UNIQUE CASUAL RESTAURANTS INC
DEFN14A, 1999-02-17
EATING & DRINKING PLACES
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<PAGE>   1
 
                                  SCHEDULE 14A
                            SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
 
          PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a) OF THE SECURITIES
                              EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
Filed by the Registrant [ ]
 
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [X]
 
Check the appropriate box:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                            <C>
[ ]  Preliminary Proxy Statement
[X]  Definitive Proxy Statement
[ ]  Definitive Additional Materials
[ ]  Soliciting Material Pursuant to sec.240.14a-11(c) or sec.240.14a-12
[ ]  Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
</TABLE>
 
                        UNIQUE CASUAL RESTAURANTS, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                (Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
 
                             ATTICUS PARTNERS, L.P.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    (Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
 
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
 
[X]  No fee required.
 
[ ]  Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.
 
     (1)  Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
 
        N/A
 
        ------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
     (2)  Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
 
        N/A
 
        ------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
     (3)  Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
          pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the
          filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
 
        N/A
 
        ------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
     (4)  Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
 
        N/A
 
        ------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
     (5)  Total fee paid:
 
        N/A
 
        ------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
[ ]  Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
 
[ ]  Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule
     0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid
     previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number,
     or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
 
     (1)  Amount Previously Paid:
 
        N/A
 
        ------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
     (2)  Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
 
        N/A
 
        ------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
     (3)  Filing Party:
 
        N/A
 
        ------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
     (4)  Date Filed:
 
        N/A
 
        ------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>   2
                       [ATTICUS PARTNERS, L.P. LETTERHEAD]
                               590 Madison Avenue
                               New York, NY 10022
                     Tel: (212) 829-8100 Fax: (212) 829-8111

                                                               February 17, 1999

Dear Stockholder:

         We are pleased to enclose for your consideration Atticus Partners,
L.P.'s proxy materials and BLUE proxy card relating to the annual meeting of
stockholders of Unique Casual Restaurants, Inc. scheduled for March 17, 1999.

         We believe that Unique is no longer attractive as an independent public
company and that the best way to maximize stockholder value is to pursue an
immediate sale of the Company. As you may know, the Company recently hired an
investment bank to help it evaluate strategic alternatives, including a possible
sale of the Company. We fully support this action, but we believe that a sale of
the Company is the only alternative for maximizing stockholder value.
Furthermore, discussions with the Company's management have left us unconvinced
that management is committed to selling the Company. It is our belief that
management is considering plans to expand the business, remaining an independent
company over the long term. In our opinion, such plans cannot be effectively
implemented by the current management team led by Donald C. Moore.

         If the Company's current evaluation process does not result in a sale
of the Company, we believe that the next step should be the introduction of a
new management team with specific expertise in the management of public
companies with a view toward turning them into more attractive acquisition
candidates.

         We are asking for your support for the election of the candidates
nominated by Atticus Partners to the Unique Board of Directors. If elected, our
directors will diligently pursue a sale of the company with a view toward
maximizing stockholder value.

         We need your support, and your vote is very important, no matter how
many shares you own. We urge you to voice your opinion by voting "FOR" the
nominees of Atticus Partners.

         Please take a moment to vote your BLUE proxy card today. If you have
questions about voting your shares, please call Georgeson & Company Inc. toll
free at (800) 223-2064.

                                              Sincerely,

                                              /s/ Timothy R. Barakett
                                              -------------------------

                                              Timothy R. Barakett
                                              Managing Member of
                                              Atticus Holdings, L.L.C.,
                                              the general partner
<PAGE>   3
 
                            SOLICITATION OF PROXIES
 
                             IN CONNECTION WITH THE
                         ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
                                       OF
                        UNIQUE CASUAL RESTAURANTS, INC.
                            ------------------------
 
                             ATTICUS PARTNERS, L.P.
                         590 MADISON AVENUE, 32ND FLOOR
                            NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10022
                                 (212) 829-8100
 
     This Proxy Statement and the enclosed BLUE proxy card are being furnished
to the holders of common stock, par value $0.01 per share ("Common Stock"), of
Unique Casual Restaurants, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("UCR" or the
"Company"), in connection with the solicitation of proxies by Atticus Partners,
L.P. ("Atticus Partners") to be used at the upcoming Annual Meeting of
Stockholders of the Company (the "Annual Meeting"), and at any and all
adjournments of such meeting. On February 8, 1999, UCR filed a definitive proxy
statement relating to the Annual Meeting (the "UCR Proxy Statement") from the
Board of Directors of the Company (the "UCR Board"). The Annual Meeting will be
held on March 17, 1999 at 10:00 a.m. local time at the Tara Hotel, 50 Ferncroft
Road, Danvers, Massachusetts.
 
     This Proxy Statement and the accompanying BLUE proxy card are first being
sent to stockholders of UCR on or about February 17, 1999. The principal
executive office of the Company is located at One Corporate Place, 55 Ferncroft
Road, Danvers, Massachusetts 01923.
 
     At the Annual Meeting, two directors of UCR will be elected. Atticus
Partners is soliciting your proxy in support of the election of the two nominees
named below (the "Atticus Nominees") as directors of UCR.
 
                          REASONS FOR THE SOLICITATION
 
     We believe that the UCR Board's decision earlier this year to sell the
Company's Fuddruckers, Inc. ("Fuddruckers") unit was the first step to unlock
the hidden value of the Company for its stockholders. It is our view that the
sale of UCR is the next logical step in the process of maximizing the value of
UCR for its stockholders. The UCR Board, in exercising its fiduciary duties to
the stockholders, should pursue this type of transaction rather than spend
substantial amounts of capital, including the proceeds from the sale of
Fuddruckers, in an attempt to grow its business.
 
     We realize that the UCR Board and management are currently exploring
strategic alternatives for the Company, including a possible sale of the
Company. While the UCR Board's willingness to explore a sale of the Company is
certainly a step in the right direction, we firmly believe that such a sale is
the only option for the UCR Board to maximize stockholder value. We also believe
that the Atticus Nominees would be the most effective advocates for the
maximization of stockholder value. According to the UCR Proxy Statement, all
directors and executive officers of the Company in the aggregate beneficially
own approximately 2.1% of the Company's Common Stock. It is our opinion that,
when compared to the aggregate position of Atticus Partners and its affiliates,
representing approximately 16.44% of the Company's Common Stock, it is clear
that our interests are most closely aligned with those of other stockholders.
 
     It is also our belief, after meeting with the Company's representatives,
that the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Donald C. Moore, who currently
owns only 617 shares of the Company's Common Stock, is not committed to
consummating a sale of the Company. Our discussions with the Company led us to
the conclusion that Mr. Moore is considering and even favoring options other
than a sale of the Company, including the possible use of the proceeds of the
recent sale of the Company's Fuddruckers subsidiary to fund the expansion of the
Champps business by adding a number of new stores over the next three years. Our
belief is based upon statements made by Mr. Moore during meetings with our
representatives to the effect that he felt he could achieve greater stockholder
value through expansion of Champps than stockholders could realize at the prices
at which third parties have indicated interest in acquiring the Company. We
believe that such a plan of expansion, if implemented by the current management
team led by Mr. Moore, would be
<PAGE>   4
 
devastating to the pursuit of maximizing stockholder value, and the Atticus
Nominees, if elected, will strongly oppose any such plan.
 
     As directors, the Atticus Nominees would attempt to persuade the other
directors that the only path to maximizing stockholder value is through a sale
of the Company. The Atticus Nominees seek to be the voice of the stockholders on
the UCR Board to ensure that the Company remains on the track towards an
immediate sale and does not digress onto what we believe is a higher-risk path
of attempting to grow the Champps business as a stand-alone company. At the
current time, Atticus Partners has no specific plans for selling the Company and
has not identified or contacted any potential buyers of the Company. Atticus
Partners has not reached any agreements, arrangements or understandings with
current UCR directors regarding their cooperation to sell the Company.
 
     If UCR's current process to find a buyer does not result in a sale of the
Company, we believe, and our nominees will propose, that the next step should be
the introduction of a new management team with specific expertise in the
management of public companies with a view toward turning them into more
attractive acquisition candidates.
 
     While there can be no assurances that the value of the consideration
stockholders would receive in a sale of the Company would be greater than the
value that stockholders could realize if the Company remains independent, we
believe that the sale of UCR will allow the Company to realize greater value for
its stockholders than is likely to be realized by the continuation of the
Company as an independent public company. As the UCR Board has learned from
previous experience, a well-capitalized buyer that can realize meaningful
synergies in an acquisition will pay the Company today for the growth that may
take years, if ever, for the Company to achieve as an independent company. We
feel that the risks present in attempts to seek such growth as an independent
company are particularly high for UCR because it must make significant capital
expenditures to continue to grow a "big-box" concept such as Champps. We do not
believe that the risk/return tradeoff of internally growing Champps is favorable
when compared to the value that could be derived in an immediate sale.
 
     Champps was purchased in February of 1996 for $50 million, and the asset
has grown significantly since that time. A strategic buyer would likely value
Champps not only for the substantial synergies it could realize but also for the
faster, more profitable growth potential of Champps compared to similar
businesses. The meaningful operational synergies could include (i) overhead cost
reductions, (ii) purchasing cost savings, (iii) much lower cost of and much
better access to capital, (iv) more favorable equipment leases and rents and (v)
lower development costs (reducing execution risk) achieved by more experienced
real estate development teams at the acquirer.
 
     PLEASE SUPPORT OUR EFFORTS TO MAXIMIZE STOCKHOLDER VALUE. YOU ARE URGED TO
VOTE FOR THE ATTICUS NOMINEES BY PROMPTLY SIGNING, DATING AND MAILING THE BLUE
PROXY CARD IN THE POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE PROVIDED.
 
     ONLY YOUR LATEST DATED PROXY WILL COUNT AT THE ANNUAL MEETING; THEREFORE,
DO NOT SIGN ANY PROXY THAT THE UCR BOARD MAY DELIVER TO YOU.
 
     If you have any questions concerning this Proxy Statement or need
assistance in voting your UCR Common Stock, feel free to call our proxy
solicitor, Georgeson & Company Inc., toll free at (800) 223-2064.
 
                          BACKGROUND AND RECENT EVENTS
 
     On November 7, 1997, Atticus Capital, L.L.C. (formerly Atticus Capital
Inc.), an affiliate of Atticus Partners ("Atticus Capital"), sent a letter to
the UCR Board commending the UCR Board for its decision to create stockholder
value through a sale of the Company's foodservice business. The letter noted
that significant "hidden value" remained in the Company that, under the then
current corporate structure, was unlikely to be recognized in the marketplace
without further action. Atticus Capital recommended that the UCR Board should
consider a sale of the entire Company or separate sales of the Champps
subsidiary and the Fuddruckers subsidiary.
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   5
 
     Atticus Capital followed that letter with a second letter to the UCR Board
on December 5, 1997. This letter informed the UCR Board that Atticus Capital had
concluded from conversations with a limited number of other UCR stockholders
that UCR, in its then current form and with its then current management team,
would not be able to effectively implement the Company's strategic plan and that
the asset value that could be realized in a sale of both Champps and Fuddruckers
would substantially exceed the value given by the marketplace to the Company.
Atticus Capital recommended that the UCR Board establish a committee of its
independent directors to study the possibility of a sale of Champps and
Fuddruckers.
 
     Effective January 30, 1998, the UCR Board adopted a Shareholder Rights
Agreement, a poison pill designed to deter a takeover of the Company (the
"Poison Pill"). The Poison Pill is triggered when any person (an "Acquiring
Person") becomes the beneficial owner of 15% or more of the Company's
outstanding Common Stock and allows all stockholders other than the Acquiring
Person to purchase discounted shares of the Company's capital stock to dilute
the Acquiring Person and makes a takeover of the Company prohibitively
expensive. The Poison Pill grandfathered any person who beneficially owned more
than 15% of the Company's Common Stock on the adoption date, but provided that
the Poison Pill would be triggered if such person acquired an additional 1% of
the Company's Common Stock. On the date the Poison Pill became effective,
Atticus Partners and its affiliates beneficially owned 1,862,406 shares of
Common Stock, representing approximately 15.46% of the Company's Common Stock at
such time. As of the date of this Proxy Statement, Atticus Partners and its
affiliates beneficially owned 1,908,506 shares of Common Stock, representing
approximately 16.44% of the Company's Common Stock.
 
     Effective July 24, 1998, William H. Baumhauer resigned as the Company's
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer to pursue other opportunities.
The Board elected Donald C. Moore, the Company's Chief Financial Officer, to
become acting Chief Executive Officer and director E. L. Cox to serve as
Chairman.
 
     On August 3, 1998, the Company announced that it had entered into a
definitive agreement to sell its Fuddruckers subsidiary for approximately $43
million. This sale was consummated on November 24, 1998.
 
     On September 21, 1998, Atticus Partners sent a notice to the UCR Board that
it intended to nominate the Atticus Nominees for election to the UCR Board.
 
     On September 24, 1998, the Company announced that it had hired the
investment bank of Bear, Stearns & Co., Inc. ("Bear Stearns") to consider
strategic alternatives, including a possible sale of the Company.
 
     On November 13, 1998, Atticus Partners filed preliminary proxy materials
with the Securities and Exchange Commission to solicit proxies from the
Company's stockholders.
 
     On December 9, 1998, Atticus Partners received a letter from Donald C.
Moore, the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, relating to the filing by
Atticus Partners of a preliminary proxy statement nominating persons for
election as directors of the Company. Atticus Partners has filed a copy of this
letter as an exhibit to Amendment No. 7 to Schedule 13D filed by Timothy R.
Barakett on February 8, 1999.
 
     On January 5, 1999, Atticus Partners entered into an agreement with the
Company pursuant to which the Company agreed to meet with Atticus Partners to
discuss the Company's ongoing efforts to maximize stockholder value, including a
possible sale of the Company, and to make certain information regarding such
efforts available to Atticus Partners, including detailed information regarding
the sale process from the Company's financial advisor, Bear Stearns. In return,
Atticus Partners agreed not to file in the Delaware courts before February 1,
1999 a motion to compel the Company to schedule the Annual Meeting.
Additionally, the parties agreed that if, prior to January 31, 1999, the Company
set a date of March 1, 1999 or earlier for the Annual Meeting, Atticus Partners
would not to file a motion to compel the Company to hold the Annual Meeting
prior to March 1, 1999.
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   6
 
     On January 6, 1999, Atticus Partners met with members of the Company's
management and representatives of Bear Stearns to review the ongoing evaluation
of strategic alternatives, including the process of attempting to find a buyer
for the Company.
 
     On January 27, 1999, Atticus Partners met with the Company to review the
progress of the evaluation of strategic alternatives. At this meeting, the
Company offered to expand the UCR Board and appoint the Atticus Nominees to the
newly created seats. Atticus Partners declined this offer because such an
expansion of the UCR Board would give Atticus Partners more diluted
representation than it would have if the Atticus Nominees were to replace
management's nominees. In addition, Atticus Partners felt that the upcoming
director election would indicate to the Company's management the lack of
stockholder support for management's present course of action.
 
     On February 4, 1999, the Company announced that it would hold the Annual
Meeting on March 17, 1999.
 
     On February 8, 1999, the Company issued a press release announcing that it
had begun mailing its proxy materials for the Annual Meeting to stockholders.
 
     The closing price for the Company's Common Stock on February 4, 1999 was
$4.56 per share.
 
                YOU HAVE A SAY IN THE FUTURE OF YOUR INVESTMENT.
 
             EXERCISE THAT RIGHT AND VOTE FOR THE ATTICUS NOMINEES.
 
              PROPOSAL TO BE CONSIDERED AT THE 1998 ANNUAL MEETING
 
                                     ITEM 1
 
                             ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
 
     Atticus Partners believes that the way to maximize value for the
stockholders of UCR is to sell the Company. With the sale of the foodservice
business and the Fuddruckers subsidiary and the engagement of Bear Stearns to
help the Company evaluate strategic alternatives, including a possible sale of
the Company, the Company is headed in the right direction. The Atticus Nominees,
if elected to the UCR Board, will seek to keep the Company on this track and
will attempt to persuade the UCR Board to consummate a sale of the Company as
soon as practicable. If the Company's current process involving the exploration
of strategic alternatives does not result in a sale of the Company, the Atticus
Nominees will favor the introduction of a new management team that has specific
expertise in managing public companies with a view toward turning them into more
attractive acquisition candidates.
 
     According to public information, the UCR Board is divided into three
classes and currently consists of five directors. Atticus Partners believes that
only two of the five directors are "independent directors." Under the Nasdaq
National Market rules, an "independent director" is one who is not an officer or
employee of the company or its subsidiaries and who does not otherwise have a
relationship that, in the opinion of the board of directors, would interfere
with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities
of a director. Donald C. Moore is not independent because he is an officer of
the Company. Messrs. Joseph W. O'Donnell and Alan D. Schwartz are each members
of firms that have received significant fees from the Company and should not be
considered independent. The terms of two directors will expire and two directors
will be elected at the Annual Meeting. If the Atticus Nominees are elected, the
Atticus Nominees will constitute two of the five members of the UCR Board and
two of three independent directors, one of the former independent directors
having been replaced by an Atticus Nominee. The Atticus Nominees are listed
below and have furnished the following information concerning their principal
occupations or employment and certain other matters. Each Atticus Nominee, if
elected, would hold office until the 2001 annual meeting of stockholders of the
Company and until a successor has been elected and qualified or until his
earlier death, resignation or removal.
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   7
 
                         ATTICUS NOMINEES FOR DIRECTORS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION AND BUSINESS EXPERIENCE
  NAME, AGE AND PRINCIPAL BUSINESS ADDRESS                     DURING LAST FIVE YEARS
  ----------------------------------------          --------------------------------------------
<S>                                            <C>
Timothy R. Barakett (33).....................  Mr. Barakett has been the President and Managing
  Atticus Capital, L.L.C.                      Member of Atticus Capital, L.L.C., a private
  590 Madison Avenue                           investment management company and an affiliate of
  32nd Floor                                   Atticus Partners, since October 1995. From June 1993
  New York, New York 10022                     until March 1995, Mr. Barakett was a Managing Director
                                               at Junction Advisors Inc., a private investment
                                               management company.
James S. Goodwin (42)........................  Mr. Goodwin has been a private investor since March
  39 East 79th Street                          1998. From 1990 until February 1998, Mr. Goodwin was a
  New York, New York 10021                     Managing Director at Gleacher NatWest, Inc., an
                                               investment banking company.
</TABLE>
 
     Based upon currently available public information, the election of the
Atticus Nominees as directors of UCR requires a plurality of the votes cast by
the holders of shares of Common Stock present in person or represented by proxy
at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote on the election of directors,
assuming a quorum is present at the Annual Meeting. Thus, assuming a quorum is
present, the two persons receiving the greatest number of votes will be elected
to serve as directors until the 2001 annual meeting of stockholders of the
Company. Votes that are withheld in the election of directors and broker
non-votes will have no effect on the election.
 
     Atticus Partners expects that the Atticus Nominees will receive from the
Company the same fees as are currently paid to the Company's directors, which
Atticus Partners believes to be a quarterly retainer of $3,000 and $1,000 per
meeting attended, plus travel expenses. In addition, in consideration of the
time and effort involved in serving as an Atticus Nominee, Atticus Capital has
agreed to pay Mr. Goodwin an amount equal to five percent (5%) of the proceeds
above $4.875 per share realized upon the sale or other disposition of shares of
Common Stock beneficially owned by Atticus Partners and two of its affiliates,
Atticus Qualified Partners, L.P. and Atticus International, Ltd. The price of
$4.875 per share represents the closing price of the Company's Common Stock on
September 17, 1998, the date immediately preceding the date of the agreement
between Atticus Capital and Mr. Goodwin. Mr. Barakett will receive no additional
consideration from any person, including Atticus Capital and Atticus Partners,
for serving as an Atticus Nominee. Atticus Partners has agreed to indemnify each
of the Atticus Nominees against any and all losses, claims, damages, judgments,
liabilities and expenses of any kind which may be incurred arising out of or
relating to his service as an Atticus Nominee. Except as set forth above, there
are no arrangements or understandings between the Atticus Nominees and any other
person pursuant to which the Atticus Nominees were selected as nominees.
 
     Although Atticus Partners has no reason to believe that any of the Atticus
Nominees will be unable to serve as directors, if any one or more of the Atticus
Nominees is not available for election, the persons named on the BLUE proxy
card, to the extent permitted by law, will vote the proxies provided to it for
such other persons as may be nominated by Atticus Partners.
 
     Atticus Partners believes that it is in the best interest of UCR
stockholders to elect the Atticus Nominees at the Annual Meeting. The Atticus
Nominees are committed to maximizing the value of the Company to its
stockholders through a sale of the Company at the soonest practicable time.
Moreover, the significant ownership position in the Company's Common Stock held
by Atticus Partners and its affiliates assures that the Atticus Nominees have
the motivation to achieve our stated goals.
 
     The accompanying BLUE proxy card will be voted at the Annual Meeting in
accordance with your instructions on such card. You may vote FOR the election of
the Atticus Nominees as directors of UCR or withhold authority to vote for the
election of the Atticus Nominees by marking the proper box on the BLUE proxy
card. You may also withhold your vote from any of the Atticus Nominees by
writing the name of such nominee in the space provided on the BLUE proxy card.
If no marking is made, you will be deemed to have
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   8
 
given a direction to vote the shares of Common Stock represented by the BLUE
proxy card FOR the election of the Atticus Nominees provided that you have
signed and dated the proxy card.
 
                ATTICUS PARTNERS STRONGLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR
                     THE ELECTION OF THE ATTICUS NOMINEES.
 
                CERTAIN INFORMATION CONCERNING ATTICUS PARTNERS
                   AND OTHER PARTICIPANTS IN THE SOLICITATION
 
     Atticus Partners is primarily engaged in investment management. The
principal business address of Atticus Partners is 590 Madison Avenue, 32nd
Floor, New York, New York 10022, and the telephone number at that address is
(212) 829-8100. As of the date of this Proxy Statement, Atticus Partners
beneficially owned 418,050 shares of Common Stock, representing approximately
3.61% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, and affiliates of Atticus
Partners beneficially owned 1,490,456 shares of Common Stock, representing
approximately 12.84% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock. Information with
respect to all purchases and sales of the Common Stock of the Company by Atticus
Partners and its affiliates and by the Atticus Nominees during the past two
years is set forth in Schedule I to this Proxy Statement.
 
     Except as set forth in this Proxy Statement or in the schedules hereto, to
the best knowledge of Atticus Partners, none of Atticus Partners, any person
participating in this solicitation, the Atticus Nominees, and any associate of
any of the foregoing persons (i) has a substantial interest, direct or indirect,
by security holdings or otherwise, in any matter to be acted upon at the Annual
Meeting, (ii) owns beneficially, directly or indirectly, or has the right to
acquire, any securities of the Company or any parent or subsidiary of the
Company, (iii) owns any securities of the Company of record but not
beneficially, (iv) has purchased or sold any securities of the Company within
the past two years, (v) has incurred indebtedness for the purpose of acquiring
or holding securities of the Company, (vi) is or has been a party to any
contract, arrangement or understanding with respect to any securities of the
Company within the past year, (vii) has been indebted to the Company or any of
its subsidiaries since the beginning of the Company's last fiscal year or (viii)
has any arrangement or understanding with respect to future employment by the
Company or with respect to any future transactions to which the Company or any
of its affiliates will or may be a party. In addition, except as set forth in
this Proxy Statement or in the schedules hereto, to the best knowledge of
Atticus Partners, none of Atticus Partners, any person participating in this
solicitation, the Atticus Nominees, and any associate or immediate family member
of any of the foregoing persons has had or is to have a direct or indirect
material interest in any transaction with the Company since the beginning of the
Company's last fiscal year, or any proposed transaction, to which the Company or
any of its affiliates was or is a party.
 
     None of the corporations or organizations in which the Atticus Nominees
have conducted their principal occupation or employment was a parent, subsidiary
or other affiliate of the Company and the Atticus Nominees do not hold any
position or office with the Company or have any family relationship with any
other Atticus Nominee or with any executive officer or director of the Company
or have been involved in any legal proceedings of the type required to be
disclosed by the rules governing this solicitation.
 
     The name, business address and present principal occupation or employment
of each of the directors and executive officers of Atticus Partners and its
advisors and certain other employees and representatives of Atticus Partners
that may participate in the solicitation of proxies are set forth in Schedule II
to this Proxy Statement. The name, business address and the number of shares of
Common Stock of UCR owned beneficially by the participants in this solicitation
of proxies, or their associates, are set forth in Schedule III to this Proxy
Statement.
 
                                 VOTING RIGHTS
 
     The UCR Board has fixed the close of business on February 1, 1999 as the
record date (the "Record Date") for determining the stockholders entitled to
notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting. Only holders of record as of the
Record Date will be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. If you are a
stockholder of record on the Record Date, you may vote your shares of Common
Stock at the Annual Meeting even if you
                                        6
<PAGE>   9
 
have sold your shares of Common Stock before or after the Record Date.
Accordingly, please vote the shares of Common Stock held by you on the Record
Date, or grant a proxy to vote such shares of Common Stock, on the BLUE proxy
card, even if you have sold your shares of Common Stock before or after the
Record Date. Atticus Partners intends to vote all shares of Common Stock
beneficially owned by it in favor of the Atticus Nominees.
 
     The holders of the Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share on each
matter submitted to a vote at the Annual Meeting. Stockholders do not have the
right to cumulate votes in the election of directors. A majority of the
outstanding shares of Common Stock entitled to vote, present in person or
represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum. Abstentions and broker
non-votes are counted for purposes of determining the presence or absence of a
quorum at the Annual Meeting for the transaction of business.
 
                              GENERAL INFORMATION
 
     This Proxy Statement and the accompanying BLUE proxy card are first being
made available to stockholders on or about February 17, 1999. Executed proxies
will be solicited by mail, advertisement, telephone, telecopier and in person.
Solicitation will be made by Timothy R. Barakett, the Managing Member of Atticus
Holdings, LLC, the general partner of Atticus Partners. Mr. Barakett will not
receive any additional compensation for such solicitation. Atticus Partners has
requested banks, brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries
to forward all their solicitation materials to the beneficial owners of the
shares of Common Stock they hold of record. Atticus Partners will reimburse
these record holders for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses.
 
     In addition, Atticus Partners has retained Georgeson & Company Inc. (the
"Agent") for solicitation and advisory services in connection with the
solicitation, for which the Agent is to receive a fee not to exceed $25,000,
together with reimbursement for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. Atticus
Partners has also agreed to indemnify the Agent against certain liabilities and
expenses, including liabilities and expenses under the Federal securities laws.
It is anticipated that the Agent will employ approximately 12 persons to solicit
stockholders for the Annual Meeting.
 
     The entire expense of soliciting proxies for the Annual Meeting is being
borne by Atticus Partners. Atticus Partners will seek reimbursement for such
expenses from UCR. Costs incidental to this solicitation of proxies include
expenditures for printing, postage, legal, accounting, public relations,
advertising and related expenses and are expected to be approximately $150,000.
Costs incurred to the date of this Proxy Statement are approximately $66,571.
 
           OTHER MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED AT THE 1998 ANNUAL MEETING
 
     According to the UCR Proxy Statement, the Company will ask stockholders to
consider and vote upon the UCR Board's nominees. Except as set forth in the
Proxy Statement, Atticus Partners is not aware of any other matter to be
considered at the Annual Meeting. However, if other matters properly come before
the Annual Meeting, Atticus Partners will vote its shares of Common Stock and
all proxies held by it in accordance with its best judgment with respect to such
matters. Your attention is directed to the UCR Proxy Statement regarding the
procedures for submitting proposals for consideration at the Annual Meeting.
 
                CERTAIN OTHER INFORMATION REGARDING THE COMPANY
 
     Stockholders are referred to the UCR Proxy Statement with respect to the
compensation and remuneration paid and payable and other information related to
the Company's officers and directors and beneficial ownership of the Company's
securities.
 
                             VOTING OF PROXY CARDS
 
     Shares of Common Stock represented by properly executed BLUE proxy cards
will be voted at the Annual Meeting as marked, and in the discretion of the
persons named as proxies on all other matters as may properly come before the
Annual Meeting, including all motions for an adjournment or postponement of the
Annual Meeting, unless otherwise indicated in the Proxy Statement.
 
                                        7
<PAGE>   10
 
     IF YOU WISH TO VOTE FOR THE ATTICUS NOMINEES AND IN THE DISCRETION OF THE
PERSONS NAMED AS PROXIES ON ALL MATTERS AS MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE 1998
ANNUAL MEETING, PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN PROMPTLY THE ENCLOSED BLUE PROXY
CARD IN THE POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE PROVIDED.
 
                             REVOCATION OF PROXIES
 
     A proxy executed by a stockholder may be revoked at any time prior to the
voting thereof by sending a written revocation of such proxy, by submitting
another proxy with a later date marked on it or by appearing in person at the
Annual Meeting and voting your shares of Common Stock. A revocation must clearly
state that the proxy to which it relates is no longer effective and must be
executed and delivered prior to the time that the action authorized by the
executed proxy is taken. The written revocation may be delivered either to
Atticus Partners or the Secretary of UCR. Although a written revocation or
later-dated proxy delivered only to UCR will be effective, Atticus Partners
requests that a written revocation or subsequent proxy also be delivered to
Atticus Partners so that it will be aware of such written revocation.
 
     THE RETURN OF A SIGNED AND DATED BLUE PROXY CARD WILL FULLY REVOKE ANY
PREVIOUSLY DATED PROXY YOU MAY HAVE RETURNED. THE LATEST DATED PROXY IS THE ONLY
ONE THAT COUNTS.
 
     YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT. IT WILL HELP DECIDE WHETHER THE STOCKHOLDERS WILL
HAVE AN ADEQUATE VOICE IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY. PLEASE MARK, SIGN AND DATE
THE ENCLOSED BLUE PROXY CARD AND RETURN IT PROMPTLY IN THE POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE
PROVIDED.
 
     If Atticus Partners should withdraw, or materially change the terms of,
this solicitation of proxies prior to the Annual Meeting, Atticus Partners will
supplement this Proxy Statement or otherwise publicly disseminate information
regarding such withdrawal or change.
 
                               OTHER INFORMATION
 
     Certain information regarding shares of Common Stock held by UCR's
directors, nominees, management and other 5% stockholders is contained in the
UCR Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
                      SUBMISSION OF STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
 
     Information concerning the date by which proposals of security holders
intended to be presented at the next annual meeting of stockholders of UCR must
be received by UCR for inclusion in the UCR Proxy Statement and form of proxy
for that meeting is contained in the UCR Proxy Statement and is incorporated
herein by reference.
 
     Atticus Partners assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness
of any information contained herein which is based on, or incorporated by
reference to, UCR public filings.
 
     PLEASE INDICATE YOUR SUPPORT OF THE ATTICUS NOMINEES BY COMPLETING, SIGNING
AND DATING THE ENCLOSED BLUE PROXY CARD AND RETURN IT PROMPTLY TO ATTICUS
PARTNERS IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. NO POSTAGE IS NECESSARY IF THE ENVELOPE IS
MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES.
 
                                          ATTICUS PARTNERS, L.P.
 
February 17, 1999
 
      PLEASE COMPLETE, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED BLUE PROXY CARD.
 
     If you have any questions about giving your proxy or require assistance,
please contact our proxy solicitor, Georgeson & Company Inc., toll free at (800)
223-2064.
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   11
 
                                   SCHEDULE I
 
     The following tables set forth information with respect to all purchases
and sales of the Common Stock of the Company by Atticus Partners and its
affiliates and by the Atticus Nominees during the past two years. Except as set
forth below, no participant in this solicitation has purchased or sold
securities of the Company within the past two years. Purchases prior to July 18,
1997 (the "Spin-off Date") represent shares acquired as a result of the spin-off
of the Company from Daka International and are valued at the market value on the
Spin-off Date ($6.75 per share). The transaction date given for such purchases
is the date of the original purchase of Daka International shares with respect
to which the shares of Common Stock of the Company were distributed. The per
share price for each purchase or sale after July 18, 1997 was calculated by
subtracting from the total transaction cost an amount representing the average
per share commission cost for all transactions listed below multiplied by the
number of shares purchased or sold in such transaction.
 
                 SHARES PURCHASED BY ATTICUS PARTNERS, L.P.(1)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DATE                                                 NUMBER OF SHARES    PRICE ($)
- ----                                                 ----------------    ---------
<S>                                                  <C>                 <C>
03-03-97...........................................        1,300          6.7500
03-04-97...........................................          600          6.7500
03-05-97...........................................        1,600          6.7500
03-06-97...........................................        2,000          6.7500
03-07-97...........................................          900          6.7500
03-11-97...........................................        1,500          6.7500
03-12-97...........................................        8,400          6.7500
03-13-97...........................................        7,700          6.7500
03-14-97...........................................        8,400          6.7500
03-25-97...........................................        4,800          6.7500
03-26-97...........................................        4,800          6.7500
04-04-97...........................................       10,000          6.7500
04-09-97...........................................        5,700          6.7500
04-10-97...........................................        2,700          6.7500
04-17-97...........................................        2,400          6.7500
04-18-97...........................................        4,400          6.7500
04-21-97...........................................        2,900          6.7500
04-22-97...........................................        2,900          6.7500
04-22-97...........................................        5,800          6.7500
04-24-97...........................................        5,900          6.7500
04-28-97...........................................        2,900          6.7500
04-29-97...........................................       14,100          6.7500
05-01-97...........................................        1,500          6.7500
05-01-97...........................................       15,000          6.7500
05-05-97...........................................        5,900          6.7500
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(1) In addition, Atticus Partners transferred 361,000 shares of Common Stock to
    its affiliate, Atticus Qualified Partners, L.P. and received 141,144 shares
    of Common Stock from its affiliate, Atticus International, Ltd.
<PAGE>   12
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DATE                                                 NUMBER OF SHARES    PRICE ($)
- ----                                                 ----------------    ---------
<S>                                                  <C>                 <C>
05-07-97...........................................        2,400          6.7500
05-08-97...........................................          700          6.7500
05-12-97...........................................        5,000          6.7500
05-13-97...........................................        2,500          6.7500
05-20-97...........................................        3,500          6.7500
05-28-97...........................................        4,600          6.7500
05-28-97...........................................       37,500          6.7500
07-07-97...........................................        7,000          6.7500
07-08-97...........................................       29,000          6.7500
07-09-97...........................................       10,000          6.7500
07-10-97...........................................        1,000          6.7500
07-23-97...........................................        6,000          6.9425
07-25-97...........................................       27,806          6.6285
07-31-97...........................................        2,000          6.3700
10-31-97...........................................        9,700          6.3239
10-31-97...........................................        1,500          6.9035
12-11-97...........................................        8,700          6.9150
12-12-97...........................................       15,600          6.6900
12-15-97...........................................        7,000          6.5625
12-17-97...........................................       10,000          6.1275
12-29-97...........................................          400          6.0650
12-29-97...........................................        3,800          6.3675
12-30-97...........................................      165,600          6.9765
12-30-97...........................................        7,700          6.7688
12-31-97...........................................       50,000          7.1174
12-31-97...........................................        5,000          7.0625
01-15-98...........................................        5,000          6.7393
01-22-98...........................................        5,000          6.6520
01-28-98...........................................        5,000          6.8558
01-29-98...........................................        5,000          6.8770
06-29-98...........................................       10,000          5.5000
07-30-98...........................................        9,800          6.9960
08-13-98...........................................       50,000          6.5002
</TABLE>
 
            SHARES PURCHASED BY ATTICUS QUALIFIED PARTNERS, L.P.(2)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DATE                                                 NUMBER OF SHARES    PRICE ($)
- ----                                                 ----------------    ---------
<S>                                                  <C>                 <C>
06-29-98...........................................       26,050           5.500
07-30-98...........................................       15,200          6.9957
08-13-98...........................................       77,700          6.5001
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(2) In addition to these purchases, Atticus Qualified Partners, L.P. holds
    361,000 shares of Common Stock as a result of a transfer from Atticus
    Partners and 127,500 shares of Common Stock as a result of a transfer from
    Atticus International, Ltd.
 
                                       I-2
<PAGE>   13
 
               SHARES PURCHASED BY ATTICUS INTERNATIONAL, LTD.(3)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DATE                                                 NUMBER OF SHARES    PRICE ($)
- ----                                                 ----------------    ---------
<S>                                                  <C>                 <C>
03-03-97...........................................        2,000          6.7500
03-04-97...........................................          900          6.7500
03-05-97...........................................        3,200          6.7500
03-06-97...........................................        2,900          6.7500
03-07-97...........................................        1,000          6.7500
03-11-97...........................................        2,200          6.7500
03-12-97...........................................       12,700          6.7500
03-13-97...........................................       11,600          6.7500
03-14-97...........................................       12,600          6.7500
03-25-97...........................................        7,200          6.7500
03-26-97...........................................        7,200          6.7500
04-09-97...........................................        6,500          6.7500
04-10-97...........................................        3,400          6.7500
04-17-97...........................................        3,400          6.7500
04-18-97...........................................        5,000          6.7500
04-21-97...........................................        3,400          6.7500
04-22-97...........................................        3,400          6.7500
04-22-97...........................................        6,800          6.7500
04-24-97...........................................        6,800          6.7500
04-25-97...........................................        3,000          6.7500
04-25-97...........................................        6,000          6.7500
04-28-97...........................................        3,400          6.7500
04-29-97...........................................       16,200          6.7500
05-01-97...........................................       18,000          6.7500
05-05-97...........................................        6,900          6.7500
05-07-97...........................................        2,800          6.7500
05-08-97...........................................          850          6.7500
05-12-97...........................................        5,000          6.7500
05-13-97...........................................        3,200          6.7500
05-20-97...........................................        3,500          6.7500
05-28-97...........................................        6,000          6.7500
05-28-97...........................................       47,500          6.7500
06-27-97...........................................       20,000          6.7500
07-07-97...........................................        9,500          6.7500
07-08-97...........................................       40,000          6.7500
07-09-97...........................................       18,000          6.7500
07-10-97...........................................        1,000          6.7500
07-14-97...........................................        3,500          6.7500
07-23-97...........................................        8,000          6.9419
07-25-97...........................................       40,000          6.6284
07-31-97...........................................        3,000          6.3675
09-29-97...........................................       70,550          6.8125
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(3) This list includes 141,144 shares of Common Stock that were subsequently
    transferred to Atticus Partners and 127,500 shares of Common Stock that were
    subsequently transferred to Atticus Qualified Partners, L.P.
 
                                       I-3
<PAGE>   14
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                  <C>                 <C>
10-31-97...........................................       20,300          5.3812
12-11-97...........................................       14,000          6.9150
12-12-97...........................................       25,200          6.6900
12-19-97...........................................        9,000          6.0650
12-24-97...........................................        5,000          6.1250
12-29-97...........................................          600          6.0650
12-29-97...........................................        6,200          6.3675
12-30-97...........................................      259,500          6.9790
12-30-97...........................................       12,300          6.7688
01-02-98...........................................        5,000          7.2555
06-29-98...........................................       25,000           5.500
</TABLE>
 
            SHARES PURCHASED BY ATTICUS CAPITAL FOR MANAGED ACCOUNTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DATE                                                 NUMBER OF SHARES    PRICE ($)
- ----                                                 ----------------    ---------
<S>                                                  <C>                 <C>
04-28-97...........................................        2,000          6.7500
04-28-97...........................................        1,000          6.7500
04-29-97...........................................        3,000          6.7500
04-29-97...........................................        1,500          6.7500
04-29-97...........................................        1,500          6.7500
04-30-97...........................................        6,800          6.7500
04-30-97...........................................        3,350          6.7500
04-30-97...........................................        3,350          6.7500
05-06-97...........................................        4,850          6.7500
05-06-97...........................................        2,425          6.7500
05-06-97...........................................        2,425          6.7500
05-07-97...........................................       10,000          6.7500
05-07-97...........................................        5,000          6.7500
05-07-97...........................................        5,000          6.7500
05-09-97...........................................       10,000          6.7500
05-09-97...........................................        5,000          6.7500
05-09-97...........................................        5,000          6.7500
05-12-97...........................................        5,000          6.7500
05-12-97...........................................        2,500          6.7500
05-12-97...........................................        2,500          6.7500
05-14-97...........................................        8,000          6.7500
05-14-97...........................................        4,000          6.7500
05-14-97...........................................        4,000          6.7500
05-15-97...........................................        2,000          6.7500
05-15-97...........................................        1,250          6.7500
05-15-97...........................................        1,250          6.7500
05-20-97...........................................        4,000          6.7500
05-20-97...........................................        4,000          6.7500
06-20-97...........................................          500          6.7500
06-20-97...........................................          500          6.7500
07-14-97...........................................        1,000          6.7500
07-14-97...........................................        1,000          6.7500
08-14-97...........................................       10,000          6.5375
08-14-97...........................................        8,000          6.5375
</TABLE>
 
                                       I-4
<PAGE>   15
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DATE                                                 NUMBER OF SHARES    PRICE ($)
- ----                                                 ----------------    ---------
<S>                                                  <C>                 <C>
08-14-97...........................................        7,000          6.5375
08-21-97...........................................        3,000          6.5525
08-21-97...........................................        2,400          6.5525
08-21-97...........................................        2,100          6.5525
08-22-97...........................................      253,300          6.7501
08-25-97...........................................        2,000          6.4400
08-25-97...........................................        1,600          6.4400
08-25-97...........................................        1,400          6.4400
08-26-97...........................................        2,000          6.5000
08-26-97...........................................        1,600          6.5000
08-26-97...........................................        1,400          6.5000
08-27-97...........................................        2,000          6.5625
08-27-97...........................................        1,600          6.5625
08-27-97...........................................        1,400          6.5625
09-29-97...........................................        8,800          6.8125
09-29-97...........................................        7,100          6.8125
09-29-97...........................................        6,200          6.8125
10-31-97...........................................        5,400          6.3239
10-31-97...........................................        1,200          6.3201
10-31-97...........................................        1,000          6.3239
10-31-97...........................................          900          6.3239
12-11-97...........................................          900          6.9150
12-11-97...........................................          700          6.9150
12-11-97...........................................          700          6.9150
12-12-97...........................................        1,700          6.6900
12-12-97...........................................        1,300          6.6900
12-12-97...........................................        1,200          6.6900
12-16-97...........................................        2,000          6.3150
12-16-97...........................................        1,600          6.3150
12-16-97...........................................        1,400          6.3150
12-30-97...........................................       17,300          6.9790
12-30-97...........................................       13,900          6.9790
12-30-97...........................................       12,300          6.9790
07-29-98...........................................       15,000          6.9082
08-05-98...........................................        2,000          5.8125
09-01-98...........................................        4,100          4.8774
</TABLE>
 
              SHARES SOLD BY ATTICUS CAPITAL FOR MANAGED ACCOUNTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DATE                                                 NUMBER OF SHARES    PRICE ($)
- ----                                                 ----------------    ---------
<S>                                                  <C>                 <C>
08-27-97...........................................        1,000          6.7500
06-29-98...........................................        3,000          5.5000
06-29-98...........................................        6,700          5.5000
06-29-98...........................................        4,850          5.5000
06-29-98...........................................       10,000          5.5000
06-29-98...........................................       10,000          5.5000
06-29-98...........................................        5,000          5.5000
06-29-98...........................................        8,000          5.5000
</TABLE>
 
                                       I-5
<PAGE>   16
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DATE                                                 NUMBER OF SHARES    PRICE ($)
- ----                                                 ----------------    ---------
<S>                                                  <C>                 <C>
06-29-98...........................................        2,500          5.5000
06-29-98...........................................        8,000          5.5000
06-29-98...........................................        1,000          5.5000
06-29-98...........................................        2,000          5.5000
08-13-98...........................................        7,000          6.4591
08-13-98...........................................        2,100          6.4591
08-13-98...........................................        1,400          6.4591
08-13-98...........................................        1,400          6.4591
08-13-98...........................................        1,400          6.4591
08-13-98...........................................        6,200          6.4591
08-13-98...........................................          900          6.4591
08-13-98...........................................          700          6.4591
08-13-98...........................................        1,200          6.4591
08-13-98...........................................        1,400          6.4591
08-13-98...........................................       12,300          6.4591
08-13-98...........................................       10,000          6.4595
08-13-98...........................................        3,000          6.4595
08-13-98...........................................        2,000          6.4595
08-13-98...........................................        2,000          6.4595
08-13-98...........................................        2,000          6.4595
08-13-98...........................................        8,800          6.4595
08-13-98...........................................        1,200          6.4595
08-13-98...........................................          900          6.4595
08-13-98...........................................        1,700          6.4595
08-13-98...........................................        2,000          6.4595
08-13-98...........................................       17,300          6.4595
08-13-98...........................................        8,000          6.4594
08-13-98...........................................        2,400          6.4594
08-13-98...........................................        1,600          6.4594
08-13-98...........................................        1,600          6.4594
08-13-98...........................................        1,600          6.4594
08-13-98...........................................        7,100          6.4594
08-13-98...........................................        1,000          6.4594
08-13-98...........................................          700          6.4594
08-13-98...........................................        1,300          6.4594
08-13-98...........................................        1,600          6.4594
08-13-98...........................................       13,900          6.4594
</TABLE>
 
                                       I-6
<PAGE>   17
 
                                  SCHEDULE II
 
           INFORMATION CONCERNING DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF
                  ATTICUS PARTNERS AND THEIR ADVISORS THAT MAY
                   PARTICIPATE IN THE SOLICITATION OF PROXIES
 
     The name, business address and present principal occupation or employment
of each of the directors and executive officers of Atticus Partners and its
advisors and certain other employees and representatives of Atticus Partners
that may participate in the solicitation of proxies are set forth below. Unless
otherwise indicated, the principal business address of each director or
executive officer of Atticus Partners is 590 Madison Avenue, 32nd Floor, New
York, New York 10022.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          PRESENT OFFICE OR OTHER
                          NAME                                       PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION OR EMPLOYMENT
                          ----                                       ----------------------------------
<S>                                                       <C>
Timothy R. Barakett                                       Managing Member of Atticus Holdings, LLC,
                                                          the general partner of Atticus Partners.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   18
 
                                  SCHEDULE III
 
     The following sets forth the name, business address and the number of
shares of Common Stock of UCR owned beneficially by the participants in this
solicitation of proxies, or their associates. No shares are held of record but
not beneficially by the participants or their associates.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           NUMBER OF SHARES OF
                                                     COMMON STOCK BENEFICIALLY OWNED     PERCENT OF
NAME AND BUSINESS ADDRESS                               (AS OF FEBRUARY 17, 1999)       COMMON STOCK
- -------------------------                            -------------------------------    ------------
<S>                                                  <C>                                <C>
Timothy R. Barakett................................             1,908,506(1)               16.44%
  Atticus Capital, L.L.C
  590 Madison Avenue
  32nd Floor
  New York, New York 10022
James S. Goodwin...................................                    --                     --
  39 East 79th Street
  New York, New York 10021
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(1) Mr. Barakett is the Managing Member of Atticus Holdings, LLC, a Delaware
    limited liability company that serves as the general partner of Atticus
    Partners and Atticus Qualified Partners, L.P., which beneficially own
    418,050 and 607,450 shares of Common Stock, respectively. Mr. Barakett is
    also the President of Atticus Management, Ltd., an international business
    company organized under the laws of the British Virgin Islands that serves
    as the manager of Atticus International, Ltd., which beneficially owns
    551,556 shares of Common Stock. Mr. Barakett is also the Managing Member of
    Atticus Capital, which has investment discretion with respect to certain
    managed accounts (the "Managed Accounts"), which collectively beneficially
    own 331,450 shares of Common Stock. Mr. Barakett is therefore deemed to be
    the beneficial owner of 1,908,506 shares of Common Stock, which include all
    shares of Common Stock owned by Atticus Partners, Atticus Qualified
    Partners, L.P., Atticus International, Ltd. and the Managed Accounts. His
    address, and the address of each of the above-referenced entities, is c/o
    Atticus Capital, L.L.C., 590 Madison Avenue, 32nd Floor, New York, New York
    10022.
<PAGE>   19
 
                                   IMPORTANT
 
     Your proxy is important. No matter how many shares of Common Stock you own,
please give Atticus Partners your proxy FOR the election of the Atticus Nominees
by:
 
          MARKING the enclosed BLUE proxy card,
 
          SIGNING the enclosed BLUE proxy card,
 
          DATING the enclosed BLUE proxy card, and
 
          MAILING the enclosed BLUE proxy card today in the postage-paid
     envelope provided (no postage required if mailed in the United States).
 
     If you have already submitted a proxy to UCR for the Annual Meeting, you
may change your vote to a vote FOR the election of the Atticus Nominees by
marking, signing, dating and mailing the enclosed BLUE proxy card for the Annual
Meeting, which must be dated after any proxy you submitted to UCR. Only your
latest dated proxy for the Annual Meeting will count at such meeting.
 
     If you have any questions or require any additional information concerning
this Proxy Statement or the proposal by Atticus Partners, please contact
Georgeson & Company Inc. at the address and phone number set forth below.
 
     IF ANY OF YOUR SHARES OF COMMON STOCK ARE HELD IN THE NAME OF A BROKERAGE
FIRM, BANK, BANK NOMINEE OR OTHER INSTITUTION, ONLY IT CAN VOTE SUCH SHARES AND
ONLY UPON THE RECEIPT OF YOUR SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS. ACCORDINGLY, PLEASE CONTACT
THE PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR ACCOUNT AND INSTRUCT THAT PERSON TO EXECUTE THE
BLUE PROXY CARD FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING.
 
                            GEORGESON & COMPANY INC.
                               Wall Street Plaza
                            New York, New York 10005
                                 1-800-223-2064
<PAGE>   20
 
                             ATTICUS PARTNERS, L.P.
 
          THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF ATTICUS PARTNERS, L.P.
 
                               590 MADISON AVENUE
                                   32ND FLOOR
                            NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10022
 
    The undersigned stockholder of Unique Casual Restaurants, Inc. ("UCR")
hereby appoints Timothy R. Barakett (the "Proxy"), with full power of
substitution, to vote all shares of Common Stock of UCR that the undersigned is
entitled to vote if personally present at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of
UCR to be held on March 17, 1999, and at any adjournments or postponements
thereof as indicated below and, in the discretion of the Proxy, to vote upon
such other business as may properly come before the meeting and any adjournment
or postponement thereof. The undersigned hereby revokes any previous proxies
with respect to matters covered by this proxy.
 
                 ATTICUS PARTNERS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR ITEMS 1
 
    1.  ELECTION OF DIRECTORS. Election of Timothy R. Barakett and James S.
        Goodwin as directors whose terms expire at the Annual Meeting of
        Stockholders in 2001.
 
                    [ ]  FOR             [ ]  AGAINST
 
INSTRUCTION: To withhold authority to vote for the election of one or more of
the persons nominated by Atticus Partners, mark FOR above and write the name(s)
of the person(s) with respect to whom you wish to withhold authority to vote
below:
 
                          (Continued on reverse side)
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    This proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in the manner marked
herein by the undersigned stockholder. If no marking is made, this proxy will be
deemed to be a direction to vote FOR Item 1 and, in the discretion of the Proxy,
to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting and any
adjournment or postponement thereof.
 
                                             -----------------------------------
                                             Date
 
                                             -----------------------------------
                                             Signature
 
                                             -----------------------------------
                                             Title
 
                                             When shares are held by joint
                                             tenants, both should sign. When
                                             signing as an attorney, executor,
                                             administrator, trustee, guardian,
                                             corporate officer or partner,
                                             please give full title as such. If
                                             a corporation, please sign in the
                                             name of the corporation by the
                                             President or other authorized
                                             officer. If a partnership, please
                                             sign in name of the partnership by
                                             an authorized person. This proxy
                                             votes all shares held in all
                                             capacities.
 
                                              PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND MAIL
                                                          PROMPTLY


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