AVADO BRANDS INC
10-Q, 1998-10-30
EATING PLACES
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                                  UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 10-Q

                                   (Mark One)

     [X]  Quarterly  Report  Pursuant  to Section 13 or 15(d) of the  Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 For the quarterly period ended September 27, 1998

                                       or

     [ ]  Transition  Report  Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the  Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 For the transition period from to

                         Commission File Number: 0-19542


                               AVADO BRANDS, INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


      Georgia                                                   59-2778983
- ----------------------                                   -----------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of                             (I.R.S. Employer
 incorporation or organization)                            Identification No.)

 Hancock at Washington, Madison, GA                               30650
- ----------------------------------------                 -----------------------
(Address of principal executive offices)                        (Zip Code)


                                  706-342-4552
                            ------------------------
             (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
                                                
                                Apple South, Inc.
                            -------------------------
                 (Former name, former address and former fiscal
                      year, if changed since last report)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the  preceding 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.

                                                               X Yes        No

As of October  29,  1998,  there were  34,199,586  shares of common stock of the
Registrant outstanding.


<PAGE>
                               AVADO BRANDS, INC.

                          QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q

                    FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 27, 1998


                                      INDEX


Part I - Financial Information                                             Page

        Item 1 -  Consolidated Financial Statements:

                  Consolidated Statements of Earnings..........................3

                  Consolidated Balance Sheets..................................4

                  Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity..............5

                  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows........................6

                  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements...................7

        Item 2 -  Management's Discussion and Analysis of
                  Financial Condition and Results of Operations...............11

        Item 3 -  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About 
                  Market Risk.................................................16

Part II - Other Information

        Item 5 -  Other Information...........................................17

        Item 6 -  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K............................17

Signature         ............................................................18




                                       2
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
Avado Brands, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Earnings
(Unaudited)
                                       
(In thousands, except per share data)  
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 Quarter Ended                 Nine Months Ended
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                             Sept. 27,     Sept. 28,        Sept. 27,     Sept. 28,
                                                                               1998          1997             1998          1997
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                         <C>              <C>              <C>           <C>    
Restaurant sales:
    Applebee's                                                              $   69,225       114,122          305,612       341,796
    Don Pablo's                                                                 70,306        54,542          195,985       143,400
    Hops                                                                        26,891        14,170           75,778        32,393
    McCormick & Schmick's                                                       26,939        20,265           73,642        47,297
    Canyon Cafes                                                                11,081         8,082           34,944         8,082
    Other                                                                            -         4,558                -        17,113
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Total restaurant sales                                               204,442       215,739          685,961       590,081
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Restaurant operating expenses:                                                           
    Food and beverage                                                           57,242        59,457          191,939       163,710
    Payroll and benefits                                                        67,235        65,735          223,210       178,613
    Depreciation and amortization                                                4,009         8,275           12,397        22,905
    Other operating expenses                                                    48,487        49,602          160,844       133,759
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Total restaurant operating expenses                                  176,973       183,069          588,390       498,987
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

General and administrative expenses                                             10,983        10,380           36,179        28,773
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Operating income                                                                16,486        22,290           61,392        62,321
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Other income (expense):
    Interest expense, net                                                       (5,925)       (4,534)         (20,278)      (13,113)
    Distributions on preferred securities                                       (2,013)       (2,012)          (6,038)       (4,400)
    Gain on disposal of assets held for sale                                    31,661             -           78,358             -
    Income from investments carried at equity                                       21             -              808             -
    Other, primarily goodwill amortization                                      (1,267)       (1,379)          (4,490)       (3,176)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

          Total other income (expense)                                          22,477        (7,925)          48,360       (20,689)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Earnings before income taxes and cumulative
   effect of change in accounting principle                                     38,963        14,365          109,752        41,632

Income taxes                                                                    14,525         3,705           40,450        13,480
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Earnings before cumulative effect of
   change in accounting principle                                               24,438        10,660           69,302        28,152
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cumulative effect of change in accounting
   principle, net of tax benefit                                                     -             -            1,461             -
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings                                                                $   24,438        10,660           67,841        28,152
====================================================================================================================================

Basic earnings per common share:
      Basic earnings before cumulative effect of
            change in accounting principle                                  $     0.67          0.28             1.84          0.73
      Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle                            -             -            (0.04)            -
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Basic earnings per common share                                             $     0.67          0.28             1.80          0.73
====================================================================================================================================

Diluted earnings per common share:
      Diluted earnings before cumulative effect of
            change in accounting principle                                  $     0.58          0.26             1.61          0.70
      Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle                            -             -            (0.03)            -
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Diluted earnings per common share                                           $     0.58          0.26             1.58          0.70
====================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                                                     3

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
Avado Brands, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)

(In thousands, except share data)
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                  Sept. 27,               Dec. 28,
                                                                                                    1998                   1997
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                             <C>                        <C>    
Assets
Current assets:
      Cash and cash equivalents                                                                 $    1,399                  2,503
      Short-term investments                                                                            27                     37
      Accounts receivable                                                                           12,524                  8,983
      Notes receivable                                                                              10,063                      -
      Inventories                                                                                    8,364                 10,732
      Prepaid expenses and other                                                                    11,314                  9,047
      Assets held for sale                                                                         104,896                331,104
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Total current assets                                                                    148,587                362,406

Premises and equipment, net                                                                        346,357                283,839
Goodwill, net                                                                                      138,230                138,403
Other assets                                                                                        49,089                 19,641
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                $  682,263                804,289
====================================================================================================================================

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Current liabilities:
      Accounts payable                                                                          $   17,453                 24,819
      Accrued liabilities                                                                           49,997                 40,266
      Current installments of long-term debt                                                            19                    206
      Income taxes                                                                                  21,125                      -
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Total current liabilities                                                                88,594                 65,291

Long-term debt                                                                                     203,964                381,843
Deferred income taxes                                                                               16,700                 14,231
Other long-term liabilities                                                                          6,885                  7,142
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Total liabilities                                                                       316,143                468,507
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Company-obligated mandatorily redeemable preferred securities
       of Avado Financing I, a subsidiary holding solely Avado                                   
       Brands, Inc. 7% convertible subordinated debentures
       due March 1, 2027                                                                           115,000                115,000
Equity forward contracts pending settlement                                                        107,496                      -

Shareholders' equity:
      Preferred stock, $0.01 par value. Authorized 10,000,000 shares;
          none issued                                                                                    -                      -
      Common stock, $0.01 par value. Authorized 75,000,000 shares;
          40,478,760 issued in 1998 and 1997                                                           405                    405
      Additional paid-in capital                                                                    37,744                145,269
      Retained earnings                                                                            164,690                 97,905
      Treasury stock at cost; 4,170,328 shares in 1998 and 1,662,812
           shares in 1997                                                                          (59,215)               (22,797)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Total shareholders' equity                                                              143,624                220,782
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                $  682,263                804,289
====================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.



                                                                     4
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
Avado Brands, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity
(Unaudited)

(In thousands, except per share data)
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                              Additional                                   Total
                                                       Common Stock             Paid-in      Retained      Treasury    Shareholders'
                                                  Shares          Amount        Capital      Earnings        Stock        Equity
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                               <C>               <C>        <C>            <C>          <C>           <C>      
Balance at December 28, 1997                      40,479            $405      $145,269        $97,905      ($22,797)     $220,782  
Net earnings                                           -               -             -         37,078             -        37,078
Purchase of common stock                               -               -             -              -          (113)         (113)
Common stock issued to ESOP and ESPP                   -               -            36              -           206           242
Exercise of options                                    -               -            (2)             -            12            10
Foreign currency translation adjustment                -               -             -            148             -           148
Cash dividends ($0.01 per share)                       -               -             -           (405)            -          (405)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at March 29, 1998                         40,479              405      145,303        134,726       (22,692)      257,742
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Net earnings                                           -               -             -          6,325             -         6,325
Purchase of common stock                               -               -             -              -       (30,318)      (30,318)
Common stock issued to ESOP and ESPP                   -               -             -              -            81            81
Exercise of options                                    -               -           (61)             -           201           140
Foreign currency translation adjustment                -               -             -            (83)            -           (83)
Equity forward contract pending settlement             -               -        (3,400)             -             -        (3,400)
Cash dividends ($0.0125 per share)                     -               -             -           (506)            -          (506)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at June 28, 1998                          40,479             405       141,842        140,462       (52,728)      229,981
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Net earnings                                           -               -             -         24,438             -        24,438
Purchase of common stock                               -               -             -              -        (6,570)       (6,570)
Common stock issued to ESOP and ESPP                   -               -             -              -            83            83
Exercise of options                                    -               -            (2)             -             -            (2)
Foreign currency translation adjustment                -               -             -            178             -           178
Equity forward contract pending settlement             -               -      (104,096)             -             -      (104,096)
Cash dividends ($0.0125 per share)                     -               -             -           (388)            -          (388)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at September 27, 1998                     40,479             $405      $37,744       $164,690      ($59,215)     $143,624
====================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.





                                                                     5
 <PAGE>
<TABLE>
Avado Brands, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)

(In thousands)                                                                                           
<CAPTION> 
                                                                                                         Nine Months Ended        
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                  Sept. 27,              Sept. 28,
                                                                                                    1998                   1997
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                             <C>                        <C>     
Cash flows from operating activities:
      Net earnings                                                                              $   67,841                 28,152  
      Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash                                            
           provided by operating activities:
               Depreciation and amortization                                                        17,506                 27,573
               Deferred income taxes                                                                 2,469                  4,630
               Gain on sale of assets                                                              (78,358)                     -
               (Increase) in assets:                                                                             
                    Accounts receivable                                                             (3,543)                   744
                    Inventories                                                                     (1,305)                (1,345)
                    Prepaid expenses and other                                                      (6,327)                (2,146)
                Increase (decrease) in liabilities:                                                
                    Accounts payable                                                                (7,366)                (6,687)
                    Accrued liabilities                                                              5,227                 (7,922)
                    Income taxes                                                                    21,125                     35
                    Other long-term liabilities                                                      1,057                    377
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               Net cash provided by operating activities                            18,326                 43,411
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flows from investing activities:
      Capital expenditures                                                                        (112,224)              (120,213)
      Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired                                               (2,325)              (146,444)
      Proceeds from sale of premises and equipment                                                 338,365                  4,178
      Decrease in short-term investments                                                                10                     15
      Additions to franchise costs                                                                       -                   (704)
      Additions to other assets                                                                    (28,235)                (5,780)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities                 195,591               (268,948)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flows from financing activities:
      Net proceeds from (repayment of) revolving credit agreements                                (176,721)               134,500
      Proceeds from issuance of preferred securities, net of issue costs                                 -                111,261
      Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt                                                           -                    823
      Principal payments on long-term debt                                                               -                   (569)
      Proceeds from issuance of common stock                                                             -                  1,518
      Dividends declared and paid                                                                   (1,299)                (1,123)
      Purchase of treasury stock                                                                   (37,001)               (22,995)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities                (215,021)               223,415
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents                                                           (1,104)                (2,122)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period                                             2,503                  3,923
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period                                              $    1,399                  1,801
====================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.




                                                                     6
<PAGE>
                               AVADO BRANDS, INC.
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                               September 27, 1998
                                   (Unaudited)


NOTE 1 - BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying  unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared
in  accordance  with  generally  accepted  accounting   principles  for  interim
financial  information and with the  instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of
Regulation  S-X   promulgated   by  the  Securities  and  Exchange   Commission.
Accordingly,  they do not include all of the information and footnotes  required
by generally  accepted  accounting  principles  for annual  financial  statement
reporting  purposes.   However,  there  has  been  no  material  change  in  the
information  disclosed in the consolidated  financial statements included in the
Company's  Annual  Report on Form 10-K for the year  ended  December  28,  1997,
except as  disclosed  herein.  In the opinion of  management,  all  adjustments,
consisting only of normal recurring  accruals,  considered  necessary for a fair
presentation  have been included.  Operating  results for the nine-month  period
ended September 27, 1998 are not necessarily  indicative of the results that may
be expected for the year ending January 3, 1999.

The Company's  fiscal year is a 52 or 53-week year ending on the Sunday  closest
to December 31.  Accordingly,  the 1998 fiscal year will be composed of 53 weeks
and the Company's fourth quarter will include 14 weeks of operations.

NOTE 2 - ASSET DIVESTITURES

As previously disclosed,  in December 1997 the Company finalized its decision to
sell  its  franchised   Applebee's   Neighborhood  Grill  &  Bar  ("Applebee's")
restaurants.  In  the  third  quarter  of  1998,  the  Company  completed  seven
transactions  for the sale of 118  Applebee's  restaurants.  Total cash proceeds
from these sales were $199.7 million plus $6.7 million in notes. As of September
28, 1998, the Company had sold 191 of its 279 Applebee's  restaurants  for total
cash consideration of $361.1 million plus $12.8 million in notes. The notes, net
of a $2.7 million reserve,  are included in notes receivable in the accompanying
consolidated balance sheet.

The unsold premises and equipment,  franchise costs and goodwill  related to the
Applebee's  division are included in "Assets  held for sale".  Depreciation  and
amortization  on these  long-lived  assets were suspended in December 1997, when
management finalized the decision to dispose of the division.

NOTE 3 - CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE

At the beginning of fiscal 1998, the Company adopted AICPA Statement of Position
98-5,  "Reporting  the Cost of Start-Up  Activities."  This  statement  requires
entities to expense the costs of start-up activities as incurred. As a result of
the adoption of this change in  accounting  policy,  from  expensing  preopening
costs in the first full month of a restaurant's  operations to expensing them as
incurred,  the Company  recorded a cumulative  effect  charge from the change in
accounting  principle of $2.2 million ($1.5  million net of tax benefit)  during
the first quarter of 1998.

 


                                        7
<PAGE>

NOTE 4 - EQUITY INVESTMENTS

In January  1998,  the  Company  acquired a 20%  interest  in Belgo  Group,  PLC
("Belgo"),  a public  restaurant  company based in the United Kingdom that owned
and operated two Belgo  restaurants  in London,  for $6.1  million.  In June and
September of 1998, Belgo completed two separate transactions for the acquisition
of five  additional  restaurants.  In connection  with these  acquisitions,  the
Company  invested  an  additional  $3.4  million  in the second  quarter  and an
additional  $4.7  million  in the  third  quarter  to  maintain  its 20%  equity
interest.  The  investment  in Belgo is accounted for under the equity method of
accounting.  Accordingly,  the  Company's  interest in Belgo's  net  earnings is
included  in "Income  from  investments  carried at equity" in the  accompanying
consolidated  statement of earnings.  The  Company's  investment  is included in
"Other assets" in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. The investment is
translated into U.S. dollars at the period-end exchange rate, while net earnings
are  translated at the average  exchange  rate during the period.  The resulting
translation  adjustments are recorded as a component of shareholders' equity and
comprehensive income (Note 9).

Also during 1998,  the Company and Belgo entered into two 50/50 joint  ventures:
one to develop an Avado  Brands  proprietary  concept in Europe and the other to
develop Belgo restaurants in the Western  Hemisphere.  During the third quarter,
the Company incurred start up expenses of $60,000 related to the ventures. These
costs are  included  in  "Income  from  investments  carried  at  equity" in the
accompanying consolidated statement of earnings.

In April 1998, the Company sold its Harrigans  division,  retaining a 25% equity
interest in the ongoing business. The Company received $3.0 million in cash plus
a $4.0 million note and additionally  retained  ownership of the real estate for
two  Harrigans  locations  which  are  being  leased  to  the  new  entity.  The
transaction  resulted in a $0.7  million  gain with an  additional  $4.0 million
gain,  related to the note,  being  deferred.  The  investment  in  Harrigans is
accounted for using the equity method of accounting  with net earnings  included
in  "Income  from  investments  carried at  equity".  The  Company's  25% equity
interest is included in "Other assets" in the accompanying  consolidated balance
sheet.

NOTE 5 - SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Cash dividends declared and paid in the quarter ended September 27, 1998 totaled
$0.0125 per share. On October 22, 1998, the Company  declared a cash dividend of
$0.0125 per share,  payable on November 30, 1998, to  shareholders  of record on
November 13, 1998.

In January 1998, the Company's Board of Directors approved the purchase of up to
two million  additional shares of the Company's common stock.  During the second
quarter of 1998, the Company  completed  this  repurchase  program.  On June 18,
1998,  the  Company  announced  the  approval  by its Board of  Directors  of an
additional  repurchase  program for the lesser of $125.0  million or 8.3 million
shares.  During the third quarter, the Company completed this repurchase program
through a combination of direct purchases and equity forward contracts. To allow
for the execution of the additional  program,  the Company obtained consent from
the holders of its 9.75% Senior Notes due 2006 to amend  certain  covenants  and
events  of  default  provisions  contained  in the  Indenture  dated May 1, 1996
relating to the notes (the  "Indenture").  Bondholder  consent was  finalized on
July 1, 1998 and the Company paid $4.2 million to the  consenting  holders.  The
$4.2 million  amount is included in deferred  loan costs and is being  amortized
over the remaining  term of the  Indenture. 




                                       8
<PAGE>
At  September  27, 1998,  pursuant  to  various  equity  forward  contracts with
the Company,  third parties had  purchased a total of 8.0 million  shares of the
Company's  common  stock at an average  price of $13.45 (or a total  acquisition
cost of $107.5 million). Upon expiration of the agreements,  the Company has the
option to (i) acquire the shares at the third parties' average  acquisition cost
or (ii) instruct the third parties to sell the stock in the market and settle in
cash any  appreciation or depreciation in the market value of the stock from the
date of purchase  through the sale date.  The Company may also pursue  extending
the contracts  dependent on mutual  agreement  between the Company and the third
parties.  The  acquisition  price paid by third  parties is reflected as "Equity
forward contracts pending settlement" in the accompanying  consolidated  balance
sheet.  In addition,  on October 12, 1998 the Company  announced the approval by
its Board of Directors of an additional 2.5 million share repurchase program.

NOTE 6 - SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

For the nine-month  periods ended  September 27, 1998 and September 28 1997, the
following  supplements  the  consolidated  statements of  cash flows (amounts in
thousands):

                                                                1998       1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest paid                                                $ 17,612    13,216 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions paid on preferred securities                   $  6,038     3,912
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income taxes paid                                            $ 16,103     8,074
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired:
   Fair value of assets acquired, other than cash            $ 1,314     63,261
   Liabilities assumed                                             -    (34,704)
   Merger consideration payable                                    -     (1,890)
   Stock issued                                                    -    (21,492)
   Purchase price in excess of the net assets acquired         1,011    141,269
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Net cash used for acquisitions                         $ 2,325    146,444
================================================================================

The 1998 business acquisition reflects the buy-out of a joint venture partner in
the Hops  division.  As  discussed  in Note 2, during 1998 the Company  sold 191
Applebee's  restaurants.  The accompanying  consolidated  balance sheet reflects
changes in asset and  liability  accounts  related to the  divestiture  of these
restaurants  as follows:  decrease  in assets  held for sale of $261.1  million,
decreases  in  assets  not  classified  as held  for  sale of $5.4  million  and
increases in accrued liabilities of $2.3 million.

NOTE 7 - INCOME TAXES

The  effective  tax rate for the first nine months of 1998 was 36.9%  reflecting
the  blend of taxes on  operations  estimated  at 34.0% and taxes on the gain on
sale  of  assets  estimated  at  38.0%.  The  Company's  effective  tax  rate on
operations  for fiscal 1998 is  expected to be 34.0%  compared to the prior year
effective rate of 32.4%.

NOTE 8 - CONTINGENCIES

During 1997, two lawsuits were filed by persons  seeking to represent a class of
shareholders of the Company who purchased  shares of the Company's  common stock
between May 26, 1995 and September 24, 1996.  Each  plaintiff  named the Company
and certain of its officers and directors as defendants.  The complaints alleged




                                       9
<PAGE>
acts  of  fraudulent  misrepresentation  by the  defendants  which  induced  the
plaintiffs to purchase the Company's  common stock and alleged  illegal  insider
trading by certain of the defendants, each of which allegedly resulted in losses
to the  plaintiffs  and  similarly  situated  shareholders  of the Company.  The
complaints each sought damages and other relief. During 1998, one of these suits
was dismissed.  Although the ultimate outcome of the remaining lawsuit cannot be
determined at this time, the Company  believes that the allegations  therein are
without merit and intends to vigorously defend itself.

NOTE 9 - COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

In June 1997,  the  Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board issued  Statement of
Financial  Accounting  Standards  ("SFAS")  No.  130,  "Reporting  Comprehensive
Income". SFAS 130, which is effective for the Company's fiscal 1998, establishes
standards for reporting and display of comprehensive  income and its components.
Comprehensive income is defined as the change in equity of a business enterprise
during a period  from  transactions  and other  events  and  circumstances  from
nonowner sources. Total comprehensive income for the nine months ended September
27, 1998 of $24.7 million  included net earnings as reported in the accompanying
consolidated  statement of earnings  plus the $0.2 million  after-tax  effect of
foreign  currency  translation  adjustments.  Comprehensive  income for the nine
months ended September 28, 1997 was equal to net earnings as reported.




                                       10


<PAGE>
Item 2.
                               AVADO BRANDS, INC.
                      MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
                OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
         For the Third Quarter and Nine Months ended September 27, 1998



Consolidated Overview

Consolidated  restaurant  sales  for the third  quarter  and nine  months  ended
September  27, 1998  decreased  5% and  increased  16%,  respectively,  over the
comparable  periods of 1997 reflecting  declining  revenues  associated with the
Company's  divestitures  of  its  Applebee's  and  Harrigans  divisions.  In the
Company's core brands,  which include Don Pablo's,  Hops,  McCormick & Schmick's
and  Canyon  Cafes,  sales  increased  by 39% and 65%  for the  same  respective
periods.  Unit growth in Don Pablo's,  sales attributable to the brands acquired
in 1997 and subsequent  unit growth and increases in average unit volumes in the
newer brands  contributed  to increased  core brand sales.  Net earnings for the
third quarter were $24.4 million compared to $10.7 million for the third quarter
of 1997. Earnings for the third quarter included a $31.7 million pre-tax gain on
the  disposal  of  assets  held for sale  related  primarily  to the sale of 118
Applebee's restaurants completed during the third quarter.

During 1998,  the Company has invested  $14.2  million to acquire and maintain a
20% interest in Belgo Group, PLC ("Belgo"), a public restaurant company based in
the United  Kingdom that owns and operates seven  restaurants in London.  During
the second quarter,  the Company  completed the sale of its Harrigans  division,
retaining a 25% equity interest in the ongoing business.  The Company's pro rata
share of net  earnings  of Belgo and  Harrigans  is  included  in  "Income  from
investments  carried at equity" in the  accompanying  consolidated  statement of
earnings.

The  effective  tax rate for the first nine months of 1998 was 36.9%  reflecting
the  blend of taxes on  operations  estimated  at 34.0% and taxes on the gain on
sale  of  assets  estimated  at  38.0%.  The  Company's  effective  tax  rate on
operations  for fiscal 1998 is  expected to be 34.0%  compared to the prior year
effective rate of 32.4%.

Core Brands

The following  tables present  operating  income and number of  restaurants  for
ongoing  core  brands.  The  operating  income  table  presents  the quarter and
nine-month period ended September 27, 1998 compared to the pro forma results for
the quarter and  nine-month  period ended  September 28, 1997 (assuming the 1997
acquisitions of Hops,  McCormick & Schmick's and Canyon Cafes occurred as of the
beginning of 1997).




                                       11
<PAGE>
Core Brands - Operating Income:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              Quarter Ended   Nine Months Ended
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            Actual   Actual    Actual  Pro forma
                                            Sept.27, Sept.28, Sept.27,  Sept.28,
                                             1998     1997     1998       1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Restaurant sales:
   Don Pablo's                             $ 70,306   54,542   195,985   143,400
   Hops                                      26,891   14,170    75,778    40,233
   McCormick & Schmick's                     26,939   20,265    73,642    58,442
   Canyon Cafes                              11,081    8,082    34,944    23,562
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total restaurant sales                135,217   97,059   380,349   265,637
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Restaurant operating expenses:
      Food and beverage                      38,033   26,840   106,601    73,821
      Payroll and benefits                   40,733   28,890   114,701    79,625
      Depreciation and amortization           4,009    3,301    12,397     9,460
      Other operating expenses               32,031   22,071    88,426    60,538
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total restaurant operating expenses   114,806   81,102   322,125   223,444
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from restaurant operations            20,411   15,957    58,224    42,193

General and administrative expenses           8,387    6,805    26,251    20,041
================================================================================
Operating income                           $ 12,024    9,152    31,973    22,152
================================================================================


Core Brands - Number of Restaurants:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   Sept. 27,          Sept. 28,
                                                     1998                1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Don Pablo's                                           120                 87
Hops                                                   44                 24
McCormick & Schmick's                                  20                 16
Canyon Cafes                                           18                 15
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Total                                        202                142
================================================================================

Total core brand  restaurant  sales for the third quarter and nine-month  period
ended  September 27, 1998 increased by 39% and 43%,  respectively,  over the pro
forma  results  of the  comparable  prior year  periods.  These  increases  were
primarily driven by new restaurant  openings and  year-to-date  gains in average
unit  volumes  in base  restaurants  (those  open  for a full 12  months  at the
beginning of 1998) at Hops of 6%,  Canyon Cafes of 4%,  McCormick & Schmick's of
2% and Don Pablo's of 1%. The gains in average unit  volumes were  predominately
driven by customer  counts  associated  with an  increasing  awareness  of these
emerging brands.

Average unit volumes at new restaurants at McCormick & Schmick's  raised overall
average  unit  volume  gains  over  prior  year at all  units  to 8%  reflecting
increasing customer  acceptance in new markets.  At Don Pablo's,  lower sales in
new units  reduced  overall  average  unit volume  comparisons  to prior year to
negative 5%. Seven weaker 1997 sites at Don Pablo's and management's decision to
open 1998 restaurants for dinner only, combined to reduce overall average weekly
sales for all units. 




                                       12
<PAGE>
Restaurant  operating   expenses  for  the  third  quarter of 1998 were 84.9% of
sales  compared to 83.6% for the comparable  prior year period.  The increase is
primarily  attributable to (i) an increase in other operating  expenses  related
primarily to the costs  associated with an increase in the number of openings in
the third  quarter of 1998 as  compared  to 1997,  (ii) an  increase in food and
beverage costs primarily related to an increase in Hops sales as a percentage of
total core brand  sales  compared  to prior year (Hops  experiences  higher food
costs due to a larger  percentage  of beef sales as  compared  to the other core
brands) and (iii) an increase in payroll and benefit cost  related  primarily to
an increase in the number of new unit openings (new units  typically  experience
higher labor costs during the first several months of  operations).  General and
administrative  expenses  for the  quarter,  which  include  divisional  and all
corporate  overhead,  decreased from 7.0% of sales to 6.2% primarily as a result
of leverage gained from absolute increases in size in addition to a reduction in
performance related Corporate bonus accruals.

Asset Divestitures

As previously disclosed,  in December 1997 the Company finalized its decision to
sell  its  franchised   Applebee's   Neighborhood  Grill  &  Bar  ("Applebee's")
restaurants.  In  the  third  quarter  of  1998,  the  Company  completed  seven
transactions  for the sale of 118  Applebee's  restaurants.  Total cash proceeds
from these sales were $199.7 million plus $6.7 million in notes. As of September
28, 1998, the Company had sold 191 of its 279 Applebee's  restaurants  for total
cash consideration of $361.1 million plus $12.8 million in notes. The notes, net
of a $2.7 million reserve,  are included in notes receivable in the accompanying
consolidated balance sheet.

The  Company  continues  to expect  net  proceeds  from the  divestiture  of its
Applebee's  division,  after selling  expenses and income taxes,  to approximate
$400 million.  Subsequent to September 27, 1998, the Company  completed the sale
of 13 additional  Applebee's  restaurants  for $15.1 million in cash plus a $2.6
million note. As of October 30, 1998, the Company has four  definitive  purchase
contracts for 50 restaurants, and written offers for the 25 remaining Applebee's
restaurants located in the Washington D.C. area. The Company expects to complete
three of the  contracts  during the fourth  quarter of 1998 and expects sales of
all remaining locations to be completed in 1999.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Principal  financing  sources  during the first nine months of 1998 consisted of
proceeds from the sale of premises and equipment of $346.5 million and cash flow
from  operations of $18.3 million.  The principal uses of funds during the first
nine months of 1998 included  repayment of revolving credit agreements of $176.7
million,  capital expenditures of $112.2 million and treasury stock purchases of
$37.0 million.  Capital  expenditures,  which include  purchases of land for new
restaurants,  new restaurant construction,  and purchases of new and replacement
furniture  and  equipment,  are  expected  to  approximate  $20  million for the
remainder of fiscal 1998 and $120 million for fiscal 1999.

Capital  requirements  are  expected  to be funded with cash  proceeds  from the
divestiture of the  Applebee's  division,  cash  generated  from  operations and
remaining  commitments  of $9.3 million under a $30.0 million  master  equipment
lease.  Additionally,  at September 27, 1998 the Company had unsecured revolving
bank credit  agreements  aggregating  $150.0  million of which $71.5 million was
unused and  available.  The Company  anticipates  reducing its revolving  credit
facilities as additional  sales  proceeds are received and expects to complete a
new $150.0 million  revolving  credit facility by year end which,  when combined
with an existing  $30  million  facility,  will be used to fund  future  capital
requirements.




                                       13
<PAGE>
In the third quarter,  the Company continued to use Applebee's sales proceeds to
reduce its obligation  under a $200.0 million credit facility to zero. Under the
terms of the $200.0 million facility,  credit availability declined commensurate
with reductions in the outstanding obligation.  The Company anticipates that the
remaining  proceeds from the Applebee's  divestiture will continue to be used to
reduce obligations  related to its remaining  revolving credit facilities (under
which $78.5  million was  outstanding  at September  27,  1998).  Any  remaining
proceeds from the divestiture will be used to fund new restaurant development.

By the end of the third quarter, the Company had acquired,  or had the option to
purchase pursuant to equity forward contracts,  all of the shares authorized for
repurchase under the Company's previously announced 8.3 million share repurchase
program. In connection with this program,  the Company obtained consent from the
holders of its 9.75% Senior Notes due 2006 to amend certain covenants  contained
in the  Indenture  dated May 1, 1996,  relating to the notes (the  "Indenture").
Bondholder  consent  was  finalized  on July 1, 1998 and the  Company  paid $4.2
million to the  consenting  holders.  The $4.2  million  amount is  included  in
deferred  loan  costs  and is being  amortized  over the  remaining  term of the
Indenture. In October, the Board of Directors approved an additional 2.5 million
share  repurchase  program and the Company  completed the direct  purchase of an
additional 2.5 million shares.

At  September  27, 1998,  third  parties had  purchased  a  total of 8.0 million
shares of the Company's common stock at an average price per share of $13.45 (or
a  total  acquisition  cost  of  $107.5  million)  pursuant  to  equity  forward
contracts.  The acquisition  price paid by third parties is reflected as "Equity
forward contracts pending settlement" in the accompanying  consolidated  balance
sheet.  Upon  expiration  of the  agreements,  the Company has the option to (i)
acquire  the  shares  at the third  parties'  average  acquisition  cost or (ii)
instruct  the third  parties  to sell the stock in the market and settle in cash
any  appreciation or depreciation in the market value of the stock from the date
of purchase  through the sale date.  The Company may also pursue  extending  the
contracts  dependent  on mutual  agreement  between  the  Company  and the third
parties.  The Indenture contains a restricted payments covenant which limits the
amount that may be expended for share  repurchases  to a basket  calculated by a
specified   formula.   Earnings,   proceeds  from  equity  offerings  and  other
transactions  increase the basket while dividends,  share  repurchases and other
transactions  reduce the basket. At September 27, 1998, the amount available per
the basket for share repurchases was approximately  $76.1 million. As of October
29,  1998 the total  purchase  price of  shares  represented  by equity  forward
contracts  exceeded the basket by  approximately  $54.7  million (or 4.1 million
shares).  If settlements were currently made under the equity forward  contracts
for these excess shares,  the Company would owe  approximately  $18.5 million to
the third parties with respect to these shares (based on the closing sales price
of the  Company's  common  stock on October 29,  1998).  The Company  intends to
purchase as many shares  currently  represented by equity  forward  contracts as
allowed by the basket under the Indenture.  The Company  believes that it may be
able to extend  some or all of the  equity  forward  contracts  which  currently
expire from December 1998 through July 1999. In addition, some of the shares may
be utilized for  management  and other  employee  share  purchase  option plans,
possible  future  acquisitions  and  the  future  conversion  of  the  Company's
2,300,000,  $3.50 term convertible  securities,  all of which would increase the
basket amount.  The Company's  revolving credit  agreements,  including a $150.0
million credit facility expected to be completed during the fourth quarter,  and
cash  flow  from   operations  will  be  sufficient  to  satisfy  the  Company's
obligations upon expiration of the equity forward contracts.

During October, the Board  of  Directors  approved  loans to the Chief Executive
Officer and  certain other executive officers of  the Company.  Pursuant to this
approval,  the  Company  has  advanced  a total of  approximately  $1.8 million.




                                       14
<PAGE>
Forward-Looking Information

Certain  information  contained  in this  Form  10-Q,  particularly  information
regarding  the  timing  and  sales  price  of  the   disposition  of  Applebee's
restaurants,  future economic performance and finances,  restaurant  development
plans, capital requirements and objectives of management, is forward looking. In
some cases,  information  regarding  certain  important factors that could cause
actual  results to differ  materially  from any such  forward-looking  statement
appear  together with such statement.  In addition,  the following  factors,  in
addition to other possible factors not listed, could affect the Company's actual
results and cause such  results to differ  materially  from those  expressed  in
forward-looking statements.  These factors include competition within the casual
dining  restaurant  industry,   which  remains  intense;   changes  in  economic
conditions  such as  inflation  or a  recession;  consumer  perceptions  of food
safety; weather conditions; changes in consumer tastes; labor and benefit costs;
legal claims;  the continued ability of the Company to obtain suitable locations
and financing for new  restaurant  development;  government  monetary and fiscal
policies;  laws and regulations;  governmental  initiatives such as minimum wage
rates and taxes;  retention of  Applebee's  division  employees  while sales are
pending; the availability of qualified buyers for the Applebee's restaurants and
their ability to obtain  required  financing;  and the  satisfaction  of closing
conditions for  prospective  transactions  subject to  outstanding  contracts or
letters of intent.  Other  factors that may cause actual  results to differ from
the forward-looking statements contained in this release and that may affect the
Company's  prospects in general are  described in Exhibit 99.1 to the  Company's
Form 10-Q for the fiscal  quarter ended June 29, 1997,  and the Company's  other
filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Year 2000

Historically,  certain computer programs were written and certain computer chips
were designed  using two digit year  designations.  These programs and chips may
experience   problems  handling  dates  beyond  1999.   Incomplete  or  untimely
resolution of these problems by the Company,  by its critical  suppliers,  or by
governmental  entities  could have a material  adverse  effect on the  Company's
consolidated financial position or results of operations. The Company began work
on Year 2000 related issues in 1997 by conducting  executive  awareness programs
and engaging outside  consultants to assist in developing a consistent Year 2000
methodology,  time  line and  project  plan.  An  inventory  and  assessment  of
information  technology  ("IT")  systems  as well as  non-IT  systems  has  been
completed and the Company is currently in the process of correcting systems with
date-related  deficiencies.  Completion of the solution implementation phase and
testing of those  solutions is  scheduled to be completed  prior to December 31,
1998.  As the Company has invested  primarily in licensed  software  rather than
developing it internally,  remediation efforts and related  expenditures are not
material.  The Company is also in the process of  evaluating  key  suppliers  to
determine the status of their Year 2000 compliance programs. Management does not
currently anticipate any adverse effects related to the Year 2000.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In June 1997,  the  Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board issued  Statement of
Financial  Accounting  Standards  ("SFAS")  No.  130,  "Reporting  Comprehensive
Income". SFAS 130, which is effective for the Company's fiscal 1998, establishes
standards for reporting and display of comprehensive  income and its components.
Comprehensive income is defined as the change in equity of a business enterprise
during a period  from  transactions  and other  events  and  circumstances  from
nonowner sources. Total comprehensive income for the nine months ended September
27, 1998 of $24.7 million  included net earnings as reported in the accompanying
consolidated  statement of earnings  plus the $0.2 million  after-tax  effect of
foreign  currency  translation  adjustments.  Comprehensive  income for the nine
months ended September 28, 1997 was equal to net earnings as reported.




                                       15
<PAGE>
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Not applicable.




                                       16
<PAGE>
Part II. Other Information

Item 5. Other Information

Apple South Financing I, a Delaware business trust sponsored by the Company (the
"Trust"),  filed a  certificate  of  amendment  on  October  19,  1998  with the
Secretary  of  State  of  Delaware  to  change  the  name of the  Trust to Avado
Financing  I. The Trust's  preferred  securities  trade on NASDAQ  under the new
symbol "AVDOP".

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

(a)      Exhibits.

         2.1      Asset purchase  agreement  dated  July 31, 1998, by and  among
                  Apple South, Inc. and Delta Bluff, LLC.

         11.1     Computation of earnings per common share

         27.1     Financial Data Schedule (EDGAR version only)

         99.1     Safe Harbor Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
                  of 1995*

     *Incorporated  by reference to the  corresponding  exhibit to the Company's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 29, 1997, as amended by
a Form 10-Q/A filed on August 27, 1997

(b)      Reports on Form 8-K.

         The Company filed a Current  Report on Form 8-K,  dated August 3, 1998,
which disclosed, pursuant to Item 2 of Form 8-K, the Company's completion of the
sale of 123 of its franchised Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar restaurants.

         The Company  filed a Current  Report on Form 8-K,  dated  September 14,
1998, which disclosed,  pursuant to Item 2 of Form 8-K, the Company's completion
of the  sale  of  191 of its  franchised  Applebee's  Neighborhood  Grill  & Bar
restaurants.




                                       17

<PAGE>
Signature


Pursuant  to the  requirements  of the  Securities  Exchange  Act of  1934,  the
Registrant  has duly  caused  this  report  to be  signed  on its  behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.


                                                  Avado Brands, Inc.
                                                     (Registrant)


Date: October 30,  1998                 By:      /s/ Erich J. Booth
                                                 -------------------------------
                                                 Erich J. Booth
                                                 Chief Financial Officer 
                                                 and Treasurer

                                                  
                                                 /s/ Philip L. Ammons
                                                 -------------------------------
                                                 Philip L. Ammons
                                                 Chief Accounting Officer





                                       18


<PAGE>
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX

     2.1 Asset purchase agreement dated July 31, 1998, by and among Apple South,
         Inc. and Delta Bluff, LLC.

     11.1 Computation of earnings per common share

     27.1 Financial Data Schedule (EDGAR version only)

     99.1 Safe Harbor  Under the  Private  Securities  Litigation  Reform Act of
          1995*

     *Incorporated  by reference to the  corresponding  exhibit to the Company's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 29, 1997, as amended by
a Form 10-Q/A filed on August 27, 1997





                                       19




                            ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT


     THIS ASSET  PURCHASE  AGREEMENT,  dated as of July 31,  1998,  by and among
APPLE SOUTH,  INC., a Georgia  corporation  ("Seller") and DELTA BLUFF,  LLC., a
Tennessee limited liability company ("Purchaser"),

                              W I T N E S S E T H :

     WHEREAS, Seller owns and operates a number of Applebee's Neighborhood Grill
& Bar ("Applebee's") franchise restaurants; and

     WHEREAS, Seller desires to sell to Purchaser certain Applebee's restaurants
and related property,  and Purchaser desires to purchase such assets, all on the
terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein;

     NOW,  THEREFORE,  in  consideration  of the  premises  and  other  good and
valuable   consideration,   the  receipt  and   adequacy  of  which  are  hereby
acknowledged,  and intending to be legally  bound,  the parties  hereby agree as
follows:

                            ARTICLE I - DEFINITIONS

     1.1 Definitions.  For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall
have the meanings set forth below:

     "Action" shall mean any action, suit, litigation, complaint,  counterclaim,
claim,  petition,  mediation contest, or administrative  proceeding,  whether at
law, in equity, in arbitration or otherwise,  and whether conducted by or before
any Government or other Person.

     "ADIs" shall mean Arbitron Rating Areas of Dominant Influence.

     "ADI Personnel" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.4.

     "Assets"  shall mean all of Seller's  rights and interests in, to, or under
the following:

     (i) all tangible  personal  property of any kind located in the Restaurants
or on the Real Property,  including, but not limited to, equipment,  appliances,
machinery, tables, chairs, other furniture, bars, tableware, cookware, utensils,
furnishings, signage, leasehold improvements, fixtures, uniforms, supplies, food
and  beverage  inventory  (including  beer,  liquor,  and wine  inventory),  and
advertising  and promotional  materials.  The tangible  personal  property shall
include, without limitation, the items set forth on Schedule 1.1(i);

     (ii) $1,500 cash in each Restaurant;

     (iii) all prepaid items relating exclusively to the Business;

     (iv) all assignable Permits;

     (v)  all  assignable   rights  under  express  or  implied   warranties  of
manufacturers, distributors, or retailers relating to the Assets;

     (vi) all of Seller's supplier lists,  demographic,  statistical,  and other
information related exclusively to the Business;

     (vii) copies of Seller's  employee  records of those  current  employees of
Seller who are employed by Purchaser as of the Closing  (subject to execution of
a release by each affected employee allowing for the disclosure of such files);

     (viii) the Contracts and Leases;


                                       1
<PAGE>
     (ix) the Owned Real Property; and

     (x) all  records  and  files  related  to the  Real  Property  such as rent
calculations, landlord correspondence,  purchase agreements, deeds, construction
documents,  title reports,  environmental and engineering  reports,  appraisals,
surveys, etc.

     "Assets" shall not include cash in the  Restaurants in excess of $1,500 per
Restaurant,  bank accounts, or any other property,  tangible or intangible, real
or personal, not described above.

     "Assumed  Liabilities" shall mean (i) all obligations of Seller that accrue
after  the  Closing  under  the  terms of the  Contracts  and  Leases,  (ii) all
obligations  of Seller under the  Contracts  and Leases that accrue prior to the
Closing but which are not due for payment  until after the Closing and which are
taken into account in  computing  the  Purchase  Price  pursuant to Section 2.3,
(iii) obligations arising after the Closing under any Permits which are assigned
to Purchaser,  (iv) all Property Taxes and all other obligations with respect to
the Assets  that  accrue  prior to the Closing but which are not due for payment
until  after the  Closing  and which are taken  into  account in  computing  the
Purchase  Price  pursuant to Section 2.3,  (v) all Property  Taxes and all other
obligations with respect to the Assets that accrue after the Closing,  (vi) gift
certificates  issued by Seller prior to Closing,  (vii) accrued  vacation of ADI
Personnel  assumed  pursuant to Section 6.3(c),  and (viii) all obligations with
respect to Seller's  development  activities  under  Section  4.7 not  otherwise
assumed  hereunder or covered by an increase in the purchase  price  pursuant to
Section 2.3. Assumed  Liabilities  shall not include any liability,  obligation,
payment,  duty, or  responsibility  of any nature except as expressly  described
above and  specifically  shall not include (i)  liabilities  or  obligations  of
Seller  arising out of any breach by Seller of any of the  Contracts  or Leases;
(ii)  except  as  provided  in  clauses  (ii)  or  (iv)  above,  liabilities  or
obligations  of Seller  under any of the  Contracts or Leases or with respect to
the Owned Real  Property  or other  Assets that accrue in any such case prior to
the Closing;  (iii) any liabilities or obligations of Seller under the Franchise
Agreements; (iv) any liability of Seller for product liability, personal injury,
property  damage,  or otherwise  based on any tort claim or statutory  liability
(including  but not  limited to any "dram  shop"  liability);  (v) any  federal,
state, or local tax liability of Seller except to the extent  expressly  assumed
hereunder, (vi) any contractual claim based on any lease, contract, or agreement
other  than the  Contracts  and  Leases;  (vii) any  liability,  obligation,  or
responsibility  of  Seller  to  Seller's   employees,   agents,  or  independent
contractors with respect to wages,  salaries,  bonuses, or other compensation or
benefits  earned or accrued  prior to the Closing  (except for accrued  vacation
assumed pursuant to Section  6.3(c));  and (viii) any liability or obligation of
Seller  arising  out of the  negotiation,  execution,  or  performance  of  this
Agreement,  including fees and expenses of attorneys and accountants,  except as
otherwise expressly provided herein.

     "Bill  of Sale  and  Assignment  Agreement"  shall  mean an  instrument  in
substantially  the form of Exhibit A hereto pursuant to which the Assets (except
for the Owned Real Property)  will be  transferred  and assigned to Purchaser at
the Closing and pursuant to which Purchaser will assume the Assumed Liabilities.

     "Business"  shall mean the business of owning and operating the Restaurants
and developing and opening new Applebee's  Neighborhood  Grill & Bar restaurants
in the Territory,  as conducted  prior to the Closing by Seller  pursuant to the
Franchise Agreements.

     "Closing" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.6 hereof.

     "Closing Date" shall mean the time and date that the Closing occurs.

     "Code"  shall mean the United  States  Internal  Revenue  Code of 1986,  as
amended,  and all  regulations  thereunder.  Any reference  herein to a specific
section or sections  of the Code shall be deemed to include a  reference  to any
corresponding provision of future law.


                                       2
<PAGE>
     "Consents"  shall mean all  consents,  approvals,  and  estoppels of others
which are  required  to be  obtained  in order to effect  the valid  assignment,
transfer,  and conveyance to Purchaser of the Material  Contracts and the Leases
without resulting in any default thereunder.

     "Contracts" shall mean all contracts,  agreements,  and leases of equipment
or other personal  property that relate  exclusively to the Business;  provided,
however,  that the Franchise  Agreements are not included  within the meaning of
"Contracts."

     "Deeds" shall mean special warranty deeds,  limited warranty deeds or other
appropriate  instruments  to convey good and  marketable fee simple title to the
Owned Real Property, with the warranty of title contained therein limited to the
claims of Persons claiming by, through or under Seller, but not otherwise.

     "Development Costs" shall mean (i) all of Seller's reasonable out-of-pocket
costs paid in connection with the development of the restaurant  located at 7515
Goodman Road in Olive Branch,  Mississippi  and  capitalized in accordance  with
generally  accepted  accounting  principles  and Seller's  historical  practices
including,  but not  limited  to,  the  purchase  price  paid for  real  estate;
acquisition and closing costs, such as legal fees,  engineering  fees,  surveys,
transfer taxes, title policies, and the like; environmental investigation costs;
the cost of permits, approvals, variances, or rezonings; land development costs;
construction  costs; the cost of equipment and other personal  property acquired
for the restaurants;  pre-opening  expenses;  and construction period insurance;
(ii) Seller's  internal costs  capitalized in connection  with such  development
efforts in  accordance  with Seller's  historic  practices;  and (iii)  Seller's
reasonable  costs in the  acquisition  and  development of new restaurant  sites
approved by the Purchaser. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the parties agree that
the  Development  Costs  and  pre-opening  expenses  with  respect  to  the  new
restaurant at 7515 Goodman Road in Olive Branch, Mississippi, shall not exceed $
1,735,000 without the written consent of both parties.

     "Disclosure   Memorandum"   shall  mean  the  set  of  numbered   schedules
referencing  Sections of this  Agreement  delivered  by Seller and dated of even
date herewith,  as supplemented by new or amended schedules  delivered by Seller
prior to the Closing.

     "DR Holdings  Tracts"  shall mean two parcels of real  property  located at
4855 American  Way,  Memphis,  Tennessee and 3954 Austin Peay Highway,  Memphis,
Tennessee,  which are  subject to leases,  but which  Seller  shall  cause to be
conveyed to Purchaser in fee simple at the Closing.

     "Effective Time" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.5 hereof.

     "Environmental Laws" shall mean all federal,  state,  municipal,  and local
laws,  statutes,  ordinances,  rules,  regulations,   conventions,  and  decrees
relating to the environment,  including  without  limitation,  those relating to
emissions,  discharges,  releases,  or  threatened  releases  of  chemicals,  or
industrial,  toxic,  or  Hazardous  Materials or wastes of every kind and nature
into the environment  (including  without limitation ambient air, surface water,
ground water,  soil,  and subsoil),  or otherwise  relating to the  manufacture,
generation,  processing,  distribution,  application,  use, treatment,  storage,
disposal,  transport,  or handling of  pollutants,  contaminants,  chemicals  or
industrial,  toxic,  or hazardous  substances  or wastes,  and any and all laws,
rules, regulations, codes, directives, orders, decrees, judgments,  injunctions,
consent agreements,  stipulations,  provisions,  and conditions of Environmental
Permits, licenses, injunctions, consent agreements,  stipulations,  certificates
of authorization,  and other operating authorizations,  entered, promulgated, or
approved thereunder.

     "Environmental  Permits"  shall mean all permits,  licenses,  certificates,
approvals, authorizations,  regulatory plans or compliance schedules required by
applicable  Environmental Laws, or issued by a Government pursuant to applicable
Environmental  Laws,  or  entered  into by  agreement  of the party to be bound,

                                       3
<PAGE>
relating  to  activities  that  affect  the   environment,   including   without
limitation,   permits,  licenses,   certificates,   approvals,   authorizations,
regulatory plans and compliance  schedules for air emissions,  water discharges,
pesticide  and  herbicide  or  other  agricultural   chemical  storage,  use  or
application,  and Hazardous  Material or Solid Waste  generation,  use, storage,
treatment and disposal.

     "Financial Statements" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.8.

     "Financing Commitment" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.4.

     "Forum" shall mean any federal,  state, local, municipal, or foreign court,
governmental   agency,   administrative  body  or  agency,   tribunal,   private
alternative dispute resolution system, or arbitration panel.

     "Franchise Agreements" shall mean those development  agreements,  franchise
agreements,   and  other  agreements  between  Seller  and  Franchisor  relating
exclusively to the Territory.

     "Franchisor" shall mean Applebee's International, Inc.

     "Government" shall mean any federal,  state, local,  municipal,  or foreign
government   or   any   department,    commission,    board,   bureau,   agency,
instrumentality, unit, or taxing authority thereof.

     "Guarantee" shall mean each of the guarantees executed and delivered to the
Seller by James L. Hudson,  Harold Jordan, Elmer Jordan and A. Van Vincent on or
prior to the date of this Agreement.

     "Hazardous  Material" shall mean all substances and materials designated as
hazardous  or  toxic  as  of  the  date  hereof   pursuant  to  any   applicable
Environmental Law.

     "HSR Act" shall mean the  Hart-Scott-Rodino  Antitrust  Improvements Act of
1976, as amended.

     "Knowledge  of  Seller"  (or words of like  effect)  when used to qualify a
representation,  warranty, or other statement shall mean the actual knowledge of
Seller's  directors of operations for the Territory and all management of Seller
senior thereto after due inquiry of the Restaurant managers in the Territory.

     "Leases" shall mean the leases of real property and improvements  described
on Schedule 1.1B and any leases subsequently  entered into and pertaining to new
restaurants being developed pursuant to Section 4.7.

     "Letter Agreement" shall mean the letter agreement, as described in Section
10.13,  duly  executed and delivered to Seller by A. Van Vincent of Delta Bluff,
LLC on or prior to the date of this Agreement.

     "Material  Contracts"  shall  mean  all  Contracts  that  involve  monetary
obligations of Seller of more than $12,000  during any two-year  period and that
are not  cancelable  by Seller upon thirty days notice or less,  a list of which
are set forth on Schedule 1.1D.

     "Minor Contracts" shall mean all Contracts that are not Material Contracts.

     "Mortgages"  shall mean deeds of trust and fixture filings,  assignments of
rents,  and  security  agreements,  relating  to Austin  Peay and  American  Way
securing the Promissory  Note, in a form to be agreed upon by the parties within
30 days from the date hereof.

     "Orders"  shall mean all  applicable  orders,  writs,  judgments,  decrees,
rulings, consent agreements, and awards of or by any Forum or entered by consent
of the party to be bound.


                                       4
<PAGE>
     "Owned Real Property"  shall mean those tracts and parcels of land owned by
Seller on which a Restaurant  is located or which is being held for  development
pursuant  to Section  4.7 (all of which  tracts and  parcels  are  described  in
Schedule  1.1C) or which is acquired by Seller prior to Closing for  development
pursuant to Section 4.7, and all buildings, fixtures, signs, parking facilities,
and other  improvements  located  thereon  and  appurtenances  thereto.  For the
purposes of this  Agreement,  "Owned Real Property" will include the DR Holdings
Tracts.

     "Permits"  shall  mean all  rights of Seller  under any  liquor,  alcoholic
beverage, beer and wine licenses,  other licenses of every kind, certificates of
occupancy,  and  permits or  approvals  of any  nature,  from  governmental  and
regulatory   authorities   which  relate   exclusively  to  the  Business,   the
Restaurants, or the Real Property.

     "Permitted  Encumbrances" shall mean, in the case of all Real Property, (i)
such easements,  restrictions,  covenants, and other such encumbrances which are
shown as  exceptions  on the Title  Commitments  and any other  encumbrances  of
record  as of the  effective  date of the  Title  Commitments,  (ii)  ordinances
(municipal and zoning),  (iii) survey matters,  and (iv) the Mortgages;  and (v)
such easements,  restrictions,  covenants,  and other  encumbrances which become
matters of public record after the effective date of the Title  Commitments  and
before the  Closing,  in each such case,  to the extent  that such  encumbrances
could  not  reasonably  be  expected  to  materially  interfere  with or  impair
Purchaser's  use of the Real Property for  Applebee's  Neighborhood  Grill & Bar
Restaurants or that are waived, or deemed to be waived, by Purchaser pursuant to
Section 7.1(a).  Permitted  Encumbrances  shall include in the case of both Real
Property and personal  property all liens for taxes not yet due and payable.  In
the case of  Assets  pertaining  to  Applebee's  restaurants  under  development
pursuant to Section 4.7,  Permitted  Encumbrances  shall include all mechanic's,
materialman's, and other liens relating to Assumed Liabilities.

     "Person" shall include an individual,  a  partnership,  a joint venture,  a
corporation,   a  limited   liability   company,   a  trust,  an  unincorporated
organization, a government, and any other legal entity.

     "Promissory Note" shall mean the $2.4 million promissory note substantially
in the form  attached  hereto as Exhibit B made by the Purchaser in favor of the
Seller.  Interest only shall be payable  quarterly on the first  business day of
each  calendar  quarter  beginning  during the first full quarter  following the
Closing at an annual  interest rate of 8.5%. The principal  amount shall be paid
in full at the end of three years from the Closing  date.  The  Promissory  Note
shall be secured by a first lien on the land and  buildings  at 3954 Austin Peay
and 4855 American Way, both of which are located in Memphis, Tennessee.

     "Property  Taxes" shall mean all ad valorem,  real  property,  and personal
property  taxes,  all general and special  private and public  assessments,  all
other property taxes, and all similar obligations pertaining to the Assets.

     "Real Property" shall mean the land and  improvements  comprising the Owned
Real Property and all land and improvements subject to Leases.

     "Restaurants"  shall  mean  the  13  Applebee's  Neighborhood  Grill  & Bar
restaurants  operated by Seller at the  locations set forth on Schedule 1.1A and
any additional  Applebee's  restaurants  completed prior to Closing  pursuant to
Section 4.7.

     "Schedules" shall mean the numbered sections of the Disclosure Memorandum.

     "Seller Plans" shall have the meaning set forth on Schedule 3.15.

     "Solid Waste" shall mean any garbage, refuse, sludge from a waste treatment
plant,  water supply treatment  plant, or air pollution  control  facility,  and
other discarded  material,  including  solid,  liquid,  semisolid,  or contained
gaseous material resulting from industrial, commercial, mining, and agricultural

                                       5
<PAGE>
operations, and from community activities.

     "Termination Date" shall mean October 5, 1998.

     "Territory"  shall mean those ADIs  consisting of a portion of the Jackson,
Tennessee ADI and the Memphis,  Tennessee ADI, as more particularly set forth on
Schedule 1.1E.

     "Title Commitments" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(a).

     "Title  Policies"  shall mean the Owner's  Title  Policies and the Lessee's
Title Policies as defined in Section 7.1(a).


                         ARTICLE II - PURCHASE AND SALE

     2.1 Purchase  and Sale.  Upon the terms and subject to the  conditions  set
forth in this Agreement,  at the Closing Seller shall sell, transfer, and assign
to Purchaser the Assets free and clear of any mortgage, security interest, lien,
charge,  claim,  or  other  encumbrance  of  any  nature  except  the  Permitted
Encumbrances,  and  Purchaser  shall  purchase  the Assets  from  Seller for the
Purchase Price set forth in Section 2.3.

     2.2 Assumption of Liabilities.  As of the Effective  Time,  Purchaser shall
assume  all of the  Assumed  Liabilities.  Except for the  Assumed  Liabilities,
Purchaser  does not  hereby  assume or agree to  assume or pay any  obligations,
liabilities, indebtedness, duties, responsibilities, or commitments of Seller or
any other Person, of any nature whatsoever,  whether known or unknown,  absolute
or contingent, due or to become due.

     2.3  Purchase  Price.  The  purchase  price for the Assets  (the  "Purchase
Price") shall be $15,750,000 as adjusted as follows:

     (a) The amount of the purchase price shall be increased by (i) all Property
Taxes  accruing with respect to the Assets after the Closing that have been paid
by Seller prior to Closing;  (ii) all amounts paid by Seller under the Contracts
and Leases that pertain to periods  after the Closing;  (iii) any other  prepaid
expenses  pertaining to the Business  (such as telephone  expenses,  advertising
expenses,  utility  charges,  and the  like) to the  extent  that the same  will
benefit  Purchaser  after the Closing;  (iv) an amount equal to Seller's cost of
those Assets  consisting of food,  beverage  (including beer, wine, and liquor),
new uniforms,  paper, and supplies inventory as determined by the parties' joint
inventory at the close of business on the day prior to the Closing Date; and (v)
the amount of Seller's Development Costs.

     (b) The amount of the purchase price shall be decreased by (i) all Property
Taxes  accruing with respect to the Assets prior to the Closing that are due and
payable  after the Closing and that have not been paid as of the  Closing,  (ii)
all amounts  payable  under the  Contracts  and Leases  that  pertain to periods
before the Closing  but are due and payable  after the Closing and that have not
been paid as of the Closing, and (iii) the cost of unused vacation accrued as of
the Closing Date by ADI Personnel  hired by Purchaser the cost of which is being
assumed by Purchaser pursuant to Section 6.3(c).

     (c) The amount of the purchase  price shall be further  adjusted to reflect
any  expense  paid by one party which the other party has agreed to pay or share
pursuant to Section 10.1 or otherwise pursuant to this Agreement.

     The foregoing  adjustments shall be calculated by the parties and set forth
on Exhibit C which  shall be signed by both  parties at  Closing.  The  Purchase
Price  shall  be paid by  Purchaser  on the  Closing  Date  by  delivery  of the
Promissory  Note and wire transfer of immediately  available funds in the amount
of the remainder of the Purchase Price to an account designated by Seller.


                                       6
<PAGE>
     2.4 Deliveries at the Closing. (a) At the Closing,  Seller shall deliver to
Purchaser the following:

     (i) A  certificate  executed  by  Seller,  dated  as of the  Closing  Date,
certifying  in such detail as Purchaser may  reasonably  request that subject to
the matters disclosed in the Disclosure Memorandum, as it may be supplemented by
Seller from time to time, all  representations  and warranties of Seller in this
Agreement are true in all material respects as of the Closing Date;

     (ii) A certificate  of the  Secretary or an Assistant  Secretary of Seller,
dated as of the  Closing  Date,  certifying  in such  detail  as  Purchaser  may
reasonably  request (A) that  attached  thereto is a true and  complete  copy of
resolutions  adopted  by the  Board  of  Directors  of  Seller  authorizing  the
execution,  delivery,  and performance of this  Agreement,  the Bill of Sale and
Assignment Agreement,  and the Deeds, and that all such resolutions are still in
full force and effect and are all the resolutions adopted in connection with the
transactions  contemplated by this  Agreement,  and (B) as to the incumbency and
specimen signature of each officer of Seller executing this Agreement,  the Bill
of Sale and Assignment  Agreement,  the Deeds, and any certificate or instrument
furnished  pursuant hereto,  and a certification by another officer of Seller as
to the incumbency and signature of the officer signing such certificate;

     (iii) The  opinion of  Kilpatrick  Stockton  LLP,  counsel  to  Seller,  in
substantially the form of Exhibit D hereto;

     (iv) The Bill of Sale and Assignment Agreement, duly executed by Seller;

     (v) The Consents;

     (vi)  The  Deeds,  duly  executed  by  Seller  or in the case of the two DR
Holdings Tracts by the owner thereof;

     (vii) A  "non-foreign  affidavit"  that meets the  requirements  of Section
1445(b)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended;

     (viii) A Standard form Seller's  Affidavit  required by the title insurance
company as a condition to the issuance of the title insurance policies;

     (ix) A  Cross-Receipt,  acknowledging  receipt of the Purchase Price,  duly
executed by Seller in substantially the form of Exhibit G hereto; and

     (x) Any other  documents  that  Purchaser may  reasonably  request at least
three  days  prior  to the  Closing  in  order to  effectuate  the  transactions
contemplated hereby.

     (b) At the Closing Purchaser shall deliver to Seller the following:

     (i) A  certificate  executed by  Purchaser,  dated as of the Closing  Date,
certifying in such detail as Seller may reasonably request to the fulfillment of
the conditions specified in Sections 7.3(a) and (b) hereof;

     (ii) A certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of Purchaser,
dated as of the Closing  Date,  certifying  in such detail as Seller may request
(i) that attached thereto is a true and complete copy of resolutions  adopted by
the Board of Directors  of Purchaser  authorizing  the  execution,  delivery and
performance of this Agreement,  the Bill of Sale and Assignment  Agreement,  the
Mortgages and the  Promissory  Note and that all such  resolutions  are still in
full force and effect and are all the resolutions adopted in connection with the
transactions  contemplated by this Agreement,  and (ii) as to the incumbency and
specimen  signature of each officer of Purchaser  executing this Agreement,  and
any  certificate or instrument  furnished  pursuant hereto or to be furnished in
connection  herewith  as of the Closing  Date,  and a  certification  by another
officer of Purchaser as to the incumbency  and signature of the officer  signing
such certificate;


                                       7
<PAGE>
     (iii) The funds constituting the cash portion of the Purchase Price;

     (iv) The Promissory Note, duly executed by Purchaser;

     (v) The Mortgages, duly executed by Purchaser;

     (vi) The Bill of Sale and Assignment Agreement, duly executed by Purchaser;

     (vii) The  opinion  of  Glankler  Brown  PLLC,  counsel  to  Purchaser,  in
substantially the form of Exhibit E hereto;

     (viii) A Cross-Receipt,  acknowledging receipt of the Assets, duly executed
by Purchaser, in substantially the form of Exhibit G hereto; and

     (ix) Any other documents that Seller may reasonably  request at least three
days prior to the  Closing,  including  but not limited to the Letter  Agreement
described in Section 10.13 and the Guarantees described in Section 10.14.

     2.5  Transfer of  Operations.  Purchaser  shall be  entitled  to  immediate
possession  of, and to exercise all rights  arising  under,  the Assets from and
after the time that the  Restaurants  open for business on the Closing Date, and
operation of the Restaurants shall transfer at such time (the "Effective Time").
Except  as  expressly   provided  in  this  Agreement,   all  profits,   losses,
liabilities,  claims,  or injuries  arising  before the Effective  Time shall be
solely to the  benefit or the risk of  Seller.  All such  occurrences  after the
Effective Time shall be solely to the benefit or the risk of Purchaser. The risk
of loss or damage by fire, storm, flood, theft, or other casualty or cause shall
be in all  respects  upon  Seller  prior  to the  Effective  Time  and  upon the
Purchaser thereafter.

     2.6 Closing.  The closing of the transactions  described in this Article II
(the  "Closing")  shall take place at the offices of  Kilpatrick  Stockton  LLP,
Suite 2800, 1100 Peachtree Street, Atlanta,  Georgia, at 10:00 a.m. on September
21, 1998,  or on such other date and time as may be mutually  agreed upon by the
parties hereto.

     2.7  Allocation of Purchase  Price.  The Purchase  Price shall be allocated
among the  various  Assets as set forth on Exhibit F hereof.  Each party  hereby
agrees  that it will not take a position  on any income tax  return,  before any
governmental  agency  charged with the  collection  of any income tax, or in any
judicial proceeding that is inconsistent with the terms of this Section 2.7.

     2.8 Further Assurances.  From time to time after the Closing at Purchaser's
request and expense, Seller shall execute, acknowledge, and deliver to Purchaser
such other  instruments  of  conveyance  and  transfer and shall take such other
actions  and  execute  and deliver  such other  documents,  certifications,  and
further  assurances as Purchaser may reasonably require to vest more effectively
in  Purchaser,  or to put  Purchaser  more  fully in  possession  of, any of the
Assets,  or to better  enable  Purchaser to complete,  perform and discharge the
Assumed Liabilities. Each party hereto will cooperate with the other and execute
and deliver to the other party hereto such other  instruments  and documents and
take such other actions as may be reasonably  requested from time to time by any
other party hereto as necessary to carry out, evidence, and confirm the intended
purpose of this Agreement.


             ARTICLE III - REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER

     Subject  to the  limitations  and  exceptions  set forth in the  Disclosure
Memorandum  dated of even date hereof,  as  supplemented or amended from time to
time by Seller  prior to the Closing  Date,  regardless  of whether any Schedule
constituting a part of the  Disclosure  Memorandum is referenced in any specific
provision below, Seller hereby represents and warrants to Purchaser as follows:

     3.1  Organization,   Qualifications  and  Corporate  Power.   Seller  is  a

                                       8
<PAGE>
corporation  duly  incorporated  and organized,  validly  existing,  and in good
standing under the laws of the State of Georgia.  Seller has the corporate power
and authority to execute,  deliver, and perform this Agreement, the Bill of Sale
and  Assignment  Agreement,  the  Deeds,  and all other  agreements,  documents,
certificates,  and other papers  contemplated to be delivered by Seller pursuant
to this Agreement.

     3.2 Authorization.  The execution,  delivery,  and performance by Seller of
this Agreement,  the Bill of Sale and Assignment  Agreement,  the Deeds, and all
other agreements,  documents,  certificates, and other papers contemplated to be
delivered by Seller  pursuant to this Agreement have been duly authorized by the
Board of Directors of Seller.

     3.3  Non-Contravention.  Subject to obtaining the consents to assignment of
the Leases and Material  Contracts  set forth on Schedule  3.3,  the  execution,
delivery  and  performance  of this  Agreement  will not  violate or result in a
breach of any term of Seller's Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws,  result in a
breach of any  agreement or other  instrument to which Seller is a party (except
for  defaults  under  Minor  Contracts  where the  consent of the other party or
parties to such  contract to the  assignment  thereof  will not be  obtained) or
violate any law or any order,  rule, or  regulation  applicable to Seller of any
Forum having  jurisdiction  over Seller;  and will not result in the creation or
imposition of any lien, charge, or encumbrance of any nature whatsoever upon any
of the  Assets.  Except as set forth on  Schedule  3.3 and except  for  consents
required under Minor Contracts, the execution,  delivery and performance of this
Agreement  and the other  documents  executed in  connection  herewith,  and the
consummation of the transactions  contemplated hereby and thereby do not require
any filing  with,  notice to or consent,  waiver or approval of any third party,
including but not limited to, any Forum other than any filing required under the
HSR Act and the expiration of any applicable waiting period thereunder. Schedule
3.3 identifies separately each notice, consent, waiver, or approval by reference
to each Lease and to each Material Contract to which it is applicable.

     3.4  Validity.  This  Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the
Seller and  constitutes  the legal,  valid,  and binding  obligation  of Seller,
enforceable in accordance with its terms,  subject to general equity  principles
and  to  applicable  bankruptcy,  insolvency,  reorganization,  moratorium,  and
similar laws from time to time in effect affecting the enforcement of creditors'
rights.  When the Bill of Sale and Assignment  Agreement and the Deeds have been
executed and delivered in accordance with this  Agreement,  they will constitute
the legal,  valid, and binding  obligation of Seller,  enforceable in accordance
with  its  terms,  subject  to  general  equity  principles  and  to  applicable
bankruptcy, insolvency,  reorganization,  moratorium, and similar laws from time
to time in effect affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights.

     3.5  Assets.  (a)  Seller  has good and  valid  title to all of the  Assets
constituting  personal  property,  free  and  clear  of any and  all  mortgages,
pledges, security interests,  liens, charges,  conditional sales agreements, and
other encumbrances except Permitted Encumbrances.

     (b) The Assets located at each Restaurant  constitute all tangible personal
property  required  on site to operate the  Restaurant  in  accordance  with the
Franchise Agreements.

     (c)  There  are no  assets or  property  of any  nature  which is not being
transferred to Purchaser hereunder that has been customarily used exclusively in
the  operation or ownership of the  Restaurants  other than Permits and software
licenses that are not assignable.

     (d) Each Asset constituting tangible personal property having a fair market
value of $5,000 or more is in good operating condition  consistent with its age,
subject to normal wear and tear.

     3.6 Contracts and Leases.


                                       9
<PAGE>
     (a) Each Material  Contract and Lease is a valid and subsisting  agreement,
without any  material  default of Seller  thereunder,  and to the  knowledge  of
Seller,  without  any  default on the part of any other  party  thereto.  To the
knowledge  of  Seller,  no event or  occurrence  has  transpired  which with the
passage of time or giving of notice or both will  constitute a default under any
Material  Contract or Lease.  A true and correct list of each Material  Contract
and Lease and every amendment  thereto or other  agreement or document  relating
thereto is set forth as Schedule 3.6 to this Agreement.  True and correct copies
of the Material  Contracts  and Leases (and any  amendments  thereto)  have been
provided  to  Purchaser.  At the time of  Closing,  Seller  shall  have made all
payments and performed all  obligations  due through the Closing Date under each
Contract  and Lease,  except to the extent  that any payment due is set forth on
Exhibit C and deducted in  calculating  the Purchase  Price  pursuant to Section
2.3.

     (b) No  Contract  or Lease has been  assigned  by  Seller  or any  interest
granted  therein by Seller to any third  party,  or is subject to any  mortgage,
pledge, hypothecation, security interest, lien, or other encumbrance or claim.

     (c)  Seller's  possession  of  property  subject to the Leases has not been
disturbed,  nor has any claim been asserted against Seller adverse to its rights
in such leasehold interests.

     (d) The Contracts have been entered into in the ordinary course of Seller's
business and, to Seller's knowledge, contain commercially reasonable terms.

     3.7 Real Property.

     (a)  Schedule  3.7(a)  sets forth  with  respect  to each  Restaurant,  its
location,  whether it is located on Owned Real  Property or is on a site subject
to a Lease, and whether the improvements are owned or leased.

     (b) The  water,  electric,  gas,  and  sewer  utility  services,  and storm
drainage  facilities  currently  available  to each parcel of Real  Property are
adequate for the  operation of the  Restaurants  as presently  operated,  and to
Seller's  knowledge,  there is no condition which will result in the termination
of the present access from each parcel of Real Property to such utility services
and other facilities.

     (c)  Seller,  or the owner of the DR  Holdings  Tracts,  has  obtained  all
authorizations  and  rights-of-way  which are necessary to ensure  vehicular and
pedestrian  ingress and egress to and from the site of each  Restaurant,  all of
which are assignable and shall be assigned to Purchaser at the Closing.

     (d) Neither  Seller nor the holder of the DR Holdings  Tracts has  received
any notice that any  governmental  body having the power of eminent  domain over
any parcel of Real  Property  has  commenced or intends to exercise the power of
eminent domain or a similar power with respect to any part of the Real Property.

     (e) The Real  Property and the present uses thereof  comply in all material
respects  with all  material  laws and  regulations  (including  zoning laws and
ordinances)  of all  governmental  bodies  having  jurisdiction  over  the  Real
Property,  and Seller has received no notice from any governmental body alleging
that the Real Property or any improvements  erected or situated thereon,  or the
uses conducted  thereon or therein,  violate any regulations of any governmental
body having jurisdiction over the Real Property.

     (f) To the knowledge of Seller, no work for municipal improvements has been
commenced  on or in  connection  with any parcel of Real  Property or any street
adjacent thereto and no such  improvements are  contemplated.  No assessment for
public  improvements  has been made  against  the Real  Property  which  remains
unpaid. No notice from any county, township, or other governmental body has been
served upon the Real  Property or received by Sellers,  or to the  knowledge  of
Seller  received  by any owner of any of the Real  Property  subject to a Lease,
requiring or calling attention to the need for any work,  repair,  construction,

                                       10
<PAGE>
alteration, or installation on or in connection with the Real Property which has
not been complied with.

     (g) Seller holds all  Environmental  Permits  necessary for  conducting the
Business  and has  conducted,  and is  presently  conducting,  the  Business  in
material  compliance with all applicable  Environmental  Laws and  Environmental
Permits held by it, including, without limitation, all record keeping and filing
requirements.  To the Seller's  knowledge,  all  Hazardous  Materials  and Solid
Waste,  on, in, or under Real Property  have been properly  removed and disposed
of, and to the Seller's knowledge no past or present disposal, discharge, spill,
or  other  release  of,  or  treatment,  transportation,  or other  handling  of
Hazardous  Materials  or Solid Waste on, in,  under,  or off-site  from any Real
Property will subject the  Purchaser,  or any  subsequent  owner,  occupant,  or
operator of the Real Property to  corrective  or compliance  action or any other
liability. There are no presently pending, or to Seller's knowledge,  threatened
Actions or Orders  against or involving  Seller  relating to any alleged past or
ongoing  violation  of any  Environmental  Laws or  Environmental  Permits  with
respect to the Real Property, nor to Seller's knowledge is Seller subject to any
liability for any such past or ongoing violation.  Schedule 3.7(g) discloses all
environmental reports relating to the Restaurants.

     (h) All improvements constituting a part of the Real Property, as completed
pursuant to this Agreement,  are structurally sound and designed and constructed
for their intended purposes; and are in good operating condition consistent with
their age, subject to normal wear and tear.

     3.8  Financial  Statements.  Schedule  3.8  contains  for  each  Restaurant
unaudited statements of operations as of the end of the 1997 fiscal year and for
each  fiscal  month  ended  thereafter  through  the date  hereof for which such
statements  are  available,  prepared  in  accordance  with  generally  accepted
accounting principles, except for the absence of explanatory notes and except as
otherwise  expressly  described  therein  (the  "Financial   Statements").   The
Financial  Statements have been prepared in accordance with Seller's  historical
practices and fairly present the operations of the  Restaurants  for the periods
presented.

     3.9 Taxes.  All Property  Taxes relating to the Assets have been fully paid
for 1997 and all prior tax years and there are no delinquent  property tax liens
or assessments. Seller has also timely filed (or will timely file) all other tax
returns and reports of whatever kind pertaining to the Assets and required to be
filed by Seller up to the Closing Date. Seller has paid (or will timely pay) all
taxes of whatever kind, including any interest, penalties, governmental charges,
duties,  fees,  and  fines  imposed  by  all  governmental  entities  or  taxing
authorities,  which are due and payable  prior to the Closing  Date or for which
assessments relating to any period prior to the Closing Date have been received,
the nonpayment of which would result in lien on any of the Assets.  There are no
audits,  suits,  actions,  claims,  investigations,  inquiries,  or  proceedings
pending or, to Seller's  knowledge,  threatened  against  Seller with respect to
taxes, interest, penalties,  governmental charges, duties, or fines, nor are any
such matters under  discussion  with any  governmental  authority,  nor have any
claims for additional  taxes,  interest,  penalties,  charges,  fines,  fees, or
duties been received by assessed against Seller that in any such case affect the
Assets.

     3.10 Litigation. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.10, there is no material
Action or Order  pending or, to the knowledge of Seller,  threatened  against or
affecting Seller that pertains to the  Restaurants,  or any of the Assets before
any court or by or before any Forum.

     3.11 Permits.  Seller has all material  Permits as are necessary to operate
the  Restaurants.  Seller  has  fulfilled  and  performed  all of  its  material
obligations  with respect to such Permits  and, to the  knowledge of Seller,  no
event has occurred which allows, nor after notice or lapse of time or both would
allow, revocation or termination thereof or would result in any other impairment
of the rights of the holder of any such Permits.


                                       11
<PAGE>
     3.12 Health and Safety Requirements.  Seller is in material compliance with
all laws, governmental standards,  rules and regulations applicable to Seller or
to any of the Assets in  respect  to the  Americans  with  Disabilities  Act and
similar state laws, occupational health and safety laws, and environmental laws.

     3.13  Employment  Contracts,  Etc.  Seller is not is a party to any written
employment agreements related to the employees at the Restaurants,  (or any oral
agreements  providing for  employment  other than  employment  "at will") or any
deferred compensation agreements.

     3.14 Labor  Matters.  Except as disclosed  on Schedule  3.14 in the case of
each  of the  following,  Seller  is not  and  never  has  been a  party  to any
collective  bargaining or other labor agreement  affecting the Business.  To the
knowledge of Seller,  there is no pending or threatened  labor dispute,  strike,
work stoppage, union representation, election, organizing effort, negotiation of
collective bargaining agreement, or similar labor matter affecting the Business.
Seller is not involved in or aware of any  controversy  with or dispute with any
individual or group of its employees  regarding any labor or employment matters.
Seller is not aware of any organization  representing any employees  involved in
the Business.  Further, to the knowledge of Seller, Seller is in full compliance
with all  applicable  federal  and state  laws and  regulations  concerning  the
employer-employee  relationship.  Seller  is  in  compliance  with  all  of  its
agreements  relating to the  employment  of its  employees,  including,  without
limitation,  provisions relating to wages, bonuses, hours of work and payment of
Social Security taxes, and Seller is not liable for any unpaid wages, bonuses or
commissions, or any tax, penalty, assessment or forfeiture for failure to comply
with any of the foregoing except as disclosed on Schedule 3.14.

     3.15 Employee Benefits.

     (a)  Schedule  3.15  hereto  contains a true and  complete  list of all the
following  agreements or plans of Seller which are presently in effect and which
pertain to any of the ADI Personnel:

     (i) "employee  welfare benefit plans" and "employee pension benefit plans,"
as defined in Sections 3(1) and 3(2),  respectively,  of the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA");

     (ii) any other pension, profit sharing, retirement,  deferred compensation,
stock purchase, stock option, incentive, bonus, vacation, severance, disability,
health,  hospitalization,  medical, life insurance, vision, dental, prescription
drug,  supplemental  unemployment,   layoff,   automobile,   apprenticeship  and
training, day care, scholarship, group legal benefits, fringe benefits, or other
employee  benefit plan,  program,  policy,  or  arrangement,  whether written or
unwritten,  formal or informal,  which Sellers  maintains or to which Seller has
any outstanding, present, or future obligation to contribute to or make payments
under,  whether  voluntary,  contingent,  or  otherwise  (the  plans,  programs,
policies,  or  arrangements   described  in  clauses  (i)  or  (ii)  are  herein
collectively referred to as the "Seller Plans").

     (b) Seller does not presently  contributes  and/or has ever  contributed or
been  obligated  to  contribute  to a  multiemployer  plan as defined in section
3(37)(A) of ERISA.

     (c) No Seller Plan is subject to Title IV of ERISA.

     3.16 Accuracy of Schedules,  Certificates  and Documents.  All  information
concerning Seller contained in any certificate  furnished to Purchaser  pursuant
to this Agreement or in the  Disclosure  Memorandum is or will be when furnished
both complete and accurate in all material respects; and all documents furnished
to Purchaser  pursuant to this Agreement  which are documents  described in this
Agreement or in the  Disclosure  Memorandum  are true and correct  copies of the
documents which they purport to represent.



                                       12
<PAGE>
                        ARTICLE IV - COVENANTS OF SELLER

     4.1  Performance  of Real  Property  Leases and Assumed  Contracts.  Seller
shall,  through the Closing Date,  continue to faithfully and diligently perform
each and every continuing obligation of Seller, if any, under each of the Leases
and Material Contracts, where the failure to do so would have a material adverse
affect on the operations of a Restaurant.

     4.2  Transfer  of  Licenses  and  Permits.  Seller  shall  use  good  faith
commercially  reasonable  efforts to cooperate in assisting  Purchaser  with the
assumption, transfer, or reissuance of any Licenses and all Permits required for
the operation of the Restaurants.

     4.3 Liabilities of Seller.  All liabilities of Seller related to the Assets
which are not Assumed  Liabilities  will be promptly paid by Seller as they come
due.

     4.4 Agreements Respecting Employees of Seller.

     (a) Prior to the  Effective  Time  without  the prior  written  approval of
Purchaser,  Seller  shall not  transfer or reassign  to  operations  outside the
Business any employee  substantially involved in the operation or supervision of
the Restaurants  ("ADI Personnel") At the Effective Time, Seller shall terminate
the  employment of all ADI  Personnel.  For a period of 18 months  following the
Closing,  Seller shall not solicit for  employment any person who is an employee
of Purchaser.  Notwithstanding the foregoing,  Purchaser  acknowledges that Fred
Pearson is in the process of negotiating other employment arrangements which may
cause him to resign. Seller agrees to make every commercially  reasonable effort
to cause  Fred  Pearson to remain in his  position  until such time as his other
employment  arrangements  begin and will  replace Fred Pearson with a comparable
employee as soon as practicable in the event of his resignation.

     (b) Seller shall be solely  responsible  for any  severance  amounts due or
granted by Seller to any ADI Personnel.

     (c) Seller and Purchaser  shall  cooperate in the transition of coverage of
ADI Personnel from Seller's  health,  medical,  life insurance and other welfare
plans to  similar  plans,  if any,  as may be from  time to time  maintained  by
Purchaser to ensure that the benefits of such personnel are not reduced.

     4.5 Conduct of  Business.  (a) From the date hereof until  Closing,  Seller
shall (i) operate the  Restaurants  as they are currently  being operated and in
the ordinary  course of business and in compliance with all terms and conditions
of the Franchise  Agreements,  using commercially  reasonable efforts in keeping
with Seller's historical  practices to preserve and maintain the services of its
employees and its relationships with suppliers and customers, (ii) pay all bills
and debts  incurred by it related to the  Business  promptly as they become due,
and (iii)  consult  in advance  with  Purchaser  on all  decisions  outside  the
ordinary course of business relating to the Assets or the Restaurants.

     (b) In particular,  and without limiting the foregoing, with respect to the
Business, Seller shall:

     (i) maintain the Assets consistent with past practices;

     (ii) continue to purchase and maintain  inventories  for each Restaurant in
such  quantities  and  quality  as  necessary  to  operate  the  Restaurants  in
accordance with Seller's historical practice;

     (iii) continue to operate the  Restaurants in accordance  with all material
applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations; and

     (c) Further, with respect to the Restaurants, Seller shall not, without the
express prior written approval of Purchaser:


                                       13
<PAGE>
     (i) change in any material manner the ownership of the Assets;  or directly
or  indirectly,  solicit or entertain any offer from or negotiate with or in any
manner  engage,  discuss,  accept or consider any proposal from any other person
relating to the acquisition of the Assets;

     (ii) increase the rate of  compensation  to ADI Personnel  beyond the usual
and customary annual merit increases or bonuses under  established  compensation
plans,  except for payments under the stay-bonus plan which Seller agrees to pay
on or before six weeks from the Closing Date;

     (iii) mortgage, pledge, or subject to lien any of the Assets;

     (iv) sell or otherwise  dispose of any Asset (a) with a value  greater than
$5,000 in any one  Restaurant or Assets having an aggregate  value of $25,000 or
(b) dispose of any other Asset except in the ordinary course of business;

     (v) enter into any Material Contract;

     (vi)  cancel or  terminate  or  consent to or accept  any  cancellation  or
termination of any Material Contract or Lease,  amend or otherwise modify any of
its  material  terms  or  waive  any  breach  of any of its  material  terms  or
provisions or take any other action in connection with any Material  Contract or
Lease  that would  materially  impair  the  interests  or rights of Seller to be
transferred to Purchaser hereunder.

     4.6 Access to  Information.  Seller  shall afford  Purchaser,  its counsel,
financial  advisors,  auditors,  lenders,  lenders' counsel and other authorized
representatives reasonable access for any purpose consistent with this Agreement
from the date hereof until the Closing,  during normal  business  hours,  to the
offices, properties, books, and records of Seller with respect to the Assets and
the  Restaurants  and shall furnish to Purchaser such  additional  financial and
operating data and other  information as Seller may possess and as Purchaser may
reasonably   request,   subject  to   Purchaser's   obligations   regarding  the
confidentiality  of  such  information  as set  forth  in  Section  6.2  hereof;
provided,  however,  that such access  shall be arranged in advance by Purchaser
with Seller and will be scheduled in a manner and with a frequency calculated to
cause the minimum disruption of the business of Seller.

     4.7 Development Efforts.  Seller shall use commercially  reasonable efforts
to continue up to the Closing the  development of the new Applebee's  restaurant
in Olive Branch,  Mississippi,  in accordance  with the timetable and budget set
forth on Schedule 4.7.

     4.8 Reporting Requirements.  Through the Closing Date, Seller shall furnish
to Purchaser:

     (a) Promptly after the occurrence,  or failure to occur, of any such event,
information  respect to any event which has  materially  adversely  affected the
Assets or the operations of the Restaurants.

     (b) As soon as available  and in any event  within  fifteen  business  days
after  the end of  each  fiscal  month,  the  statement  of  operations  of each
Restaurant for such month in the Seller's regularly prepared format.

     (c) Promptly  after the  commencement  of each such  matter,  notice of all
actions,  charges,  orders or other  directives  affecting  the  Business or any
Restaurant that, if adversely determined,  could materially adversely affect the
Assets,  the  operations,   business,   prospects  or  condition  (financial  or
otherwise) of the Restaurant or the ability of Seller to perform its obligations
hereunder;

     (d)  Such  other  information  respecting  the  Assets  or the  operations,
business prospects,  or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Restaurants as
the Purchaser may from time to time reasonably request.


                                       14
<PAGE>
     4.9  Cooperation.  Insofar as such  conditions  are  within its  reasonable
control or influence, Seller will use good faith commercially reasonable efforts
during the Due Diligence Period to cause the conditions set forth in Article VII
to be satisfied and to facilitate and cause the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby,  including obtaining the Consents.  The parties acknowledge
that no consents  will be sought with respect to any Minor  Contract even if the
failure  to so obtain a  consent  to  assignment  may  result  in a  default  or
termination  thereunder.  Seller  will use good  faith  commercially  reasonable
efforts to obtain required consents of landlords to the assignment of the Leases
and shall bear any expenses  associated  with obtaining such consents;  however,
Seller  shall not be  required  to make any  payment to a landlord  (other  than
reimbursement of expenses), guarantee any Lease or remain liable for the payment
thereof following the Closing, or agree to any concessions or amendment to other
leases or  arrangements  with such  landlord in order to obtain  such  consents.
Seller  agrees that with  respect to any single Lease for which Seller is unable
to obtain the  landlord's  consent to  assignment of such Lease to the Purchaser
that  Purchaser may elect not to purchase the  Restaurant  subject to such Lease
and that the Purchase Price shall be adjusted accordingly. Seller shall use good
faith  commercially  reasonable  efforts to obtain a guarantee of that amount of
Seller's  financing  equal to five percent of the Purchase Price from Franchisor
per Seller's prior agreement with Franchisor.  Seller further agrees to use good
faith commercially  reasonable efforts to obtain any required consents regarding
the assignment of any Material Contracts to Purchaser.

     4.10 Subsequent  Contracts.  From the date of this Agreement to the Closing
Date, Seller shall use good faith commercially reasonable efforts (a) to include
in any Material Contracts entered into by Seller ("Subsequent  Contracts") which
are not  subject  to full  performance  prior to the  Closing  Date a  provision
permitting  the  assignment  of any such  Subsequent  Contract to Purchaser  and
providing that upon such assignment,  Purchaser shall succeed to all of Seller's
rights, title, and interests thereunder subject to the Purchaser's assumption of
all of Seller's duties,  powers, and obligations under such Subsequent Contract,
and (b) to ensure that no Subsequent Contract contains any provision which would
limit in any way the rights,  title, and interests of Seller in the Assets.  All
Subsequent  Contracts  must be  approved  in writing by  Purchaser  prior to the
execution thereof by Seller.

     4.11 Transition Services.

     (a) For a period of three months  after the  Closing,  if and to the extent
requested  in  writing by  Purchaser,  Seller  agrees to  provide  to  Purchaser
restaurant  accounting,  POS system support,  and other services  related to the
Restaurants   as  mutually   agreed  upon  between  Seller  and  Purchaser  (the
"Services").  Purchaser  shall give Seller  forty-five (45) days advance written
notice of the Services  requested.  The Services  shall be provided  promptly as
requested  and shall be provided in the same manner and with the same or similar
personnel as Seller previously utilized.

     (b) Purchaser will pay for the Services on a monthly  basis,  after receipt
of an invoice  from  Seller,  at  Seller's  direct  personnel  cost  incurred in
connection  with providing the requested  Service,  plus an amount of reasonable
overhead not to exceed 85% of the base salaries of the  personnel  providing the
Services.  Seller's  invoice shall detail the personnel used, the amount of time
spent,  and its  calculation  of the cost thereof.  Direct  personnel cost shall
include only base salary and benefits  normally paid to Seller employees in such
capacities.

     (c) Seller is not  required  to maintain  the  employment  of any  specific
personnel in connection with providing the Services;  provided, however, that if
requested by Purchaser,  Seller shall offer to specifically designated personnel
a bonus incentive to remain for the three month period. The amount of such bonus
shall  be at the  discretion  of  Purchaser.  Such  bonus,  if  accepted  by the
employee,  shall be paid by Purchaser at the end of the three-month  period,  or
for such shorter period as Purchaser may determine.


                                       15
<PAGE>
     4.12  Delivery of Real Estate  Documents.  Within five business days of the
date hereof Seller shall provide to Purchaser  legal  descriptions  of the Owned
Real  Property and the Leased Real  Property  and copies of all  surveys,  title
policies,  and environmental  reports  pertaining to the Owned Real Property and
the Lease Real Property in Seller's possession or reasonably available to Seller
within such time period.


            ARTICLE V - REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PURCHASER

     Purchaser hereby represents and warrants to Sellers as follows:

     5.1 Organization,  Corporate Power,  Authorization.  Purchaser is a limited
liability company duly organized,  validly existing,  and in good standing under
the laws of the State of Tennessee and in each other jurisdiction in which it is
lawfully  required to qualify to conduct  business.  Purchaser has the corporate
power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement,  the Bill of Sale and
Assignment Agreement,  the Promissory Note, and the Mortgages, and to consummate
the  transactions  contemplated  hereby.  All  corporate  action  on the part of
Purchaser  necessary  for the  authorization,  execution,  and  delivery of this
Agreement,  the Bill of Sale and Assignment Agreement,  the Promissory Note, and
the Mortgages and  performance of all  obligations  of Purchaser  thereunder has
been duly taken.

     5.2  Non-Contravention.  The execution and delivery of this Agreement,  the
Bill of Sale and Assignment Agreement, the Promissory Note, and the Mortgages by
Purchaser  do  not  and  the  consummation  by  Purchaser  of  the  transactions
contemplated  hereby and thereby will not violate any  provision of its articles
of incorporation or bylaws.

     5.3  Validity.  This  Agreement  has been duly  executed  and  delivered by
Purchaser,   and  constitutes  the  legal,  valid,  and  binding  obligation  of
Purchaser,  enforceable  against it in  accordance  with its  terms,  subject to
general   equity   principles   and  to   applicable   bankruptcy,   insolvency,
reorganization,  moratorium,  and  similar  laws  from  time to  time in  effect
affecting the  enforcement of creditors'  rights.  When each of the Bill of Sale
and  Assignment  Agreement,  the  Bill of Sale  and  Assignment  Agreement,  the
Promissory Note, and the Mortgages has been executed and delivered in accordance
with this Agreement, it will constitute the legal, valid, and binding obligation
of  Purchaser,  enforceable  in  accordance  with its terms,  subject to general
equity  principles  and to applicable  bankruptcy,  insolvency,  reorganization,
moratorium,  and  similar  laws  from  time  to  time in  effect  affecting  the
enforcement of creditors' rights.

     5.4 Litigation  Relating to the Agreement.  Purchaser is not a party to, or
subject to any judgment,  decree,  or order entered in any lawsuit or proceeding
brought by any governmental  agency or instrumentality or other party seeking to
prevent the execution of this Agreement or the  consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby.


                      ARTICLE VI - COVENANTS OF PURCHASER

     6.1 Purchaser Performance. After the Closing Date, Purchaser shall promptly
pay as they become due and otherwise perform all obligations of Seller under the
Assumed Liabilities and otherwise perform and fulfill all other obligations with
respect to the Assets pertaining to the period after the Closing Date.

     6.2 Confidentiality.  In connection with the negotiation of this Agreement,
Seller may disclose  Confidential  Information,  as defined below, to Purchaser.
Purchaser  agrees  that  if  the  transactions   contemplated   herein  are  not
consummated,   it  will  return  to  Seller  all  documents  and  other  written
information   furnished  to  it.  Purchaser   further  agrees  to  maintain  the
confidentiality  of any and  all  Confidential  Information  of  Seller  and not
disclose any  Confidential  Information  to any Person other than such Person to

                                       16
<PAGE>
whom  Confidential  Information must be disclosed to effect the transactions and
who are bound by appropriate non-disclosure agreement or obligations.  Purchaser
shall not use such Confidential  Information for financial gain or in any manner
adverse  to  Seller.  The  foregoing  obligations  shall  not  apply  to (i) any
information which was known by Purchaser prior to its disclosure by Seller; (ii)
any information which was in the public domain prior to the disclosure  thereof;
(iii) any  information  which comes into the public  domain  through no fault of
Purchaser;  (iv) any  information  which is  disclosed  to  Purchaser by a third
party, other than an affiliate,  having the legal right to make such disclosure;
or (iv) any information which is required to be disclosed by Order of any Forum.
For purposes of this Section,  "Confidential Information" shall mean any and all
technical,  business,  and other information which is (a) possessed or hereafter
acquired by Seller and  disclosed to Purchaser and (b) derives  economic  value,
actual or  potential,  from not being  generally  known to  Persons  other  than
Seller,   including,   without  limitation,   technical  or  nontechnical  data,
compositions,  devices, methods, techniques,  drawings,  inventions,  processes,
financial data,  financial  plans,  product plans,  lists of actual or potential
customers or suppliers,  information regarding the business plans and operations
of Seller, and the existence of discussions and negotiations between the parties
hereto  relating to the terms  hereof.  The  restrictions  of this Section shall
expire  three  years  from the date  hereof  with  respect  to any  confidential
business  information  that does not constitute a trade secret under  applicable
law. Purchaser agrees to execute a confidentiality agreement with respect to all
information received in connection with due diligence.

     6.3 Seller Employees.

     (a) Purchaser shall be obligated to initially  offer  employment to all ADI
Personnel upon terms and conditions  substantially  equivalent to those provided
by Seller; however,  Purchaser shall not be required to provide stock options or
any stock purchase rights.  Purchaser shall have no obligation to employ any ADI
Personnel for any minimum length of time and, unless specifically agreed to with
any  employee  otherwise,  Purchaser  shall  employ ADI  Personnel on an at-will
basis.  Purchaser  further  reserves the right to amend,  increase,  decrease or
terminate  any employee  benefit  provided to its  employees at any time.  For a
period of 12 months following the Closing,  Purchaser will agree not to hire any
person who was an  employee  of Seller or any  subsidiary  of Seller  within the
previous three months (other than ADI Personnel).

     (b) Purchaser  shall  maintain  employee  records  transferred to Purchaser
hereunder  for a period of not less than four years and during  that period will
afford  Seller  reasonable  access to such  records  during  Purchaser's  normal
business hours. Purchaser shall maintain the confidentiality of such records and
limit access thereto in a manner  consistent with  Purchaser's  treatment of its
employee records.

     (c) Purchaser agrees with respect to ADI Personnel hired by Purchaser:  (i)
to give such employees credit under Purchaser's  benefits plans,  programs,  and
arrangements,  including  credit for accrued  vacation which has been charged to
Seller under  Section 2.3,  for such  employees'  period of service with Seller,
provided   that  such  credit  shall  only  be  taken  into  account  under  any
tax-qualified  plan  maintained  by Purchaser for purposes of  determining  such
employees' eligibility for participation and eligibility to satisfy any hours of
service   requirement   in  order  to  receive  an  allocation  of  an  employer
contribution;  (ii) to provide coverage to such employees who are eligible under
Purchaser's health, medical, life insurance, and other welfare plans (A) without
the need to undergo a physical  examination  or  otherwise  provide  evidence of
insurability;   (B)  any  pre-existing   condition  or  similar  limitations  or
exclusions  will be applied by taking into account the period of coverage  under
Seller's  plan;  (C) by applying and giving credit for amounts paid for the plan
year in which the Closing Date occurs as  deductibles,  out of pocket  expenses,
and similar amounts paid by individuals and their beneficiaries.

     (d) Purchaser agrees with respect to ADI personnel hired by Purchaser;  (i)
to give such  employees  credit for accrued  vacation  which has been charged to

                                       17
<PAGE>
Seller under Section 2.3 for such  employee's  service with Seller;  and (ii) to
offer to such employees benefits under Purchaser's  applicable health,  medical,
life  insurance  or other  welfare  plans  now or then  existing  at the date of
closing  which may be  amended  or  terminated  by  Purchaser  at any time.  The
Purchaser is under no  obligation  to continue or adopt any of Seller's  health,
medical, life insurance, pension or other welfare plans offered by Seller to ADI
personnel.

     6.4  Cooperation.  Insofar as such  conditions  are  within its  reasonable
control or influence,  Purchaser shall use  commercially  reasonable  efforts to
cause the  conditions set forth in Article VII to be satisfied and to facilitate
and  cause  the   consummation   of  the   transactions   contemplated   hereby.
Specifically, but not by way of limitation,  Purchaser will (i) use commercially
reasonable  efforts  to  obtain  a  signed  commitment  letter  (the  "Financing
Commitment") for financing on terms acceptable to Seller and to obtain financing
on such terms, (ii) promptly provide Franchisor with all information required by
Franchisor to determine  whether Purchaser will be approved as a franchisee with
respect to the Territory,  (iii) actively pursue an agreement with Franchisor as
to the principal terms of franchise and  development  agreements with respect to
the Territory,  and (iv) file all documents  required to obtain  approval of the
transactions  contemplated  hereby  under the HSR Act within 15 days of the date
hereof.


               ARTICLE VII - CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO THE CLOSING

     7.1 Title Examination and Property Inspection.  (a) Purchaser shall have 30
days following receipt of the documents  referred to in Section 4.12 (the "Title
Inspection Period") to obtain and review (i) current surveys and title insurance
commitments   with  respect  to  the  Owned  Real   Property   ("Owner's   Title
Commitments") pursuant to which the Title Company will agree to issue at Closing
owner's policies of title insurance  ("Owner's Title Policies") on American Land
Title Association  standard Form B-1990,  without  exceptions except as shown in
the  Owner's  Title  Commitments,  to be issued by a reputable  title  insurance
company of Purchaser's choice ("Title Company") in an amount in the case of each
parcel  equal to the purchase  price  allocated to such parcel of the Owned Real
Property  pursuant to Section 2.7, and (ii) current  surveys and title insurance
commitments with respect to the Real Property subject to a Lease  (collectively,
the "Leased Real Property") (the "Lessee Title  Commitments",  and  collectively
with the Owner's Title Commitments,  the "Title Commitments")  pursuant to which
the Title  Company  will agree to issue at Closing  lessee's  policies  of title
insurance  ("Lessee's  Title  Policies")  on  American  Land  Title  Association
standard form of leasehold owner's policy to insure leasehold  estates,  showing
no exceptions except as shown in the Lessee Title Commitments. The Owner's Title
Policies shall insure the Purchaser that, upon  consummation of the purchase and
sale  herein  contemplated,  Purchaser  will be vested  with good,  fee  simple,
marketable,  and insurable title to the Owned Real Property, subject only to the
Permitted Encumbrances or arising out of acts of the insured. The Lessee's Title
Policies shall insure the Purchaser that, upon  consummation of the transactions
herein contemplated, Purchaser will be vested with a good, valid, marketable and
insurable  leasehold estate in and to the Leased Real Property,  subject only to
the  Permitted  Encumbrances.  Purchaser  shall  have until the end of the Title
Inspection  Period in which to furnish Seller a written  statement of objections
to exceptions which, in Purchaser's reasonable judgment, would interfere with or
impair  Purchaser's  use of the Real  Property for the  operation of  Applebee's
restaurants ("Objections"). Seller shall have until 15 days following the end of
the  Title  Inspection  Period  in which to  furnish  Purchaser  with a  written
statement  regarding the Seller's  response to the  Purchaser's  Objections.  If
Seller  notifies  Purchaser  within  such  15-day  period  that it is  unable or
unwilling to satisfy all Objections in all material  respects on or prior to the
Termination  Date, then Purchaser's sole right and remedy shall be to either (i)
waive the  Objections  and elect to close,  or (ii)  terminate this Agreement by
giving  written  notice of such  termination  to Seller.  If Purchaser  fails to
furnish  Seller  a  written  statement  of  Objections  by the end of the  Title
Inspection  Period with  respect to any matter  appearing  as an  exception on a

                                       18
<PAGE>
Title Commitment, such matter shall be deemed waived by Purchaser and shall be a
Permitted  Encumbrance.  If Seller fails to provide  written notice to Purchaser
within such  15-day  period of its  unwillingness  or  inability  to satisfy any
Objections,  it shall be deemed to have agreed to satisfy such Objections  prior
to the Termination  Date. The parties  acknowledge  that some of the Leased Real
Property  may be located in  shopping  centers,  and as such,  unless the leased
premises  are a free  standing  building  located on a separate pad with its own
legal  description  ("Free Standing  Premises") the Lessee Title Commitments for
such Leased Real Property will contain encumbrances for entire shopping centers.

     (b) Property Inspection.

     (A) Between the date of this Agreement and the Closing Date,  Purchaser and
Purchaser's agents, employees, contractors,  representatives and other designees
(hereinafter  collectively called "Purchaser's  Designees") shall have the right
to enter the Real  Property for the purposes of  inspecting  the Real  Property,
conducting soil tests, conducting surveys, mechanical and structural engineering
studies,   environmental  studies,  and  conducting  any  other  investigations,
examinations,  tests,  and  inspections as Purchaser may  reasonably  require to
assess the  condition  of the Real  Property;  provided,  however,  that (i) any
activities  by or on behalf of Purchaser,  including,  without  limitation,  the
entry by Purchaser or Purchaser's Designees onto the Real Property, or the other
activities  of  Purchaser  or  Purchaser's  Designees  with  respect to the Real
Property (hereinafter called "Purchaser's Activities") shall not damage the Real
Property in any manner whatsoever or disturb or interfere with the rights of any
lessor of Leased Real  Property;  (ii) in the event the Real Property is altered
or  disturbed  in any  manner in  connection  with any  Purchaser's  Activities,
Purchaser shall immediately  return the Real Property to the condition  existing
prior to  Purchaser's  Activities;  (iii)  Purchaser  shall in no event  without
Seller's   prior   written   consent   disclose   the  results  of  any  of  its
investigations,  examinations, tests, or inspections to any party (including any
Government  unless  required  by  law)  other  than to its  lenders,  attorneys,
consultants, and investors; and (iv) Purchaser shall indemnify, defend, and hold
Seller  harmless  from and  against any and all  claims,  liabilities,  damages,
losses, costs, and expenses of any kind or nature whatsoever (including, without
limitation, attorneys' fees, and expenses and court costs) suffered, incurred or
sustained  by Seller as a result  of, by reason  of, or in  connection  with any
Purchaser's  Activities.  Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the
contrary,  Purchaser  shall not have the right to  undertake  any  environmental
studies or testing beyond the scope of a standard  "Phase I" evaluation  without
the prior written consent of Seller and, if applicable, the lessor of any Leased
Real Property.

     (B)  Purchaser  shall  have  until 45 days  following  the  signing of this
Agreement  (hereinafter  called  the "Due  Diligence  Date"),  to  perform  such
investigations,  examinations,  tests and  inspections  as Purchaser  shall deem
necessary or desirable  to determine  whether the Real  Property is suitable and
satisfactory to Purchaser and can be used for Applebee's franchise  restaurants.
In the event  Purchaser shall determine that the Real Property is not reasonably
suitable  and  satisfactory  to  Purchaser,  Purchaser  shall  have the right to
terminate this Agreement by giving written notice to Seller on or before the Due
Diligence Date If Purchaser does not terminate this Agreement in accordance with
this Section 7.1(b) on or before the Due Diligence Date, Purchaser shall have no
further right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 7.1(b).

     (C) Prior to any entry by Purchaser or any of  Purchaser's  Designees  onto
the Real Property,  Purchaser shall: (i) procure a policy of commercial  general
liability  insurance,  issued by an insurer  reasonably  satisfactory to Seller,
covering all  Purchaser's  Activities,  with a single  limit of  liability  (per
occurrence  and aggregate) of not less than  $1,000,000.00;  and (ii) deliver to
Seller a Certificate  of Insurance,  evidencing  that such insurance is in force
and effect,  and evidencing that Seller has been named as an additional  insured
thereunder with respect to any Purchaser's  Activities.  Such insurance shall be
written on an  "occurrence"  basis,  and shall be  maintained in force until the
earlier of (i) the  termination  of this  Agreement  and the  conclusion  of all
Purchaser's Activities; or (ii) Closing.


                                       19
<PAGE>
     (D)  Purchaser  acknowledges  that Seller may deliver to Purchaser  certain
documents and information in possession of Seller or Seller's agents with regard
to the Real Property (hereinafter called the "Due Diligence Materials"). The Due
Diligence  Materials will be provided to Purchaser without any representation or
warranty of any kind or nature  whatsoever and are merely  provided to Purchaser
for Purchaser's informational purposes. Until Closing, Purchaser and Purchaser's
Designees   shall   maintain  all  Due  Diligence   Materials  as   Confidential
Information.

     7.2  Purchaser's  Conditions  to  Closing.  The  obligations  of  Purchaser
hereunder are subject to satisfaction of each of the following  conditions at or
before  Closing,  the  occurrence of which may, at the option of  Purchaser,  be
waived:

     (a)  Subject to the  matters  disclosed  in the  Disclosure  Memorandum  as
supplemented by Seller from time to time, all  representations and warranties of
Seller in this Agreement shall be true in all material respects on and as of the
Closing.

     (b) Any supplement to the Disclosure  Memorandum  delivered by Seller shall
not reflect in Purchaser's  reasonable  judgment any material  adverse change in
the Assets or the  Business.  For  purposes of this  Section  7.2(b),  "material
adverse change" shall mean any condition set forth in the Disclosure  Memorandum
which results either (i) in a decrease in the aggregate monthly sales of all the
Restaurants  taken  as a  group  by 10% or more  when  compared  to the  average
aggregate  monthly sales of the  Restaurants  for the  comparable  period during
fiscal year 1997 or (ii) in a decrease of 2.5% or more in the fair market  value
of the  Assets  from the value of the  Assets on the Due  Diligence  Date to the
value of the Assets on the date of the Closing.  Notwithstanding  the foregoing,
any adverse  change in the business and financial  condition of the  Restaurants
resulting  from  national and regional  economic  conditions,  events,  or other
factors  affecting  the casual  dining  restaurant  industry in general,  or the
Applebee's  system in particular,  shall not be deemed to be a material  adverse
change hereunder.

     (c) Seller shall have performed and complied in all material  respects with
all of its  obligations  under  this  Agreement  which  are to be  performed  or
complied with by Seller prior to or on the Closing Date.

     (d) Seller  shall have  obtained and  delivered  to Purchaser  all consents
necessary  to transfer  and assign the Assets  (except for Minor  Contracts)  to
Purchaser.

     (e) Purchaser and Franchisor shall have entered into a franchise  agreement
with respect to each Restaurant and development  agreements with respect to each
ADI in the Territory.

     (f) Purchaser shall have obtained,  either from Seller or directly from the
issuing  authority,  all permits,  licenses,  including  liquor  licenses,  beer
permits and approvals of all  governmental  and  quasi-governmental  authorities
necessary for the operation of the  Restaurants  in  accordance  with  franchise
requirements;  provided,  however,  that if  Purchaser  is unable to obtain from
local municipal or county  authorities a permit  necessary for such operation of
the  Restaurants,  and  Purchaser  reasonably  believes  that it will be able to
obtain  such a permit  within two  months of the  Closing  Date,  Closing of the
transactions  contemplated  hereunder will not be delayed if Seller  delivers to
Purchaser a duly executed liquor license  management  agreement or agreements in
form reasonably satisfactory to Purchaser and Seller.

     (g)  The  waiting  period  under  the  HSR  Act  shall  have  expired  or a
notification of early termination of the waiting period shall have been received
by Purchaser.

     (h) Purchaser  shall have obtained the Financing  Commitment upon terms and
conditions  reasonably  acceptable  to Purchaser or other  financing  reasonably
acceptable to Purchaser.


                                       20
<PAGE>
     (i) Purchaser shall have been issued the Title Policies.

     (j) Seller shall have delivered the items required by Section 2.4(a).

     7.3 Seller's Conditions to Closing. The obligations of Seller hereunder are
subject  to  satisfaction  of  each of the  following  conditions  at or  before
Closing, the occurrence of which may, at the option of Seller, be waived:

     (a) All representations and warranties of Purchaser in this Agreement shall
be true in all material  respects on and as of the Closing,  and Purchaser shall
have  delivered to Seller a  certificate  to such effect dated as of the Closing
Date.

     (b) Purchaser  shall have  performed and complied in all material  respects
with all of its  obligations  under this Agreement  which are to be performed or
complied with by Purchaser prior to or on the Closing Date.

     (c)  Franchisor  shall have agreed to terminate  the  Franchise  Agreements
effective as of the Closing.

     (d) Seller shall have obtained all the Consents.

     (e)  The  waiting  period  under  the  HSR  Act  shall  have  expired  or a
notification of early termination of the waiting period shall have been received
by Seller.

     (f) Purchaser shall have delivered the items required by Section 2.4(b).


                        ARTICLE VIII - DEFAULTS/REMEDIES

     8.1 Purchaser Claims.

     (a)  Seller  shall be liable to  Purchaser  and  shall  indemnify  and hold
harmless Purchaser, its successors and assigns, against, and in respect of:

     (i) Any and all damages, losses, liabilities,  costs, and expenses incurred
or suffered by Purchaser that result from, relate to, or arise out of:

     (A) any  and all  liabilities  and  obligations  of  Seller  of any  nature
whatsoever, except for the Assumed Liabilities;

     (B) any failure by Seller to carry out any covenant or agreement  contained
in this Agreement;

     (C) any misrepresentation or breach of warranty by Seller contained in this
Agreement, the Disclosure Memorandum, or any certificate, furnished to Purchaser
by Seller pursuant hereto; or

     (D) any claim by any Person for any brokerage or finder's fee or commission
in  respect  of the  transactions  contemplated  hereby as a result of  Seller's
dealings, agreement, or arrangement with such Person.

     (ii)  Any and all  actions,  suits,  claims,  proceedings,  investigations,
demands,  assessments,  audits,  fines,  judgments,  costs,  and other  expenses
(including, without limitation,  reasonable legal fees and expenses) incident to
any  of the  foregoing  including  all  such  expenses  reasonably  incurred  in
mitigating  any  damages  resulting  to  Purchaser  from any matter set forth in
subsection (i) above.

     (b)  Notwithstanding  the  foregoing,  Seller shall have no  liability  for
damages,  indemnification or otherwise with respect to Section 8.1(a)(i)(C) (and
Section  8.1(a)(ii)  to the  extent the items  covered  thereby  relate  back to
Section 8.1(a)(i)(C)) until the aggregate liability of Seller thereunder exceeds
$175,000  and then only to the extent  that the  aggregate  liability  of Seller

                                       21
<PAGE>
thereunder exceeds such amount; provided, however, that liabilities arising with
respect to Sections 3.1 through 3.4 hereof shall not be subject to the foregoing
threshold and any liabilities  arising with respect to such matters shall not be
taken  into  account  in  computing  aggregate  liabilities  for the  purpose of
applying such  threshold  amount to  liabilities  arising  under other  Sections
subject  thereto.  In no event shall the  aggregate  liability  of Seller  under
Section  8.1(a)(i)(C)  (and Section  8.1(a)(ii)  to the extent the items covered
thereby relate back to Section 8.1(a)(i)(C)) exceed $7,000,000.  Notwithstanding
the foregoing,  the preceding  sentence  shall not apply to any claim  resulting
from any fraudulent behavior or intentional breach of this Agreement by Seller.

     (c) The amount of any  liability  of Seller under this Section 8.1 shall be
computed net of any tax benefit to Purchaser  from the matter giving rise to the
claim for  indemnification  hereunder and net of any insurance proceeds received
by Purchaser with respect to the matter out of which such liability arose.

     (d)  The  representations  and  warranties  of  Seller  contained  in  this
Agreement,  the Disclosure  Memorandum,  or any  certificate  delivered by or on
behalf  of  Seller  pursuant  to  this  Agreement  or  in  connection  with  the
transactions   contemplated   herein  shall  survive  the  consummation  of  the
transactions contemplated herein and shall continue in full force and effect for
the periods specified below ("Survival Period"):

     (i) the representations and warranties contained in Section 3.5(d) shall be
of no further force and effect after 60 days from the date of the Closing;

     (ii) the representations and warranties  contained in Sections 3.1, through
3.4 and Section  3.7(g) shall  survive until the  expiration  of any  applicable
statues of limitation provided by law; and

     (iii) all other  representations  and  warranties  of Seller shall be of no
further force and effect after 18 months from the date of the Closing.

     Anything to the  contrary  notwithstanding,  the  Survival  Period shall be
extended automatically to include any time period necessary to resolve a written
claim for indemnification  which was made in reasonable detail before expiration
of the Survival  Period but not resolved prior to its  expiration,  and any such
extension  shall  apply only as to the claims so  asserted  and not so  resolved
within the Survival  Period.  Liability for any such item shall  continue  until
such claim shall have been finally settled, decided, or adjudicated.

     (e)  Purchaser  may not assert any claim  against  Seller for breach of any
covenant  contained in Article IV (except for Sections  4.1,  4.3, 4.4, 4.10 and
4.11)  and all such  claims  shall be  deemed  to be  waived  as a result of the
Closing.  The other  covenants  contained in Article IV and  liability  therefor
shall survive the Closing.

     (f)  Purchaser  shall  provide  written  notice  to Seller of any claim for
damages or indemnification under this Article as soon as practicable;  provided,
however,  that  failure to provide  such notice on a timely  basis shall not bar
Purchaser's ability to assert any such claim except to the extent that Seller is
actually  prejudiced  thereby.  Purchaser  shall  make  commercially  reasonable
efforts to mitigate any damages, expenses, etc. resulting from any matter giving
rise to liability of Seller under this Article.

     (g) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Article VIII, the aggregate
principal  amount of the  obligation of Seller under this Article VIII shall not
exceed the gross  proceeds  actually  received by the Seller in connection  with
this Agreement and the transaction contemplated hereby.

     (h) In addition to any other rights and remedies provided herein, Purchaser
shall be entitled to recover  from  Seller all costs and  expenses of  enforcing
this Agreement,  including  without  limitation court costs and attorneys' fees;
and Seller shall have a reciprocal right.


                                       22
<PAGE>
     8.2 Defense of Third Party  Claims.  With respect to any claim by Purchaser
under Section 8.1,  relating to a third party claim or demand,  Purchaser  shall
provide Seller with prompt  written  notice  thereof in accordance  with Section
10.4 and Seller may defend diligently and, in good faith and at its expense,  by
legal counsel chosen by it and reasonably acceptable to Purchaser any such claim
or demand, and Purchaser, at its expense, shall have the right to participate in
the  defense  of any such  third  party  claim.  So long as Seller is  defending
diligently  and in good faith any such third party  claim,  Purchaser  shall not
settle or  compromise  such third  party  claim.  In any event  Purchaser  shall
cooperate in the  settlement  or  compromise  of, or defense  against,  any such
asserted claim.

     8.3 Seller  Claims.  Purchaser  shall  indemnify and hold  harmless  Seller
against, and in respect of, any and all damages,  claims,  losses,  liabilities,
and  expenses,  including  without  limitation,   legal,  accounting  and  other
expenses,  which may arise out of: (i) any breach or  violation  by Purchaser of
any covenant set forth herein or any failure to fulfill any obligation set forth
herein,  including,  but not limited to, the  obligation  to satisfy the Assumed
Liabilities; (ii) any breach of any of the representations or warranties made in
this Agreement by Purchaser;  or (iii) any claim by any Person for any brokerage
or finder's fee or commission in respect of the transactions contemplated hereby
as a result of Purchaser's dealings, agreement, or arrangement with such Person.

     8.4 Exclusive  Remedies.  The rights and remedies of the parties under this
Article VIII shall be the sole and  exclusive  rights and  remedies  that either
party may seek for any  misrepresentation,  breach of  warranty,  or  failure to
fulfill any covenant or agreement under this Agreement, except that either party
may seek specific performance or injunctive relief.

     8.5 Settlement of Disputes.

     (a) Arbitration. All disputes with respect to any claim for indemnification
under this Article VIII and all other disputes and  controversies  of every kind
and nature between the parties hereto arising out of or in connection  with this
Agreement   shall  be  submitted  to  arbitration   pursuant  to  the  following
procedures:

     (i) After a dispute or controversy  arises,  either party may, in a written
notice delivered to the other party, demand such arbitration.  Such notice shall
designate  the  name  of  the  arbitrator  appointed  by  such  party  demanding
arbitration, together with a statement of the matter in controversy;

     (ii) Within 30 days after receipt of such demand, the other party shall, in
a written notice delivered to the other party, name such party's arbitrator.  If
such party  fails to name an  arbitrator,  then the second  arbitrator  shall be
named by the American  Arbitration  Association  ("AAA"). The two arbitrators so
selected  shall  name a third  arbitrator  within  30  days,  or in lieu of such
agreement on a third  arbitrator by the two arbitrators so appointed,  the third
arbitrator shall be appointed by the AAA;

     (iii) The arbitration hearing shall be held in Louisville, Kentucky (in the
case of arbitration initiated by Seller) or in Atlanta,  Georgia (in the case of
arbitration  initiated by Purchaser)  at a location  designated by a majority of
the  arbitrators.  The Commercial  Arbitration Rule of the AAA shall be used and
the  substantive  laws of the  State  of  Georgia  (excluding  conflict  of laws
provisions) shall apply;

     (iv) An award rendered by a majority of the arbitrators  appointed pursuant
to this Agreement  shall be final and binding on all parties to the  proceeding,
shall  deal  with  the  question  of costs of the  arbitration  and all  related
matters, and judgment on such award may be entered by either party in a court of
competent jurisdiction; and

     (v) Except as set forth in subsection (b) below, the parties stipulate that
the  provisions  of this  Section  8.5 shall be a complete  defense to any suit,

                                       23
<PAGE>
action or proceeding instituted in any federal,  state, or local court or before
any  administrative  tribunal with respect to any controversy or dispute arising
out of this Agreement.  The arbitration provisions hereof shall, with respect to
such  controversy  or dispute,  survive the  termination  or  expiration of this
Agreement.

     (b) Emergency Relief.  Notwithstanding  anything in this Section 8.5 to the
contrary,  either party may seek from a court any provisional remedy that may be
necessary  to  protect  any  rights  or  property  of  such  party  pending  the
establishment of the arbitral tribunal or its determination of the merits of the
controversy.


                            ARTICLE IX - TERMINATION

     9.1 Termination.

     (a) This Agreement may be terminated as follows:

     (i) At any time by the mutual consent of Seller and Purchaser;

     (ii) By Purchaser pursuant to Section 7.1;

     (iii) By Seller if  Purchaser  shall not (i) have  obtained  and provided a
copy of a  Financing  Commitment  to Seller  within 21 days from the date hereof
(the "Financing Commitment Due Date"), (ii) been approved hereof as a franchisee
with respect to the Territory by  Franchisor  within 40 days of the date hereof,
(iii) reached  agreement with Franchisor as to a development  schedule and other
material  terms of  franchise  and  development  agreements  with respect to the
Territory within 40 days from the date hereof; or

     (iv) By either Seller or Purchaser, at its sole election, at any time after
the Termination Date, if the Closing shall not have occurred on or prior to such
date.

     Notwithstanding  the foregoing,  the parties agree that if on the Financing
Commitment  Due Date  Purchaser has failed to obtain a Financing  Commitment but
has made good faith  efforts to do so,  then  Purchaser  may on such date send a
letter to Seller  certifying  that such good faith efforts to obtain a Financing
Commitment  have  been  made  and  requesting  an  extension  of  the  Financing
Commitment  Due  Date  until  the 30th  day  from  the  date of  signing  of the
Agreement.

     (b)  In  the  event  of the  termination  of  this  Agreement  pursuant  to
subparagraph  (a)(iv)  above because  Seller or  Purchaser,  as the case may be,
shall have  willingly  failed to fulfill its  obligations  hereunder,  the other
party  shall,  subject to Section  8.5,  be entitled  to pursue,  exercise,  and
enforce any and all remedies,  rights, powers, and privileges available to it at
law or in equity.

     (c) Section  6.2,  Article  VIII,  and Article X hereof  shall  survive the
termination of this Agreement.


                           ARTICLE X - MISCELLANEOUS

     10.1 Expenses.  (a) Each party hereto shall pay its own legal,  accounting,
and similar  expenses  incidental  to the  preparation  of this  Agreement,  the
carrying out of the provisions of this  Agreement,  and the  consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby.

     (b) Purchaser shall pay the costs of all filing fees required under the HSR
Act.

     (c) Purchaser shall pay the costs of obtaining title insurance with respect

                                       24
<PAGE>
to the  Real  Property  and all  recording  fees per page  with  respect  to the
transfer of the Owned Real Property and the Leases. Purchaser shall also pay the
cost of all surveys, all environmental investigations, studies, and reports, and
all other costs of any  investigation  of the Assets,  the  Restaurants,  or the
Business by Purchaser.

     (d)  Purchaser  shall pay any costs  associated  with the  transfer  of any
Permits and the cost of obtaining  liquor licenses or other Permits that are not
assignable.

     (e) The parties shall split  equally the cost of any sales taxes,  transfer
taxes,  documentary  stamp  taxes,  or other taxes  imposed  with respect to the
transfer of any Assets constituting personal property.

     (f) Seller shall pay the costs of obtaining any Consents.

     (g) Seller shall pay all transfer taxes, documentary taxes, stamps and fees
(other than per page  recording  fees) with respect to the transfer of the Owned
Real Property and the Leases.

     (h) Following the Closing, Seller shall pay to Purchaser on a monthly basis
as billed  the  amount of all gift  certificates  issued by Seller  prior to the
Closing and redeemed thereafter.

     10.2 Contents of Agreement;  Parties in Interest;  etc. This Agreement sets
forth the  entire  understanding  of the  parties  hereto  with  respect  to the
transactions  contemplated  hereby and  constitutes a complete  statement of the
terms of such  transaction.  This  Agreement  shall not be amended  or  modified
except by written  instrument duly executed by each of the parties  hereto.  Any
and all previous agreements and understandings between the parties regarding the
subject  matter  hereof,  whether  written  or  oral,  are  superseded  by  this
Agreement.  Neither  party has been  induced  to enter  into this  Agreement  in
reliance on, and has not relied upon, any statement, representation, or warranty
of the other party not set forth in this Agreement,  the Disclosure  Memorandum,
or any certificate delivered pursuant to this Agreement.

     10.3  Assignment  and  Binding  Effect.  Purchaser  may assign the right to
receive  any of the Assets at  Closing to any  affiliate  or other  third  party
reasonably  acceptable to Seller and acceptable to Franchisor,  provided that no
such assignment shall affect  Purchaser's  liability  hereunder.  Subject to the
foregoing,  all of the terms and provisions of this  Agreement  shall be binding
upon and  inure to the  benefit  of and be  enforceable  by the  successors  and
assigns of Seller and Purchaser.

     10.4 Notices. Any notice, request,  demand, waiver,  consent,  approval, or
other communication which is required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing
and shall be deemed given only if delivered personally or sent by telecopy or by
first class  registered  or certified  United States Mail,  with proper  postage
prepaid, as follows:


                                       25
<PAGE>
    If to Seller, to:                      With a required copy to:
 
    Apple South, Inc.                      Kilpatrick Stockton LLP
    Hancock at Washington                  1100 Peachtree Street, Suite 2800
    Madison, Georgia  30650                Atlanta, Georgia  30309
    Attention:  Louis J. (Dusty) Profumo   Attention:  Larry D. Ledbetter, Esq.
    Fax:  706-343-2434                     Fax:  404-815-6555

    If to Purchaser:                       With required copies to:
    Delta Bluff, LLC                       Glankler Brown PLLC
    7725 Abbott Aveneu North               Suite 1700
    Brooklyn Park, Minnesota 55443         One Commerce Square
    Attention:  A. Van Vincent             Memphis, Tennessee 38103
    Fax:  (612) 315-8718                   Attention:  R. Hunter Humphreys, Esq.
                                           Fax:  901-525-2389; and

                                           James L. Hudson
                                           2200 20th Street, N.W.
                                           Washington, D.C.  20011
                                          
or to such other  address or person as the  addressee  may have  specified  in a
notice  duly given to the  sender as  provided  herein.  Such  notice,  request,
demand, waiver, consent,  approval or other communication will be deemed to have
been given as of the date  actually  delivered,  or if  mailed,  four days after
deposit in the U. S. Mail properly addressed with adequate postage affixed.

     10.5  GEORGIA  LAW TO  GOVERN.  THIS  AGREEMENT  SHALL BE  GOVERNED  BY AND
INTERPRETED  AND  ENFORCED IN  ACCORDANCE  WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA
WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICT OF LAW PRINCIPLES.

     10.6  Headings.  All section  headings  contained in this Agreement are for
convenience of reference only, do not form a part of this  Agreement,  and shall
not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

     10.7 Schedules and Exhibits.  All Exhibits and Schedules referred to herein
are intended to be and hereby are specifically made a part of this Agreement.

     10.8  Severability.  Any  provision of this  Agreement  which is invalid or
unenforceable  in any  jurisdiction  shall be  ineffective to the extent of such
invalidity or unenforceability  without invalidating or rendering  unenforceable
the remaining  provisions hereof, and any such invalidity or unenforceability in
any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render  unenforceable such provision in
any other jurisdiction.

     10.9 Public  Announcements.  Purchaser and Seller will coordinate with each
other all press  releases  relating  to the  transactions  contemplated  by this
Agreement and,  except to the extent  required by law,  refrain from issuing any
press  release,  publicity  statement,  or other public notice  relating to this
Agreement or the transactions  contemplated  hereby without  providing the other
party reasonable opportunity to review and comment thereon.

     10.10  Construction.  The parties hereto have  participated  jointly in the
negotiation and drafting of this  Agreement.  In the event that any ambiguity or
question of intent or interpretation  arises,  this Agreement shall be construed
as if drafted  jointly by the  parties  hereto and no  presumption  or burden of
proof shall  arise  favoring or  disfavoring  any party  hereto by virtue of the
authorship of any of the provisions of this Agreement.

     10.11  Disclaimer  of  Warranties.  OTHER THAN TO THE EXTENT OF ANY EXPRESS
REPRESENTATIONS  AND  WARRANTIES  OF  SELLER  SET FORTH IN THIS  AGREEMENT,  THE
CLOSING CERTIFICATE  REQUIRED BY SECTION 2.4(a)(i) OR ANY DOCUMENT OR INSTRUMENT
DELIVERED BY SELLER PURSUANT HERETO,  SELLER DOES NOT MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION OR
WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, OF ANY KIND OR NATURE WHATSOEVER,  WITH RESPECT TO
THE  ASSETS,  AND ALL SUCH  WARRANTIES  ARE HEREBY  DISCLAIMED.  PURCHASER  WILL
CONDUCT SUCH INSPECTIONS AND  INVESTIGATIONS OF THE ASSETS  (INCLUDING,  BUT NOT

                                       26
<PAGE>
LIMITED TO, THE PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION THEREOF) AND RELY UPON SAME
AND, UPON CLOSING,  SHALL ASSUME THE RISK THAT ADVERSE MATTERS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN
REVEALED BY PURCHASER'S  INSPECTIONS AND INVESTIGATIONS  EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT OF
SELLER'S  REPRESENTATIONS  AND  WARRANTIES  MADE  HEREIN.  SELLER SHALL SELL AND
CONVEY TO PURCHASER, AND PURCHASER SHALL ACCEPT, THE ASSETS "AS IS", "WHERE IS",
AND WITH ALL  FAULTS  EXCEPT  TO THE  EXTENT  OF  SELLER'S  REPRESENTATIONS  AND
WARRANTIES  MADE  HEREIN,  AND  THERE  ARE NO  ORAL  AGREEMENTS,  WARRANTIES  OR
REPRESENTATIONS,  COLLATERAL  TO OR AFFECTING  THE ASSETS BY SELLER OR ANY THIRD
PARTY. WITHOUT LIMITING THE GENERALITY OF THE FOREGOING, AND EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE
PROVIDED HEREIN,  IN THE CLOSING  CERTIFICATE OR IN ANY DOCUMENTS OR INSTRUMENTS
DELIVERED BY SELLER PURSUANT TO THIS AGREEMENT, SELLER MAKES, AND SHALL MAKE, NO
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED  WARRANTY OF  SUITABILITY OR FITNESS OF ANY OF THE ASSETS FOR
ANY  PURPOSE,  OR AS TO THE  MERCHANTABILITY,  ENVIRONMENTAL  CONDITION,  TITLE,
VALUE, QUALITY, QUANTITY, CONDITION OR SALABILITY OF ANY OF THE ASSETS, OR AS TO
THE PRESENCE ON OR ABSENCE FROM THE ASSETS OF ANY HAZARDOUS MATERIAL.  THE TERMS
AND  CONDITIONS  OF THIS SECTION  10.11 SHALL  SURVIVE THE  CONSUMMATION  OF THE
PURCHASE  AND SALE OF THE  ASSETS  ON THE  CLOSING  DATE  WITHOUT  REGARD TO ANY
GENERAL  LIMITATIONS UPON SURVIVAL SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT.  THE LIMITATIONS
SET FORTH IN THIS  SECTION  SHALL IN NO WAY LIMIT  ANY  WARRANTY  FROM ANY THIRD
PARTY.

     10.12 Time. Time is and shall be of the essence of this Agreement.

     10.13  Minimum  Equity  Investment.  Purchaser  agrees to enter into a side
letter agreement substantially in the form as attached hereto as Exhibit H ( the
"Letter  Agreement")  on or before  the date of the  signing  of this  Agreement
pursuant  to which  Purchaser  will agree that there  shall be a minimum  equity
investment of $50,000 in Purchaser  according to the conditions set forth in the
Letter Agreement.

     10.14 Guarantee.  James L. Hudson,  Harold Jordan,  Elmer Jordan and A. Van
Vincent (each a "Guarantor")  agree to severally  guarantee in substantially the
form as  attached  hereto as Exhibit I (the  "Guarantee")  the  performance  and
obligations of Purchaser  with respect to this  Agreement;  provided,  that, (i)
such Guarantee shall terminate after the Closing Date, (ii) the aggregate amount
of such  Guarantee  shall not exceed  $50,000 and (iii) the  obligation  of each
Guarantor shall not exceed $12,500.

                     [Signatures Located on Following Pages]


                                       27
<PAGE>

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF,  the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as
of the date first written above.

                                     SELLER:

                                                     APPLE SOUTH, INC.


                                                     By:
                                      Name:
                                     Title:


                                   PURCHASER:

                                                     DELTA BLUFF, LLC.


                                                     By:
                                      Name:
                                     Title:




                                       28
<PAGE>


Apple South  agrees to  supplementally  furnish to the  Commission a copy of any
omitted  exhibit  or  schedule  to  this  Agreement  upon  the  request  of  the
Commission.  The  following  is a list briefly  identifying  the contents of all
omitted exhibits and schedules:



                            EXHIBIT TABLE OF CONTENTS



EXHIBIT                 TITLE

     A                  Bill of Sale and Assignment Agreement

     B                  Form of Promissory Note

     C                  Adjustment to Purchase Price

     D                  Opinion of Seller's Counsel

     E                  Opinion of Purchaser's Counsel

     F                  Allocation of Purchase Price

     G                  Form of Cross-Receipt

     H                  Form of Letter Agreement

     I                  Form of Guarantee




                                       29
<PAGE>
                              DISCLOSURE MEMORANDUM



                                Table of Contents



Schedule             Title

1.1(i)               Tangible Personal Property

1.1A                 Restaurants by Address
 
1.1B                 Leases

1.1C                 Legal Description of Owned Real Property

1.1D                 Material Contracts

1.1E                 Territory

3.3                  Consents Required to Assign Leases and Material Contracts

3.6                  List of Material Contract and Leases and amendments thereto

3.7(a)               Location and Ownership of Restaurants

3.7(g)               List of Environmental Matters and Reports

3.8                  Financial Statements

3.10                 Litigation

3.14                 Labor Matters

3.15                 Seller Plans

4.7                  Budget and Schedule for Development Property


                                       30

<TABLE>
Exhibit 11.1
Computation of Earnings Per Common Share


(In thousands, except  per share data)
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 Quarter Ended                 Nine Months Ended  
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                             Sept. 27,     Sept. 28,       Sept. 27,     Sept. 28,
                                                                               1998          1997            1998          1997
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                             <C>           <C>             <C>           <C>   
Average number of common shares used in basic calculation                       36,547        38,636          37,627        38,568
Net additional shares issuable pursuant to employee stock
      option plans at period-end market price                                       16           419              25           441
Shares issuable on assumed conversion of convertible
      preferred securities                                                       7,774         7,774           7,774         5,496
====================================================================================================================================
Average number of common shares used in diluted calculation                     44,337        46,829          45,426        44,505
====================================================================================================================================

Earnings before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle          $  24,438        10,660          69,302        28,152
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of tax benefit              -             -           1,461             -
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings                                                                    24,438        10,660          67,841        28,152
Distribution savings on assumed conversion of convertible
       preferred securities, net of income taxes                                 1,328         1,361           3,985         2,975
====================================================================================================================================
Net earnings for computation of diluted earnings per common share            $  25,766        12,021          71,826        31,127
====================================================================================================================================

Basic earnings before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle    $    0.67          0.28            1.84          0.73
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle                                  -             -           (0.04)            -
====================================================================================================================================
Basic earnings per common share                                              $    0.67          0.28            1.80          0.73
====================================================================================================================================

Diluted earnings before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle  $    0.58          0.26            1.61          0.70
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle                                  -             -           (0.03)            -
====================================================================================================================================
Diluted earnings per common share                                            $    0.58          0.26            1.58          0.70
====================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>


<ARTICLE>                     5
<LEGEND>
     (THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL  INFORMATION  EXTRACTED FROM FORM
10-Q FOR THE PERIOD  ENDING  SEPTEMBER 27, 1998 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY
BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS).
</LEGEND>
<CIK>                                      0000849101
<NAME>                              Avado Brnads, Inc.
<MULTIPLIER>                                    1,000
       
<S>                                            <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                  12-mos
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                         Jan-03-1999
<PERIOD-START>                            Dec-29-1997
<PERIOD-END>                              Sep-27-1998 
<CASH>                                          1,399
<SECURITIES>                                       27
<RECEIVABLES>                                  12,524 
<ALLOWANCES>                                        0 
<INVENTORY>                                    10,063
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                              148,587
<PP&E>                                        346,357
<DEPRECIATION>                                      0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                682,263
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          88,594
<BONDS>                                       203,964
                         115,000
                                         0
<COMMON>                                          405
<OTHER-SE>                                    143,219
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                  682,263
<SALES>                                       685,961
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                              685,961
<CGS>                                         191,939
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                 588,390
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                    0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                    0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                             20,278
<INCOME-PRETAX>                               109,752
<INCOME-TAX>                                   40,450
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            69,302
<DISCONTINUED>                                      0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                     0 
<CHANGES>                                       1,461 
<NET-INCOME>                                   67,841
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                    1.80
<EPS-DILUTED>                                    1.58
        


</TABLE>


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