<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF TOM'S FOODS, INC. FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 9,
2000 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-30-2000
<PERIOD-START> JAN-02-2000
<PERIOD-END> SEP-09-2000
<CASH> 2,810
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 18,392
<ALLOWANCES> (1,680)
<INVENTORY> 10,901
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 33,297
<PP&E> 100,263
<DEPRECIATION> 50,841
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 131,355
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 19,889
<BONDS> 68,000
9,458
28,590
<COMMON> 0
<OTHER-SE> 43,725
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 131,355
<SALES> 141,396
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 141,396
<CGS> 85,542
<TOTAL-COSTS> 51,604
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 0
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> (5,551)
<INCOME-PRETAX> (1,301)
<INCOME-TAX> 97
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (1,398)
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> (1,398)
<EPS-BASIC> 0
<EPS-DILUTED> 0
</TABLE>