as described in
the agreement.

(7)      FINANCING LEASE OBLIGATION

In March 1999, the Company executed a $4.5 million sale and leaseback financing
involving three existing restaurants. Under this financing, the Company is
obligated to make monthly payments of $41,250 (which increases 4.04% every two
years) for a minimum of twenty years. The Company has the option to purchase the
leased restaurants for the greater of $4.5 million or fair market value at the
date of purchase at any time or renew the lease for two additional five year
terms. Based upon the Company's continued involvement in the leased property and
its purchase option, the transaction has been accounted for as a financing
arrangement. Accordingly, the three existing restaurants are included in
property, equipment and leasehold improvements and are being depreciated, and
the monthly payments are accounted for as interest expense in the consolidated
statements of operations.







                                       F-9




<PAGE>   26

                 FAMOUS DAVE'S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
                       JANUARY 2, 2000 AND JANUARY 3, 1999




Future minimum payments due under the financing lease obligation are as follows
for the fiscal years (in thousands):

<TABLE>
              <S>                                                                <C>
              2000                                                               $               495
              2001                                                                               515
              2002                                                                               515
              2003                                                                               536
              2004                                                                               536
              Thereafter                                                                      16,791
                                                                                 -------------------
                  Total                                                          $            19,388
                                                                                 ===================
</TABLE>


(8)      CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATIONS

The Company has a lease financing facility for furniture, equipment and
leasehold improvements, of which approximately $2,000,000 had been funded.
Leases outstanding under this agreement bear interest at rates of approximately
11% to 15% and expire through February 2004. The obligations are secured by the
property under lease. Total cost and accumulated amortization of the leased
equipment was $2,689,000 and $861,000 at January 2, 2000 and $2,066,000 and
$572,000 at January 3, 1999.

Future minimum lease payments are as follows for the fiscal years (in
thousands):

<TABLE>
              <S>                                                                <C>
              2000                                                               $            1,155
              2001                                                                              450
              2002                                                                              164
              2003                                                                               13
              2004                                                                                1
                                                                                 ------------------
              Total                                                                           1,783
              Less: amounts representing interest                                               180
                                                                                 ------------------
              Present value of future minimum lease payments                                  1,603
              Less: current portion                                                           1,026
                                                                                 ------------------
              Capital lease obligations, net of current portion                  $              577
                                                                                 ==================
</TABLE>


(9)      RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

S&D LAND HOLDINGS, INC. - S&D Land Holdings, Inc. (S&D) is a company wholly
owned by the Chairman of the Company. The Company rents four properties from
S&D. The Company paid S&D rent of $293,000 and $318,000 for the years ended
January 2, 2000 and January 3, 1999. The Company owed S&D $318,000 at January 2,
2000 and January 3, 1999.

GRAND PINES RESORTS, INC. - Grand Pines Resorts, Inc. (Grand Pines) is a company
wholly owned by the Chairman of the Company. The Company charges Grand Pines a
royalty of 4% of its food sales. Royalty income was $62,000 for the years ended
January 2, 2000 and January 3, 1999. At January 2, 2000 and January 3, 1999,
Grand Pines owed the Company $142,000 and $80,000 for royalties and other
expenses.

                                      F-10



<PAGE>   27

                 FAMOUS DAVE'S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
                       JANUARY 2, 2000 AND JANUARY 3, 1999


(10)       SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

ISSUANCE OF COMMON STOCK AND WARRANTS - On December 31, 1999 the Company
completed the acquisition of four restaurants known as Red River Barbeque &
Grille. The purchase was completed in part through the issuance of 211,389
shares of common stock at $2.03 per share, of which 40,000 common shares were
issued to escrow. The transaction also included the issuance of 200,000 warrants
valued at $.55 each at exercise prices ranging from $5.00 to $7.00 expiring in
December 2004.

STOCK OPTION PLANS - The Company has a 1995 Stock Option and Compensation Plan,
1997 Employee Stock Option Plan and a 1998 Director Stock Option Plan (the
Plans), pursuant to which options and other awards to acquire an aggregate of
2,000,000 shares of the Company's common stock may be granted. Stock options,
stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, other stock and cash awards may be
granted under the Plans. In general, options vest over a period of five years
and expire ten years from the date of grant.

Had compensation cost for the Company's stock options been determined based on
the fair value at the grant dates consistent with the method of Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 "Accounting for Stock Based Compensation"
(Statement 123), the Company's net loss and loss per share would have been
increased to the proforma amounts indicated below (in thousands, except per
share data):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                            Fiscal 1999             Fiscal 1998
                                                                        -------------------     -------------------
<S>                                                                     <C>                     <C>
Net loss:
  As reported                                                           $             6,610     $             4,829
  Pro forma                                                             $             8,240     $             6,129
Loss per share:
  Basic and diluted net loss per share as reported                      $              (.75)    $              (.55)
  Basic and diluted net loss per share pro forma                        $              (.93)    $              (.70)
</TABLE>


Information regarding the Company's stock options is summarized below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               Fiscal 1999                               Fiscal 1998
                                                 ----------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------
                                                     Number of             Weighted            Number of             Weighted
                                                      Options              Average              Options              Average
                                                   (in thousands)       Exercise Price       (in thousands)       Exercise Price
                                                 ------------------ ---------------------- ------------------ ----------------------
<S>                                              <C>                <C>                    <C>                <C>
Options outstanding, beginning of year                       1,004  $                1.81              1,073  $                7.34
  Granted                                                      928                   2.40                381                   2.00
  Canceled                                                    (214)                  2.16               (280)                  7.51
  Exercised                                                     (6)                  1.19               (170)                  4.66
                                                 -----------------                         -----------------
Options outstanding, end of year                             1,712  $                2.14              1,004  $                1.81
                                                 ================== ====================== ================== ======================
Options exercisable, end of year                               907  $                2.05                198  $                1.78
                                                 ================== ====================== ================== ======================
Weighted average fair value of
  options granted during the year                                   $                1.83                     $                5.19
                                                                    ======================                    ======================
</TABLE>



                                      F-11
<PAGE>   28




                 FAMOUS DAVE'S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
                       JANUARY 2, 2000 AND JANUARY 3, 1999


Options outstanding at January 2, 2000 have an exercise price ranging between
$1.00 and $2.75 and a weighted average remaining contractual life of 8.12 years.
The options outstanding and exercisable at January 3, 1999 reflect options
repriced in October 1998.

In determining the compensation cost of the options granted during 1999 and
1998, as specified by Statement 123, the fair value of each option grant has
been estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model
and the weighted average assumptions used in these calculations are summarized
below:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                   Fiscal 1999          Fiscal 1998
                                                              -------------------  -------------------
<S>                                                           <C>                  <C>
Risk free interest rate                                                        6%                   7%
Expected life of options granted                                         10 years             10 years
Expected volatility range                                              58.7-66.2%               112.4%
Expected dividend yield                                                        0%                   0%
</TABLE>

(11)       INCOME TAXES

The Company has generated net operating losses of approximately $16,346,000
which, if not used, will begin to expire in 2011. Future changes in the
ownership of the Company may place limitations on the use of these net operating
loss carryforwards. The Company has recorded a full valuation allowance against
its deferred tax asset due to the uncertainty of realizing the related benefits
as follows (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                January 2, 2000      January 3, 1999
                                                              -------------------  -------------------
<S>                                                           <C>                  <C>
Net operating loss carryforwards                              $             6,538  $             3,894
Less: valuation allowance                                                   6,538                3,894
                                                              ===================  ===================
  Net deferred tax asset                                      $                 0  $                 0
                                                              ===================  ===================
</TABLE>


(12)       SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOWS INFORMATION (IN THOUSANDS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         Fiscal 1999            Fiscal 1998
                                                                                      ----------------       ----------------
<S>                                                                                   <C>                    <C>
Cash paid for interest                                                                $            446       $            146
                                                                                      ================       ================
Noncash investing and financing activities:
  Equipment purchased under capital lease obligations                                 $             45       $              0
                                                                                      ================       ================
  Accounts payable assumed in connection with restaurants acquired                    $          1,299       $              0
                                                                                      ================       ================
  Common stock issued in connection with restaurants acquired                         $            430       $              0
                                                                                      ================       ================
  Common stock warrants issued in connection with restaurants
    acquired                                                                          $            110       $              0
                                                                                      ================       ================
  Capital lease obligations assumed in connection with restaurants
    Acquired                                                                          $            576       $              0
                                                                                      ================       ================
  Accrued expenses assumed in connection with restaurants acquired                    $            375       $              0
                                                                                      ================       ================
</TABLE>




                                      F-12
<PAGE>   29




                 FAMOUS DAVE'S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
                       JANUARY 2, 2000 AND JANUARY 3, 1999

(13)       RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN

The Company has a pre-tax salary reduction/profit sharing plan under the
provisions of Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code which covers employees
meeting certain eligibility requirements. Profit sharing contributions by the
Company are completely discretionary. The Company made contributions of $31,000
and $30,000 for the years ended January 2, 2000 and January 3, 1999.

(14)       COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

OPERATING LEASES - The Company has entered into various operating leases for its
existing and future restaurants and corporate office space with lease terms
ranging from three to thirty years including lease options. Three of the leases
require percentage rent of between 4% and 6% of annual gross sales for the
restaurants in excess of $2,500,000, and above a natural breakeven point, in
addition to the base rent. All of these leases contain provisions for payments
of real estate taxes, insurance and common area costs. Total rent expense for
the years ended January 2, 2000 and January 3, 1999, including common area
costs, real estate taxes and percentage rent, was $2,400,000 and $1,866,000.
Percentage rent was $98,000 and $91,000 for the years ended January 2, 2000 and
January 3, 1999.

Future minimum rental payments (excluding percentage rents) are as follows for
the years (in thousands):


<TABLE>
<S>                                                                <C>
2000                                                               $             1,492
2001                                                                             1,499
2002                                                                             1,527
2003                                                                             1,423
2004                                                                             1,414
Thereafter                                                                      15,992
                                                                   --------------------
    Total                                                          $            23,347
                                                                   ====================
</TABLE>


EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS - At January 2, 2000, the Company had employment
agreements with two of its officers. The agreements require minimum annual
compensation of $165,000 and $375,000 and have terms of two and three years. The
respective agreements require a one-year severance payment and $200,000. Both
severance payments require a resulting two year non-compete.

CONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT CONTRACTS - In conjunction with its expansion
activity, the company enters into fixed price construction contracts from time
to time. At January 2, 2000, the company had commitments outstanding for
construction of restaurants in Lincoln, Nebraska and Addison, Illinois. As of
January 2, 2000, the balance remaining to be paid under these contracts was
approximately $1,129,000.

(15)       SUBSEQUENT EVENT (UNAUDITED)

During January 2000, the Company completed mortgage financing for two of its
existing units. The net proceeds from this financing were approximately
$3,700,000. The Company is obligated under these agreements to make monthly
payments of approximately $38,015 for a period of twenty years.

                                      F-13

<PAGE>   30




                 FAMOUS DAVE'S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
                       JANUARY 2, 2000 AND JANUARY 3, 1999


(16) SELECTED QUARTERLY DATA (UNAUDITED) (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                Quarters During the Year Ended January 2, 2000
                                              ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    April 4              July 4            October 3             January 2
                                              ------------------   -----------------   ----------------    --------------------
<S>                                           <C>                  <C>                 <C>                 <C>
Revenues                                      $           10,388   $          12,631   $         12,693    $             11,863
Income (loss) from operations                 $             (312)  $            (259)  $            314    $             (6,020)
Net income (loss)                             $             (316)  $            (292)  $            137    $             (6,139)
Basic and diluted net income (loss)
      per common share                        $             (.04)  $            (.03)  $            .02    $               (.70)
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                Quarters During the Year Ended January 3, 1999
                                              ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   March 29             June 28          September 27            January 3
                                              ------------------   -----------------   ----------------    --------------------
<S>                                           <C>                  <C>                 <C>                 <C>
Revenues                                      $            7,734   $          10,925   $         10,916    $             11,186
Income (loss) from operations                 $           (4,394)  $            (368)  $            101    $               (336)
Net income (loss)                             $           (4,379)  $            (310)  $            134    $               (274)
Basic and diluted net income (loss)
  per common share                            $             (.50)  $            (.04)  $            .02    $               (.03)
</TABLE>














                                      F-14



<PAGE>   31



                                  EXHIBIT INDEX


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

    EXHIBIT
      NO.     DESCRIPTION                                                                   PAGE NO.
      ---     -----------                                                                   --------
    <S>       <C>                                                                           <C>
      3.1     Articles of Incorporation, incorporated by reference from Exhibit
              3.1 to our Registration Statement on Form SB-2 (File No.
              333-10675) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
              August 23, 1996 (the "1996 SB-2")
      3.2     Bylaws, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.2 to the 1996 SB-2
     10.1     Lease Agreement dated as of January 1, 1996 by and between S&D
              Land Holdings, Inc. and Famous Dave's of Minneapolis, Inc. (Linden
              Hills), incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the 1996
              SB-2
     10.2     Lease Agreement dated as of January 1, 1996 by and between S&D
              Land Holdings, Inc. and Famous Dave's of Minneapolis, Inc.
              (Highland Park), incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to
              the 1996 SB-2
     10.3     Lease Agreement dated as of January 15, 1996 by and between S&D
              Land Holdings, Inc. and Famous Dave's of Minneapolis, Inc.
              (Minnetonka), incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.3 to the
              1996 SB-2
     10.4     Sublease Agreement dated as of January 1, 1996 by and between S&D
              Land Holdings, Inc. and Famous Dave's of Minneapolis, Inc.
              (Roseville), incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.4 to the
              1996 SB-2
     10.6     1995 Stock Option and Compensation Plan, incorporated by reference
              from Exhibit 10.7 to the 1996 SB-2
     10.7     Amendment dated August 12, 1996 to our 1995 Stock Option and
              Compensation Plan, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.13 to
              Amendment No. 1 to the 1996 SB-2
     10.8     Amendment dated February 4, 1997 to our 1995 Stock Option and
              Compensation Plan, incorporated by reference from our Form 10-KSB
              for the fiscal year ended December 29, 1996 (the "1996 10-KSB")
     10.12    Employment Agreement dated as of January 23, 1997 between Famous
              Dave's of America, Inc. and Douglas S. Lanham, incorporated by
              reference from our 1996 10-KSB
     10.13    Trademark License Agreement between Famous Dave's of America, Inc.
              and Grand Pines Resorts, Inc., incorporated by reference from
              Exhibit 10.11 to the 1996 SB-2
     10.15    1997 Employee Stock Option Plan, incorporated by reference from
              Exhibit 10.15 to Form 10-KSB filed April 5, 1999
     10.16    Amendment, dated as of February 15, 1998, to our 1997 Stock Option
              Plan, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.16 to Form 10-KSB
              filed April 5, 1999.
     10.17    Employment Agreement dated as of July 1, 1999 between Famous
              Dave's of America, Inc. and Martin J. O'Dowd, incorporated by
              reference from Exhibit 10.2 to Form 10-QSB filed August 18, 1999
     10.18    Employment Agreement dated as of September 29, 1999 between Famous
              Dave's of America, Inc. and Paul C.Campbell
     21       Subsidiaries of Famous Dave's of America, Inc., incorporated by
              reference from Exhibit 21 to the Company's 10-KSB for the fiscal
              year ended December 28, 1997
     23       Consent of Lund Koehler Cox & Arkema, LLP
     27       Financial Data Schedule
</TABLE>


<PAGE>   1

                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.18

                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT


          This Agreement is made as of September 29, 1999 by and between FAMOUS
DAVE'S OF AMERICA, INC., a Minnesota corporation (the "Company"), and PAUL
CAMPBELL (the "Executive").

                               W I T N E S S E T H

          WHEREAS, the Company desires to employ Executive in accordance with
the terms and conditions stated in this Agreement; and

          WHEREAS, Executive desires to accept that employment pursuant to the
terms and conditions of this Agreement;

          NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants and agreements
contained herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:

I.       EMPLOYMENT

         1.1 Employment as Chief Financial Officer. The Company hereby employs
Executive as Chief Financial Officer and Executive accepts such employment
pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. Executive shall report to and take
direction from the Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Executive will
perform those duties which are usual and customary for a Chief Financial Officer
of a restaurant enterprise. Executive shall be employed at the Company's
corporate offices. He shall perform his duties in a manner reasonably expected
of a Chief Financial Officer of a restaurant company.

         1.2 Term. Unless terminated by Executive or the Company pursuant to
Article III hereof, Executive's employment pursuant to this Employment Agreement
shall be for a term of two (2) years, such term to commence on November 1, 1999.

II.      COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND PERQUISITES

         2.1 Base Salary. During the term and effectiveness of this Agreement,
the Company shall pay Executive an annualized base salary ("Base Salary") at the
annual rate of One Hundred Sixty Five Thousand Dollars ($165,000). The Base
Salary shall be payable in equal installments in the time and manner that other
employees of the Company are compensated. The Company will review the Base
Salary at least annually and may, in its sole discretion, increase it to reflect
performance, appropriate industry guideline data or other factors.



<PAGE>   2


          2.2 Bonus. Executive will receive an annual bonus (the "Base Bonus")
in the amount of up to Thirty percent (30%) of base salary, with a guaranteed
annual bonus for 1999 of $20,000, payable on or about January 1, 2000.

         2.3      Relocation Expenses. Executive will be entitled to
                  reimbursement for the following relocation expenses: (a)
                  reasonable moving and related expenses not to exceed $15,000;
                  (b) Temporary living expenses and costs associated with
                  selling your home not to exceed $35,000; and (c) Two (2) round
                  trip coach airline tickets per month between Minneapolis and
                  Seattle until July 1, 2000.

         2.4      Vacation. Executive shall be entitled to three (3) weeks' paid
                  vacation.


         2.5      Employee Benefits. Throughout the term of this Agreement,
Executive shall be entitled to the usual and customary benefits and perquisites
which the Company generally provides to its other senior executives under its
applicable plans and policies (including, without limitation, healthcare
coverage and retirement benefits). If the Company adopts a benefit plan,
Executive shall be entitled to the benefits which the Company provides to its
other executives under such plan. Executive shall pay any contributions which
are generally required of executives to receive any such benefits. In addition,
the Company will reimburse you for any COBRA insurance premiums for up to six
months, if applicable.

III.     TERMINATION OF EXECUTIVE'S EMPLOYMENT

         3.1      Termination of Employment.

                  (a) Executive's employment under this Agreement may be
         terminated by Executive at any time for any reason. This Agreement
         shall terminate in its entirety immediately upon the death of
         Executive.

                  (b) Executive's employment under this Agreement may be
         terminated by the Company at any time for any reason; provided,
         however, that if (i) Executive's employment is terminated by the
         Company during the term of this Agreement for a reason or disability
         other than for "Cause" as defined in Section 3.2, or (ii) Executive
         resigns for "Good Reason" as defined in Section 3.2, Executive shall
         receive a severance payment (the "Severance Payment") in the amount of
         one year's Base Salary, and shall not receive any additional
         compensation or bonuses.

                  (c) If, during the term of this Agreement, Executive
         terminates his employment with the Company following a "Change of
         Control" of Company, Executive shall continue to receive his Base
         Salary and Bonus, if such change of control and termination occur
         during the first year of Executive's employment) for the remaining term
         of this Agreement; provided however, that if Executive obtains other
         employment during such remaining term, the Company shall receive a
         dollar-for-dollar credit against its severance obligation

                                       2
<PAGE>   3

         hereunder with respect to compensation and benefits received by
         Executive in his new employment.

                  (d) Any termination shall be effective as of the date
         specified by the party initiating the termination in a written notice
         delivered to the other party, which date shall not be earlier than the
         date such notice is delivered to the other party. Except as expressly
         provided to the contrary in this section or applicable law, Executive's
         rights to pay and benefits shall cease on the date his employment under
         this Agreement terminates.

         3.2      Definitions.  For purposes of this Article III,

                  (a) "Cause" shall mean only the following: (i) commission of a
         felony; (ii) theft or embezzlement of Company property or commission of
         similar acts involving moral turpitude; or (iii) the failure by
         Executive to substantially perform his material duties under this
         Agreement (excluding nonperformance resulting from Executive's
         disability) which failure is not cured within 30 days after written
         notice from the Chairman of the Company specifying the act of
         nonperformance or within such longer period (but no longer than 90 days
         in any event) as is reasonably required to cure such nonperformance.

                  (b) "Good Reason" shall mean only the following: (i) Executive
         has been demoted; or (ii) Executive has incurred a substantial
         reduction in his authority or responsibility.

                  (c) "Change of Control" shall mean the occurrence of any of
         the following events:

                           (i) any person or group of persons becomes the
                  beneficial owner of thirty-five percent (35%) or more of any
                  equity security of the Company entitled to vote for the
                  election of directors;

                           (ii) a majority of the members of the board of
                  directors of the Company is replaced within the period of less
                  than two (2) years by directors not nominated and approved by
                  the board of directors; or

                           (iii) the stockholders of the Company approve an
                  agreement to sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially
                  all of the Company's assets (including a plan of liquidation).

         3.3      Disability. If Executive has become disabled such that he
cannot perform the essential functions of his job with or without reasonable
accommodation, and the disability has continued for a period of more than 90
days, the Company may, in its discretion, terminate his employment under this
Agreement. Upon any such termination for disability, Executive shall be entitled
to such disability, medical, life insurance, and other benefits as may be
provided generally for disabled employees of the Company during the period he
remains disabled.

                                       3
<PAGE>   4

         3.4 Notice. Executive must provide the Company with at least 30 days'
written notice if Executive desires to terminate his employment under this
Agreement.

IV.      CONFIDENTIALITY

         4.1 Prohibitions Against Use. Both parties to this Agreement
acknowledge and agree that during the term of this Agreement they may have
access to various trade secrets and confidential business information
("Confidential Information") of each other. Each party agrees that it shall use
such Confidential Information solely in connection with his obligations under
this Agreement and shall maintain in strictest confidence and shall not disclose
any such Confidential Information, directly or indirectly or use such
information in any other way during the term of this Agreement or for a period
of one (1) year after the termination of this Agreement. The parties further
agree to take all reasonable steps necessary to preserve and protect the
Confidential Information. The provisions of this Section shall be equally
applicable to each parties' officers, directors, agents or employees. The
provisions of this Section shall not apply to information which (i) was in
possession of a party prior to receipt from the other party, or (ii) is or
becomes generally available to the public other than as a result of a disclosure
by a party, its directors, officers, employees, agents or advisors, or (iii)
becomes available to a party from a third party having the right to make such
disclosure.

         4.2 Remedies. Executive acknowledges that the Company's remedy at law
for any breach or threatened breach by Executive of Section 4.1 will be
inadequate. Therefore, the Company shall be entitled to injunctive and other
equitable relief restraining Executive from violating those requirements, in
addition to any other remedies that may be available to the Company under this
Agreement or applicable law.

V.       NON-COMPETITION

         5.1 Agreement Not to Compete. Executive agrees that, on or before the
date which is two (2) years after the date Executive's employment under this
Agreement terminates, he will not, unless he receives the prior approval of the
Company, directly or indirectly engage in any of the following actions:

                  (a) Own an interest in (except as provided below), manage,
         operate, join, control, lend money or render financial or other
         assistance to, or participate in or be connected with, as an officer,
         employee, partner, stockholder, consultant or otherwise, any entity
         whose primary business is the retail sale of barbequed food. However,
         nothing in this subsection (a) shall preclude Executive from holding
         (i) less than one percent of the outstanding capital stock of any
         corporation required to file periodic reports with the Securities and
         Exchange Commission under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
         Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the securities of which are listed on
         any securities exchange, quoted on the National Association of
         Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System or traded in the
         over-the-counter market, or (ii) holding an interest in the restaurant
         concepts which Executive was involved with in the last three (3) years.

                                       4
<PAGE>   5

                  (b) Intentionally solicit, endeavor to entice away from the
         Company, or otherwise interfere with the relationship of the Company,
         any person who is employed by or otherwise engaged to perform services
         for the Company (including, but not limited to, any independent sales
         representatives or organizations), whether for Executive's own account
         or for the account of any other individual, partnership, firm,
         corporation or other business organization.

If the scope of the restrictions in this section are determined by a court of
competent jurisdiction to be too broad to permit enforcement of such
restrictions to their full extent, then such restrictions shall be construed or
rewritten (blue-lined) so as to be enforceable to the maximum extent permitted
by law, and Executive hereby consents, to the extent he may lawfully do so, to
the judicial modification of the scope of such restrictions in any proceeding
brought to enforce them.

         5.2 Remedies. Executive acknowledges that the Company's remedy at law
for any breach or threatened breach by Executive of Section 5.1 will be
inadequate. Therefore, the Company shall be entitled to injunctive and other
equitable relief restraining Executive from violating those requirements, in
addition to any other remedies that may be available to the Company under this
Agreement or applicable law.

VI.      STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

         Contemporaneously herewith and in connection with this Agreement, the
parties hereto have entered into a Stock Option Agreement, pursuant to which the
Company granted to Executive the right and option (the "Option") to purchase up
to Eighty-Five Thousand (85,000) shares of the Company's common stock, subject
to the terms, conditions and exercise price set forth in the form of Stock
Option Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit A.

VII.     MISCELLANEOUS

         7.1 Amendment. This Agreement may be amended only in writing, signed by
both parties.

         7.2 Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains the entire understanding
of the parties with regard to all matters contained herein. There are no other
agreements, conditions or representations, oral or written, expressed or
implied, with regard thereto. This Agreement supersedes any prior agreements
relating to the employment of Executive by the Company.

         7.3 Assignment. This Agreement shall be binding upon, and shall inure
to the benefit of, the parties and their respective successors, assigns, heirs
and personal representatives and any entity with which the Company may merge or
consolidate or to which the Company may sell substantially all of its assets.

                                       5
<PAGE>   6

         7.4 Notices. Any notice required to be given under this Agreement shall
be in writing and shall be delivered either in person or by certified or
registered mail, return receipt requested. Any notice by mail shall be addressed
as follows:

                           If to the Company, to:

                                    Famous Dave's of America, Inc.
                                    7657 Anagram Drive
                                    Eden Prairie, MN 55344
                                    Attention: Chief Executive Officer

                           If to Executive, to:

                                    Paul Campbell
                                    19101 NE 51st Street
                                    Redmond, WA   98053

or to such other addresses as either party may designate in writing to the other
party from time to time.

         7.5 Waiver of Breach. Any waiver by either party of compliance with any
provision of this Agreement by the other party shall not operate or be construed
as a waiver of any other provision of this Agreement, or of any subsequent
breach by such party of a provision of this Agreement.

         7.6 Severability. If any one or more of the provisions (or portions
thereof) of this Agreement shall for any reason be held by a final determination
of a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in
any respect, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect
any other provisions (or portions of the provisions) of this Agreement, and the
invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions shall be deemed replaced by a
provision that is valid, legal and enforceable and that comes closest to
expressing the intention of the parties hereto.

         7.7 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be interpreted and enforced in
accordance with the laws of the State of Minnesota, without giving effect to
conflict of law principles.

         7.8 Arbitration. Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to
this Agreement or the breach of this Agreement shall be settled by arbitration
in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration
Association, and a judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrator(s) may be
entered in any court having jurisdiction. The arbitration award shall be subject
to review only in the manner provided in the Uniform Arbitration Act as adopted
in Chapter 572, Minnesota Statutes, as the Act is amended at the time of
submission of the issue to arbitration. The arbitrator(s) shall have the
authority to award the prevailing party its costs and reasonable attorney's fees
which shall be paid by the non-prevailing party. In the event the parties hereto
agree

                                       6
<PAGE>   7

that it is necessary to litigate any dispute hereunder in a court, the
non-prevailing party shall pay the prevailing party its costs and reasonable
attorney's fees.

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement effective
as of the date set forth above.

                                         FAMOUS DAVE'S OF AMERICA, INC.


                                         By: /s/ Martin J. O'Dowd
                                             ------------------------------
                                         Its:  President
                                             ------------------------------
                                          /s/ Paul Campbell
                                         ----------------------------------
                                         PAUL CAMPBELL


<PAGE>   1

                                                                      EXHIBIT 23

                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


         As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the
incorporation of our report included in this Form 10-KSB into the Company's
previously filed Registration Statements on Form S-8 (File No.'s 333-16299,
333-49939 & 333-49965).



                                                  LUND KOEHLER COX & ARKEMA, LLP

Minneapolis, Minnesota
March 15, 2000



<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM
FAMOUS DAVE'S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE YEAR ENDED JANUARY 2, 2000 AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FORM 10-KSB.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000

<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JAN-02-2000
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-04-1999
<PERIOD-END>                               JAN-02-2000
<CASH>                                           1,712
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                        0
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                      1,108
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                 4,069
<PP&E>                                          45,143
<DEPRECIATION>                                   6,401
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  43,326
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           11,239
<BONDS>                                          5,077
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                        43,356
<OTHER-SE>                                    (16,346)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                    43,326
<SALES>                                         47,575
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                47,575
<CGS>                                           16,081
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   53,852
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                 446
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                (6,610)
<INCOME-TAX>                                         0
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            (6,610)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                   (6,610)
<EPS-BASIC>                                      (.75)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                    (.75)


</TABLE>


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