<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AS OF JULY 12, 2000 AND CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF
EARNINGS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED JULY 12, 2000 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY
REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<CIK> 0000750274
<NAME> Buffets, Inc.
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> JAN-03-2001
<PERIOD-START> DEC-29-1999
<PERIOD-END> JUL-12-2000
<CASH> 108,611
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 1,001
<ALLOWANCES> 0
<INVENTORY> 4,645
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 140,339
<PP&E> 609,005
<DEPRECIATION> 247,439
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 525,752
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 119,928
<BONDS> 41,465
0
0
<COMMON> 416
<OTHER-SE> 333,873
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 525,752
<SALES> 542,941
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 542,941
<CGS> 456,976
<TOTAL-COSTS> 456,976
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 0
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 1,452
<INCOME-PRETAX> 44,180
<INCOME-TAX> 16,790
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 27,390
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 27,390
<EPS-BASIC> .66
<EPS-DILUTED> .62
</TABLE>