CHECKERS DRIVE IN RESTAURANTS INC /DE
424B3, 1997-11-19
EATING PLACES
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<PAGE>   1
                                               Filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3)
                                               Registration No. 333-33529

 
PROSPECTUS
 
                      CHECKERS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANTS, INC.
 
            18% CONVERTIBLE SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE DECEMBER 31, 1998
                                  COMMON STOCK
 
                             ---------------------
     The 18% convertible subordinated notes due December 31, 1998 (the "New NTDT
Notes") and the shares of the common stock, par value $.001 per share (the
"Common Stock"), of Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. (the "Company" or
"Checkers"), covered by this Prospectus and the Registration Statement of which
it is a part, are issuable in connection with the acquisition of a promissory
note of the Company, dated March 31, 1995 and originally due on April 30, 1996,
in the original principal amount of $1,354,287 (the "NTDT Note") held by
Nashville Twin Drive-Thru Partners, Ltd., a Tennessee limited partnership
("NTDT"). NTDT received the NTDT Note in March 1995 in connection with the
acquisition by the Company of two Checkers restaurants in the Nashville,
Tennessee area. The term of the NTDT Note has been extended until the earlier of
the acquisition of the NTDT Note or November 16, 1997. The managing general
partner of NTDT will call a meeting of the partners of NTDT, to be held on
November 20, 1997 at the offices of NTDT, 1314 Fifth Avenue North, Nashville,
Tennessee 37208 at 9:00 a.m. local time, to consider and vote on approval of the
agreement pursuant to which the New NTDT Notes are to be issued. The managing
general partner of NTDT is not making any recommendation as to how the partners
of NTDT should vote. See "The Transaction."
 
     The Common Stock is traded on the NASDAQ National Market (the "NMS") and
price quotations are listed under the symbol "CHKR." On November 13, 1997, the
last reported per share sale price of the Common Stock on the NMS was $1.16. See
"Market For The Common Stock And Dividends."
 
     SEE "RISK FACTORS" COMMENCING ON PAGE 7 FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN
INFORMATION THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED IN CONNECTION WITH AN INVESTMENT IN THE
COMMON STOCK.
 
  THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
 EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
   AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
                               CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
                   WE ARE NOT ASKING YOU FOR A PROXY AND YOU
                     ARE REQUESTED NOT TO SEND US A PROXY.
 
                               November 14, 1997
<PAGE>   2
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
     The Company is subject to the information requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance
therewith files reports, proxy statements and other information with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). Such reports, proxy
statements and other information filed by the Company can be inspected and
copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the Commission at 450
Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the Commission's regional
offices at Northwestern Atrium Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400,
Chicago, Illinois 60661, and 7 World Trade Center, Suite 1300, New York, New
York 10048. Copies of such material can be obtained by mail from the Public
Reference Section of the Commission, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Room 1024,
Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. The Common Stock is quoted on the
NMS, and such reports, proxy statements and other information may also be
inspected at the offices of the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc., 1735 "K" Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006. Electronic filings made
through the Electronic Data Gathering Analysis and Retrieval System are publicly
available through the Commission's Web Site (http://www.sec.gov).
 
     This Prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in the
Registration Statement on Form S-4 (together, with its exhibits, the
"Registration Statement") that the Company has filed with the Commission under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and to which
reference is hereby made. The Registration Statement may be inspected at the
public reference facilities of the Commission at the addresses noted above, and
copies thereof may be obtained from the Commission at prescribed rates.
 
     THE COMPANY WILL PROVIDE, UPON WRITTEN OR ORAL REQUEST AND WITHOUT CHARGE
TO EACH PERSON TO WHOM THIS PROSPECTUS IS DELIVERED, A COPY OF ANY OR ALL OF THE
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE (OTHER THAN EXHIBITS TO SUCH
DOCUMENTS THAT ARE NOT SPECIFICALLY INCORPORATED THEREIN BY REFERENCE). REQUESTS
MAY BE DIRECTED TO CHECKERS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANTS, INC., 600 CLEVELAND STREET,
EIGHTH FLOOR, CLEARWATER, FLORIDA 34615, ATTENTION: SECRETARY, TELEPHONE NO.:
(813) 441-3500.
 
     NO PERSON IS AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
HEREIN, AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE
RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY CHECKERS. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT
CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF ANY OFFER TO PURCHASE BY ANYONE
IN ANY STATE (I) IN WHICH SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IS NOT AUTHORIZED (II) IN
WHICH THE PERSON MAKING SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IS NOT QUALIFIED TO DO SO; OR
(III) TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION.
NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF SECURITIES
HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE AN IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS
NOT BEEN ANY CHANGE IN THE AFFAIRS OF CHECKERS SINCE THE DATE HEREOF OR THAT THE
INFORMATION HEREIN OR IN THE DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE HAS NOT
CHANGED SINCE THE DATE OR THE DATES THEREOF.
 
  Checkers(R) is a registered service mark and Champ Burger(R) is a registered
                           trademark of the Company.
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   3
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              PAGE
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<S>                                                           <C>
AVAILABLE INFORMATION.......................................    2
SUMMARY.....................................................    5
RISK FACTORS................................................    7
  Decreasing Restaurant Sales...............................    7
  History of Operating Losses...............................    7
  Competitive Environment...................................    7
  Certain Financing Considerations; Leverage................    8
  Reliance on Key Personnel.................................    8
  Proposed Acquisition of Certain Notes.....................    8
  Shares Eligible for Future Issuance and Sale; Dilution of
     Voting Power...........................................    9
  Continued Listing on NASDAQ National Market...............   10
  Anti-Takeover Provisions..................................   10
  Control by Principal Stockholder..........................   10
  Government Regulation.....................................   11
HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
  DATA......................................................   12
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
  AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.................................   16
  Introduction..............................................   16
  Results of Operations.....................................   17
  Liquidity and Capital Resources...........................   26
THE TRANSACTION.............................................   32
  Purchase of the NTDT Note.................................   32
  Background of and Reasons for the Acquisition of the NTDT
     Note...................................................   33
  Dissenters' Rights; Solicitation of Proxies, Consents or
     Authorizations.........................................   33
  Accounting Treatment......................................   34
  Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences...................   34
  Federal Securities Law Consequences.......................   37
  Regulatory Approvals......................................   38
THE AGREEMENT...............................................   38
  General...................................................   38
  Closing Date and Effective Time...........................   38
  Representations and Warranties............................   38
  Certain Covenants.........................................   39
  Conditions................................................   39
  Termination...............................................   40
  Amendment and Waiver......................................   40
  Indemnification...........................................   40
  Expenses..................................................   40
MARKET FOR COMMON STOCK AND DIVIDENDS.......................   41
  Market Information........................................   41
  Dividends.................................................   41
BUSINESS....................................................   42
  Introduction..............................................   42
  Restaurant Development and Acquisition Activities.........   42
  Restaurant Operations.....................................   42
  Franchise Operations......................................   46
  Manufacturing Operations..................................   48
  Competition...............................................   48
  Employees.................................................   49
</TABLE>
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   4
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              PAGE
                                                              ----
<S>                                                           <C>
  Trademarks and Service Marks..............................   49
  Government Regulation.....................................   49
  Properties................................................   50
  Litigation................................................   51
MANAGEMENT..................................................   53
  Directors and Executive Officers..........................   53
  Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance...   56
  Compensation of Executive Officers........................   56
  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions............   59
PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS AND SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF
  MANAGEMENT................................................   63
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK................................   64
  General...................................................   64
  Common Stock..............................................   64
  Preferred Stock...........................................   64
  Directors' Liability......................................   65
  Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law.......   65
  Anti-takeover Effects of Provisions of the Company's
     Restated Certificate of Incorporation and By-laws......   65
  Restated Certificate of Incorporation.....................   65
  By-laws...................................................   67
  Transfer Agent and Registrar..............................   68
LEGAL MATTERS...............................................   68
EXPERTS.....................................................   68
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS...............................  F-1
APPENDIX A -- AMENDED AND RESTATED NOTE REPAYMENT
  AGREEMENT.................................................  A-1
</TABLE>
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   5
 
                                    SUMMARY
 
     The following is a summary of certain information contained elsewhere in
this Prospectus, is not intended to be complete and is qualified in its entirety
by reference to the more detailed information appearing elsewhere herein. the
entire prospectus, the Appendices hereto and the documents incorporated herein
by reference should be reviewed in their entirety.
 
GENERAL
 
     This Prospectus relates to the proposed acquisition of the NTDT Note
pursuant to an Amended and Restated Note Repayment Agreement, dated as of July
17, 1997 (the "NTDT Agreement"), in consideration of the New NTDT Notes in an
aggregate principal amount equal to the outstanding principal and accrued
interest of the NTDT Note. See "The Transaction."
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
     The Company develops, produces, owns, operates and franchises quick-service
"double drive-thru restaurants. Checkers' restaurants are designed to provide
fast and efficient automobile-oriented service incorporating a 1950's diner and
art deco theme, with a highly visible, distinctive and uniform look that is
intended to appeal to customers of all ages. The restaurants feature a limited
menu of high quality hamburgers, cheeseburgers and bacon cheeseburgers,
specially seasoned french fries, hot dogs and chicken sandwiches as well as
related items such as soft drinks and old fashioned premium milk shakes. As of
September 8, 1997, there were 480 restaurants operating in 23 states, the
District of Columbia and Puerto Rico (232 Company-operated, including 13 joint
ventures, and 248 franchised).
 
     The principal executive offices of the Company are located at 600 Cleveland
Street, Eighth Floor, Clearwater, Florida 34615, and its telephone number is
(813) 441-3500.
 
                              RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
 
     In November 1997 the Company entered into a non-binding agreement to
negotiate an arrangement with Rally's Hamburgers, Inc. ("Rally's") pursuant to
which it is anticipated that Rally's would outsource basic accounting,
technology and possibly other services to the Company. The Company believes that
some efficiencies resulting in reduced corporate costs can be obtained by
consolidating these duplicative routine functions in one location. The terms of
the proposed agreement have not yet been negotiated and are subject to approval
by the independent committees of the Boards of Directors for the Company and
Rally's. Although the Company may hire additional employees as a result of the
arrangement, it is not anticipated that the arrangement will have a material
impact on the operations of the Company.
 
                                THE TRANSACTION
 
     General.  Pursuant to the NTDT Agreement, the Company will acquire the NTDT
Note for a purchase price (the "NTDT Purchase Price") equal to the aggregate
outstanding principal amount of and accrued unpaid interest on the NTDT Note
($728,730 at October 17, 1997) (the "Transaction"). The NTDT Purchase Price is
payable in the form of the New NTDT Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal
to the NTDT Purchase Price. The number of shares of Common Stock (the "Shares")
to be delivered upon conversion of the New NTDT Notes will be computed by
dividing the principal amount of the New NTDT Notes being converted by the
average per share closing sale price of the Common Stock on the NMS for three
full trading days ending on the business day immediately preceding the date on
which NTDT delivers a notice of conversion to the Company. If the closing and
the conversion of the New NTDT Notes had occurred on October 17, 1997,
approximately 578,357 shares of Common Stock would have been delivered to NTDT.
See "The Transaction -- Purchase of the NTDT Note" for a description of certain
additional payments.
 
     Closing of the Transaction.  The closing of the Transaction will occur on
the third business day following the date on which the NTDT partners approve the
NTDT Agreement.
 
     Certain Covenants.  Pursuant to the NTDT Agreement, NTDT has agreed, among
other things, to either dissolve and wind up its affairs or otherwise distribute
the shares of Common Stock received upon conversion of the New NTDT Notes to its
partners within one year after the closing of the NTDT Agreement. See "The
Agreement -- Certain Covenants."
 
     Conditions to the Transaction.  The obligations of the parties to
consummate the Transaction are subject to the satisfaction of certain
conditions, including approval of the NTDT Agreement by the partners of NTDT.
 
     Termination.  The NTDT Agreement may be terminated and the Transaction may
be abandoned at any time prior to the closing, before or after the approval by
the partners of NTDT, by: (a) the mutual consent of NTDT and the Company; (b)
action of the managing general partner of NTDT or action of the Board of
                                        5
<PAGE>   6
 
Directors of the Company if there has been a breach or failure by the other to
perform in any material respect any of its representations and warranties,
covenants or conditions contained in the NTDT Agreement, which is not cured
within five days after written notice thereof; or (c) action of the managing
general partner of NTDT or action of the Board of Directors of the Company, if
the conditions to their respective obligations in the NTDT Agreement have not
been satisfied or waived.
 
     Purchase Price Guarantee.  The Company has guaranteed that, if NTDT sells
all of the Shares in a reasonably prompt manner (but, other than sales made on a
price "uptick" (see "The Transactions -- Federal Securities Laws
Consequences")), no more than 50,000 Shares in any one-week period or 25,000
Shares in any one-day period), NTDT will receive net proceeds from the sale of
the Shares equal to the NTDT Purchase Price, i.e., the aggregate outstanding
principal and accrued interest of the NTDT Note, $728,730 as of October 17,
1997. If NTDT receives less than such amount, the Company will issue to NTDT
additional shares of Common Stock, which the Company has agreed to register
under the Securities Act, based upon the difference between such net proceeds
and the NTDT Purchase Price. The Company has the option at any time to deliver
cash to NTDT in lieu of additional shares of Common Stock. In addition, the
Company may require NTDT to sell back any shares of Common Stock acquired upon
conversion of the New NTDT Notes or pursuant to the aforesaid guarantee. If NTDT
receives net proceeds in excess of the NTDT Purchase Price or receives net
proceeds equal to such amount and still holds any New NTDT Notes or shares of
Common Stock issued pursuant thereto, then NTDT shall be required to deliver to
the Company such excess net proceeds, New NTDT Notes or shares of Common Stock.
See "The Transaction -- Purchase of the NTDT Note."
 
     Accounting Treatment.  The Company will account for the Transaction as a
payment of the liabilities represented by the NTDT Note and the sale of the New
NTDT Notes for an amount equal to the NTDT Purchase Price.
 
     Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences.  The exchange of the NTDT Note for
the New NTDT Notes, which will be convertible into Common Stock, will be a
taxable transaction for federal income tax purposes. An amount equal to accrued
interest on the NTDT Note through the date of the exchange will be taxed as
ordinary income to NTDT, to the extent not previously included in income. In
addition, NTDT will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between (i)
the "issue price" of the New NTDT Notes and (ii) NTDT's adjusted basis in the
NTDT Note (including the interest income recognized). See "The
Transaction -- Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences."
 
     Federal Securities Law Consequences.  All shares of Common Stock received
by NTDT or the NTDT partners upon conversion of the New NTDT Notes may be resold
by them only in transactions permitted by the resale provisions of Rule 145
promulgated under the Securities Act or as otherwise permitted under the
Securities Act. Pursuant to the terms of the NTDT Agreement, the following
limits have been imposed on the sales that may be made by NTDT: (i) NTDT may
sell not more than 50,000 shares of Common Stock per week and (ii) NTDT may sell
not more than 25,000 shares in any one day, provided that it may sell additional
shares in excess of such limits if such additional shares are sold at a price
higher than the lowest then current bid price for the Common Stock.
 
     Regulatory Approvals.  The Company and NTDT are not aware of any material
federal or state regulatory approvals which must be obtained in connection with
their respective transactions, other than the continued effectiveness of the
Registration Statement under the Securities Act through the date of issuance of
the shares of Common Stock to NTDT pursuant to the NTDT Agreement.
 
     Dissenters' Rights; Solicitation of Proxies, Consents or
Authorizations.  The following information has been provided by the management
of NTDT.
 
     The managing general partner of NTDT will call a meeting of the partners of
NTDT, to be held on November 20, 1997 at the offices of NTDT, 1314 Fifth Avenue
North, Nashville, Tennessee 37208 at 9:00 a.m. local time, to consider and vote
on approval of the NTDT Agreement and the Transaction. The form of the notice of
meeting has been filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. The managing
general partner of NTDT is not making any recommendation as to how the partners
of NTDT should vote. The affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding
partnership interests of NTDT will be necessary to approve the NTDT Agreement
and the Transaction. Any person appearing at the meeting as a proxy for a
partner of NTDT will be required to present a written proxy power meeting the
requirements of Tennessee law in order to vote such partner's interests shares
in the meeting. NTDT partners will have no dissenters' rights in connection with
the Transaction.
 
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
     Certain factors should be considered in evaluating the ownership of the
Common Stock to be issued in the Transaction. See "Risk Factors."
                                        6
<PAGE>   7
 
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
     CERTAIN STATEMENTS IN THIS PROSPECTUS UNDER "RISK FACTORS," "MANAGEMENT'S
DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS" AND
"BUSINESS" AND ELSEWHERE IN THIS PROSPECTUS CONSTITUTE "FORWARD-LOOKING
STATEMENTS" WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND THE EXCHANGE ACT. SUCH
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS INVOLVE KNOWN AND UNKNOWN RISKS, UNCERTAINTIES AND
OTHER FACTORS WHICH MAY CAUSE THE ACTUAL RESULTS, PERFORMANCE, OR ACHIEVEMENTS
OF THE COMPANY TO BE MATERIALLY DIFFERENT FROM ANY FUTURE RESULTS, PERFORMANCE,
OR ACHIEVEMENTS EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED BY SUCH FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. SUCH
FACTORS INCLUDE, AMONG OTHERS, THE FOLLOWING: GENERAL ECONOMIC AND BUSINESS
CONDITIONS; THE IMPACT OF COMPETITIVE PRODUCTS AND PRICING; SUCCESS OF OPERATING
INITIATIVES; DEVELOPMENT AND OPERATING COSTS; ADVERTISING AND PROMOTIONAL
EFFORTS; ADVERSE PUBLICITY; ACCEPTANCE OF NEW PRODUCT OFFERINGS; CONSUMER TRIAL
AND FREQUENCY; AVAILABILITY, LOCATIONS, AND TERMS OF SITES FOR RESTAURANT
DEVELOPMENT; CHANGES IN BUSINESS STRATEGY OR DEVELOPMENT PLANS; QUALITY OF
MANAGEMENT; AVAILABILITY, TERMS AND DEPLOYMENT OF CAPITAL; THE RESULTS OF
FINANCING EFFORTS; BUSINESS ABILITIES AND JUDGMENT OF PERSONNEL; AVAILABILITY OF
QUALIFIED PERSONNEL; FOOD, LABOR AND EMPLOYEE BENEFIT COSTS; CHANGES IN, OR THE
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH, GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS; WEATHER CONDITIONS; CONSTRUCTION
SCHEDULES; AND OTHER FACTORS REFERENCED IN THIS PROSPECTUS.
 
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
DECREASING RESTAURANT SALES
 
     Average net sales per Company-operated restaurant open for a full year have
been declining each fiscal quarter since the second quarter of 1993. Average net
sales were approximately $1,021,000 and $612,000 per Company-operated restaurant
for the 12-month periods ended March 31, 1993 and September 8, 1997,
respectively. Management believes that the decrease in comparable restaurant
sales over this time period is primarily attributable to increased sales
pressure from competitor discounting. The Company also cannibalized certain
markets in fiscal 1993 and 1994. Cannibalization results from the addition of
Company restaurants in existing markets in an attempt to increase market share,
to reduce the possibility of entry by other double drive-thru concepts, to
provide a sufficient sales base to support broadcast media advertising and to
enhance customer convenience. As a result of the addition of Company restaurants
in existing markets, the sales of certain Company restaurants primarily in the
Central Florida and Atlanta markets were adversely affected during the period
1993 to 1994. However, since the Company has not added a significant number of
restaurants since that time, no further material cannibalization has occurred.
See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations."
 
HISTORY OF OPERATING LOSSES
 
     The Company has reported losses from operations in each of its last three
fiscal years. Restaurant margins in 1996 decreased from 6.1% to (0.7%),
primarily as a result of high labor, food and paper costs. In addition,
comparable sales continued to decrease in 1996 and the first and third quarters
of fiscal 1997. In 1997, under the direction of new top management, the Company
has implemented new programs designed to improve food, paper and labor costs in
its restaurants. No assurance can be given that such programs will be successful
or reduce the Company's operating losses. See "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
 
COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT
 
     The fast food restaurant industry is highly competitive and can be
significantly affected by many factors, including changes in local, regional or
national economic conditions, changes in consumer tastes, consumer concerns
about the nutritional quality of quick-service food and increases in the number
of, and particular location of, competing quick-service restaurants. Factors
such as inflation, increases in food, labor and energy costs, the availability
and cost of suitable sites, fluctuating interest and insurance rates, state and
local regulations and licensing requirements and the availability of an adequate
number of hourly-paid employees can also adversely affect the fast food
restaurant industry.
 
     In addition, major chains, which have operating concepts similar to or
competitive with the Company and which also have substantially greater financial
resources and longer operating histories than the Company,
 
                                        7
<PAGE>   8
 
dominate the fast food restaurant industry. The Company competes primarily on
the basis of food quality, price and speed of service. A significant change in
pricing or other marketing strategies by one or more of these competitors could
have an adverse impact on sales, earnings and growth of the Company. All of the
major fast food chains have increasingly offered selected food items and
combination meals at discounted prices. Beginning generally in the summer of
1993, the major fast food hamburger chains began to intensify their promotions
of value priced meals, many specifically targeting the $.99 price point at which
the Company sells its "Champ Burger(R)." This increased promotional activity has
been sustained, and management believes that it has had a negative impact on the
Company's sales. While the Company cannot predict the duration of this
promotional activity or the extent to which this pricing may become more or less
competitive, such pricing could have a continued adverse effect on the Company's
sales and earnings. See "Business -- Competition."
 
CERTAIN FINANCING CONSIDERATIONS; LEVERAGE
 
     As of October 17, 1997, the Company had outstanding approximately $26.2
million principal amount of indebtedness under its Amended and Restated Credit
Agreement dated as of November 22, 1996, as amended (the "Restated Credit
Agreement"). Pursuant to the Restated Credit Agreement, the Company is required
to maintain minimum consolidated EBITDA of $1.3 million for each of the three
four-week periods ending September 8, 1997, $2 million for each of the four
four-week periods ending December 29, 1997 and $2.75 million for each four-week
period thereafter. Consolidated EBITDA is defined as the sum of consolidated net
income, interest expense, provision for income taxes and depreciation,
amortization (including amortization of goodwill and other intangibles but
excluding amortization of prepaid cash expenses that were paid in a prior
period) minus non-cash items, in each case on a consolidated basis and
determined in accordance with generally accepted auditing principles. In
addition, there are limits on the Company's ability to incur capital
expenditures, additional indebtedness or liens and on its ability to enter into
transactions with affiliates. In February 1997, the Company obtained a waiver
under the Restated Credit Agreement of its obligation to comply with the minimum
consolidated EBITDA requirement through July 14, 1997. While the Company is
currently in compliance, and management believes that the Company will be able
to comply in the future, with the minimum consolidated EDITDA, no assurance can
be given that the Company will be able to so comply. The degree to which the
Company's assets are leveraged and the degree to which the Company is unable to
meet the covenants referred to above may adversely affect the Company's ability
to finance its future operations and could limit its ability to pursue business
opportunities that may be in the interests of the Company and its stockholders.
See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations -- Liquidity and Capital Resources."
 
RELIANCE ON KEY PERSONNEL
 
     Significant management changes have occurred since the end of the third
quarter of fiscal 1996. The success of the Company will be dependent on the new
senior management team. In addition, the Company's ability to attract and retain
experienced successful executives to its management team will affect its
performance. The loss of one or more members of senior management could
adversely affect the Company's business and development. See "Management."
 
PROPOSED ACQUISITION OF CERTAIN NOTES
 
     In addition to the NTDT Note, as of October 17, 1997, the Company had a
note payable to Restaurant Development Group, Inc. ("RDG") with outstanding
principal and accrued interest of $1,198,225 (the "RDG Note") and three notes
payable to Rall-Folks, Inc. ("Rall-Folks") with aggregate outstanding principal
and interest of $1,295,284 (the "Rall-Folks Notes" and, collectively with the
NTDT Note and the RDG Note, the "Notes"). The RDG Note and the Rall-Folks Notes
are past due. The Company has entered into amended agreements with RDG and
Rall-Folks whereby it has agreed to acquire the RDG Note and the Rall-Folks
Notes in consideration of the issuance of approximately 929,403 shares and
1,025,967 shares of Common Stock, respectively, and in the case of RDG, a
warrant to purchase an additional 120,000 shares of Common Stock. The Company
previously entered into agreements with these parties to acquire their notes and
failed to meet the closing deadlines contained in such agreements. No assurance
can be given that the
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   9
 
Company will be able to comply with the new deadlines set forth in the amended
agreements. If the Company is unable to consummate one or more of these
transactions and if the Company is thereafter unable to reach other arrangements
with Rall-Folks, RDG or NTDT, as the case may be, this will result in
obligations to repay the Notes and the Company may default under the terms of
the Restated Credit Agreement. The Company agreed to pay each of RDG and
Rall-Folks $100,000 on the execution of their amended agreements and on the 15th
day of each month thereafter (which payments reduce the outstanding principal
amounts of the RDG Note and the Rall-Folks Notes, respectively) until, in the
case of Rall-Folks, the earlier of December 15, 1997 or the effective date of
the registration statement for the Rall-Folks Agreement and, in the case of RDG,
until the effective date of the registration statement with respect to the RDG
Agreement. Such registration statements were declared effective on November 14,
1997. In addition, the Company has guaranteed that RDG and Rall-Folks will
receive minimum net proceeds from the sale of Common Stock they receive under
their respective agreements ($966,580 and $1,295,284, respectively, as of
October 17, 1997). No assurance can be given that RDG and Rall-Folks will
receive such minimum net proceeds or that the Company will not be required to
issue additional shares of Common Stock pursuant to such price guarantees. See
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations -- Liquidity and Capital Resources."
 
SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE ISSUANCE AND SALE; DILUTION OF VOTING POWER
 
     As of October 9, 1997, (i) 70,132,472 shares of Common Stock were
outstanding, (ii) 28,729,759 shares of Common Stock were reserved for issuance
in connection with the exercise of outstanding options and warrants (iii)
approximately 2,533,727 shares of Common Stock were issuable as a result of
contractual obligations of the Company, i.e., shares issuable to Rall-Folks, and
RDG and shares issuable assuming conversion of the New NTDT Notes and (iv)
options to purchase 6,700,000 shares of Common Stock were available for grant
under the Company's stock option plans as proposed to be amended. The Company
currently has an obligation to register the offer and sale of approximately 38.4
million shares of the Common Stock. At the Company's Annual Meeting of
Stockholders held on August 6, 1997, stockholders approved an amendment to the
Company's Certificate of Incorporation increasing the number of authorized
shares of Common Stock from 100,000,000 to 150,000,000 shares. The Company may
issue additional shares of the Common Stock and preferred stock in the future in
connection with acquisitions, corporate combinations, financing activities or
employee compensation plans. Sales of substantial amounts of Common Stock in the
open market or the availability of such shares for sale could adversely affect
the market for the Common Stock. See "Market For Common Stock and Dividends."
 
     If the Transaction and the acquisition of the Rall-Folks Notes and the RDG
Note are consummated and the New NTDT Notes are converted, it is anticipated
that approximately 2,533,727 shares of Common Stock will be issued (representing
approximately 3.6% of the presently outstanding Common Stock). The number of
shares to be issued will be determined by dividing the aggregate purchase prices
for the Notes ($3,232,239 as of October 17, 1997) by the average of the closing
per share sale price of the Common Stock for a set number of days prior to the
closing date for each transaction. In order to promote an orderly distribution
of the Common Stock to be issued to and sold by Rall-Folks, RDG and NTDT, the
Company negotiated the following limits on sales: (i) each of Rall-Folks, RDG
and NTDT may sell not more than 50,000 shares of Common Stock per week (150,000
in the aggregate); and (ii) each may sell not more than 25,000 shares in any one
day (75,000 shares in the aggregate); provided that each may sell additional
shares in excess of such limits if such additional shares are sold at a price
higher than the lowest then current bid price for the Common Stock. While it is
anticipated that the foregoing limits will allow an orderly distribution of the
Common Stock to be issued to and sold by Rall-Folks, RDG and NTDT, the effect of
a potential offering of an average of 150,000 shares of Common Stock per week by
Rall-Folks, RDG and NTDT in the aggregate is undeterminable at this time.
 
     The individuals or entities having registration rights for Common Stock
will be entitled to sell such stock subject to any limitations under federal
securities laws resulting from their relationship to the Company. There can be
no assurance that any of these sales will not have an adverse effect on the
market price for the Common Operations -- Liquidity and Capital Resources."
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   10
 
     The voting power of the Company's stockholders prior to consummation of the
Rall-Folks Agreement and the RDG Agreement will be diluted as a result of the
issuance of Common Stock (constituting approximately 2.8% of the presently
outstanding Common Stock) pursuant thereto. The issuance of Common Stock upon
conversion of the New NTDT Notes (aggregating approximately 0.9% of the
presently outstanding Common Stock) will further dilute the voting power of the
Company's stockholders.
 
CONTINUED LISTING ON NASDAQ NATIONAL MARKET
 
     NASDAQ has issued amendments to the requirements for continued listing on
the NMS, including a requirement that the trading value of the stock of each
listed company not fall below the minimum trading value of $1.00 per share for
any 30-day period. The market price of the Common Stock was below $1.00 for an
aggregate of 59 days during 1996, with the longest consecutive period being 24
days. As of November 13, 1997, the closing per share price of the Common Stock
on the NMS was $1.16 per share, as compared to $1.78125 per share on March 17,
1997. In addition, it is possible that the market price of the common Stock
could be further adversely affected as a result of anticipated dispositions of
Common Stock by Rall-Folks, RDG and NTDT or sales of other shares of Common
Stock which the Company has an obligation to register under the Securities Act.
If the market price of the Common Stock were to decrease further after the new
stricter requirements for continued listing on the NMS take effect, no assurance
can be given that the Company will be able to continue to list the Common Stock
on the NMS. See "Risk Factors -- Proposed Acquisition of Certain Notes" and
"Risk Factors -- Shares Eligible for Future Issuance and Sale; Dilution of
Voting Power."
 
ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS
 
     The Company's Certificate of Incorporation and By-laws contain provisions
restricting the ability of stockholders to: (i) call meetings of stockholders;
(ii) nominate directors; (iii) present proposals for stockholder consideration;
(iv) enter into certain transactions with the Company; and (v) amend the
Certificate of Incorporation or By-laws. Such provisions may have the effect of
discouraging third parties from investing in or attempting to take control of
the Company. See "Description of Capital Stock."
 
CONTROL BY PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDER
 
     CKE Restaurants, Inc. ("CKE") holds 12,754,885 shares of Common Stock
(18.2% of the outstanding shares). In addition, CKE has the right to acquire an
additional 7,350,428 shares upon exercise of currently exercisable warrants. CKE
would hold approximately 25.9% of the outstanding shares after giving effect to
the exercise of the warrants. No other stockholder of the Company owns 5% or
more of the Company's outstanding Common Stock. Consequently, CKE may be deemed
to have the practical ability to have a significant influence on all matters put
to a vote of the Company's stockholders. CKE has entered into a letter of intent
with Fidelity National Financial, Inc. ("Fidelity"), GIANT GROUP, LTD. ("GIANT")
and Rally's Hamburgers, Inc. ("Rally's") whereby CKE, Fidelity and GIANT and
certain related parties would sell to Rally's the shares of Common Stock held by
them on September 19, 1997. See "Management -- Certain Relationships and Related
Transactions" and "Principal Stockholders and Security Ownership of Management."
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   11
 
GOVERNMENT REGULATION
 
     The restaurant business is subject to extensive federal, state and local
government regulations relating to the development and operations of fast food
restaurants, including regulations relating to building, parking, ingress and
egress and zoning requirements and the preparation and sale of food and laws
that govern the Company's relationship with their respective employees, such as
minimum wage requirements, overtime and working conditions and citizenship
requirements. The failure to obtain or retain food licenses or substantial
increases in the minimum wage could adversely affect operations. The Company has
not been significantly affected by recent increases in the minimum wage because
most of its employees are already being paid at a level at or above the new
minimum wage. In addition, recent modest price increases have offset any such
wage increases. The Company does not anticipate that the increases in the
minimum wages will result in material upward pressure on the Company's
prevailing wage scale. The Company is also subject to federal regulation and
certain state laws which regulate the offer and sale of franchises to their
respective franchisees.
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   12
 
                            HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA
                      SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
 
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
 
     The selected historical consolidated Statement of Operations data presented
for each of the fiscal years in the three-year period ended December 30, 1996
and the Balance Sheet data as of December 30, 1996 and January 1, 1996 were
derived from, and should be read in conjunction with, the audited financial
statements and related notes of Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. and
subsidiaries included elsewhere herein. The Statement of Operations data for the
years ended December 31, 1993 and December 31, 1992 and the Balance Sheet data
as of January 2, 1995, December 31, 1993 and December 31, 1992 were derived from
audited financial statements not included herein. The selected consolidated
financial data presented below as of and for the periods ended September 9, 1996
and September 8, 1997 is derived from unaudited consolidated financial
statements; however, in the opinion of the Company, all adjustments, consisting
of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for the presentation of the Company's
financial position and results of operations for such periods have been
included. Operating results for the quarter ended September 8, 1997 are not
necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for future periods,
including the entire year ended December 29, 1997.
 
     The Company declared a three-for-two stock split, a two-for-one stock split
and a three-for-two stock split payable in the form of stock dividends effective
February 20, 1992, September 3, 1992, and June 30, 1993, respectively. All share
and per share information has been retroactively restated to reflect the splits.
In 1993, the Company completed a number of acquisitions, five of which (for a
total of 20 Restaurants) were accounted for as poolings of interests. The
information provided below has been restated to reflect the retroactive
combination of the entities involved in the acquisitions accounted for as
poolings of interests and to provide pro forma income taxes for all S
Corporations involved.
 
     As of January 1, 1994, the Company changed from a calendar reporting year
ending on December 31st to a fiscal year which will generally end on the Monday
closest to December 31st. Each quarter consists of three 4-week periods, with
the exception of the fourth quarter which consists of four 4-week periods.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           YEAR ENDED                        THREE QUARTERS ENDED
                                      ----------------------------------------------------   ---------------------
                                      DEC. 30,   JAN. 1,    JAN. 2,    DEC. 31,   DEC. 31,   SEPT. 8,    SEPT. 9,
                                        1996       1996       1995       1993       1992       1997        1996
                                      --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   ---------   ---------
                                                    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA AND RATIOS)
<S>                                   <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>
Net Operating Revenue...............  $164,960   $190,305   $215,115   $184,027   $102,137    $100,603    $114,161
Restaurant Operating Costs..........   156,548    167,836    173,087    124,384     63,774      90,362     103,822
Cost of Modular Restaurant Package
  Revenues..........................     1,704      4,854     10,485     20,208     11,899         439       1,380
Other Depreciation and
  Amortization......................     4,326      4,044      2,796      1,325        511       1,546       2,720
General and Administrative
  Expense...........................    20,190     24,215     21,875     14,048      7,988      10,276      13,585
Accounting Charges and Loss
  Provisions........................    24,405     26,572     14,771         --         --          --      14,670
Interest Expense....................     6,233      5,724      3,564        556        706       6,666       4,013
Interest Income.....................       678        674        326        273      1,266         238         622
Minority Interests in Income
  (Loss)............................    (1,509)      (192)       185        342        400         (60)         10
Income from Continuing Operations
  (Pretax)..........................  $(46,258)  $(42,074)  $(11,324)  $ 23,437   $ 18,125    $ (8,388)   $(25,417)
Income from Continuing Operations
  (Pretax) per Common Share.........  $  (0.89)  $  (0.83)  $  (0.23)  $   0.49   $   0.40    $  (0.14)   $  (0.49)
Total Assets........................  $136,110   $166,819   $196,770   $179,950   $101,526    $121,300    $149,800
Book value per Common Share.........  $   0.78   $   1.57   $   2.21   $   2.29   $   1.76    $   0.85    $   1.05
Long-Term Obligations and Redeemable
  Preferred Stock...................  $ 39,906   $ 38,090   $ 38,341   $ 36,572   $  4,162    $ 30,136    $ 44,659
Cash Dividends Declared per Common
  Share.............................  $     --   $     --   $     --   $     --   $     --    $     --    $     --
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed
  Charges...........................        (a)        (a)        (a)     43.15x      26.7x         (a)         (a)
Coverage Deficiency.................  $ 46,258   $ 42,074   $ 11,324         --         --       9,084      26,043
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(a) Earnings were not adequate to cover fixed charges in the indicated period.
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   13
 
PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
 
     The following Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Data sets forth certain
unaudited pro forma financial information giving effect to the purchase of the
Notes. See "Risk Factors -- Proposed Acquisition of Certain Notes" and
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations -- Liquidity and Capital Resources." The pro forma financial
information is based on, and should be read in conjunction with, the historical
consolidated financial statements of the Company and the notes related thereto
beginning on page F-1 of this Prospectus. The pro forma financial information
gives effect to the issuance of 2,975,883 shares of Common Stock in connection
with the purchase of the Rall-Folks Notes and the RDG Note and the conversion of
the New NTDT Notes, based upon the per share price of the Common Stock of
$1.28125, assuming each closing had occurred on September 8, 1997.
 
                 UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS
                                          ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          HISTORICAL AT
                                          SEPTEMBER 8,
                                              1997            RDG       RALL-FOLKS       NTDT        PRO-FORMA
                                          -------------   -----------   -----------   -----------   ------------
<S>                                       <C>             <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
                                                     ASSETS
Current Assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents.............   $  3,720,583                                             $  3,720,583
  Receivables...........................      2,501,473                                                2,501,473
  Other current assets..................     10,501,557                                               10,501,557
                                           ------------                                             ------------
         Total current assets...........     16,723,613                                               16,723,613
                                           ------------                                             ------------
  Property and equipment, net...........     89,964,658                                               89,964,658
  Intangibles, net......................     12,277,613                                               12,277,613
  Other noncurrent assets...............      2,334,250                                                2,334,250
                                           ------------                                             ------------
                                           $121,300,134                                             $121,300,134
                                           ============                                             ============
 
                                      LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Current installments of long-term
    debt................................      7,273,621(1)  (1,393,225)  (1,487,627)     (921,894)     3,470,875
  Other current liabilities.............     23,960,063         (2,554)      (3,913)       (3,637)    23,949,959
                                           ------------                                             ------------
         Total current liabilities......     31,233,684                                               27,420,834
                                           ============                                             ============
  Long-term debt, less current
    installments........................     30,136,450                                               30,136,450
  Other non-current liabilities.........      8,559,665                                                8,559,665
                                           ------------                                             ------------
         Total liabilities..............     69,929,799                                               66,116,949
                                           ============                                             ============
Stockholders' equity
  Common stock..........................         70,132(2)       1,089        1,164           722         73,107
  Additional paid-in capital............    110,435,116(1)   1,394,690    1,490,376       924,809    114,244,991
  Warrants..............................      9,463,132                                                9,463,132
  Retained (deficit) earnings...........    (68,198,045)                                             (68,198,045)
                                           ------------                                             ------------
                                             51,770,335                                               55,583,185
  Less treasury stock, at cost..........        400,000                                                  400,000
                                           ------------                                             ------------
         Net stockholders' equity.......     51,370,335                                               55,183,185
                                           ------------                                             ------------
                                           $121,300,134                                             $121,300,134
                                           ============                                             ============
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(1) Assumes all shares to be issued pursuant to the purchase agreements with
    Rall-Folks, RDG and NTDT (the "Agreements"), including shares issued on
    conversion of the New NTDT Notes, are issued on September 8, 1997 at the
    current market value of $1.28125 and based upon actual principal and accrued
    interest balances as of September 8, 1997. Shares that may be issued
    pursuant to the price protection provisions of the Agreements are not
    reflected above.
(2) Total shares assumed issued to RDG, Rall-Folks and NTDT are 1,089,389,
    1,164,128 and 722,366 respectively.
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   14
 
       UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                 FOR THE THREE QUARTERS ENDED SEPTEMBER 8, 1997
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS
                                        --------------------------------------------------------------
                                        HISTORICAL         RDG      RALL-FOLKS    NTDT      PRO-FORMA
                                        -----------     ---------   ----------   -------   -----------
<S>                                     <C>             <C>         <C>          <C>       <C>
Revenues:
  Net Restaurant sales................   94,986,903                                         94,986,903
  Franchise revenues and fees.........    5,122,030                                          5,122,030
  Modular restaurant packages.........      493,883                                            493,883
                                        -----------                                        -----------
          Total revenues..............  100,602,816                                        100,602,816
Costs and expenses:
  Costs of sales and other restaurant
     expenses.........................   90,361,833                                         90,361,833
  Cost of modular restaurant package
     revenues.........................      438,638                                            438,638
  Other depreciation and
     amortization.....................    1,546,324                                          1,546,324
  General and administrative
     expenses.........................   10,276,625                                         10,276,626
                                        -----------                                        -----------
          Total costs and expenses....  102,623,420                                        102,623,420
                                        -----------                                        -----------
     Operating income (loss)..........   (2,020,604)                                        (2,020,604)
Other income (expense)
  Interest income.....................      238,221                                            238,221
  Interest expense....................   (6,665,984)(1)    94,094     141,660    128,279    (6,301,951)
                                        -----------     ---------   ---------    -------   -----------
     Loss before minority interest,
       and income tax expense
       (benefit)......................   (8,448,367)                                        (8,084,334)
     Minority interests in (losses)
       earnings.......................      (59,933)                                           (59,933)
                                        -----------                                        -----------
     Loss before income tax expense
       (benefit)......................   (8,388,434)                                        (8,024,401)
     Income tax expense (benefit).....            0                                                  0
                                        -----------                                        -----------
     Net loss.........................  $(8,388,434)                                       $(8,024,401)
                                        ===========                                        ===========
     Preferred dividends..............      695,998                                            695,998
     Net loss to common
       shareholders...................  $(9,084,432)                                       $(8,720,399)
     Net loss per common share........  $     (0.15)                                       $     (0.14)
                                        ===========                                        ===========
     Weighted average number of common
       shares outstanding.............   60,162,577(1)  1,089,389   1,164,128    722,366    63,138,460
                                        ===========     =========   =========    =======   ===========
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(1) Assumes all shares to be issued pursuant to the Note Repayment Agreements
    (the "Agreements") are issued on December 31, 1996 at the current market
    value of $1.28125 and based upon actual principal and accrued interest
    balances as of September 8, 1997.
 
                                       14
<PAGE>   15
 
       UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 30, 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS
                                       --------------------------------------------------------------
                                        HISTORICAL       RDG      RALL-FOLKS    NTDT      PRO-FORMA
                                       ------------   ---------   ----------   -------   ------------
<S>                                    <C>            <C>         <C>          <C>       <C>
Revenues:
  Net Restaurant sales...............   155,392,311                                       155,392,311
  Franchise revenues and fees........     8,366,382                                         8,366,382
  Modular restaurant packages........     1,201,624                                         1,201,624
                                       ------------                                      ------------
          Total revenues.............   164,960,317                                       164,960,317
Costs and expenses:
  Costs of sales and other restaurant
     expenses........................   156,548,472                                       156,548,472
  Cost of modular restaurant package
     revenues........................     1,703,623                                         1,703,623
  Other depreciation and
     amortization....................     4,325,517                                         4,325,517
  General and administrative
     expenses........................    20,189,965                                        20,189,965
  Accounting charges and
     provisions......................    24,404,679                                        24,404,679
                                       ------------                                      ------------
          Total costs and expenses...   207,172,256                                       207,172,256
                                       ------------                                      ------------
          Operating income (loss)....   (42,211,939)                                      (42,211,939)
Other income (expense)
  Interest income....................       677,995                                           677,995
  Interest expense...................    (6,232,761)    145,523     202,914    108,526     (5,775,798)
                                       ------------                                      ------------
     Loss before minority interest,
       and income tax expense
       (benefit).....................   (47,766,705)                                      (47,309,742)
     Minority interests in (losses)
       earnings......................    (1,508,825)                                       (1,508,825)
                                       ------------                                      ------------
     Loss before income tax expense
       (benefit).....................   (46,257,880)                                      (45,800,917)
     Income tax expense (benefit)....       151,000                                           151,000
                                       ------------                                      ------------
     Net loss........................  $(46,408,880)                                     $(45,951,917)
                                       ============                                      ============
     Net loss per common share.......  $      (0.90)                                     $      (0.84)
                                       ============                                      ============
     Weighted average number of
       common shares outstanding.....    51,698,480   1,089,389   1,164,128    722,366     54,674,363
                                       ============   =========   =========    =======   ============
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(1) Assumes all shares to be issued pursuant to the Agreements are issued on
    January 2, 1996 at the current market value of $1.28125 and based upon
    actual principal and accrued interest balances as of September 8, 1997.
 
                                       15
<PAGE>   16
 
          MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                           AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
INTRODUCTION
 
     The Company commenced operations on August 1, 1987 to operate and franchise
Checkers double drive-thru restaurants. As of September 8, 1997, the Company had
an ownership interest in 232 Company-operated restaurants and an additional 248
restaurants were operated by franchisees. The Company's ownership interest in
the Company-operated restaurants is in one of two forms: (i) the Company owns
100% of the restaurant (as of September 8, 1997, there were 219 such
restaurants); and (ii) the Company owns a 10.55% or 65.83% interest in a
partnership which owns the Restaurant (a "Joint Venture Restaurant"). As of
September 8, 1997, there were 13 such Joint Venture Restaurants. See
"Business -- Restaurant Operations -- Joint Venture Restaurants."
 
     The Company continues to see the positive effects of aggressive programs
implemented at the beginning of fiscal 1997 that are designed to improve food,
paper and labor costs. These costs totalled 69.2%, 63.6% and 63.7% of net
restaurant revenues in the first, second and third quarters of 1997 compared to
65.6%, 69.3%, 73.3% and 75.9% of net restaurant revenues in the first, second,
third and fourth quarters of fiscal 1996. These improvements were achieved
despite a 6.4% decrease in Company-owned same store sales in the third quarter
of 1997 as compared to the third quarter of the prior year.
 
     The Company was able to reduce food and paper costs by cooperating with CKE
and Rally's to leverage the purchasing power of the three entities to negotiate
improved terms for their respective contracts with suppliers. The Company has
achieved annualized savings in excess of $5.0 million.
 
     The Company has also implemented over 15 changes in restaurant operations
in order to lower labor and benefits costs. These changes include adjusting the
number of salaried managers per store, creating an incentive program targeting
profit, closing one drive-thru lane during slow periods and creating a labor
matrix that guides the managers on proper staffing levels.
 
     In an effort to improve sales, the Company is in the process of creating a
new brand identity that will appeal to the heavy fast food users. The Company
has recently selected a new advertising agency that is working with management
to create a new marketing program that will emphasize the quality of the
Company's product while distinguishing it from its competitors. The first
advertising campaign using this strategy began on October 6, 1997.
 
     In addition, the Company is seeking to improve sales by enhancing the
experience of the customer when visiting a Checkers restaurant. The Company is
currently testing in-restaurant dining areas in certain restaurants. The Company
has also reintroduced the "mystery shop" program which enables the Company to
evaluate quality, service and cleanliness of its restaurants through a service
which provides customers to perform such evaluations.
 
     The Company has made prepayments of principal on its primary credit
facility to the extent that no further payments of principal otherwise required
will be made until the maturity date of July 31, 1999. Secondly the Company does
not believe that its debt has a significant impact on current operating results.
See "Liquidity and Capital Resources."
 
     Although the Company's operating margins for the first three quarters of
1997 were 37.2% higher than the restaurant operating margins for the first three
quarters of 1996, the Company intends to continue to implement programs to
further improve those margins.
 
     In the third quarter of fiscal 1997, the Company, along with its
franchisees, experienced a net increase of two operating restaurants, compared
to a net decrease of two operating restaurants in the third quarter of fiscal
1996. Based on information obtained from the Company's franchisees, the Checkers
franchise community expects to open approximately 30 new units in 1997. The
Company does not currently expect significant further restaurant closures,
choosing instead to focus on improving restaurant margins. The Company's
franchisees as a whole continue to experience higher average per store sales
than Company restaurants.
 
                                       16
<PAGE>   17
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
     The following table sets forth the percentage relationship to total
revenues of the listed items included in the Company's Consolidated Statements
of Operations. Certain items are shown as a percentage of restaurant sales and
Modular Restaurant Package ("MRP") revenue. The table also sets forth certain
selected restaurant operating data.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 FISCAL YEAR ENDED                 THREE QUARTERS ENDED
                                       --------------------------------------   ---------------------------
                                       DECEMBER 30,   JANUARY 1,   JANUARY 2,   SEPTEMBER 8,   SEPTEMBER 9,
                                           1996          1996         1995          1997           1996
                                       ------------   ----------   ----------   ------------   ------------
                                                                                        (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                    <C>            <C>          <C>          <C>            <C>
Revenues:
  Net Restaurant Sales...............        94.2%         93.9%        90.6%         94.4%          93.9%
  Franchise Revenues and Fees........         5.1%          4.5%         4.1%          5.1%           5.3%
  Modular Restaurant Packages........         0.7%          1.6%         5.3%          0.5%           0.8%
                                         --------      --------     --------      --------       --------
          Total Revenues.............       100.0%        100.0%       100.0%          100%           100%
                                         --------      --------     --------      --------       --------
Costs and Expenses:
  Restaurant Food and Paper
     Cost(1).........................        35.2%         35.7%        35.5%         32.9%          34.6%
  Restaurant Labor Costs(1)..........        36.9%         32.6%        30.2%         32.7%          35.8%
  Restaurant Occupancy Expense(1)....         8.3%          6.5%         5.0%          8.5%           8.2%
  Restaurant Depreciation and
     Amortization(1).................         5.7%          6.0%         6.3%          6.0%           5.6%
  Advertising Expense(1).............         4.8%          4.5%         4.1%          5.1%           3.4%
  Other Restaurant Operating
     Expenses(1).....................         9.9%          8.7%         7.8%         10.0%           9.3%
  Cost of Modular Restaurant Package
     Revenues(2).....................       141.8%        162.1%        92.0%         88.8%         154.5%
  Other Depreciation and
     Amortization....................         2.6%          2.1%         1.3%          1.5%           2.4%
  General and Administrative
     Expenses........................        12.5%         12.7%        10.2%         10.2%          11.9%
  Impairment of Long-lived Assets....         9.0%          9.9%         0.0%           --            7.4%
  Losses on Assets to be Disposed
     of..............................         4.3%          1.7%         4.2%           --            5.0%
  Loss Provisions....................         1.2%          2.3%         2.6%           --            0.4%
                                         --------      --------     --------      --------       --------
          Total Costs and Expenses...       125.6%        119.6%       103.7%        102.0%         119.3%
                                         ========      ========     ========      ========       ========
  Operating (Loss)...................       (25.6)%       (19.6)%       (3.7)%        (2.0)%        (19.3)%
Other Income (Expense):
  Interest Income....................         0.4%          0.4%         0.2%          0.2%           0.5%
  Interest Expense...................        (3.8)%        (3.0)%       (1.7)%        (3.5)%         (3.4)%
Interest -- loan cost amortization...                                                 (3.1)%         (0.1)%
Minority Interest in (Losses)
  Earnings...........................        (0.9)%        (0.1)%        0.1%         (0.1)%          0.0%
                                         --------      --------     --------      --------       --------
Loss Before Income Tax Expense
  (Benefit)..........................       (28.0)%       (22.1)%       (5.3)%        (8.3)%        (22.3)%
Income Tax Expense (Benefit).........         0.1%         (4.7)%       (2.1)%         0.0%          (0.5)%
                                         --------      --------     --------      --------       --------
          Net Loss...................       (28.1)%       (17.5)%       (3.1)%        (8.3)%        (22.8)%
                                         ========      ========     ========      ========       ========
Operating Data:
  System Wide Restaurant Sales (in
     000's)
     Company Operated................    $155,392      $178,744     $194,922      $ 94,987       $107,193
     Franchise.......................     172,566       190,151      180,977       124,485        133,788
                                         --------      --------     --------      --------       --------
          Total......................    $327,958      $368,895     $375,899      $219,472       $240,981
                                         ========      ========     ========      ========       ========
</TABLE>
 
                                       17
<PAGE>   18
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          DECEMBER 30,   JANUARY 1,   JANUARY 2,   SEPTEMBER 8,   SEPTEMBER 9,
                                              1996          1996         1995          1997           1996
                                          ------------   ----------   ----------   ------------   ------------
<S>                                       <C>            <C>          <C>          <C>            <C>
Average Annual Net Sales Per Restaurant
  Open for a Full Year (in 000's)(3):
  Company Operated......................      $651          $721         $815          $612           $633
  Franchised............................       755           814          840           742            787
                                              ----          ----         ----          ----           ----
  System Wide...........................      $699          $765         $827          $677           $706
                                              ====          ====         ====          ====           ====
Number of Restaurants(4)
  Company Operated......................       232           242          261           232            255
  Franchised............................       246           257          235           248            250
                                              ----          ----         ----          ----           ----
          Total.........................       478           499          496           480            505
                                              ====          ====         ====          ====           ====
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(1) As a percent of net restaurant sales.
(2) As a percent of Modular Restaurant Package revenues.
(3) Includes sales for restaurants open for entire trailing 13 periods, and
    stores expected to be closed in the following year.
(4) Number of restaurants open at end of period.
 
  Comparison of Historical Results -- Fiscal Years 1996 and 1995
 
     Revenues.  Total revenues decreased 13.3% to $165.0 million in 1996
compared to $190.3 million in 1995. Company-operated net restaurant sales
decreased 13.1% to $155.4 million in 1996 from $178.7 million in 1995. The
decrease resulted partially from a net reduction of ten Company-operated
restaurants since January 1, 1996. Comparable Company-operated restaurant sales
for the year ended December 30, 1996 decreased 9.7% as compared to the year
ended January 1, 1996, which includes those restaurants open at least 13
periods. These decreases in net restaurant sales and comparable restaurant sales
is primarily attributable to continuing sales pressure from competitor
discounting, severe weather in January and February of 1996 and the inability of
the Company to effect a competitive advertising campaign during fiscal 1996. See
"Risk Factors -- Competitive Environment" and "Business -- Competition."
 
     During 1996, the Company opened five Restaurants, acquired 18 Restaurants
and partnership interests in an additional nine Restaurants from franchisees,
sold or leased 15 Restaurants to franchisees and closed 27 Restaurants for a net
reduction of ten Company-operated Restaurants in 1996. Franchisees opened 25
Restaurants, acquired or leased 15 Restaurants from the Company, sold or
transferred 27 Restaurants to the Company and closed 24 Restaurants for a net
reduction of 11 franchisee-operated Restaurants in 1996. During the first two
quarters of 1997, the Company and its franchises experienced a net increase of
three Restaurants.
 
     During 1995, the Company opened six restaurants, acquired two restaurants,
sold or leased 14 restaurants to franchisees and closed 13 restaurants for a net
reduction/increase of 19 Company operated restaurants in 1995. Franchisees
opened 30 restaurants, acquired or leased 18 restaurants from the Company, sold
two restaurants to the Company and closed 24 restaurants for a net increase of
22 franchisee-operated restaurants in 1995.
 
     Royalties decreased 2.2% to $7.4 million in 1996 from $7.6 million in 1995
due primarily to a net reduction of 11 franchised restaurants since January 1,
1996. Comparable franchised restaurant sales for restaurants open at least 12
months for the year ended December 30, 1996 decreased approximately 7.2% as
compared to the year ended January 1, 1996. The Company believes that the
decline in sales experienced by franchisees can be attributed primarily to the
same factors noted above, but that these factors may have been mitigated to some
extent by the location in many instances of franchise restaurants in less
competitive markets. In addition, the Company believes that the franchisees have
been able to maintain average net restaurant sales above those of Company-owned
restaurants as a result of franchisees conducting local restaurant marketing
campaigns targeted at the specific demographics of the population constituting
the primary customers of each restaurant.
 
                                       18
<PAGE>   19
 
     Franchise fees decreased 3.2% to approximately $930,000 in 1996 from
approximately $961,000 in 1995. An actual decrease of $421,000 as a direct
result of fewer franchised restaurants opened as well as certain discounting of
fees on non-standard restaurant openings, offset by the effect of recording
$390,000 of revenue from terminations of Area Development Agreements during the
year ended December 30, 1996, generated the net decrease of $31,000. The Company
recognizes franchise fees as revenues when the Company has substantially
completed its obligations under the franchise agreement, usually at the opening
of the franchised restaurant.
 
     MRP revenues decreased 59.9% to $1.2 million in 1996 compared to $3.0
million in 1995 due to decreased sales volume of MRPs to the Company's
franchisees which is a result of a slow down in franchisee restaurant opening
activity. Also, the Company made a concerted effort to refurbish and sell its
inventory of used MRPs from closed sites. Because of the number of used MRPs
available, the Company has typically sold them for a price which approximates
book value. The sales price is primarily dependent upon demand and therefore may
change as demand increases or supply decreases. However, these sales have
negatively impacted the new MRP revenues. Revenues from the sale of new MRPs are
recognized on the percentage of completion method during the construction
process; therefore, a substantial portion of MRP revenues are recognized prior
to the opening of a restaurant. See "Business -- Litigation."
 
     Costs and expenses.  Restaurant food ($49.5 million) and paper ($5.2
million) costs totalled $54.7 million or 34.2% of gross restaurant sales for
1996, compared to $63.7 million ($57.6 million food costs; $6.1 million, paper
costs) or 34.7% of gross restaurant sales for 1995. The decrease in food and
paper costs as a percentage of gross restaurant sales was due primarily to
decreases in beef costs and paper costs experienced by the Company during fiscal
1996, partially offset by various promotional discounts in the final two
quarters of 1996.
 
     Restaurant labor costs, which includes restaurant employees' salaries,
wages, benefits and related taxes, totalled $57.3 million or 35.9% of gross
restaurant sales for 1996, compared to $58.2 million or 31.8% of gross
restaurant sales for 1995. The increase in restaurant labor costs as a
percentage of gross restaurant sales was due primarily to the decline in average
gross restaurant sales relative to the semi-variable nature of these costs; a
high level of turnover in the regional management positions, which caused
inconsistencies in the management of labor costs in the restaurants; increase in
labor costs resulting from the L.A. Mex dual brand test which the Company and
various franchise restaurants conducted in 1996; and an increase in the federal
minimum wage rate. The decrease in actual expense was caused by a reduction in
the variable portion of labor expenses as sales declined.
 
     Restaurant occupancy expense, which includes rent, property taxes, licenses
and insurance, totalled $12.9 million or 8.1% of gross restaurant sales for
1996, compared to $11.6 million or 6.3% of gross restaurant sales for 1995. This
increase in restaurant occupancy costs as a percentage of gross restaurant sales
was due primarily to the decline in average gross restaurant sales relative to
the fixed nature of these expenses and also higher average occupancy costs
resulting from the acquisition of interests in 12 restaurants in Chicago,
Illinois.
 
     Restaurant depreciation and amortization decreased 16.9% to $8.8 million
for 1996, from $10.6 million for 1995, due primarily to late 1995 and 1996
impairments recorded under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 121
which was adopted as of January 1, 1996.
 
     Advertising decreased to $7.4 million or 4.6% of restaurant sales for 1996
which did not materially differ from the $8.1 million or 4.4% of restaurant
sales spent for advertising in 1995.
 
     Other restaurant expenses includes all other restaurant level operating
expenses other than food and paper costs, labor and benefits, rent and other
costs which includes utilities, maintenance and other costs. These expenses
totalled $15.3 million or 9.6% of gross restaurant sales for 1996 compared to
$15.6 million or 8.5% of gross restaurant sales for 1995. The increase for 1996
as a percentage of gross restaurant sales, was primarily related to the decline
in average gross restaurant sales relative to the fixed and semi-variable nature
of many expenses.
 
     Costs of MRP revenues totalled $1.7 million or 141.8% of MRP revenues for
1996, compared to $4.9 million or 162.1% of such revenues for 1995. The decrease
in these expenses as a percentage of MRP revenues
 
                                       19
<PAGE>   20
 
was attributable to a third quarter 1995 accounting charge of $500,000 to
write-down excess work in process buildup and a reduction in direct and indirect
labor in early 1996.
 
     Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to $20.2 million or
12.2% of total revenues in 1996 from $24.2 million or 12.7% of total revenues in
1995. The decrease in these expenses was primarily attributable to a decrease in
corporate overhead costs as a result of the Company's restructuring during 1995
and early 1996.
 
     Accounting Charges and Loss Provisions.  The Company recorded accounting
charges and loss provisions of $16.8 million during the third quarter of 1996,
$1.2 million of which consisted of various selling, general and administrative
expenses ($449,644 provision for bad debt and $750,000 provision for state sales
tax audits). Refinancing costs of $850,000 were recorded to expense capitalized
costs incurred in connection with the Company's previous lending arrangements
with its bank group. Provisions totalling $14.2 million to close 27 restaurants,
relocate 22 of them ($4.2 million), settle 16 leases on real property underlying
these stores ($1.2 million) and sell land underlying the other 11 restaurants
($300,000), and impairment charges related to an additional 28 under-performing
restaurants ($8.5 million) were recorded. A loss provision of $500,000 was also
recorded to reserve for Champion's finished buildings inventory as an adjustment
to fair market value.
 
     Additional accounting charges and loss provisions of $12.4 million were
recorded during the fourth quarter of 1996, $1.5 million of which consisted of
various selling, general and administrative expenses (including $578,000 for
severance, employee relocations, bad debt provisions of $360,000 and $203,842
for other charges). Provisions totalling $7.7 million, including $1.4 million
for additional losses on assets to be disposed of, $5.4 million for impairment
charges related to 9 under-performing restaurants received by the Company
through a July 1996 franchisee bankruptcy action and $393,000 for other
impairment charges were also recorded. Additionally, in the fourth quarter of
1996, a $1.1 million provision for loss on the disposal of the L.A. Mex product
line, workers compensation accruals of $1.1 million (included in restaurant
labor costs), adjustments to goodwill of approximately $510,000 (included in
other depreciation and amortization) and approximately a $453,000 charge for the
assumption of minority interests in losses on joint-venture operations as a
result of the receipt by the Company of certain assets from the bankruptcy of a
franchisee.
 
     Third quarter 1995 accounting charges and loss provisions of $8.8 million
consisted of $2.9 million in various selling, general and administrative
expenses (write-off of $1.2 million in receivables, accruals for $125,000 in
recruiting fees, $304,000 in relocation costs, $274,000 in severance pay,
$101,000 in state income and sales taxes, reserves of $700,000 for legal
settlements, the write-off of a $263,000 investment in an apparel company); $3.2
million to provide for restaurant relocation costs, write-downs and abandoned
site costs; $344,000 to expense refinancing costs; $645,000 to provide for
inventory obsolescence; $1.5 million for workers compensation exposure included
in restaurant labor costs and $185,000 in other charges, net, including the
$499,000 write-down of excess work in progress inventory costs and a minority
interest credit of $314,000.
 
     Fourth quarter 1995 accounting charges included $3.0 million for warrants
to be issued in settlement of litigation and to accrue approximately $800,000
for legal fees in connection with the settlement and continued defense of
various litigation matters. See "Business -- Litigation." Additionally, during
the fourth quarter of 1995, the Company early adopted Statement of Financial
Accounting Standard No. 121 "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
and Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of" ("SFAS 121") which requires a
write-down of certain intangibles and property related to under performing
sites. The effect of adopting SFAS 121 was a total charge to earnings for 1995
of $18.9 million, consisting of a $5.9 million write-down of goodwill and a
$13.1 million write-down of property and equipment.
 
     Interest expense.  Interest expense increased to $6.2 million or 3.8% of
total revenues in 1996 from $5.7 million or 3.0% of total revenues in 1995. This
increase was due to the Company's 1996 debt restructuring and related
amortization of deferred loan costs.
 
     Income tax expense (benefit).  Due to the loss for 1996, the Company
recorded an income tax benefit of $18.0 million or 38.9% of the loss before
income taxes and recorded a deferred income tax valuation allowance of $18.1
million, resulting in a net tax expense of $151,000 for 1996, as compared to an
income tax benefit of
 
                                       20
<PAGE>   21
 
$16.5 million or 39.1% of earnings before income taxes and recorded a deferred
income tax valuation allowance of $7.6 million resulting in a net tax benefit of
$8.9 million for 1995. The effective tax rates differ from the expected federal
tax rate of 35.0% due primarily to state income taxes.
 
     Net loss.  Earnings were significantly impacted by the loss provisions and
the write-downs associated with SFAS 121 in 1996 and in 1995. Net loss before
tax and the provisions (provisions totalled $27.9 million in 1996 and $31.6
million in 1995) was $18.4 million or $.36 per share for 1996 and $10.5 million
or $.21 per share for 1995, which resulted primarily from a decrease in the
average net restaurant sales and margins, and a decrease in royalties and
franchise fees, offset by a decrease in depreciation and amortization and
selling, general and administrative expenses.
 
  Comparison of Historical Results -- Fiscal Years 1995 and 1994
 
     Revenues.  Total revenues decreased 11.5% to $190.3 million in 1995
compared to $215.1 million in 1994. Company-operated restaurant sales decreased
8.3% to $178.7 million in 1995 from $194.9 million in 1994. The decrease
resulted primarily from a net reduction of 19 Company-operated restaurants since
January 2, 1995, partially offset by a full year of operations for
Company-operated restaurants opened in 1994. Comparable Company-operated
restaurant sales for the year ended January 1, 1996, decreased 11.5% as compared
to the year ended January 2, 1995. This includes those restaurants open at least
13 periods. The decrease in comparable restaurant sales is primarily
attributable to increased sales pressure from competitor discounting and the
severe weather in various parts of the United States.
 
     Royalties increased 10.0% to $7.6 million in 1995 from $6.9 million in 1994
due primarily to a 5.1% increase in franchised restaurant sales and a net
addition of 22 franchised restaurants since January 2, 1995. Comparable
franchised restaurant sales for restaurants open at least 12 months for the year
ended January 1, 1996, decreased approximately 3.1% as compared to the year
ended January 2, 1995. The Company believes that the decline in sales
experienced by franchisees can be attributed primarily to the same factors noted
above, but that these factors may have been mitigated to some extent by the
location in many instances of franchise restaurants in less competitive markets.
In addition, the Company believes that the franchisees have been able to
maintain average net restaurant sales above those of Company-owned restaurants
as a result of franchisees conducting local restaurant marketing campaigns
targeted at the specific demographics of the population constituting the primary
customers of each restaurant.
 
     Franchise fees decreased 48.8% to approximately $961,000 in 1995 from $1.9
million in 1994. This was a direct result of opening fewer franchised
restaurants during the year ended January 1, 1996. The Company recognizes
franchise fees as revenues when the Company has substantially completed its
obligations under the franchise agreement, usually at the opening of the
franchised restaurant.
 
     MRP revenues decreased 73.7% to $3.0 million in 1995 compared to $11.4
million in 1994 due to decreased sales volume of MRP's to the Company's
franchisees which is a result of a slow down in franchisee restaurant opening
activity. MRP revenues are recognized on the percentage of completion method
during the construction process; therefore, a substantial portion of MRP
revenues are recognized prior to the opening of a restaurant.
 
     Costs and expenses.  Restaurant food ($57.6 million) and paper ($6.1
million) costs totalled $63.7 million or 34.7% of gross restaurant sales for
1995, compared to $69.2 million ($63.4 million, food costs; $5.8 million, paper
costs) or 34.4% of gross restaurant sales for 1994.
 
     Restaurant labor costs, which includes restaurant employees' salaries,
wages, benefits and related taxes, totalled $58.2 million or 31.8% of gross
restaurant sales for 1995, compared to $58.8 or 29.3% of gross restaurant sales
for 1994. The increase in restaurant labor costs as a percentage of gross
restaurant sales was due primarily to the decline in average gross restaurant
sales relative to the fixed and semi-variable nature of these costs and a
provision of $1.5 million for workers compensation exposure in the third quarter
of 1995.
 
     Restaurant occupancy expense, which includes rent, property taxes, licenses
and insurance, totalled $11.6 or 6.3% of gross restaurant sales for 1995,
compared to $9.7 or 4.9% of gross restaurant sales for 1994. This increase in
restaurant occupancy costs as a percentage of gross restaurant sales was due
partially to the decline
 
                                       21
<PAGE>   22
 
in average gross restaurant sales relative to the fixed and semi-variable nature
of these expenses while the increase in the actual expense resulted from
increases in utilities, property taxes and insurance.
 
     Restaurant depreciation and amortization decreased 13.7% to $10.6 million
for 1995, from $12.3 for 1994, due primarily to the net reduction of 19
Company-operated restaurants since January 2, 1995.
 
     Advertising increased to $8.1 million or 4.4% of gross restaurant sales in
1995 from $7.9 million or 3.9% of gross restaurant sales 1994. The increase in
this expense was due to increased expenditures for broadcast advertising.
 
     Other restaurant expenses includes all other restaurant level operating
expenses other than food and paper costs, labor and benefits, rent and other
costs which includes utilities, maintenance and other costs. These expenses
totalled $15.6 million or 8.5% of gross restaurant sales for 1995 compared to
$15.1 or 7.5% of gross restaurant sales for 1994. The increase as a percentage
of gross restaurant sales was primarily related to the decline in average gross
restaurant sales relative to the fixed and semi-variable nature of many
expenses.
 
     Cost of MRP's totalled $4.9 million or 162.1% of MRP revenues in 1995
compared to $10.5 million or 92.0% of such revenues in 1994. The increase in
these expenses as a percentage of MRP revenues was attributable to the decline
in the number of units produced relative to the fixed and semi-variable nature
of many expenses. The total number of units declined in 1995, not only because
of the decline in the number of units produced for franchisees, but also because
the Company opened fewer restaurants in 1995 than 1994 and also used relocated
Company units for certain 1995 restaurant openings. The Company also incurred
costs associated with the reduction in volume.
 
     Selling, general and administrative expenses increased to $24.2 million or
12.7% of total revenues in 1995 from $21.9 million or 10.2% of total revenues in
1994. The increase in these expenses was primarily attributable to third quarter
1995 accounting charges of $3.6 million as discussed below, partially offset by
a decrease in corporate overhead costs as a result of the Company's
restructuring.
 
     Accounting Charges and Loss Provisions.  The Company recorded accounting
charges and loss provisions totalling $8.8 million during the quarter ended
September 11, 1995. There was no comparable charge for the quarter ended
September 12, 1994. These charges include a provision of $3.2 million for
restaurant relocations and abandoned site costs. The provision for restaurant
relocations and abandoned site costs consists of a $1.2 million charge to write
down 21 relocated MRP's to net realizable value and a charge of $2.0 million to
adjust existing reserves necessary to expense site improvements, settle leases
and provide for other costs associated with the abandonment of under performing
restaurant sites and to provide for the closure of four additional restaurants.
 
     In addition to the provision of $3.2 million discussed above, the Company
recorded charges of $3.9 million to: (i) write-off uncollectible receivables
related primarily to the Champion division ($1.2 million); (ii) write down
obsolete inventory and menu boards ($645,000); (iii) expense costs associated
with the hiring of new employees, including recruiting fees and relocation costs
($429,000); (iv) provide for severance pay ($274,000); (v) write-off loan
origination fees incurred in connection with the Company's credit facility,
which has been substantially renegotiated ($344,000); (vi) dispose of a
subsidiary which distributes promotional apparel ($263,000); (vii) reserve for
the settlement of litigation arising in the ordinary course of business and
accrue for legal fees ($700,000). These charges are included in selling, general
and administrative expenses.
 
     Other third quarter accounting charges included a $1.5 million charge to
reserve for future workers compensation claims exposure in connection with the
Company's self-insured plan, which was included in other restaurant operating
expenses; a $499,000 charge for the Champion division to write-off previously
capitalized costs which are no longer expected to provide any future benefit and
to write down obsolete equipment inventories, which was included in cost of
MRP's; a $314,000 recovery of minority interests in losses which had been
previously reserved by the Company, which was included in minority interests in
earnings (losses); and a $101,000 charge to reserve for state income tax
assessments, which was reflected in income tax expense (benefit).
 
                                       22
<PAGE>   23
 
     Fourth quarter 1995 accounting charges included $3.0 million for warrants
to be issued in settlement of litigation (see "Business -- Litigation") and to
accrue approximately $800,000 for legal fees in connection with the settlement
and continued defense of various litigation matters. Additionally, during the
fourth quarter of 1995, the Company early adopted SFAS 121 which requires a
write-down of certain intangibles and property related to under performing
sites. The effect of adopting SFAS 121 was a total charge to earnings for 1995
of $18.9 million, consisting of a $5.9 million write-down of goodwill and a
$13.1 million write-down of property and equipment.
 
     Comparatively, in 1994 the Company recorded provisions totalling $4.5
million in the first quarter and $11.4 million in the fourth quarter of 1994.
The first quarter $4.5 million provision included $1.8 million to provide for
the write-off of site costs and the other costs to originally open restaurants
and $1.7 million for lease liability settlements related to the 21 closed or
underperforming restaurants. The fourth quarter 1994 provisions totalling $11.4
million included a $1.7 million charge to settle leases and expense site costs
and $3.0 million in other costs to originally open restaurants for the 12 under
performing restaurants to be relocated. These charges, along with the first
quarter $4.5 million charge described above are combined, and the total $9.1
million was reflected in the Company's 1994 Consolidated Statement of
Operations. A restructuring charge of $5.6 million was included in the fourth
quarter 1994 provisions to provide for the Company's reorganization due to its
inability to find sufficient capital on acceptable terms to maintain its growth
rate and the resultant downsizing of staff and offices and the write-off of
costs associated with sites which will not be developed and new restaurant
openings which have been delayed. The charge consisted of severance costs,
closed office expense and loss on sale of the Company plane totaling $680,000,
and site costs and other costs to open previously anticipated new restaurants of
$5.0 million. Other fourth quarter 1994 provisions included $850,000 for legal
costs and an allowance for royalty receivables due from a franchisee involved in
a bankruptcy, and $275,000 for settlement of real estate title claims, both of
which were included in 1994 selling, general and administrative expenses. Of the
1994 provisions which total $15.9 million, approximately $11.0 million
represents non-cash charges primarily for the write-off of site costs and other
costs to originally open the restaurants. The remaining $4.9 million primarily
represents cash expenditures to be made to settle lease liabilities over the
remaining lives of the underlying leases.
 
     Interest expense.  Interest expense increased to $5.7 million or 2.9% of
total revenues in 1995 from $3.6 million or 1.6% of total revenues in 1994. This
increase was due to the Company's 1995 debt issuances in connection with
restaurant acquisitions and capitalized leases resulting from sale-leaseback
transactions.
 
     Income tax expense (benefit).  Due to the loss for the year ended January
1, 1996, the Company recorded an income tax benefit of $8.9 million or 21.0% of
the loss before income taxes for the year ended January 1, 1996, as compared to
income tax benefit of $4.6 million (after giving effect to pro forma income
taxes for merged entities during their S Corporation status), or 40.4% of
earnings before income taxes for the year ended January 2, 1995. The effective
tax rates of 21.0% in 1995 and 40.4% in 1994 (after giving effect to pro forma
income taxes for merged entities during their S corporation periods) differed
from the expected federal tax rate of 35% primarily due to state income taxes,
tax-free investment income, job tax credits and the implementation of SFAS 121
in 1995.
 
     Net Loss.  Earnings were significantly impacted by the loss provisions
which were recorded in 1995 and the write-downs associated with implementation
of SFAS 121. Net loss before the provisions, which totalled $31.5 million, was
$1.7 million or $.03 per share, which resulted primarily from a decrease in the
average net restaurant sales and margins, a decrease in franchise fees, a
decrease in MRP revenues and margins, increased advertising and interest expense
offset by a significant decrease in selling, general and administrative
expenses. The provisions net of tax benefit represent a charge of $26.7 million
or $.53 per share, resulting in an overall net loss of $33.2 million or $.65 per
share for the year ended January 1, 1996.
 
 Comparison of Historical Results -- Three Quarters ended September 8, 1997 and
 Three Quarters Ended September 9, 1996
 
     Revenues.  Total revenues decreased 11.9% to $100.6 million for the three
quarters ended September 8, 1997, compared to $114.2 million for the three
quarters ended September 9, 1996. Company-operated net
 
                                       23
<PAGE>   24
 
restaurant sales decreased 11.4% to $95.0 million for the three quarters ended
September 8, 1997, from $107.2 million for the three quarters ended September 9,
1996. Net restaurant sales for comparable Company-owned restaurants for the
three quarters ended September 8, 1997, decreased 9.5% compared to the three
quarters ended September 9, 1996. Comparable Company-owned Restaurants are those
continuously open during both reporting periods. These decreases in net
restaurant sales and comparable net restaurant sales are primarily attributable
to a highly competitive environment during the first three quarters of 1997 and
the Company's 1997 focus on cutting costs and developing a new advertising
campaign for the remainder of 1997.
 
     Franchise revenues and fees decreased 15.7% to $5.1 million for the three
quarters ended September 8, 1997, from $6.1 million for the three quarters ended
September 9, 1996. This was a result of a net decrease of two franchised
restaurants and a decline in average franchise restaurant sales since September
9, 1996. The Company recognizes franchise fees as revenues when the Company has
substantially completed its obligations under the franchise agreement, usually
at the opening of the franchised Restaurant.
 
     Modular restaurant package revenues decreased 44.7% to $494,000 for the
three quarters ended September 8, 1997, from $893,000 for the three quarters
ended September 9, 1996. Modular restaurant package revenues are recognized on
the percentage of completion method during the construction process; therefore,
a substantial portion of the modular restaurant package revenues and costs are
recognized prior to the opening of a Restaurant or shipment to a convenience
store operator.
 
     Costs and expenses.  Restaurant food and paper costs totalled $31.2 million
or 32.9% of net restaurant sales for the three quarters ended September 8, 1997,
compared to $37.1 million or 34.6% of net restaurant sales for the three
quarters ended September 9, 1996. The actual decrease in food and paper costs
was due primarily to the decrease in net restaurant sales while the decrease in
these costs as a percentage of net restaurant sales was due to new purchasing
contracts negotiated in the first two quarters of 1997.
 
     Restaurant labor costs, which includes restaurant employees' salaries,
wages, benefits and related taxes, totalled $31.0 million or 32.7% of net
restaurant sales for the three quarters ended September 8, 1997, compared to
$38.3 million or 35.8% of net restaurant sales for the three quarters ended
September 9, 1996. The decrease in restaurant labor costs as a percentage of net
restaurant sales was due primarily to various Restaurant level initiatives
implemented in the first quarter of 1997.
 
     Restaurant occupancy expense, which includes rent, property taxes, licenses
and insurance, totalled $8.0 million or 8.5% of net restaurant sales for the
three quarters ended September 8, 1997, compared to $8.8 million or 8.2% of net
restaurant sales for the three quarters ended September 9, 1996. This increase
in restaurant occupancy costs as a percentage of net restaurant sales was due
primarily to the decline in average net restaurant sales relative to the fixed
and semi-variable nature of these expenses and the acquisition of interests in
12 Restaurants in the high cost Chicago market in the third quarter of 1996.
 
     Restaurant depreciation and amortization decreased 4.8% to $5.7 million for
the three quarters ended September 8, 1997, from $6.0 million for the three
quarters ended September 9, 1996, due primarily to fourth quarter 1996
impairments under the Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 121 and a
net decrease of 23 Company-operated restaurants from September 9, 1996, to
September 8, 1997. However, as percentage of net restaurant sales, these
expenses increased to 6.0% for the quarter ended September 8, 1997 from 5.6% for
the quarter ended September 9, 1996 because of the greater relative decline in
sales.
 
     Advertising expense increased to $4.8 million or 5.1% of net restaurant
sales for the three quarters ended September 8, 1997, from $3.6 million or 3.4%
of net restaurant sales for the three quarters ended September 9, 1996. The
increase in this expense was due to decreased utilization of coupons in lieu of
advertising dollars in 1997 and the first and second quarter 1996 capitalization
of television production costs that were expensed later in 1996.
 
     Other restaurant expenses includes all other Restaurant level operating
expenses other than food and paper costs, labor costs, rent and occupancy
expenses which include supplies, utilities, maintenance and other costs. These
expenses totalled $9.5 million or 10.0% of net restaurant sales for the three
quarters ended September 8, 1997, compared to $10.0 million or 9.3% of net
restaurant sales for the three quarters ended September 9, 1996. The increase in
the three quarters ended September 8, 1997, as a percentage of net
 
                                       24
<PAGE>   25
 
restaurant sales was primarily related to the decline in average net restaurant
sales relative to the fixed and semi-variable nature of these expenses, and
increased spending on repair and maintenance as part of a program to improve the
visual appeal of the restaurants.
 
     Costs of modular restaurant package revenues totalled $439,000 or 88.8% of
modular restaurant package revenues for the three quarters ended September 8,
1997, compared to $1.4 million or 154.5% of such revenues for the three quarters
ended September 9, 1996. The decrease in these expenses as a percentage of
modular restaurant package revenues was attributable to the elimination of
various excess fixed costs in the first quarter of 1997.
 
     General and administrative expenses were $10.3 million or 10.2% of total
revenues, for the three quarters ended September 8, 1997, compared to $13.6
million or 11.9% of total revenues for the three quarters ended September 9,
1996. Third quarter 1996 general and administrative expenses were increased by
accounting charges of $2.1 million consisting of $499,644 in unusual bad debt
expenses, $750,000 provision for state sales tax audits and $845,775 write-off
of capitalized costs incurred in connection with the Company's previous lending
arrangements with its bank group. The actual decrease in normal recurring
general and administrative expenses of $1.6 million was mostly attributable to a
reduction in corporate staffing early in 1997. This reduction was partially
offset by $350,000 of costs incurred as a result of terminated merger
negotiations with Rally's Hamburgers, Inc., resulting in a reported decrease of
$1.2 million before 1996 accounting charges.
 
     Other accounting charges and loss provisions.  The Company recorded
accounting charges and loss provisions of $16.8 million during the third quarter
of 1996, $2.1 million of which consisted of various selling, general and
administrative expenses. Provisions totalling $14.2 million to close 27
Restaurants, relocate 22 of them ($4.2 million), settle 16 leases on real
property underlying these stores ($1.2 million) and sell land underlying the
other 11 Restaurants ($307,000), and impairment charges related to an additional
28 under-performing Restaurants ($8.5 million) were recorded. A loss provision
of $500,000 was also recorded to adjust Champion's finished buildings inventory
to fair market value.
 
     Interest expense.  Interest expense other than loan cost amortization was
$3.6 million or 3.5% of total revenues for the three quarters ended September 8,
1997, and $3.9 million or 3.4% of total revenues for the three quarters ended
September 9, 1996. This decrease was due to a reduction in the weighted average
balance of debt outstanding during the respective periods, partially offset by
an increase in the Company's effective interest rates since the second quarter
of 1996.
 
     Income tax benefit.  Due to the loss for the three quarters, the Company
recorded an income tax benefit of $3.2 million or 38.0% of the loss before
income taxes which was completely offset by a deferred income tax valuation
allowance of $3.2 million for the three quarters ended September 8, 1997, as
compared to an income tax benefit of $1.1 million or 38.0% of earnings before
income taxes, offset a deferred income tax valuation allowance of $10.3 million
resulting in a net tax expense of $626,000 for the three quarters ended
September 9, 1996. The effective tax rates differ from the expected federal tax
rate of 35.0% due to state income taxes and job tax credits.
 
     Net loss.  The net loss for the three quarters was $8.4 million. The net
loss to common shareholders was $9.1 million or $0.15 per share after deducting
preferred dividends. This net loss was significantly impacted by the expensing
of $3.1 million in deferred loan costs and $350,000 in terminated merger costs
in the three quarters ended September 8, 1997. Net loss before tax, deferred
loan cost amortization, terminated merger costs and accounting charges and loss
provisions was $4.9 million or $.08 per share for the three quarters ended
September 8, 1997, and $8.5 million or $.16 per share for the three quarters
ended September 9, 1996. This decrease in net loss before tax and other above
mentioned charges was primarily attributable to an increase in average
Restaurant margins and a decline in general and administrative expenses and
interest expense other than loan cost amortization, partially offset by lower
levels of net Restaurant sales and a decrease in royalties and franchise fees.
 
                                       25
<PAGE>   26
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
     Bank Financing.  On July 29, 1996, the debt under the Company's prior bank
loan agreement (the "Loan Agreement") and credit line (the "Credit Line") was
acquired by an investor group of lenders led by an affiliate of DDJ Capital
Management LLC (collectively, "DDJ"). On November 14, 1996, the debt under the
Loan Agreement and Credit Line was acquired from DDJ by a group of entities and
individuals, most of whom are engaged in the fast food restaurant business. This
investor group (the "CKE Group") was led by CKE, the parent of Carl Karcher
Enterprises, Inc., Casa Bonita, Inc. and Summit Family Restaurants, Inc., and a
principal stockholder of Rally's. Also participating were certain members of the
DDJ Group, as well as KCC Delaware Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of GIANT,
which is a principal stockholder of Rally's.
 
     On November 22, 1996, the Company and the CKE Group executed the Restated
Credit Agreement, thereby completing a restructuring of the debt under the Loan
Agreement and the Credit Line into a single obligation. At the time of the
restructuring, the outstanding principal balance under the Loan Agreement and
the Credit Line was $35.8 million. Pursuant to the terms of the Restated Credit
Agreement, the term of the debt was extended by one year until July 31, 1999,
and the interest rate on the indebtedness was reduced to a fixed rate of 13%. In
addition, all principal payments were deferred until May 19, 1997, and the CKE
Group agreed to eliminate certain financial covenants, to relax others and to
eliminate approximately $6 million in restructuring fees and charges. Pursuant
to the Restated Credit Agreement, certain members of the CKE Group agreed to
provide to the Company a short-term revolving line of credit of up to $2.5
million, also at a fixed interest rate of 13% (the "Secondary Credit Line").
Pursuant to the Restated Credit Agreement, the Company is required to maintain
minimum Consolidated EBITDA of $1.3 million for each of the three four-week
periods ending September 8, 1997, $2 million for each of the four four-week
periods ending December 29, 1997, and $2.75 million for each four-week period
thereafter.
 
     In consideration for the restructuring, the Restated Credit Agreement
required the Company to issue to the members of the CKE Group warrants to
purchase an aggregate of 20 million shares of the Common Stock at an exercise
price of $.75 per share, which was the approximate market price of the Common
Stock prior to the announcement of the debt transfer. The Company agreed to
register such shares under the Securities Act; however, it did not file the
registration statement with respect to such shares by the required date, May 22,
1997 (the "Target Filing Date"). Therefore, the Company is obligated to pay the
warrant holders an aggregate of approximately $2,000 per week until such
registration statement is filed with the Commission. An additional late fee of
$2,000 per week is payable because such registration statement was not declared
effective by the required date, July 21, 1997. (the "Target Effective Date").
 
     Since November 22, 1996, the Company has reduced the principal balance
under the Restated Credit Agreement by $9.2 million and has repaid the Secondary
Credit Line in full. A portion of the funds utilized to make these principal
reduction payments were obtained by the Company from the sale of certain closed
restaurant sites to third parties. Additionally, the Company utilized $10.5
million of the proceeds from the private placement described below. Pursuant to
the Restated Credit Agreement, the prepayments of principal made in 1996 and
early in 1997 will relieve the Company of the requirement to make any of the
regularly scheduled principal payments under the Restated Credit Agreement which
would have otherwise become due in fiscal year 1997. The Restated Credit
Agreement provides that 50% of any future asset sales must be utilized to prepay
principal.
 
     Rall-Folks Notes.  On May 14, 1997, the Company entered into an amendment
and restatement of an August 2, 1995 Purchase Agreement, which had been
previously amended in October 1995, April 1996 and June 1996 (the "Rall-Folks
Agreement"), pursuant to which the Company agreed to issue shares of the Common
Stock (the "Rall-Folks Stock Payment") in exchange for and in complete
satisfaction of the Rall-Folks Notes. The Rall-Folks Notes are unsecured and
fully subordinated to the Restated Credit Agreement. The Company is paying
interest on the Rall-Folks Notes, at the prime rate on a current basis.
Rall-Folks received the Rall-Folks Notes from the Company in May 1994 as partial
consideration for its sale to the Company of seven Rally's double drive through
restaurants in the Atlanta, Georgia area. The Rall-Folks Notes were initially
due on August 4, 1995. The term of the Rall-Folks Notes has been extended until
the earlier of the closing of the Rall-Folks Agreement (which is to occur on or
before December 15, 1997), or
 
                                       26
<PAGE>   27
 
until 20 days after the termination of the Rall-Folks Agreement in accordance
with its terms. The acquisition of the Rall-Folks Notes is contingent upon
certain conditions, including approval of the Rall-Folks Agreement by the
stockholders of Rall-Folks.
 
     Pursuant to the Rall-Folks Agreement, the Company is to deliver to
Rall-Folks shares of its Common Stock with a value equal to the then outstanding
balance due under the Rall-Folks Notes (the "Rall-Folks Purchase Price"),
$1,295,284 as of October 17, 1997. The number of shares to be issued will be
determined by dividing the Rall-Folks Purchase Price by the average of the per
share closing sale price of the Common Stock as reported on the NMS for the five
full trading days ending on the third business day immediately preceding the
closing date.
 
     The Company has guaranteed that if Rall-Folks sells all of the Common Stock
constituting the Rall-Folks Stock Payment in a reasonably prompt manner (subject
to certain limitations described under "Risk Factors -- Shares Eligible for
Future Issuance and Sale; Dilution of Voting Power"), Rall-Folks will receive
net proceeds from the sale of such stock equal to the Rall-Folks Purchase Price.
If Rall-Folks receives less than such amount, the Company has agreed to issue to
Rall-Folks, at the option of Rall-Folks, either: (i) the number of additional
shares of Common Stock (the "Second Rall-Folks Stock Payment") with an aggregate
market value equal to the difference between the Rall-Folks Purchase Price and
the net amount received by Rall-Folks from the sale of the Common Stock
constituting the Stock Payment (such difference is hereinafter referred to as
the "Rall-Folks Price Differential"); or (ii) a six-month promissory note with a
principal amount equal to the Rall-Folks Price Differential, interest at 11%,
subordination provisions identical to those contained in the Rall-Folks Notes.
The market value of the Second Rall-Folks Stock Payment will be based upon the
average of the per share closing sale price share of the Common Stock as
reported on the NMS for the three full trading days immediately preceding the
date on which the Company issues instructions to its transfer agent to issue the
shares of Common Stock constituting the Second Rall-Folks Stock Payment (such
average closing price is hereinafter referred to as the "Resale Price" with
respect to such shares).
 
     If the proceeds of such sales are not at least equal to the Rall-Folks
Price Differential, the entire procedure as described above will be repeated
until Rall-Folks has received net proceeds from the sale of Common Stock equal
to the Rall-Folks Purchase Price. The Company has further agreed that, if it
issues a note to Rall-Folks in payment of a Rall-Folks Price Differential, it
will enter into an agreement with Rall-Folks substantially identical to the
Rall-Folks Agreement pursuant to which the Company will agree to issue to
Rall-Folks, following approval of such agreement by the stockholders of
Rall-Folks and the satisfaction or waiver of all conditions precedent to such
issuance, additional shares of Common Stock in payment of such note, which
Common Stock will be registered by the Company in a registration statement prior
to its issuance, provided that such registration is permitted under the rules of
the Commission. If such registration is not permitted, the Company has agreed to
register the sale by Rall-Folks of such additional shares under federal and
state securities laws. The Company will pay all expenses of all registrations of
Common Stock under the Rall-Folks Agreement, other than the expenses of counsel
of Rall-Folks.
 
     The foregoing notwithstanding, the Company has the option at any time to
deliver cash to Rall-Folks in lieu of additional shares in order to pay any
Rall-Folks Price Differential. Under the Rall-Folks Agreement, the Company may,
at any time, require Rall-Folks, either to, at Rall-Folks' option, (i) sell back
to the Company all or any portion of the shares of Common Stock issued to
Rall-Folks under the Rall-Folks Agreement at their Resale Price or (ii)
terminate any future price protection for shares of Common Stock retained by
Rall-Folks.
 
     Under the Rall-Folks Agreement, the Company is obligated to pay to
Rall-Folks in cash an amount each quarter equal to 2.5% of the value of the
Common Stock held by it on such date (such value being deemed to be the
Rall-Folks Purchase Price less the net proceeds prior from the sale of Common
Stock issued under the Rall-Folks Agreement). The Company was required to pay
Rall-Folks $100,000 on the execution of the May 1997 amendment to the Rall-Folks
Agreement and $100,000 per month commencing July 15, 1997 (which amounts reduced
the outstanding principal amount of the Rall-Folks Notes) until the registration
statement with respect to the Rall-Folks Agreement was declared effective. An
aggregate of $500,000 was paid to Rall-
 
                                       27
<PAGE>   28
 
Folks pursuant to such provision before such registration statement was declared
effective on November 14, 1997.
 
     RDG Note.  On August 3, 1995, the Company entered into a purchase agreement
(as amended in October 1995, April 1996 and June 1997, the "RDG Agreement") with
RDG pursuant to which the Company agreed to issue shares of its Common Stock and
a warrant in exchange for and in complete satisfaction of the RDG Note. The
total amount of principal and accrued interest outstanding under the RDG Note
was $1,198,225 million as of October 17, 1997. The Company is paying interest on
the RDG Note on a current basis at the rate of 12% per annum. RDG received the
RDG Note from the Company in May 1994 as partial consideration for its sale to
the Company of nine Rally's double drive through restaurants in the Miami,
Florida area. The RDG Note is unsecured and fully subordinated to the Restated
Credit Agreement.
 
     The RDG Note was initially due on August 4, 1995. The term of the RDG Note
has been extended until the earlier of the closing of the RDG Agreement (which
is to occur on or prior to November 25, 1997), or until approximately one month
after the termination of the RDG Agreement in accordance with its terms. The
acquisition of the RDG Note is contingent upon certain conditions, including
approval of the RDG Agreement by the stockholders of RDG. In the event the
stockholders of RDG do not approve the transaction within 30 days after the
registration statement relating thereto is declared effective, the term of the
RDG Note is to be extended one year from the earlier of the date of the RDG
stockholders' meeting and the date which is 30 days after the effectiveness of
such registration statement.
 
     In partial consideration of the transfer of the RDG Note to the Company,
the Company will deliver to RDG shares of Common Stock with a value equal to the
sum of (i) the outstanding balance due under the RDG Note on the closing date
and (ii) $10,000 (being the estimated legal expenses of RDG to be incurred in
connection with the registration of the Common Stock) (the "RDG Purchase
Price"). The number of shares to be issued (the "RDG Stock Payment") will be
equal to the amount determined by dividing the RDG Purchase Price by the average
of the per share closing sale price of the Common Stock as reported on the NMS
for the ten full trading days ending on the third business day immediately
preceding the closing date (such average closing price hereinafter referred to
as the "Average Closing Price").
 
     The Company has guaranteed that if RDG sells all of the Common Stock issued
for the RDG Note in a reasonably prompt manner (subject to certain limitations
described below), RDG will receive net proceeds from the sale of such stock
equal to at least 80% of the RDG Purchase Price (such amount is hereinafter
referred to as the "Guaranteed Purchase Price"). If RDG receives less than such
amount, the Company will issue to RDG additional shares of Common Stock with a
value equal to the difference between the Guaranteed Purchase Price and the
aggregate net proceeds received from the sale of the Common Stock constituting
the RDG Stock Payment (such difference is hereinafter referred to as the
"Initial Price Differential"). The number of shares to be issued (the "Second
RDG Stock Payment") will be equal to the amount determined by dividing the
Initial Price Differential by the arithmetic average of the per share closing
sale price of the Common Stock as reported on the NMS for the ten full trading
days immediately preceding the date on which the Company issues instructions to
its transfer agent to issue such additional shares (such average closing sale
price being referred to hereinafter as the "Resale Price" with respect to such
shares).
 
     In the event that the aggregate net proceeds from the sale of such shares
is less than the Initial Price Differential, the Company will issue to RDG
additional shares of Common Stock with a value equal to the difference between
the Guaranteed Purchase Price and the aggregate net proceeds received from the
sale of the Common Stock constituting the RDG Stock Payment and the Second RDG
Stock Payment (such difference is hereinafter referred to as the "Second Price
Differential"), as provided above with respect to the Initial Price
Differential. The Company and RDG will continue this process until such time as
there is no Price Differential realized by RDG on the sale of any batch of
Common Stock issued in payment of a Price Differential on a previous batch of
Common Stock.
 
     The foregoing notwithstanding, the Company has the option at any time to
deliver cash to RDG in lieu of additional shares in order to pay any Price
Differential. In the event that RDG should receive net proceeds from the sale of
all Common Stock issued hereunder in excess of the Guaranteed Purchase Price, or
in the event that once RDG has received net proceeds equal to such amount it
still holds shares delivered by the
 
                                       28
<PAGE>   29
 
Company in connection with the payment of the Guaranteed Purchase Price, then
RDG shall be liable to the Company for the excess net proceeds and the excess
shares of Common Stock, and shall promptly pay the same over to the Company.
Under the Agreement, the Company may, at any time, require RDG, at RDG's option,
to sell back to the Company any shares of Common Stock issued to RDG under the
Agreement at their Resale Price or terminate any future price protection for
such shares. In such event, RDG would have the right to resell to the Company a
portion of any such shares and to retain the remainder, which remaining shares
would not have any future price protection; however, RDG would not be liable to
the Company for any additional funds received upon the sale of such shares in
excess of their Resale Price.
 
     As further consideration for the transfer of the RDG Note to the Company,
the Company agreed to issue RDG a warrant (the "Warrant") for the purchase of
120,000 shares of Common Stock at a price equal to the average closing sale
price of the Common Stock for the ten full trading days ending on the third
business day immediately preceding the closing date (such price is referred to a
the "Average Closing Price"); however, in the event that the average closing
price of the Common Stock for the 90 day period after the closing date is less
than the Average Closing Price, the purchase price for the Common Stock under
the Warrant will be changed on the 91st day after the closing date to the
average closing price for such 90 day period. The Warrant will be exercisable at
any time within five years after the closing date.
 
     Upon the request of RDG (or, in the event that the Warrant is distributed
to the stockholders of RDG upon the dissolution of RDG, upon the request of a
majority in interest of the stockholders of RDG), at any time after June 1,
1996, and prior to the fifth anniversary of the closing date, the Company will
promptly prepare and file a registration statement under which the shares of
Common Stock to be issued upon the exercise of the Warrant will be registered
(the "Warrant Share Registration Statement"). The Company will pay all expenses
related to such registration, except that RDG (or the RDG stockholders) shall
bear the expense of any fees of RDG's (or the stockholders') advisors, including
legal counsel. The Warrant Share Registration Statement will be kept effective
for a period of 10 days, during which time RDG (or the stockholders of RDG, in
the event that the Warrant has been distributed by RDG) will have the
opportunity to purchase Common Stock pursuant to the terms of the Warrant. Prior
to such time, or thereafter, Common Stock may be purchased pursuant to the
warrant in private, unregistered transactions, provided an exemption from
registration under the Securities Act is available.
 
     If, and only if, the Commission will not permit the registration of the
shares of Common Stock to be issued upon the exercise of the Warrant, upon the
request of RDG (or, in the event that the Warrant is distributed to the
stockholders of RDG upon the dissolution of RDG, upon the request of a majority
in interest of the stockholders of RDG), at any time after June 1, 1996, and
prior to the fifth anniversary of the closing date, the Company will promptly
prepare and file a registration statement (a "Warrant Share Resale Registration
Statement") under which the Company shall register the shares of Common Stock
issued prior to or at such time pursuant to the Warrant, subject to the
Company's ability to delay filing under certain conditions set forth in the
Agreement. The Company will use its commercially reasonable best efforts to keep
the Warrant Share Resale Registration Statement effective for 90 days, subject
to the Company's ability to suspend (and later recontinue) sales under certain
conditions set forth in the RDG Agreement.
 
     The Company is obligated to pay to it in cash an amount each quarter equal
to 2.5% of the value of the Common Stock held by it on such date (such value
being deemed to be the RDG Purchase Price less the net proceeds previously
received from the sale of Common Stock issued under the RDG Agreement). The
Company was required to pay RDG $100,000 on the execution of the June 1997
amendment to the RDG Agreement and $100,000 per month commencing July 15, 1997
(which amounts reduced the outstanding principal amount of the RDG Note) until
the registration statement with respect to the RDG Agreement was declared
effective. An aggregate of $500,000 was paid to RDG pursuant to such provision
before such registration statement was declared effective on November 14, 1997.
 
     NTDT Note.  On April 11, 1996, the Company entered into an agreement with
NTDT pursuant to which the Company was to issue shares of Common Stock to NTDT
in blocks of 200,000 shares each, valued at the closing price of the Common
Stock on the day prior to the date they were delivered to NTDT, and the amount
outstanding under the NTDT Note was to be reduced by the value of the stock so
delivered to NTDT.
 
                                       29
<PAGE>   30
 
Pursuant to the terms of the NTDT Agreement, as amended and restated, the term
of the NTDT Note has been extended to the earlier of the closing of the NTDT
Agreement or November 16, 1997, and the Company has agreed to purchase the NTDT
Note for the NTDT Purchase Price, i.e., the outstanding principal amount of and
accrued unpaid interest on the NTDT Note, payable in the form of the New NTDT
Notes. See "The Transaction" and "The Agreement."
 
     Private Placement.  On February 21, 1997, the Company completed a private
placement (the "Private Placement") of 8,771,929 shares of Common Stock and
87,719 shares of Preferred Stock. The Company received approximately $19.5
million in proceeds from the Private Placement. The Company used the Private
Placement proceeds as follows: $8 million was utilized to reduce the principal
balance due under the Restated Credit Agreement; $2.5 million was utilized to
repay the Secondary Credit Line; $2.3 million was utilized to pay outstanding
balances to various key food and paper distributors; and the remaining amount
was used primarily to pay down outstanding balances due certain other vendors.
The reduction of the debt under the Restated Credit Agreement and the Secondary
Credit Line, both of which carry a 13% interest rate reduced the Company's
interest expense by more than $1.3 million annually. The Private Placement
purchase agreement requires that the Company submit to its shareholders for vote
at its 1997 Annual Meeting of Stockholders the conversion of the Preferred Stock
into Common Stock. The Company's stockholders approved such conversion at the
Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on August 6, 1997, and the Preferred Stock
was automatically converted into 9,382,414 shares of Common Stock.
 
     Sales of Assets.  In the fiscal year ended December 30, 1996, the Company
raised approximately $1.8 million from the sale of various of its assets to
third parties, including both personal and excess real property from closed or
undeveloped restaurant locations. Under the terms of the Loan Agreement and the
Restated Credit Agreement, approximately 50% of those sales proceeds were
utilized to reduce outstanding principal. The Company also received $3.5 million
in connection with the reduction of a note receivable which funds were generally
used to supplement working capital. During the first two quarters of 1997, the
Company sold eight parcels of excess real property and eight modular restaurant
packages, resulting in net proceeds to the Company of $2.8 million. As of
September 8, 1997, the Company owned or leased approximately 42 parcels of
excess real property which it intends to continue to aggressively market to
third parties, and had an inventory of approximately 28 used modular restaurant
packages which it intends to continue to aggressively market to franchisees and
third parties. There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in
disposing of these assets. Of the proceeds from the sale of such assets, 50%
must be used to reduce the principal balance under the Restated Credit
Agreement.
 
     Working Capital.  The Company had negative working capital of $14.5 million
at September 8, 1997 (determined by subtracting current liabilities from current
assets). It is anticipated that the Company will continue to have negative
working capital since approximately 86.7% of the Company's assets are long-term
(property, equipment, and intangibles), and since all operating trade payables,
accrued expenses, and property and equipment payables are current liabilities of
the Company. The Company has not reported a profit for any quarter since
September 1994.
 
     The Company currently does not have significant development plans for
additional Company restaurants during 1997.
 
     The Company implemented aggressive programs at the beginning of fiscal year
1997 designed to improve food, paper and labor costs in the restaurants. See
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations -- Introduction." These costs totalled 63.7% of net restaurant
revenues in the third quarter of 1997, compared to 72.1% of net restaurant
revenues in fiscal 1996 despite a 6.4% decrease in Company-owned same store
sales in the third quarter of 1997 as compared to the third quarter of the prior
year. The Company also reduced the corporate and regional staff by 32 employees
in the beginning of fiscal year 1997. Overall, the Company believes fundamental
steps have been taken to improve the Company's profitability, but there can be
no assurance that it will be able to do so. Management believes that cash flows
generated from operations and the Private Placement should allow the Company to
meet its financial obligations and to pay operating expenses. The Company must,
however, also successfully consummate the purchase of the Notes as described
above. If the Company is unable to consummate one or more of these
 
                                       30
<PAGE>   31
 
transactions, and if the Company is thereafter unable to reach some other
arrangements with Rall-Folks, RDG or NTDT, as the case may be, this will result
in obligations to repay the Notes, and the Company may default under the terms
of the Restated Credit Agreement.
 
     The Company's prior operating results are not necessarily indicative of
future results. The Company's future operating results may be affected by a
number of factors, including: uncertainties related to the general economy;
competition; costs of food and labor; the Company's ability to obtain adequate
capital and to continue to lease or buy successful sites and construct new
restaurants; and the Company's ability to locate capable franchisees. The price
of the Company's Common Stock can be affected by the all of these factors.
Additionally, any shortfall in revenue or earnings from levels expected by
securities analysts could have an immediate and significant adverse effect on
the trading price of the Company's Common Stock in a given period. See "Risk
Factors -- Continued Listing on NASDAQ National Market."
 
     The balance of the reserves resulting from the accounting charges and loss
provisions through the 3rd quarter of 1997 are comprised primarily of charges
for closing and relocating of restaurants and settlement of leases ($2,412,000)
and legal settlements ($1,068,323). The Company anticipates that these reserve
balances will be utilized over a period of approximately three years. Therefore,
the Company believes that the utilization of these reserves will not have a
material impact on the Company's ability to meet its financial obligations in
any future reporting period.
 
     SFAS 121.  The Company must examine its assets for potential impairment
where circumstances indicate that such impairment may exist, in accordance with
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and the SFAS 121. As a retailer, the
Company believes such examination requires the operations and store level
economics of individual restaurants be evaluated for potential impairment. The
Company recorded significant write-downs of its assets in the fourth quarter of
fiscal year 1995 and during fiscal year 1996 pursuant to SFAS 121. No assurance
can be given that even an overall return to profitability will preclude the
write-down of assets associated with the operation of an individual restaurant
or restaurants in the future.
 
                                       31
<PAGE>   32
 
                                THE TRANSACTION
 
PURCHASE OF THE NTDT NOTE
 
     Pursuant to the NTDT Agreement, the Company has agreed to acquire the NTDT
Note using the New NTDT Notes which are convertible into shares of the Company's
Common Stock. The aggregate amount of principal and interest due under the NTDT
Note as of October 17, 1997 is $728,730. The Company is paying interest on the
NTDT Note, at the rate of 18% per annum, on a current basis.
 
     The NTDT Note was initially due on April 30, 1996. The term of the NTDT
Note has been extended until the earlier of the closing of the NTDT Agreement or
November 16, 1997. The acquisition of the NTDT Note is contingent upon certain
conditions, including approval of the NTDT Agreement by the partners of NTDT. If
the partners of NTDT do not approve the NTDT Agreement within 30 days of receipt
of notice of the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, the term of the
NTDT Note is to be extended until December 31, 1998 and the interest rate is to
be reduced to 12% per annum.
 
     NTDT received the NTDT Note from the Company in March 1995 as partial
consideration for two Checkers restaurants in the Nashville, Tennessee area. The
New NTDT Notes will be due and payable on December 31, 1998, will bear interest
at the rate of 18% per annum, payable monthly, and will be convertible into
Common Stock, computed by dividing the principal of the New NTDT Notes being
converted by the average per share closing sale price of the Common Stock on the
NMS for the three full trading days ending on the business day immediately
preceding the date on which NTDT delivers a notice of conversion to the Company.
The Company has the right to pay NTDT cash in lieu of issuing shares of Common
Stock upon receipt of a notice of conversion. The Company has agreed to pay any
and all taxes that may be payable as a result of the conversion of the New NTDT
Notes (other than certain transfer taxes). The NTDT Note is, and the New NTDT
Notes will be, fully subordinated to the Restated Credit Agreement and secured
with a second priority lien on the property acquired upon issuance of the NTDT
Note. As of October 17, 1997, there was outstanding approximately $26,235,489
under the Restated Credit Agreement. There is no limitation in the NTDT Note or
the New NTDT Notes on the issuance of additional debt by the Company.
 
     The Company has guaranteed that if NTDT sells all of the Common Stock
issuable upon conversion of the New NTDT Notes in a reasonably prompt manner
(subject to limitations described below), NTDT will receive net proceeds from
such sale equal to the NTDT Purchase Price. If NTDT receives less than such
amount, the Company will issue additional shares of Common Stock (the "Stock
Payment") with an aggregate market value equal to the difference between the
NTDT Purchase Price and the net amount received by NTDT from the sale of the
Common Stock received upon conversion of the New NTDT Notes (such difference is
hereinafter referred to as the "Price Differential"). The number of shares of
Common Stock constituting the Stock Payment will be determined by dividing the
Price Differential by the average of the per share closing sale price of the
Common Stock as reported on the NMS for the three full trading days immediately
preceding the date on which the Company issues instructions to its transfer
agent to issue the shares of Common Stock constituting the Stock Payment (such
average closing price is hereinafter referred to as the "Resale Price" with
respect to such shares.) If the proceeds of such sales are not at least equal to
the Price Differential, the entire procedure as described above will be repeated
until NTDT has received net proceeds from the sale of Common Stock equal to the
NTDT Purchase Price. The Company has the right to deliver cash in lieu of the
Stock Payment in order to pay any Price Differential.
 
     Under the NTDT Agreement, the Company is obligated to pay NTDT in cash an
amount each month equal to 18% of the value of (i) the shares of Common Stock
received upon conversion of the New NTDT Notes and held by it on such date (such
value being deemed to be the applicable Conversion Price for such shares of
Common Stock) and (ii) shares of Common Stock received as a Stock Payment and
held by it on such date (such value being deemed to be the Resale Price for such
shares of Common Stock).
 
     Each of the following constitute an Event of Default under the New NTDT
Notes: (a) the failure by the Company to make any scheduled payment on this Note
when due; (b) the failure by the Company to make any scheduled contingent
purchase price payment provided for in the Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of
November 4, 1994, by and between the Company and NTDT, among others, when due;
(c) the suspension of
 
                                       32
<PAGE>   33
 
effectiveness of the Registration Statement by the Company for more than 90
days; (d) the suspension of trading in the common stock of the Company for more
than 14 consecutive days on the NMS; (e) the filing of any petition by the
Company under any provision of the Federal Bankruptcy Code or any state law
relating to insolvency, or the filing of any such petition by any party against
the Company, unless such petition and all other proceedings thereunder are
dismissed within sixty (60) days after such filing; (f) the appointment of a
trustee or receiver for substantially all of the assets of the Company unless
such appointment is vacated or dismissed within sixty (60) days from the date of
such appointment; (g) an adjudication that the Company is insolvent or bankrupt;
(h) any assignment by the Company of substantially all of its assets for the
benefit of its creditors, or any other marshalling of the assets of the Company;
or (i) the dissolution or termination of the Company. The Company is not
required to furnish any periodic evidence as to the absence of a default.
 
     The Company was required to pay NTDT $100,000 in July 1997 on execution of
the NTDT Agreement and $100,000 on the 15th day of each month thereafter (which
amounts reduced the outstanding principal amount of the NTDT Note) until the
registration statement with respect to the NTDT Agreement was declared
effective. An aggregate of $400,000 was paid to NTDT pursuant to such provision
before such registration statement was declared effective on November 14, 1997.
 
     In order to promote an orderly distribution of the Common Stock to be
issued to and sold by NTDT (and certain other persons holding notes of the
Company which the Company is repaying in shares of Common Stock (see "Risk
Factors -- Shares Eligible for Future Issuance and Sale; Dilution of Voting
Power")), the Company has imposed the following limits on the sales that may be
made by NTDT, without the Company's prior consent: (i) NTDT may sell not more
than 50,000 shares of Common Stock per week; and (ii) NTDT may sell not more
than 25,000 shares in any one day; provided that it may sell additional shares
in excess of such limits if such additional shares are sold at a price higher
than the lowest then current bid price for the Common Stock.
 
BACKGROUND OF AND REASONS FOR THE ACQUISITION OF THE NTDT NOTE
 
     The Company. The NTDT Note was issued in March 1995 in connection with the
acquisition by the Company of two Checkers restaurants in the Nashville,
Tennessee area and was initially due on April 30, 1996. Pursuant to the NTDT
Agreement, the NTDT Note was initially to be repaid by the Company in exchange
for Common Stock issued in increments of 200,000 shares. Such repayment was to
be completed on or before April 30, 1996. The Company began negotiating with
NTDT in early April 1996 for a complete settlement of the NTDT Note by issuance
of shares of Common Stock and continued such negotiations until an agreement was
executed on April 11, 1996. The consummation of the repayment of the NTDT Note
was delayed due to the Company's negotiations with various investor groups
during 1996 concerning the restructure of the Company's debt. The agreement with
NTDT was amended and restated in July 1997 to provide for the issuance of the
New NTDT Notes, which are convertible into Common Stock, and the other terms
described herein, including a termination date for the acquisition of the NTDT
Note of November 15, 1997. However, if the partners of NTDT fail to approve the
NTDT Agreement within 30 days after the date NTDT receives notice of the
effectiveness of the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part,
the term of the NTDT Note will be extended to December 31, 1998, and the
interest rate will be reduced to 12% per annum. See "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation -- Liquidity and
Capital Resources."
 
     NTDT. The following information has been provided by the management of
NTDT.
 
     It became apparent to NTDT that the Company would not be able to pay the
NTDT Note in full on the maturity date. Given the subordinated position of the
NTDT Note and the terms of the Company's senior indebtedness, the NTDT Agreement
appeared to NTDT to be the best alternative for NTDT to get paid over a short
period of time, without further legal costs or management time invested.
 
DISSENTERS' RIGHTS; SOLICITATION OF PROXIES, CONSENTS OR AUTHORIZATIONS
 
     The following information has been provided by the management of NTDT.
 
                                       33
<PAGE>   34
 
     The managing general partner of NTDT will call a meeting of the partners of
NTDT, to be held on November 20, 1997 at the offices of NTDT, 1314 Fifth Avenue
North, Nashville, Tennessee 37208 at 9:00 a.m. local time, to consider and vote
on approval of the NTDT Agreement and the Transaction. The form of the notice of
meeting has been filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. The managing
general partner of NTDT is not making any recommendation as to how the partners
of NTDT should vote. Partners of NTDT will have to attend the meeting in person
or by proxy in order to vote on the approval of the NTDT Agreement and the
Transaction. The affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding partnership
interests of NTDT will be necessary to approve the NTDT Agreement and the
Transaction. NTDT partnership interests are held as follows: Jones & Jones Twin
Drive-Thru, Inc. holds 60%, NTD Enterprises, Inc. holds 38.84% and Susan Short
Jones holds 1.16%. The address of each such person is 1314 Fifth Avenue North,
Nashville, Tennessee 37208. Such persons will be entitled to vote at the
partnership meeting. Any person appearing at the meeting as a proxy for a
partner of NTDT will be required to present a written proxy power meeting the
requirements of Tennessee law in order to vote such partners' interests at the
meeting. The partners of NTDT will have no dissenters rights in connection with
the Transaction.
 
ACCOUNTING TREATMENT
 
     The Company will account for the Transaction as a payment of the
liabilities represented by the NTDT Note, resulting in a reduction in the
liabilities of the Company equal to the outstanding balance due under the NTDT
Note, and the sale of Common Stock for an amount equal to the NTDT Purchase
Price, resulting in an increase in stockholders' equity in an equal amount.
 
CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
 
     This section discusses the material federal income tax consequences under
current law of (i) the exchange of the NTDT Note for New NTDT Notes pursuant to
the Transaction, and (ii) the ownership, conversion and/or disposition of the
New NTDT Notes. It does not, however, discuss every aspect of federal income
taxation that may be relevant to NTDT's particular circumstances and income tax
situation, nor does it discuss the effect of any applicable foreign, state, or
local tax laws.
 
     Except as otherwise indicated, statements of legal conclusion regarding tax
treatments, tax effects or tax consequences that are set forth in this section
reflect the opinion of Christensen, Miller, Fink, Jacobs, Glaser, Weil &
Shapiro, LLP ("Counsel"), counsel for the Company. The conclusions are based
primarily upon the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), the
existing regulations thereunder, and the current rulings and decisions
interpreting such provisions, all of which are subject to change. Moreover, due
to the lack of definitive judicial authority and administrative guidance,
substantial uncertainties exist with respect to many of the tax consequences of
the Transaction. No ruling has been requested from the Internal Revenue Service
("IRS") on any aspect of the Transaction, nor will such a ruling be requested.
Accordingly, no assurance can be given that the IRS will necessarily agree with
the conclusions set forth below, or that, if challenged in a court of competent
jurisdiction, that such court will necessarily concur with such conclusions.
 
     THEREFORE, NTDT IS ADVISED TO CONSULT ITS TAX ADVISOR AS TO THE PARTICULAR
TAX CONSEQUENCES TO IT OF EXCHANGING THE NTDT NOTE FOR NEW NTDT NOTES, AND THE
OWNERSHIP, CONVERSION AND/OR DISPOSITION OF THE NEW NTDT NOTES.
 
                                       I.
 
                            TAXATION OF THE EXCHANGE
 
     A. The Exchange.  The exchange of the NTDT Note for New NTDT Notes will be
a taxable exchange and not a tax-free recapitalization under Section
368(a)(1)(E) of the Code. In order to obtain tax-free treatment pursuant to
sec. 368(a)(1)(E), both the NTDT Note and the New NTDT Notes would have to be
classified as "securities". Whether a note will qualify as a "security" for
purposes of sec. 368(a)(1)(E) depends upon an overall evaluation of the nature
of the debt instruments, with the primary focus being on whether the
 
                                       34
<PAGE>   35
 
instruments represent a substitute for cash. Instruments with a maturity of five
years or less are generally not treated as "securities" for federal income tax
purposes. See Majorie Lloyd Smith v. Commissioner, 116 F.2d 642 (2nd Cir. 1941),
cert. denied 313 U.S. 588 (1941); Pinellas Ice & Cold Storage Co. v.
Commissioner, 287 U.S. 462 (1933). In the case of the NTDT Note and the New NTDT
Notes, because of their short-term maturities, Counsel is of the view that they
should not to be considered "securities." Thus, sec. 368(a)(1)(E) will not
apply.
 
     Accordingly, as a result of the exchange:
 
          1. An amount equal to the accrued interest on the NTDT Note through
     the date of exchange for the New NTDT Notes will be taxed as ordinary
     income to NTDT (whether paid in cash or New NTDT Notes) to the extent not
     previously included in income;
 
          2. The amount of gain or loss recognized by NTDT will equal the
     difference between (i) the "issue price" of the New NTDT Notes, and (ii)
     NTDT's adjusted basis in the NTDT Note (including the interest income
     recognized as set forth above). Such adjusted basis will also reflect any
     gain or loss previously recognized as a result of prior taxable
     modifications of the NTDT Note. Gain or loss will be capital gain or loss
     if the property disposed of is a capital asset in the hands of NTDT.
     Capital gain or loss will be capital gain or loss from the sale or exchange
     of mid-term property if NTDT's holding period exceeds twelve (12) months
     and long-term capital gain or loss if the holding period exceeds eighteen
     (18) months;
 
          3. NTDT's basis for the new NTDT Notes will be the "issue price" of
     the New NTDT Notes on the date of the exchange, less the interest income
     recognized above;
 
          4. NTDT's holding period for the New NTDT Notes will commence on the
     day after the exchange; and
 
          5. The Company's reimbursement of NTDT legal fees will constitute
     ordinary income to NTDT.
 
     B. Original Issue Discount.  Based upon the rules discussed herein, the New
NTDT Notes will not have any Original Issue Discount ("OID"). OID equals the
excess, if any, of the NTDT Notes' "stated redemption price at maturity" over
their "issue price."
 
          1. "Issue Price" of New NTDT Notes.  Under current law, the
     determination of the "issue price" of the New NTDT Notes will depend on
     whether the NTDT Note or the New NTDT Notes are traded on an "established
     securities market" at the time of the exchange and whether the New NTDT
     Notes have an interest rate at least equal to the "applicable federal rate"
     for instruments of a similar maturity (the "AFR") at the time of issuance.
     The NTDT Notes are not traded on an established securities market and the
     Company does not expect that any of the New NTDT Notes will be traded on an
     established securities market. In addition, the New NTDT Notes will have a
     stated interest rate greater than the AFR. Accordingly, the issue price of
     the New NTDT Notes should be equal to their stated principal amount.
 
          2. "Stated Redemption Price".  Under current law, the "stated
     redemption price at maturity" of a debt instrument is equal to the
     instrument's stated principal amount at maturity, plus all payments
     including interest other than "qualified stated interest." Qualified stated
     interest is interest that is payable unconditionally at a fixed rate at
     fixed periodic intervals of one year or less during the entire term of the
     debt instrument.
 
          3. No Resulting OID.  Since the New NTDT Notes stated redemption price
     at maturity will be equal to their issue price, the New NTDT Notes will not
     have any OID.
 
     C. Market Discount.  Any gain realized on the exchange of the NTDT Note for
New NTDT Notes, and any gain realized upon the sale, redemption or maturity of
the New NTDT Notes, may be affected by the "market discount" provisions of the
Code. Market discount is defined as the excess of a bond's stated redemption
price at maturity over the adjusted basis of such bond immediately after its
acquisition. The market discount provisions generally require a holder of a bond
acquired at a market discount to recognize as
 
                                       35
<PAGE>   36
 
ordinary interest income any gain realized on the disposition. In addition, if a
holder of a bond acquired at a market discount receives a partial principal
payment prior to maturity, that payment may be treated as ordinary income to the
extent of the accrued market discount on the bond at the time the payment is
received. These rules will not apply to the extent the holder has made an
election to include the accrued market discount in income as it accrues. The
Company believes that NTDT's acquisition of the New NTDT Notes will not contain
market discount.
 
                                      II.
 
                  TAX CONSEQUENCES OF EXCHANGE TO THE COMPANY
 
     A. Cancellation of Debt.  If a debtor satisfies its outstanding debt
obligation for less than its principal amount, the debtor generally realizes
cancellation of indebtedness ("COD") income. If a debt instrument is exchanged
for another debt instrument, the amount realized is the issue price. The Company
believes that the issue price of the New NTDT Notes is equal to the principal
and interest due on the NTDT Note. Therefore, no COD income will result to the
Company as a consequence of the exchange.
 
     B. Interest Deduction on New NTDT Notes.  The Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997
has amended Code Section 163(l) to disallow any interest paid or accrued on a
"disqualified debt instrument." A disqualified debt instrument is any
indebtedness of a corporation that is payable in equity of the issuer.
Indebtedness is treated as payable in equity of the issuer if (i) a substantial
portion of the principal or interest is required to be paid or converted into
the equity, (ii) a substantial amount of the principal or interest is required
to be determined by reference to the value of the equity, or (iii) the
indebtedness is part of an arrangement which is reasonably expected to result in
a transaction in (i) or (ii). Principal or interest is treated as required to be
so paid, converted or determined if it may be required at the option of the
holder of the debt instrument and there is a substantial certainty that the
option will be exercised. These amendments generally apply to debt instruments
issued after June 8, 1997. As a consequence, the Company may be denied a
deduction for interest paid or accrued on the New NTDT Notes. Due to the factual
nature of this matter and lack of definitive administrative authority, counsel
is unable to express an opinion as to how Section 163(1) may be applied to the
New NTDT Notes.
 
                                      III.
 
                   POST-EXCHANGE TAX ISSUES AND CONSEQUENCES
 
     A. Classification of Common Stock.  The classification of the Common Stock
as either debt or equity for federal income tax purposes is inherently factual
in nature and no single characteristic or factor is determinative. Such
classification will determine the income tax effects of the ownership and
disposition of the Common Stock by the holder. See John Kelley Co. v.
Commissioner, 326 U.S. 521, 530 (1945). Although courts have used a number of
factors to determine whether an instrument is "debt" or "equity" for federal
income tax purposes, each case must be decided on its own facts. Among the
factors that various courts have used are the following: (1) the names given to
the certificates evidencing the indebtedness; (2) the presence or absence of a
fixed maturity date; (3) the source of payments; (4) the right to enforce
payment of principal and interest; (5) participation in management flowing as a
result; (6) the relative position of the contribution with respect to the other
creditors; (7) the intent of the parties; (8) thin or adequate capitalization;
(9) identity of interest between creditor and shareholder; (10) source of
interest payments; (11) the ability of the corporation to obtain loans from
outside lending institutions; (12) the extent to which the advance was used to
acquire capital assets; and (13) the failure of the debtor to repay on the due
date or to seek a postponement. See Selfe v. U.S., 778 F.2d 769 n.9 (11th Cir.
1985).
 
     Although the Company is issuing its Common Stock to NTDT, factors that
might be used to re-characterize such instrument as Company "debt" for federal
income tax purposes are as follows: (1) upon conversion of the New NTDT Notes
into Common Stock, the Company shall pay NTDT interest on the value of the
unsold Common Stock at an interest rate equal to the rate of interest currently
paid on the NTDT Note (and to be paid on the New NTDT Notes); (2) the Company
has guaranteed NTDT that it will receive cash
 
                                       36
<PAGE>   37
 
from the aggregate proceeds of the sale of Common Stock received upon conversion
of the New NTDT Notes equal to, but not in excess of, the NTDT Purchase Price,
and (3) in the event that NTDT receives aggregate proceeds from such sales that
exceed the amount in (2), it must deliver to the Company such excess proceeds.
 
     Counsel is of the view that the Common Stock should be regarded as equity,
rather than debt, for federal income tax reporting purposes and that such
characterization is most likely to prevail. However, because of the foregoing
factors and the highly factual nature of the issue, no assurance can be given
that the IRS will not challenge such characterization, or that a court will not
sustain such a challenge.
 
     The following discussion assumes the Common Stock in the Transaction will
be treated as equity, as opposed to debt, for federal income tax purposes.
 
     B. Disposition of New NTDT Notes and Common Stock.  No gain or loss will be
recognized upon the conversion of New NTDT Notes into Common Stock. NTDT's tax
basis in the Common Stock received will equal its tax basis in the New NTDT
Notes surrendered, and its holding period in the Common Stock will include the
period during which it held the New NTDT Notes.
 
     NTDT will recognize gain or loss upon a sale, redemption, or other taxable
disposition of a New NTDT Note or Common Stock measured by the difference
between (i) the amount of cash and the fair market value of property received,
and (ii) its tax basis in the property disposed of. Such gain or loss will be
capital gain or loss if the property disposed of is a capital asset in the hands
of NTDT. If the property is a capital asset, any gain or loss will be capital
gain or loss attributable to the sale or exchange of mid-term property if NTDT's
holding period exceeds twelve (12) months and long-term capital gain or loss if
the holding period exceeds eighteen (18) months.
 
     C. Conversion Price Adjustments.  Certain actual or constructive
distributions of stock with respect to stock and convertible securities are
treated as taxable events. An adjustment in the conversion price to reflect
taxable stock dividends on Common Stock (but not stock splits or non-taxable
stock dividends) may be treated as a constructive distribution of stock to NTDT
that is taxable as a dividend to the extent of the current or accumulated
earnings and profits of the Company.
 
     D. Limitation on Net Operating Losses.  Section 382 of the Code generally
limits a corporation's use of its net operating losses (and may limit a
corporation's use of certain built-in losses recognized within a five-year
period) if the corporation undergoes an "ownership change." An ownership change
generally occurs when the percentage of the corporation's stock by value held by
certain persons increases by more than 50 percentage points over a three-year
testing period. If an ownership change occurs, a corporation's annual use of its
net operating losses (and certain built-in losses) is limited to the value of
the corporation's equity immediately before the ownership change multiplied by
the long-term tax-exempt rate. The Company believes that the Transaction will
not cause an ownership change under the general rules of Section 382 of the
Code.
 
     E. Purchase Price Guarantee.  In the event the Company is required to issue
additional shares of Common Stock or deliver cash to NTDT under the
Transaction's purchase price guarantee, such proceeds may be treated as
additional purchase price received upon disposition of the Common Stock with
capital gain or loss recognized by NTDT if the property disposed of is a capital
asset in the hands of NTDT. In the event NTDT is required pursuant to the
Transaction to deliver shares of Common Stock or cash to the Company because
excess proceeds were received by NTDT upon disposition of the Common Stock,
NTDT's payment may be treated as a reduction in its purchase price received from
such disposition. Due to the factual nature of the matter and lack of definitive
judicial or administrative authority, counsel is unable to provide unqualified
legal assurance to these issues. The IRS may challenge these positions and treat
NTDT's receipt of such proceeds as ordinary taxable income and/or disallow
NTDT's payment of excess proceeds as a deduction against the purchase price
received.
 
FEDERAL SECURITIES LAW CONSEQUENCES
 
     All shares of Common Stock received by NTDT or the NTDT partners may be
resold by them only in transactions permitted by the resale provisions of Rule
145 promulgated under the Securities Act or as
 
                                       37
<PAGE>   38
 
otherwise permitted under the Securities Act. Rule 145 limits the amount of
Common Stock that such persons may sell during any three-month period and
specifies certain other restrictions on resale. Pursuant to the terms of the
NTDT Agreement, the following limits have been imposed on the sales that may be
made by NTDT: (i) NTDT may sell not more than 50,000 shares of Common Stock per
week; and (ii) NTDT may sell not more than 25,000 shares in any one day,
provided that it may sell additional shares in excess of such limits if such
additional shares are sold at a price higher than the lowest then current bid
price for the Common Stock. See "The Agreement -- Certain Covenants."
 
REGULATORY APPROVALS
 
     Neither the Company nor NTDT is aware of any material federal or state
regulatory approvals which must be obtained in connection with the purchase and
sale of the Note, other than the continued effectiveness of the Registration
Statement under the Securities Act through the date of issuance of the shares of
the Common Stock to NTDT pursuant to the NTDT Agreement.
 
                                 THE AGREEMENT
 
     The following is a brief summary of certain terms of the NTDT Agreement,
which is attached to this Prospectus as Appendix A and incorporated herein by
this reference. The description of the terms of the NTDT Agreement and the
transactions contemplated therein are qualified in their entirety by reference
to the NTDT Agreement.
 
GENERAL
 
     The NTDT Agreement provides that, following the satisfaction or waiver of
the conditions to the purchase of the NTDT Note, NTDT will transfer the NTDT
Note to the Company in return for the New NTDT Notes in an aggregate principal
amount equal to the total amount of principal and accrued interest then
outstanding under the NTDT Note. See "The Transaction -- Purchase of the NTDT
Notes."
 
CLOSING DATE AND EFFECTIVE TIME
 
     The NTDT Agreement provides that, if all other conditions to the purchase
have been satisfied or waived by all parties and the NTDT Agreement has not been
terminated according to its terms, the closing of the transfer of the NTDT Note
to the Company and the New NTDT Note to NTDT will be held on the third business
day following the date on which the partners of NTDT approve the NTDT Agreement
and the Transaction (the "Closing Date"), but no later than November 15, 1997.
The NTDT Agreement further provides that a meeting of such partners will be held
within 30 days after notice is delivered to NTDT of the effectiveness of the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part. If the partners of
NTDT fail to approve the NTDT Agreement within 30 days after effectiveness of
the Registration Statement, the term of the NTDT Note is to be extended to
December 31, 1998 and the interest rate is to be reduced to 12% per annum.
 
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
 
     The NTDT Agreement contains various representations and warranties of NTDT
relating to, among other things: (a) organization and good standing of NTDT; (b)
NTDT's authority; (c) authorization and enforceability of the NTDT Agreement;
(d) title to the NTDT Note; (e) litigation and disputes relating to the NTDT
Note or the Transaction; and (f) the accuracy of information relating to NTDT
supplied in connection with the Registration Statement.
 
     The NTDT Agreement also contains various representations and warranties by
the Company relating to, among other things: (a) its organization and good
standing; (b) corporate authority; (c) corporate authorization and
enforceability of the NTDT Agreement; (d) the capital structure of the Company;
(e) required consents; and (f) the accuracy of information concerning the
Company in the Registration Statement.
 
                                       38
<PAGE>   39
 
CERTAIN COVENANTS
 
     Pursuant to the NTDT Agreement, NTDT has agreed to, among other things: (a)
refrain from any sale or pledge of the NTDT Note or any other action
inconsistent with its representations, warranties or obligations under the NTDT
Agreement; (b) extend the term of the NTDT Note until the earlier of the Closing
Date or November 15, 1997; provided, however, if the partners of NTDT fail to
approve the NTDT Agreement and the Transaction within 30 days after NTDT
receives actual notice that the Registration Statement, of which this Prospectus
is a part, has been declared effective by the Commission, the terms of the NTDT
Note shall be extended until December 31, 1998 and the interest rate thereon
shall be reduced to 12% per annum; (c) furnish such information concerning NTDT
as is required to be set forth in the Registration Statement for the Common
Stock or any other governmental filings; (d) call a meeting of its stockholders
to be held within 30 days after the date NTDT receives notice of the
effectiveness of the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part
for the purpose of obtaining approval of the NTDT Agreement and the transactions
described therein; (e) either dissolve and wind up its affairs or otherwise
distribute the shares of the Common Stock received under the NTDT Agreement to
its partners within one year after the Closing Date; and (f) comply with
securities law requirements for all resales of the Common Stock. To insure that
such sales will be made in an orderly manner, NTDT has agreed that (i) it will
not sell more than 50,000 shares of Common Stock per week and (ii) it will not
sell more than 25,000 shares in any one day, provided that it may sell
additional shares in excess of such limits if such additional shares are sold at
a price higher than the lowest then current bid price for the Common Stock (on
an "uptick"). NTDT has further agreed that, upon the distribution of any of the
Common Stock to any partners of NTDT, it will cause such person to deliver an
agreement to the Company which will contain the covenants set forth in
subparagraph (f) above with a proportionate limitation on sales of Common Stock.
 
     The NTDT Agreement also contains various covenants of the Company relating
to, among other things: (a) registration of the shares of Common Stock to be
issued for the NTDT Note; (b) preparation of the Registration Statement; (c)
issuance of additional notes and/or shares of Common Stock to NTDT under certain
circumstances to make up any differential between the NTDT Purchase Price for
the NTDT Note and the net proceeds from the sale of the Common Stock received by
NTDT; and (d) refrain from any activity or transaction inconsistent with any of
its representations, warranties and obligations under the NTDT Agreement.
 
     Each of the Company and NTDT have also agreed, among other things: to (a)
maintain the confidentiality of all confidential information provided to it by
the other party; (b) cooperate and consult with the other party in the
preparation of the Registration Statement; and (c) use its best efforts to cause
the transactions contemplated by the NTDT Agreement to be consummated.
 
CONDITIONS
 
     The respective obligations of the Company and NTDT to effect the purchase
and sale of the NTDT Note are subject to the following conditions, among others:
(a) no order, decree or injunction enjoining or prohibiting the transactions
contemplated by the NTDT Agreement shall be in effect; (b) the partners of NTDT
shall have approved the purchase and sale of the NTDT Note pursuant to the terms
of the NTDT Agreement; and (c) the Registration Statement shall not be subject
to any stop order or any threatened stop order; and (d) the Closing Date shall
be on or before November 15, 1997 (collectively, the "Mutual Conditions").
 
     In addition, the obligations of the Company to consummate the purchase of
the NTDT Note are subject to the following conditions, among others: (a) all of
the representations and warranties of NTDT shall be true and correct in all
material respects as of the Closing Date, as though made on the Closing Date
(subject to certain limitations); and (b) NTDT shall have performed in all
material respects its obligations under the NTDT Agreement (collectively, the
"Company Conditions").
 
     The obligations of NTDT to consummate the sale of the NTDT Note are subject
to the following additional conditions, among others: (a) all of the
representations and warranties of the Company shall be true and correct in all
material respects as of the Closing Date, as though made on the Closing Date
(subject to
 
                                       39
<PAGE>   40
 
certain limitations); (b) the Company shall have performed in all material
respects its obligations under the NTDT Agreement; and (c) there shall have been
no material adverse change in the financial condition, results of operations,
business or prospects of the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole,
since January 2, 1996 (collectively, the "NTDT Conditions").
 
TERMINATION
 
     The NTDT Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Closing Date:
(i) upon mutual written consent of the Company and NTDT; (ii) by the managing
general partners of NTDT if any NTDT Condition or Mutual Condition is not
satisfied or waived; (iii) by the Board of Directors of the Company if any of
the Company Conditions or the Mutual Conditions is not satisfied or waived; (iv)
by the managing general partner of NTDT if there is a breach of or failure by
the Company to perform in any material respect any of the representations,
warranties, commitments, covenants or conditions under the NTDT Agreement, which
breach or failure is not cured within five days after written notice thereof is
given to the Company; or (v) by the Board of Directors of the Company if there
is breach of or failure by NTDT to perform in any material respect any of the
representations, warranties, commitments, covenants or conditions under the NTDT
Agreement, which breach or failure is not cured within five days after written
notice thereof is give it to NTDT.
 
AMENDMENT AND WAIVER
 
     Subject to applicable law, (a) the NTDT Agreement may be amended at any
time by the Company and NTDT, and (b) either party may extend the time for
performance of the obligations of the other party to the NTDT Agreement, waive
any inaccuracies in the representations and warranties of the other party
contained in the NTDT Agreement, waive compliance with any agreements or
conditions contained in the NTDT Agreement, or waive or modify performance of
any of the obligations of the other party under the NTDT Agreement.
 
INDEMNIFICATION
 
     NTDT and the Company have each agreed to indemnify the other for all
claims, liabilities, obligations, losses, damages and expenses arising out of or
attributable to: (a) the breach of any of its warranties or the inaccuracy of
any of its representations contained in the NTDT Agreement or otherwise made or
given in writing in connection with the NTDT Agreement; (b) any failure of it to
perform or observe its respective covenants or conditions; or (c) claims arising
out of or based upon material misstatements in or omissions from the
Registration Statement or any Resale Registration Statement insofar as such
claims arise out of or are based upon written information provided by such party
for inclusion in the Registration Statement or any Resale Registration
Statement. In addition, the Company has agreed to indemnify NTDT for any failure
by the Company to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act or any
applicable state securities law in connection with the registration of any of
the Common Stock issued under the NTDT Agreement.
 
EXPENSES
 
     The NTDT Agreement provides that each party shall pay all expenses incurred
by it in connection with the negotiation of the NTDT Agreement and the
consummation of the transactions contemplated therein, except that the Company
paid NTDT $10,000 upon execution of the amended and restated NTDT Agreement and
has agreed to pay all expenses relating to the preparation and filing of the
Registration Statement, any resale registration statement and all NMS and state
securities law filings.
 
                                       40
<PAGE>   41
 
                            MARKET FOR COMMON STOCK
                                 AND DIVIDENDS
 
MARKET INFORMATION
 
     The Common Stock is traded on the NMS under the symbol CHKR. The following
table sets forth the high and low closing sale price of the Common Stock as
reported on the NMS for the periods indicated:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1995                                                          HIGH     LOW
- ----                                                          -----   -----
<S>                                                           <C>     <C>
First Quarter...............................................  $4.06   $1.88
Second Quarter..............................................  $2.81   $1.81
Third Quarter...............................................  $3.25   $1.72
Fourth Quarter..............................................  $1.97   $0.92
1996
- ----
First Quarter...............................................  $1.75   $1.19
Second Quarter..............................................  $1.50   $1.13
Third Quarter...............................................  $1.25   $0.75
Fourth Quarter..............................................  $1.97   $0.78
1997
- ----
First Quarter...............................................  $3.00   $1.69
Second Quarter..............................................  $1.84   $1.09
Third Quarter...............................................  $1.69   $1.09
Fourth Quarter(1)...........................................  $1.59   $1.13
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(1) Through November 13, 1997.
 
     The last reported per share sale price of the Common Stock as reported on
the NMS on November 13, 1997 was $1.16. At July 16, 1997, the Company had
approximately 7,300 stockholders of record.
 
DIVIDENDS
 
     Dividends are prohibited under the terms of the Restated Credit Agreement.
The Company has never paid or declared cash distributions or dividends (other
than the payment of cash in lieu of fractional shares in connection with its
stock splits). Any permitted future cash dividends will be determined by the
Board of Directors based on the Company's earnings, financial condition, capital
requirements and other relevant factors.
 
                                       41
<PAGE>   42
 
                                    BUSINESS
 
INTRODUCTION
 
     The Company develops, produces, owns, operates and franchises quick-service
"double drive-thru" restaurants under the name "Checkers(R)" (the
"Restaurants"). The Restaurants are designed to provide fast and efficient
automobile-oriented service incorporating a 1950's diner and art deco theme with
a highly visible, distinctive and uniform look that is intended to appeal to
customers of all ages. The Restaurants feature a limited menu of high quality
hamburgers, cheeseburgers and bacon cheeseburgers, specially seasoned french
fries, hot dogs, and chicken sandwiches, as well as related items such as soft
drinks and old fashioned premium milk shakes.
 
     As of September 8, 1997, there were 480 Restaurants operating in the States
of Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas,
Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New York,
North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West
Virginia, Wisconsin, Washington D.C. and in Puerto Rico (232 Company-operated
(including 13 joint ventured) and 248 franchised).
 
     As of January 1, 1994, the Company changed from a calendar reporting year
ending on December 31st to a fiscal year which will generally end on the Monday
closest to December 31st. Each quarter consists of three 4-week periods, with
the exception of the fourth quarter which consists of four 4-week periods.
 
RESTAURANT DEVELOPMENT AND ACQUISITION ACTIVITIES
 
     During 1996, the Company opened five Restaurants, acquired 18 Restaurants
and partnership interests in an additional nine Restaurants from franchisees,
sold or leased 15 Restaurants to franchisees and closed 27 Restaurants for a net
reduction of ten Company-operated Restaurants in 1996. Franchisees opened 25
Restaurants, acquired or leased 15 Restaurants from the Company, sold or
transferred 27 Restaurants to the Company and closed 24 Restaurants for a net
reduction of 11 franchisee-operated Restaurants in 1996. During the first three
quarters of 1997, the Company and its franchises experienced a net increase of
two Restaurants.
 
     During 1996, the Company focused its efforts on existing operating markets
of highest market penetration ("Core Markets"). It is the Company's intent in
the near future to continue that focus and to grow only in its Core Markets
through acquisitions or new Restaurant openings. The Company will continue to
seek to expand through existing and new franchisees. From time to time, the
Company may close or sell additional Restaurants when determined by management
and the Board of Directors to be in the best interests of the Company.
 
     Franchisees operated 248, or 51%, of the total Restaurants open at
September 8, 1997. The Company's long-term strategy is for 60% to 65% of its
Restaurants to be operated by franchisees. Because of the Company's limited
capital resources, it will rely on franchisees for a larger portion of chain
expansion to continue market penetration. The inability for franchisees to
obtain sufficient financing capital on a timely basis may have a materially
adverse effect on expansion efforts.
 
     On March 25, 1997, Checkers agreed in principle to a merger transaction
pursuant to which Rally's Hamburgers, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Rally's"),
would have become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Checkers. Rally's, together with
its franchisees, operates approximately 471 double drive-thru hamburger
restaurants primarily in the midwestern United States. Negotiations with Rally's
were terminated in June 1997.
 
RESTAURANT OPERATIONS
 
     Concept.  The Company's operating concept includes: (i) offering a limited
menu to permit the maximum attention to quality and speed of preparation; (ii)
utilizing a distinctive Restaurant design that features a "double drive-thru"
concept, projects a uniform image and creates significant curb appeal; (iii)
providing fast service using a "double drive-thru" design for its Restaurants
and a computerized point-of-
 
                                       42
<PAGE>   43
 
sale system that expedites the ordering and preparation process; and (iv) great
tasting quality food and drinks at a fair price.
 
     Restaurant Locations.  As of September 8, 1997, there were 232 Restaurants
owned and operated by the Company in 11 states and the District of Columbia
(including 13 Restaurants owned by partnerships in which the Company has
interests ranging from 10.55% to 65.83%) and 248 Restaurants operated by the
Company's franchisees in 20 States, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
The following table sets forth the locations of such Restaurants.
 
                                COMPANY-OPERATED
                               (232 RESTAURANTS)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                            <C>                            <C>
        Florida (136)                  Missouri (6)                    Kansas (2)
        Georgia (38)                  Mississippi (5)                 Delaware (1)
      Pennsylvania (13)                Tennessee (2)                 New Jersey (4)
        Alabama (12)                                               Washington D.C. (1)
        Illinois (12)
</TABLE>
 
                                   FRANCHISED
                               (248 RESTAURANTS)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                            <C>                            <C>
        Florida (57)                     Texas (9)                    Wisconsin (3)
        Illinois (25)                  Maryland (14)                  New York (3)
        Georgia (48)                  New Jersey (9)                 Puerto Rico (2)
        Alabama (19)                   Tennessee (8)                West Virginia (2)
     North Carolina (15)               Virginia (5)                   Missouri (1)
     South Carolina (9)                 Indiana (3)                     Iowa (2)
        Louisiana (9)                  Michigan (3)                  Mississippi (1)
                                                                   Washington D.C. (1)
</TABLE>
 
     Of these Restaurants, 30 were opened in 1996 (five Company-operated and 25
franchised), 12 of which included fully equipped manufactured modular buildings,
"Modular Restaurant Packages" ("MRPs"), produced by the Company and nine of
which included MRPs which were relocated from other sites, and eight were opened
in the first two quarters of 1997 (one Company-operated and seven franchised).
The Company currently expects approximately 13 additional Restaurants to be
opened during the remainder of 1997 (primarily by franchisees) with
substantially all of these Restaurants to include MRPs relocated from closed
sites. If either the Company or the franchisee(s) are unable to obtain
sufficient capital on a timely basis, the Company's ability to achieve its 1997
expansion plans may be materially adversely affected. The Company's growth
strategy for the next two years is to focus on the controlled development of
additional franchised and Company-operated Restaurants primarily in its existing
Core Markets and to further penetrate markets currently under development by
franchisees, including select international markets. See "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations -- Liquidity and Capital Resources."
 
     Site Selection.  The Company believes that the location of a Restaurant is
critical to its success. Management inspects and approves each potential
Restaurant site prior to final selection of the site. In evaluating particular
sites, the Company considers various factors including traffic count, speed of
traffic, convenience of access, size and configuration, demographics and density
of population, visibility and cost. The Company also reviews competition and the
sales and traffic counts of national and regional chain Restaurants operating in
the area. Approximately 84% of Company-operated Restaurants are located on
leased land and the Company intends to continue to use leased sites where
possible. The Company believes that the use of the MRP provides the Company and
its franchisees with additional flexibility in the size, control and location of
sites.
 
                                       43
<PAGE>   44
 
     Restaurant Design and Service.  The Restaurants are built to
Company-approved specifications as to size, interior and exterior decor,
equipment, fixtures, furnishings, signs, parking and site improvements. The
Restaurants have a highly visible, distinctive and uniform look that is intended
to appeal to customers of all ages. The Restaurants are less than one-fourth the
size of the typical Restaurants of the four largest fast food hamburger chains
(generally 760 to 980 sq. ft.) and require approximately one-third to one-half
the land area (approximately 18,000 to 25,000 square feet). Substantially all of
the Restaurants consist of MRP's produced and installed by the Company. Prior to
February 15, 1994, the MRP's were produced and installed by Champion Modular
Restaurant Company, Inc., a Florida corporation ("Champion") and wholly-owned
subsidiary of the Company. Champion was merged with and into the Company
effective February 15, 1994. The Company believes that utilization of a modular
Restaurant building generally costs less than comparably built Restaurants using
conventional, on-site construction methods.
 
     The Company's standard Restaurant is designed around a 1950's diner and art
deco theme with the use of white and black tile in a checkerboard motif, glass
block corners, a protective drive-thru cover on each side of the Restaurant
supported by red aluminum columns piped with white neon lights and a wide
stainless steel band piped with red neon lights that wraps around the Restaurant
as part of the exterior decor. All Restaurants utilize a "double drive-thru"
concept that permits simultaneous service of two automobiles from opposite sides
of the Restaurant. Although a substantial proportion of the Company's sales are
made through its drive-thru windows, service is also available through walk-up
windows. While the Restaurants do not have an interior dining area, most have
parking and a patio for outdoor eating. The patios contain canopy tables and
benches, are well landscaped and have outside music in order to create an
attractive and "fun" eating experience. Although each sandwich is made-to-order,
the Company's objective is to serve customers within 30 seconds of their arrival
at the drive-thru window. Each Restaurant has a computerized point-of-sale
system which displays each individual item ordered on a monitor in front of the
food and drink preparers. This enables the preparers to begin filling an order
before the order is completed and totaled and thereby increases the speed of
service to the customer and the opportunity of increasing sales per hour,
provides better inventory and labor costs control and permits the monitoring of
sales volumes and product utilization. The Restaurants are generally open from
12 to 15 hours per day, seven days a week, for lunch, dinner and late-night
snacks and meals. Operational enhancements are being implemented to facilitate
product delivery with reduced overhead costs.
 
     Restaurant Development Costs.  During the two fiscal years ended December
30, 1996, the average cost of opening a Company-operated Restaurant (exclusive
of land costs) utilizing an MRP was $424,000 which included modular building
costs, fixtures, equipment and signage costs, site improvement costs and various
soft costs (e.g., engineering and permit fees). This average dropped 37.5% from
1994 due to the use of used MRP's in 1995 and 1996. Future costs, after all
remaining used MRP's are relocated, may be more consistent with that of prior
years. During 1995 and 1996, there were no land acquisitions. The Company
believes that utilization of MRP's generally costs less than comparably built
Restaurants using conventional, on-site construction methods.
 
     Menu.  The menu of a Restaurant includes hamburgers, cheeseburgers and
bacon cheeseburgers, chicken, grilled chicken, hot dogs and deluxe chili dogs
and specially seasoned french fries, as well as related items such as soft
drinks, old fashioned premium milk shakes and apple nuggets. The menu is
designed to present a limited number of selections to permit the greatest
attention to quality, taste and speed of service. The Company is engaged in
product development research and seeks to enhance the variety offered to
consumers from time to time without substantially expanding the limited menu. In
1996, the Company and various franchise restaurants conducted a test of the
Company's proprietary L.A. Mex Mexican brand. The Company has decided to
discontinue the test in the majority of test units.
 
     Supplies.  The Company and its franchisees purchase their food, beverages
and supplies from Company-approved suppliers. All products must meet standards
and specifications set by the Company. Management constantly monitors the
quality of the food, beverages and supplies provided to the Restaurants. The
Company has been successful in negotiating price concessions from suppliers for
bulk purchases of food and paper supplies by the Restaurants. The Company
believes that its continued efforts over time have achieved cost savings,
improved food quality and consistency and helped decrease volatility of food and
supply costs for the
 
                                       44
<PAGE>   45
 
Restaurants. All essential food and beverage products are available or, upon
short notice, could be made available from alternate qualified suppliers. Among
other factors, the Company's profitability is dependent upon its ability to
anticipate and react to changes in food costs. Various factors beyond the
Company's control, such as climate changes and adverse weather conditions, may
affect food costs.
 
     Management and Employees.  Each Company-operated Restaurant employs an
average of approximately 20 hourly employees, many of whom work part-time on
various shifts. The management staff of a typical Restaurant operated by the
Company consists of a general manager, one assistant manager and a shift
manager. The Company has an incentive compensation program for store managers
that provides the store managers with a quarterly bonus based upon the
achievement of certain defined goals. A Restaurant general manager is generally
required to have prior Restaurant management experience, preferably within the
fast food industry, and reports directly to a market manager. The market manager
typically has responsibility for eight to twelve Restaurants.
 
     Supervision and Training.  The Company requires each franchisee and
Restaurant manager to attend a comprehensive training program of both classroom
and in-store training. The program was developed by the Company to enhance
consistency of Restaurant operations and is considered by management as an
important step in operating a successful Restaurant. During this program, the
attendees are taught certain basic elements that the Company believes are vital
to the Company's operations and are provided with a complete operations manual,
together with training aids designed as references to guide and assist in the
day-to-day operations. In addition, hands-on experience is incorporated into the
program by requiring each attendee, prior to completion of the training course,
to work in and eventually manage an existing Company-operated Restaurant. After
a Restaurant is opened, the Company continues to monitor the operations of both
franchised and Company-operated Restaurants to assist in the consistency and
uniformity of operation.
 
     Advertising and Promotion.  The Company communicates with its customers
using several different methods at the store level. Menuboards, value meal
extender cards, pole banners and the readerboards are all utilized in tandem to
present a simple, unified, coherent message to the customers. Outdoor billboards
and radio commercials are used to reach customers at the critical time when they
are making their purchase decisions. As of June 16, 1997, the Company and its
franchisees had five active advertising co-ops covering 217 restaurants. The
Company requires franchisees to spend a minimum of 4% of gross sales on
marketing their restaurant which includes a combination of local store
marketing, co-op advertising and other advertising. In addition, each Company
and franchise restaurant pays into a National Production Fund that provides
broadcast, creative and Point of Purchase materials for each promotion. Ongoing
consumer research is utilized to track attitudes, awareness and market share of
not only Checkers' customers, but also of its major competitor's customers as
well. In addition, customer focus groups and sensory panels are conducted in the
Company's Core Markets to provide both qualitative and quantitative data. This
research data is vital to better understand the Company's customers for building
both short and long-term marketing strategies.
 
     Restaurant Reporting.  Each Company-operated Restaurant has a computerized
point-of-sale system coupled with a back office computer. With this system,
management is able to monitor sales, labor and food costs, customer counts and
other pertinent information. This information allows management to better
control labor utilization, inventories and operating costs. Each system at
Company-operated Restaurants is polled daily by a computer at the principal
offices of the Company.
 
     Joint Venture Restaurants.  As of September 8, 1997, there were 13
Restaurants owned by 12 separate general and limited partnerships in which the
Company owns general and limited partnership interests ranging from 10.55% to
65.83%, with other parties owning the remaining interests (the "Joint Venture
Restaurants"). The Company is the managing partner of 13 of the 14 Joint Venture
Restaurants, and in 12 of those Joint Venture Restaurants the Company receives a
fee for such services of 1% to 2.5% of gross sales. All of the Joint Venture
Restaurants pay the standard royalty fee of 4% of gross sales. The agreements
for four of the Joint Venture Restaurants (excluding Illinois partnerships) in
which the Company is the managing partner are terminable through a procedure
whereby the initiating party sets a price for the interest in the joint venture
and the other party must elect either to sell its interest in the joint venture
or purchase the initiating party's interest at such price. Some, but not all of
the partnership agreements also contain the right of the partnership
 
                                       45
<PAGE>   46
 
to acquire a deceased individual partner's interest at the fair market value
thereof based upon a defined formula set forth in the agreement. None of these
partnerships have been granted area development agreements. See
"Business -- Litigation."
 
     Inflation.  The Company does not believe inflation has had a material
impact on earnings during the past three years. Substantial increases in costs
could have a significant impact on the Company and the industry. If operating
expenses increase, management believes it can recover increased costs by
increasing prices to the extent deemed advisable considering competition.
 
     Seasonality.  The seasonality of Restaurant sales due to consumer spending
habits can be significantly affected by the timing of advertising, competitive
market conditions and weather related events. While certain quarters can be
stronger, or weaker, for Restaurant sales when compared to other quarters, there
is no predominant pattern.
 
FRANCHISE OPERATIONS
 
     Strategy.  In addition to the acquisition and development of additional
Company-operated Restaurants, the Company encourages controlled development of
franchised Restaurants in its existing markets as well as in certain additional
states. The primary criteria considered by the Company in the selection, review
and approval of prospective franchisees are the availability of adequate capital
to open and operate the number of Restaurants franchised and prior experience in
operating fast food Restaurants. Franchisees operated 248, or 52%, of the total
Restaurants open at September 8, 1997. The Company has acquired and sold, and
may in the future acquire or sell, Restaurants from and to franchisees when the
Company believes it to be in its best interests to do so. In the future, the
Company's success will continue to be dependent upon its franchisees and the
manner in which they operate and develop their Restaurants to promote and
develop the Checkers concept and its reputation for quality and speed of
service. Although the Company has established criteria to evaluate prospective
franchisees, there can be no assurance that franchisees will have the business
abilities or access to financial resources necessary to open the number of
Restaurants the Company and the franchisees currently anticipate to be opened in
1997 or that the franchisees will successfully develop or operate Restaurants in
their franchise areas in a manner consistent with the Company's concepts and
standards.
 
     As a result of inquiries concerning international development, the Company
may develop a limited number of international markets and has begun the process
of registering its trademarks in various foreign countries. The most likely
format for international development is through the issuance of master franchise
agreements and/or joint venture agreements. The terms and conditions of these
agreements may vary from the standard Area Development Agreement and Franchise
Agreement in order to comply with laws and customs different from those of the
United States.
 
     Franchisee Support Services.  The Company maintains a staff of well-trained
and experienced Restaurant operations personnel whose primary responsibilities
are to help train and assist franchisees in opening new Restaurants and to
monitor the operations of existing Restaurants. These services are provided as
part of the Company's franchise program. Upon the opening of a new franchised
Restaurant by a new franchisee, the Company typically sends a Restaurant team to
the Restaurant to assist the franchisee during the first four days that the
Restaurant is open. This team works in the Restaurant to monitor compliance with
the Company's standards as to quality of product and speed of service. In
addition, the team provides on-site training of all Restaurant personnel. This
training is in addition to the training provided to the franchisee and the
franchisee's management team described under "Restaurant
Operations -- Supervision and Training" above. The Company also employs
Franchise Business Consultants ("FBCs"), who have been fully trained by the
Company to assist franchisees in implementing the operating procedures and
policies of the Company once a Restaurant is open. As part of these services,
the FBC rates the Restaurant's hospitality, food quality, speed of service,
cleanliness and maintenance of facilities. The franchisees receive a written
report of the FBC's findings and, if any deficiencies are noted, recommended
procedures to correct such deficiencies.
 
     The Company also provides site development and construction support
services to its franchisees. All sites and site plans are submitted to the
Company for its review prior to construction. These plans include information
detailing building location, internal traffic patterns and curb cuts, location
of utilities, walkways,
 
                                       46
<PAGE>   47
 
driveways, signs and parking lots and a complete landscape plan. The Company's
construction personnel also visit the site at least once during construction to
meet with the franchisee's site contractor and to review construction standards.
 
     Franchise Agreements.  The Unit Franchise Agreement grants to the
franchisee an exclusive license at a specified location to operate a Restaurant
in accordance with the Checkers(R) system and to utilize the Company's
trademarks, service marks and other rights of the Company relating to the sale
of its menu items. The term of the current Unit Franchise Agreement is generally
20 years. Upon expiration of a Unit Franchise Agreement, the franchisee will be
entitled to acquire a successor franchise for the Restaurants on the terms and
conditions of the Company's then current form of Unit Franchise Agreement if the
franchisee remains in compliance with the Unit Franchise Agreement throughout
its term and if certain other conditions are met (including the payment of a
$5,000 renewal fee).
 
     In some instances, the Company grants to the franchisee the right to
develop and open a specified number of Restaurants within a limited period of
time and in a defined geographic area (the "Franchised Area") and thereafter to
operate each Restaurant in accordance with the terms and conditions of a Unit
Franchise Agreement. In that event, the franchisee ordinarily signs two
agreements, an Area Development Agreement and a Unit Franchise Agreement. Each
Area Development Agreement establishes the number of Restaurants the franchisee
is to construct and open in the Franchised Area during the term of the Area
Development Agreement (normally a maximum of five Restaurants) after considering
many factors, including the residential, commercial and industrial
characteristics of the area, geographic factors, population of the area and the
previous experience of the franchisee. The franchisee's development schedule for
the Restaurants is set forth in the Area Development Agreement. Of the 248
franchised Restaurants at September 8, 1997, 228 were being operated by multiple
unit operators and 20 were being operated by single unit operators. The Company
may terminate the Area Development Agreement of any franchisee that fails to
meet its development schedule.
 
     The Unit Franchise Agreement and Area Development Agreement require that
the franchisee select proposed sites for Restaurants within the Franchised Area
and submit information regarding such sites to the Company for its review,
although final site selection is at the discretion of the franchisee. The
Company does not arrange or make any provisions for financing the development of
Restaurants by its franchisees. The Company does offer the franchisees an
opportunity to buy a Modular Restaurant Package from the Company in those
geographic areas where the Modular Restaurant Package can be installed in
compliance with applicable laws. Each franchisee is required to purchase all
fixtures, equipment, inventory, products, ingredients, materials and other
supplies used in the operation of its Restaurants from approved suppliers, all
in accordance with the Company's specifications. The Company provides a training
program for management personnel of its franchisees at its corporate offices.
Under the terms of the Unit Franchise Agreement, the Company has adopted
standards of quality, service and food preparation for franchised Restaurants.
Each franchisee is required to comply with all of the standards for Restaurant
operations as published from time to time in the Company's operations manual.
 
     The Company may terminate a Unit Franchise Agreement for several reasons
including the franchisee's bankruptcy or insolvency, default in the payment of
indebtedness to the Company or suppliers, failure to maintain standards set
forth in the Unit Franchise Agreement or operations manual, material continued
violation of any safety, health or sanitation law, ordinance or governmental
rule or regulation or cessation of business. In such event, the Company may also
elect to terminate the franchisee's Area Development Agreement.
 
     Franchise Fees and Royalties.  Under the current Unit Franchise Agreement,
a franchisee is generally required to pay fees of $30,000 for each Restaurant
opened by the franchisee. If a franchisee is awarded the right to develop an
area pursuant to an Area Development Agreement, the franchisee typically pays
the Company a $5,000 Development Fee per store which will be applied to the
Franchisee Fee as each Restaurant is developed. Each franchisee is also
generally required to pay the Company a semi-monthly royalty of 4% of the
Restaurant's gross sales and to expend certain amounts for advertising and
promotion.
 
                                       47
<PAGE>   48
 
MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS
 
     Strategy.  The Company believes that the integration of its Restaurant
operations with its production of Modular Restaurant Packages for use by the
Company and sale to its franchisees provides it with a competitive advantage
over fast food companies that use conventional, on-site construction methods.
These advantages include more efficient construction time, direct control of the
quality, consistency and uniformity of the Restaurant image as well as having
standard Restaurant operating systems. In addition, the Company believes the
ability to relocate a Modular Restaurant Package provides greater economies and
flexibility than alternative methods. Due to the number of Modular Restaurant
Packages currently available for relocation from closed Restaurant sites, it is
not anticipated that any significant new construction of Modular Restaurant
Packages will occur during fiscal year 1997. In the short term, the Company's
construction facility located in Largo, Florida will be utilized to store and
refurbish used Modular Restaurant Packages for sale to franchisees or others and
use by the Company. The facility will also be utilized for construction of
modular convenience store units on a very limited basis pursuant to an existing
agreement with a third party convenience store chain. Administrative personnel
of the construction facility have been reduced to a total of two as of September
8, 1997, and substantially all of the labor in the manufacturing and
refurbishment process is done through independent contractors, the number of
which may be increased or decreased with demand.
 
     Construction.  The Company has the ability to produce a complete Modular
Restaurant Package ready for delivery and installation at a Restaurant site. The
Modular Restaurant Packages are built and refurbished in a Company-owned
facility in Largo, Florida, using assembly line techniques and a fully
integrated and complete production system. Each Modular Restaurant Package
consists of a modular building complete with all mechanical, electrical and
plumbing systems (except roof top systems which are installed at the site),
along with all Restaurant equipment. The modular building is a complete
operating Restaurant when sited, attached to its foundation and all utilities
are connected. All Modular Restaurant Packages are constructed in accordance
with plans and specifications approved by the appropriate governmental agencies
and are typically available in approximately eight weeks after an executed
agreement.
 
     Capacity.  As of September 8, 1997, the Company had six substantially
completed new Modular Restaurant Packages in inventory, one of which is under
contract for sale to a franchisee. Additionally, the Company has contracted with
a third party convenience store chain for the construction of modular
convenience store units. The Company had two modular convenience store units in
various stages of construction. As of September 8, 1997, the Company had 32 used
Modular Restaurant Packages available for relocation to new sites, seven of
which have been moved to the Champion production facility for refurbishment, and
25 of which are at closed sites. Although the Company does not require a
franchisee to use a Modular Restaurant Package, because of the expected benefits
associated therewith, the Company anticipates that substantially all of the
Restaurants developed by it or its franchisees will include Modular Restaurant
Packages produced by the Company, or relocated from other sites. Modular
Restaurant Packages from closed sites are being marketed at various prices
depending upon age and condition.
 
     Transportation and Installation.  Once all site work has been completed to
the satisfaction of the Company and all necessary governmental approvals have
been obtained for installation of the Modular Restaurant Package on a specified
site, the Modular Restaurant Package is transported to such site by an
independent trucking contractor. All transportation costs are charged to the
customer. Once on the site, the Modular Restaurant Package is installed by
independent contractors hired by the Company or franchisee, in accordance with
procedures specified by the Company. The Company's personnel inspect all
mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems to make sure they are in good
working order, and inspect and approve all site improvements on new Modular
Restaurant Packages sold by the Company. Used Modular Restaurant Packages are
typically sold without warranties. Once a Modular Restaurant Package has been
delivered to a site, it takes generally three to four weeks before the
Restaurant is in full operation.
 
COMPETITION
 
     The Company's Restaurant operations compete in the fast food industry,
which is highly competitive with respect to price, concept, quality and speed of
service, Restaurant location, attractiveness of facilities,
 
                                       48
<PAGE>   49
 
customer recognition, convenience and food quality and variety. The industry
includes many fast food chains, including national chains which have
significantly greater resources than the Company that can be devoted to
advertising, product development and new Restaurants. In certain markets, the
Company will also compete with other quick-service double drive-thru hamburger
chains with operating concepts similar to the Company. The fast food industry is
often significantly affected by many factors, including changes in local,
regional or national economic conditions affecting consumer spending habits,
demographic trends and traffic patterns, changes in consumer taste, consumer
concerns about the nutritional quality of quick-service food and increases in
the number, type and location of competing quick-service Restaurants. The
Company competes primarily on the basis of speed of service, price, value, food
quality and taste. In addition, with respect to selling franchises, the Company
competes with many franchisors of Restaurants and other business concepts. All
of the major chains have increasingly offered selected food items and
combination meals, including hamburgers, at temporarily or permanently
discounted prices. Beginning generally in the summer of 1993, the major fast
food hamburger chains began to intensify the promotion of value priced meals,
many specifically targeting the 99c price point at which the Company sells its
quarter pound "Champ Burger(R)". This promotional activity has continued at
increasing levels, and management believes that it has had a negative impact on
the Company's sales and earnings. Increased competition, additional discounting
and changes in marketing strategies by one or more of these competitors could
have an adverse effect on the Company's sales and earnings in the affected
markets.
 
     With respect to its Modular Restaurant Packages, the Company competes
primarily on the basis of price and speed of construction with other modular
construction companies as well as traditional construction companies, many of
which have significantly greater resources than the Company.
 
EMPLOYEES
 
     As of September 8, 1997, the Company employed approximately 6,500 persons
in its Restaurant operations, approximately 800 of whom are Restaurant
management and supervisory personnel and the remainder of whom are hourly
Restaurant personnel. Of the approximately 140 corporate employees, excluding
manufacturing operations, approximately six are in management positions and the
remainder are professional and administrative or office employees.
 
     As of September 8, 1997, the Company employed approximately five persons in
its manufacturing operations, two of whom were corporate personnel and three of
whom were production personnel, including welders and warehouse personnel. Of
the two corporate employees, one was in a management position and one was an
administrative employee. Substantially all of the labor performed in the
manufacturing operations is being done through independent contractors.
 
     The Company considers its employee relations to be good. Most employees,
other than management and corporate personnel, are paid on an hourly basis. The
Company believes that it provides working conditions and wages that compare
favorably with those of its competition. None of the Company's employees is
covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
 
TRADEMARKS AND SERVICE MARKS
 
     The Company believes its trademarks and service marks have significant
value and are important to its marketing efforts. The Company has registered
certain trademarks and service marks (including the name "Checkers", "Checkers
Burgers  -  Fries  -  Colas" and "Champ Burger" and the design of the Restaurant
building) in the United States Patent and Trademark office. The Company has also
registered the service mark "Checkers" individually and/or with a rectangular
checkerboard logo of contiguous alternating colors to be used with Restaurant
services in the states where it presently does, or anticipates doing, business.
The Company has various other trademark and service mark registration
applications pending. It is the Company's policy to pursue registration of its
marks whenever possible and to oppose any infringement of its marks.
 
GOVERNMENT REGULATION
 
     The Company has no material contracts with the United States government or
any of its agencies.
 
                                       49
<PAGE>   50
 
     The restaurant industry generally, and each Company-operated and franchised
Restaurant specifically, are subject to numerous federal, state and local
government regulations, including those relating to the preparation and sale of
food and those relating to building, zoning, health, accommodations for disabled
members of the public, sanitation, safety, fire, environmental and land use
requirements. The Company and its franchisees are also subject to laws governing
their relationship with employees, including minimum wage requirements,
accommodation for disabilities, overtime, working and safety conditions and
citizenship requirements. The Company is also subject to regulation by the FTC
and certain laws of States and foreign countries which govern the offer and sale
of franchises, several of which are highly restrictive. Many State franchise
laws impose substantive requirements on the franchise agreement, including
limitations on noncompetition provisions and on provisions concerning the
termination or nonrenewal of a franchise. Some States require that certain
materials be registered before franchises can be offered or sold in that state.
The failure to obtain or retain food licenses or approvals to sell franchises,
or an increase in the minimum wage rate, employee benefit costs (including costs
associated with mandated health insurance coverage) or other costs associated
with employees could adversely affect the Company and its franchisees. A
mandated increase in the minimum wage rate was implemented in 1996 and current
federal law requires an additional increase in 1997.
 
     The Company's construction, transportation and placement of Modular
Restaurant Packages is subject to a number of federal, state and local laws
governing all aspects of the manufacturing process, movement, end use and
location of the building. Many states require approval through state agencies
set up to govern the modular construction industry, other states have provisions
for approval at the local level. The transportation of the Company's Modular
Restaurant Package is subject to state, federal and local highway use laws and
regulations which may prescribe size, weight, road use limitations and various
other requirements. The descriptions and the substance of the Company's
warranties are also subject to a variety of state laws and regulations.
 
PROPERTIES
 
     Of the 232 Restaurants which were operated by the Company as of September
8, 1997, the Company held ground leases for 196 Restaurants and owned the land
for 36 Restaurants. The Company's leases are generally written for a term of
from five to twenty years with one or more five year renewal options. Some
leases require the payment of additional rent equal to a percentage of annual
revenues in excess of specified amounts. Ground leases are treated as operating
leases. Leasehold improvements made by the Company generally become the property
of the landlord upon expiration or earlier termination of the lease; however, in
most instances, if the Company is not in default under the lease, the building,
equipment and signs remain the property of the Company and can be removed from
the site upon expiration of the lease. In the future, the Company intends,
whenever practicable, to lease land for its Restaurants. For further information
with respect to the Company's Restaurants, see "Business -- Restaurant
Operations."
 
     The Company has nine owned parcels of land and 34 leased parcels of land
which are available for sale or sub-lease. Of these parcels, 34 are related to
restaurant closings as described in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations." The other parcels primarily
represent surplus land available from multi-user sites where the Company
developed a portion for a Restaurant, and undeveloped sites which the Company
ultimately decided it would not develop.
 
     The Company's executive offices are located in approximately 19,600 square
feet of leased space in the Barnett Bank Building, Clearwater, Florida. The
Company's lease will expire on April 30, 1998.
 
     The Company owns a 89,850 square foot facility in Largo, Florida. This
includes a 70,850 square foot fabricated metal building for use in its Modular
Restaurant manufacturing operations, and two buildings totalling 19,000 square
feet for its office and warehouse operations. See "Business -- Manufacturing
Operations."
 
     The Company also leases approximately 5,000 aggregate square feet in two
regional offices.
 
                                       50
<PAGE>   51
 
LITIGATION
 
     Except as described below, the Company is not a party to any material
litigation and is not aware of any threatened material litigation:
 
     In re Checkers Securities Litigation, Master File No. 93-1749-Civ-T-17A. On
October 13, 1993, a class action complaint was filed in the United States
District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division, by a
stockholder against the Company, certain of its officers and directors,
including Herbert G. Brown, Paul C. Campbell, George W. Cook, Jared D. Brown,
Harry S. Cline, James M. Roche, N. John Simmons, Jr. and James F. White, Jr.,
and KPMG Peat Marwick, the Company's auditors. The complaint alleges, generally,
that the Company issued materially false and misleading financial statements
which were not prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles, in violation of Section 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule
10b-5 thereunder, and Florida common law and statute. The allegations, including
an allegation that the Company inappropriately selected the percentage of
completion method of accounting for sales of modular restaurant buildings, are
primarily directed to certain accounting principles followed by Champion. The
plaintiffs seek to represent a class of all purchasers of the Company's Common
Stock between November 22, 1991 and October 8, 1993, and seek an unspecified
amount of damages. Although the Company believes this lawsuit is unfounded and
without merit, in order to avoid further expenses of litigation, the parties
have reached an agreement in principle for the settlement of this class action.
The agreement for settlement provides for one of the Company's director and
officer liability insurance carriers and another party to contribute to a fund
for the purpose of paying claims on a claims-made basis up to a total of
$950,000. The Company has agreed to contribute ten percent (10%) of claims made
in excess of $475,000 for a total potential liability of $47,500. The settlement
is subject to the execution of an appropriate stipulation of settlement and
other documentation as may be required or appropriate to obtain approval of the
settlement by the Court, notice to the class of pendency of the action and
proposed settlement, and final court approval of the settlements.
 
     Greenfelder et al. v. White, Jr., et al.  On August 10, 1995, a state court
complaint was filed in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit for
Pinellas County, Florida, Civil Division, entitled Gail P. Greenfelder and
Powers Burgers, Inc. v. James F. White, Jr., Checkers Drive-In Restaurants,
Inc., Herbert G. Brown, James E. Mattei, Jared D. Brown, Robert G. Brown and
George W. Cook, Case No. 95-4644-C1-21. The original complaint alleged,
generally, that certain officers of the Company intentionally inflicted severe
emotional distress upon Ms. Greenfelder, who is the sole stockholder, president
and director of Powers Burgers, a Checkers franchisee. The original complaint
further alleged that Ms. Greenfelder and Powers Burgers were induced to enter
into various agreements and personal guarantees with the Company based upon
misrepresentations by the Company and its officers and the Company violated
provisions of Florida's Franchise Act and Florida's Deceptive and Unfair Trade
Practices Act. The original complaint alleged that the Company is liable for all
damages caused to the plaintiffs as follows: damages in an unspecified amount in
excess of $2,500,000 in connection with the claim of intentional infliction of
emotional distress; $3,000,000 or the return of all monies invested by the
plaintiffs in Checkers franchises in connection with the misrepresentation of
claims; punitive damages; attorneys' fees; and such other relief as the court
may deem appropriate. The Court has granted, in whole or in part, three (3)
motions to dismiss the plaintiff's complaint, as amended, including an order
entered on February 14, 1997, which dismissed the plaintiffs' claim of
intentional infliction of emotional distress, with prejudice, but granted the
plaintiffs leave to file an amended pleading with respect to the remaining
claims set forth in their amended complaint. The Company believes that this
lawsuit is unfounded and without merit, and intends to continue to defend it
vigorously. No estimate of any possible loss or range of loss resulting from the
lawsuit can be made at this time.
 
     Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. v. Tampa Checkmate Food Services, Inc.,
et al.  On August 10, 1995, a state court counterclaim and third-party complaint
was filed in the Circuit Court of the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit in and for
Hillsborough County, Florida, Civil Division, entitled Tampa Checkmate Food
Services, Inc., Checkmate Food Services, Inc., and Robert H. Gagne v. Checkers
Drive-In Restaurants, Inc., Herbert G. Brown, James E. Mattei, James F. White,
Jr., Jared D. Brown, Robert G. Brown and George W. Cook, Case No. 95-3869. In
the original action, filed by the Company in July 1995 against Mr. Gagne and
Tampa Checkmate Food Services, Inc., a company controlled by Mr. Gagne, the
Company is seeking to
 
                                       51
<PAGE>   52
 
collect on a promissory note and foreclose on a mortgage securing the promissory
note issued by Tampa Checkmate and Mr. Gagne, and obtain declaratory relief
regarding the rights of the respective parties under Tampa Checkmate's franchise
agreement with the Company. On July 1, 1997, the court entered an order
requiring Tampa Checkmate to deliver possession to the Company of the restaurant
formerly operated under its franchise agreement. On July 14, 1997, Tampa
Checkmate filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy laws. The
counterclaim and third party complaint allege, generally, that Mr. Gagne, Tampa
Checkmate and Checkmate Food Services, Inc. were induced into entering into
various franchise agreements with and personal guarantees to the Company based
upon misrepresentations by the Company. The counterclaim and third party
complaint seeks damages in the amount of $3,000,000 or the return of all monies
invested by Checkmate, Tampa Checkmate and Gagne in Checkers franchises,
punitive damages, attorneys' fees and such other relief as the court may deem
appropriate. The counterclaim was dismissed by the court on January 26, 1996
with the right to amend. On February 12, 1996 the counterclaimants filed an
amended counterclaim alleging violations of Florida's Franchise Act, Florida's
Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, and breaches of implied duties of
"good faith and fair dealings" in connection with a settlement agreement and
franchise agreement between various of the parties. The amended counterclaim
seeks a judgment for damages in an unspecified amount, punitive damages,
attorneys' fees and such other relief as the court may deem appropriate. The
Company has filed a motion to dismiss the amended counterclaim. The Company
believes that this lawsuit is unfounded and without merit, and intends to
continue to defend it vigorously. No estimate of any possible loss or range of
loss resulting from the lawsuit can be made at this time.
 
                                       52
<PAGE>   53
 
                                   MANAGEMENT
 
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
 
     The following table sets forth the names and ages of the Directors and
executive officers of the Company and the positions they hold with the Company.
Executive officers serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME                         AGE                           POSITION
- ----                         ---                           --------
<S>                          <C>   <C>
C. Thomas Thompson.........  47    Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman of the Board of
                                   Directors (term expiring in 1999)
Richard E. Fortman.........  47    President and Chief Operating Officer
Joseph N. Stein............  36    Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer
                                   and Chief Financial Officer
James T. Holder............  38    Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
Michael T. Welch...........  45    Vice President, Operations, Marketing, Restaurant Support
                                   Services and Research & Development
David D. Miller............  44    Vice President of Franchise Operations, Sales and
                                   Development
Wendy A. Beck..............  32    Vice President of Treasury & Tax, Treasurer
William P. Foley,
  II(1)(2).................  52    Chairman of the Board, Director (term expiring in 1999)
Frederick E. Fisher........  66    Director (term expiring in 1998)
Terry N. Christensen(1)....  56    Director (term expiring in 1998)
Clarence V. McKee(1)(2)....  54    Director (term expiring in 1999)
Burt Sugarman..............  58    Director (term expiring in 2000)
Jean Giles Wittner.........  62    Director (term expiring in 2000)
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(1) Member of the Audit Committee.
(2) Member of the Compensation Committee and the Stock Option Committee.
 
     C. Thomas Thompson has served as a Director of the Company since November
1996 and as Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors
of the Company since December 1996. Mr. Thompson has been President and Chief
Operating Officer of Carl Karcher Enterprises, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary
of CKE, owner and franchisor of the Carl's Jr. restaurant chain, since October
1994 and as President of CKE since December 1984. Since 1984, Mr. Thompson has
been a partner in a partnership which owns and operates 15 restaurants under the
Carl's Jr. franchise system. Mr. Thompson is a director of Rally's.
 
     Richard E. Fortman has served as President and Chief Operating Officer of
the Company since January 1997. For approximately 27 years, prior to joining the
Company, Mr. Fortman was employed by Carl Karcher Enterprises, Inc. in various
capacities. From August 1993 through December 1996, he served as Regional Vice
President, from August 1992 through August 1993, he served as Director of
Regional Operations, and from July 1984 through August 1992, he served as
Regional Director.
 
     Joseph N. Stein has served as Executive Vice President, Chief
Administrative Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company since January
1997. From May 1995 through December 1996, Mr. Stein was Senior Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer for Carl Karcher Enterprises, Inc. For more than
five years prior to his employment with Carl Karcher Enterprises, Inc., Mr.
Stein was Senior Vice President, Director, National Agency Operation at Fidelity
National Title Company.
 
     James T. Holder has served as Senior Vice President and General Counsel of
the Company since January 1997, as Chief Financial Officer of the Company from
May to December 1996, and as Secretary since September 1995. Mr. Holder served
as Vice President and General Counsel of the Company from September 1995 to June
1996, as senior legal counsel for the Company from December 1994 through August
1995 and corporate counsel from November 1993 through November 1994. Mr. Holder
was engaged in the private practice of law from January 1991 to November 1993,
in Tampa, Florida.
 
                                       53
<PAGE>   54
 
     Michael T. Welch has served as Vice President, Operations, Marketing,
Restaurant Support Services and Research & Development of the Company since
March 1995. From May 1994 to March 1995, Mr. Welch served as Regional Vice
President of Operations, responsible for all Company operations outside Florida.
From 1987 to May 1994, Mr. Welch was President and a principal of W-S
Acquisition Corporation, which owned and operated several Wendy's franchises.
 
     David D. Miller has served as Vice President, Franchise Operations of the
Company since May 1996. Mr. Miller served as Vice President Marketing from March
1996 to April 1996, as Senior Director of Operations from October 1995 to March
1996, as Senior Director of Franchise Operations from January 1991 to October
1995 and as Franchise Business Consultant from November 1989 to January 1991.
 
     Wendy A. Beck has served as Treasurer of the Company since November 1995
and as Vice President of Treasury and Tax since April 1997 and prior thereto as
Senior Director of Treasury & Tax from August 1995. Since joining the Company in
March 1993, Ms. Beck has served in various positions with the Company. Prior to
joining the Company, Ms. Beck served as Senior Tax Accountant for Lincare
Holdings, Inc., a national provider of home health care services, where she was
employed since October 1987.
 
     William P. Foley, II has served as a Director of the Company since November
1996 and as Chairman of the Board from since June 1997. Mr. Foley has been the
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity National
Financial, Inc., which through its subsidiaries is a title insurance
underwriting company ("Fidelity"), since its formation in 1984. Mr. Foley was
also President of Fidelity from 1984 until December 31, 1994. He has been
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity National Title
Insurance Company since April 1981. Mr. Foley is also currently serving as
Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of CKE and as
Chairman of the Board of Rally's. He is also a director of Micro General
Corporation and Rally's.
 
     Terry N. Christensen has served as a Director of the Company since November
1996. Mr. Christensen has been a partner in the law firm of Christensen, Miller,
Fink, Jacobs, Glaser, Weil & Shapiro, LLP, since May 1988. Mr. Christensen is a
director of GIANT, Rally's and MGM Grand, Inc.
 
     Frederick E. Fisher has served as a Director of the Company since February
1995 and as Chairman of the Board from November 1996 to June 1997. Mr. Fisher is
a private investor and has been a leader in many community and state charitable
organizations since his retirement in 1983. Mr. Fisher was Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of U.S. Capital Corporation, a resort development company, in
1982 and 1983. Mr. Fisher served as the Vice Chairman and Chief Financial
Officer of U.S. Home Corporation from 1969 to 1981, during which time it grew
from a local building company to the nation's largest home builder.
 
     Clarence V. McKee has served as a Director of the Company since June 1996.
Mr. McKee has been the President and Chief Executive Officer of McKee
Communications, Inc., a Tampa, Florida based company engaged in the acquisition
and management of communications companies, since October 1992. From 1987 to
October 1992, Mr. McKee was the co-owner, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
of WTVT-Inc., the licensee of television channel 13 in Tampa, Florida. Mr. McKee
is a member of the Boards of Directors of the Florida Progress Corporation and
its subsidiary, Florida Power Corporation, and Barnett Banks, Inc. He is a
former chairman of the Florida Association of Broadcasters.
 
     Burt Sugarman has served as a Director of the Company since June 1997. Mr.
Sugarman has been the Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive
Officer of GIANT, a New York Stock Exchange Company, for more than the past five
years and served as the Chief Executive Officer of Rally's, owner and franchisor
of a chain of approximately 470 double drive-thru restaurants, from 1990 and as
the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Rally's from 1991, resigning from
these offices in February 1994. Mr. Sugarman also served as Chairman of the
Board of Directors of Rally's from November 1994 to October 1997. Mr. Sugarman
is a Director of GIANT and Rally's.
 
     Jean Giles Wittner has served as a Director of the Company since August
1997. Ms. Giles Wittner has been President of Wittner & Company, a diversified
company specializing in life insurance brokerage, employee benefit consulting,
benefit administration an commercial property management, from 1988 to the
present. She is a director of First Progress Corporation, Raymond James Bank and
the Pinellas County
 
                                       54
<PAGE>   55
 
Education Foundation and a trustee of Florida Progress Foundation, Eckard
College and Menorah Manor. She also serves on the Pinellas Work Force
Development Board.
 
     In October 1997, the Company and Rally's entered into an employment
agreement with James J. Gillespie, whereby, effective November 10, 1997, Mr.
Gillespie will serve as Chief Executive Officer, and on the Boards of Directors,
of the Company and Rally's. Mr. Gillespie served as President of the Applebee's
Division of Apple South, Inc., franchisee of 254 Applebee restaurants from
January to October 1997. Prior thereto, Mr. Gillespie served since 1976 in
various capacities with Long John Silver's Inc., operator and franchisor of Long
John Silver's restaurants, including as Senior Vice President -- Franchise
Operations and, prior to that position, as Divisional Vice President, Southwest
Division. Checkers and Rally's intend to share the costs related to Mr.
Gillespie's employment. See "Management -- Compensation of Executive Officers."
 
     No family relationships exist between any of the Directors of the Company,
the persons listed as nominees for election as Directors at the Meeting and the
executive officers of the Company. There are no arrangements or understandings
between any Director or nominee and any other person concerning service or
nomination as a Director.
 
     The Board of Directors has Audit, Compensation and Stock Option Committees;
it does not have a Nominating Committee. The entire Board of Directors functions
as a Nominating Committee, and the Board will consider written recommendations
from stockholders for nominations to the Board of Directors in accordance with
the procedures set forth in the By-Laws of the Company.
 
     The Board of Directors held 29 meetings during 1996 and acted seven times
by unanimous written consent without a meeting.
 
     During 1996, the Audit Committee consisted of Frederick E. Fisher,
Chairman, Andrew H. Hines, Jr. and Clarence V. McKee and held two meetings. The
Audit Committee recommends the appointment of the independent public accountants
of the Company, discusses and reviews the scope and fees of the prospective
annual audit and reviews the results thereof with the independent public
accountants, reviews and approves non-audit services of the independent public
accountants, reviews compliance with existing major accounting and financial
policies of the Company, reviews the adequacy of the financial organization of
the Company, reviews management's procedures and policies relative to the
adequacy of the Company's internal accounting controls and compliance with
federal and state laws relating to accounting practices, and reviews and
approves (with the concurrence of the majority of the disinterested Directors of
the Company) transactions, if any, with affiliated parties.
 
     During 1996, the Compensation Committee consisted of Frederick E. Fisher,
Chairman, and Andrew H. Hines, Jr. and held two meetings. Its principal function
is to make recommendations to the Board of Directors with respect to the
compensation and benefits to be paid to officers, and it performs other duties
prescribed by the Board with respect to employee stock plans and benefit
programs.
 
     During 1996, the Stock Option Committee consisted of Frederick E. Fisher,
Chairman and Andrew H. Hines, Jr. and acted two times by unanimous written
consent without a meeting. Its principal function is to make recommendations to
the Board of Directors with respect to the Company's 1991 Stock Option Plan and
other duties prescribed by the Board.
 
     In 1996, each incumbent Director attended at least 75% of the meetings of
the Board of Directors and of each committee of which he was a member.
 
     Directors who are not employees are compensated on the basis of $1,000 plus
out-of-pocket expenses for each Board and committee meeting attended.
Non-employee Directors also participate in the 1994 Stock Option Plan For
Non-Employee Directors, which provides for the automatic grant to each
non-employee Director upon election to the Board of Directors of a
non-qualified, ten-year option to acquire 100,000 shares of the Company's Common
Stock, with the subsequent automatic grant on the first day of each fiscal year
thereafter during the time such person is serving as a non-employee Director of
a non-qualified, ten-year option to acquire an additional 20,000 shares of
Common Stock. All such options are immediately exercisable
 
                                       55
<PAGE>   56
 
and have an exercise price equal to the closing sale price of the Common Stock
on the date of grant. Directors who are employees of the Company receive no
extra compensation for their services as Directors.
 
SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
 
     Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires the Company's directors,
officers and holders of more than 10% of the Company's Common Stock to file with
the Commission initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership
of Common Stock and any other equity securities of the Company. To the Company's
knowledge, based solely upon a review of the forms, reports and certificates
filed with the Company by such persons, all such Section 16(a) filing
requirements were complied with by such persons in 1996, except as follows:
 
     Herbert G. Brown, a former director of the Company, failed to file two
Forms 4 with respect to two transactions and filed Forms 5 with respect thereto
late; Robert G. Brown, a former director, filed one report late with respect to
two transactions; George W. Cook, a former director, filed two reports late with
respect to 19 transactions; Terry N. Christensen, a director, filed a Form 3
late and one report with respect to one transaction late; and Andrew J. Hines,
Jr., a director, filed one report late with respect to one transaction.
 
COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
 
     The following table is a summary of the compensation paid or accrued by the
Company for the last three fiscal years for services in all capacities to each
of the persons who qualified as a "named executive officer" (as defined in Item
402(a)(3) of Regulation S-K under the Exchange Act) during the year ended
December 30, 1996 ("Named Executive Officers").
 
                           SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          LONG TERM
                                                                                         COMPENSATION
                                                            ANNUAL COMPENSATION             AWARDS
                                                     ---------------------------------   ------------
                                                                             OTHER        SECURITIES
                                                                             ANNUAL       UNDERLYING
                                             YEAR     SALARY     BONUS    COMPENSATION     OPTIONS
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION                  ENDED     ($)        ($)        ($)(1)         (#)(2)
- ---------------------------                  -----   --------   -------   ------------   ------------
<S>                                          <C>     <C>        <C>       <C>            <C>
C. Thomas Thompson(3)......................  1996    $     --   $    --     $     --        12,000
  Vice Chairman/CEO
James T. Holder............................  1996    $140,350   $23,077     $    120(4)     90,500
  Senior Vice President,                     1995      80,617        --        3,112(5)         --
  General Counsel and Secretary              1994      70,923        --           --         8,500
Michael T. Welch(6)........................  1996    $125,390   $ 2,467     $    372(4)     80,000
  Vice President,                            1995      99,773    15,200       13,261(8)         --
  Operations Services and
  Research & Development
Albert J. DiMarco(7).......................  1996    $275,000        --     $  5,691(5)    100,000
  President and CEO                          1995     100,769                    475       200,000
Anthony L. Austin(6).......................  1996    $109,645        --     $131,628(9)         --
  Vice President, Human                      1995     133,249        --       27,069(10)    35,000
  Resources, Training and Urban Affairs
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
 (1) Certain perquisites were provided to certain of the Named Executive
     Officers, but in no event did the value of the perquisites provided in any
     year exceed 10% of the amount of the executive's salary for that year.
 (2) The options listed were granted pursuant to the Company's 1991 Stock Option
     Plan or 1994 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors (the "Director
     Plan").
 
                                       56
<PAGE>   57
 
 (3) Mr. Thompson was appointed Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman of the
     Company in December 1996. The options listed were granted pursuant to the
     Director Plan prior to such appointment.
 (4) Consists of life insurance premiums.
 (5) Consists of automobile allowance.
 (6) Messrs. Welch and Austin became executive officers of the Company in March
     1995 and January 1995, respectively. Mr. Austin relinquished his position
     with the Company in July 1996.
 (7) Mr. DiMarco became President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director of the
     Company in July 1995 and relinquished such positions in December 1996.
 (8) Includes moving expenses ($8,815) and automobile allowance ($4,446).
 (9) Consists of severance pursuant to employment agreement.
(10) Consists of moving allowance.
 
  Employment Agreements
 
     The Company and Rally's have entered into an employment agreement with
James J. Gillespie, effective November 10, 1997, pursuant to which he is to
serve as Chief Executive Officer of the Company and Rally's. Mr. Gillespie is
also to serve as a director of the Company and Rally's. The term of employment
is for two years, subject to automatic renewal by the Company and Rally's for
one-year periods thereafter, at an annual base salary of $282,500. Mr. Gillespie
is also entitled to participate in the incentive bonus plans of the Company and
Rally's. Upon execution of the employment agreement, Mr. Gillespie was granted
an option to purchase 300,000 shares of Rally's common stock, $.10 par value per
share, at an exercise price equal to the closing price on November 10, 1997 as
reported in the Wall Street Journal, and is entitled to receive, on November 10,
1997, a signing bonus of $50,000. The option vests in three equal annual
installments commencing on November 10, 1998; provided, that if the term of the
agreement is not extended to November 10, 2000, the option shall become fully
vested on November 10, 1999. Mr. Gillespie is entitled to choose to participate
in either the Company's or Rally's employee benefit plans and programs and is
entitled to reimbursement of his reasonable moving expenses and a relocation fee
of $5,000. The agreement may be terminated at any time for cause. If Mr.
Gillespie is terminated without cause, he will be entitled to receive his base
annual salary, and any earned unpaid bonus, through the unexpired term of the
agreement, payable in a lump sum or as directed by Mr. Gillespie. Cause is
defined as (i) a material default or breach under the agreement, (ii) the
willful and habitual failure to perform duties under the agreement or corporate
policies, or (iii) misconduct, dishonesty, insubordination or other act that has
a direct, substantial and adverse effect on the reputation of the Company or
Rally's or their relationships with their customers or employees. Mr. Gillespie
has agreed to keep confidential all nonpublic information about the Company and
Rally's during the term of his employment and for a two-year period thereafter.
In addition, Mr. Gillespie has agreed that he will not, during his employment,
engage in any business which is competitive with either the Company or Rally's.
The Company and Rally's intend to share the costs associated with this
agreement.
 
     Albert J. DiMarco.  On July 28, 1995, the Company entered into an
employment agreement with Albert J. DiMarco with respect to his employment as
President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and its subsidiaries and
his service as a Director of the Company. The employment agreement provided for
a term of employment ending on December 31, 1997, a compensation package
consisting of an initial base annual salary in the amount of $250,000 through
December 31, 1995 and a minimum of $275,000 thereafter (subject to annual
increases at the discretion of the Board), as well as other miscellaneous
benefits (including moving expense, expense allowances, health insurance and
potential cash bonuses) and the grant, at the commencement of Mr. DiMarco's
employment agreement, of a non-qualified option to acquire 200,000 shares of
Common Stock, at an exercise price of $2.28. Pursuant to a Severance, Release
and Indemnity Agreement dated January 27, 1997 entered into by Mr. DiMarco and
the Company, Mr. DiMarco's employment agreement was terminated, and Mr. DiMarco
received a note of the Company in the principal amount of $360,000 payable, in
cash or by certified check or wire transfer, through March 31, 1997 in
installments equal to his regular salary with the balance payable upon the
earlier to occur of (a) the Company obtaining new equity through a rights
offering and/or private placement or (b) March 31, 1997. The note was paid in
full on
 
                                       57
<PAGE>   58
 
February 20, 1997. In addition, pursuant to such agreement options to purchase
up to 300,000 shares of Common Stock held by Mr. DiMarco became fully vested and
are exercisable until January 27, 1999, and the Indemnity Agreement dated July
28, 1995 between the Company and Mr. DiMarco is to remain in effect.
 
     Anthony L. Austin.  On January 4, 1995, the Company entered into an
employment agreement with Anthony L. Austin with respect to his employment as
Vice President, Human Resources, Training and Urban Affairs. The employment
agreement provided for a term of employment ending on December 31, 1996, a
compensation package consisting of an initial base annual salary in the amount
of $132,500, as well as other miscellaneous benefits (including moving expense,
expense allowances, health insurance and potential cash bonuses) and the grant
at the commencement of Mr. Austin's employment agreement of a non-qualified
option to acquire 35,000 shares of Common Stock, at an exercise price of $2.19.
The option for 35,000 shares was terminated upon termination of Mr. Austin's
employment by the Company.
 
     Stock Option Grants.  The following table details individual grants of
stock options made in fiscal year ended December 30, 1996 to any of the Named
Executive Officers. No grants of stock appreciation rights (SARS) were made in
fiscal year ended December 30, 1996. The table also indicates the potential
realizable value of each grant of options assuming that the market price of the
underlying security appreciates in value from the date of the grant to the end
of the option term at the specified annualized rates.
 
                       OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        INDIVIDUAL GRANTS(1)
                                       -----------------------
                                                    % OF TOTAL                POTENTIAL REALIZABLE VALUE
                                       NUMBER OF     OPTIONS                    AT ASSUMED ANNUAL RATES
                                       SECURITIES    GRANTED                  OF STOCK PRICE APPRECIATION
                                       UNDERLYING       TO       EXERCISE         FOR OPTION TERM(2)
                                        OPTIONS     EMPLOYEES    OR BASE    -------------------------------
                                        GRANTED     IN FISCAL     PRICE     EXPIRATION
NAME                                      (#)          YEAR       ($/SH)       DATE      5% ($)    10% ($)
- ----                                   ----------   ----------   --------   ----------   -------   --------
<S>                                    <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>       <C>
C. Thomas Thompson...................    12,000          --          --            --         --         --
James T. Holder......................    90,500         9.3%      $1.53       7/12/06    $87,080   $220,678
Michael T. Welch.....................    80,000         8.2        1.53       7/12/06     76,977    195,074
Albert J. DiMarco....................   100,000        10.2        1.53       7/12/06     96,221    243,843
Anthony L. Austin....................       -0-         -0-          --            --         --         --
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(1) All options were granted pursuant to the 1991 Stock Option Plan, except for
    those granted to C. Thomas Thompson which were granted prior to the date Mr.
    Thompson became an employee of the Company. Mr. Thompson's options were
    granted pursuant to the Director Plan.
(2) The 5% and 10% assumed annual rates of stock price appreciation are provided
    in compliance with Regulation S-K under the Exchange Act. The Company does
    not necessarily believe that these appreciation calculations are indicative
    of actual future stock option values or that the price of the Common Stock
    will appreciate at such rates.
 
                                       58
<PAGE>   59
 
     Stock Option Exercises and Year End Option Values.  No stock options were
exercised by any of the Named Executive Officers during fiscal year ended
December 30, 1996. The following table details the fiscal year-end value of
unexercised options on an aggregated basis for all Named Executive Officers.
 
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION
VALUES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                               VALUE OF
                                                                              NUMBER OF       UNEXERCISED
                                                                             UNEXERCISED     IN-THE-MONEY
                                                                              OPTIONS AT      OPTIONS AT
                                                                              FY-END(#)      FY-END($)(1)
                                                                            --------------   -------------
                                      SHARES ACQUIRED ON   VALUE REALIZED    EXERCISABLE/    EXERCISABLE/
NAME                                     EXERCISE (#)           ($)         UNEXERCISABLE    UNEXERCISABLE
- ----                                  ------------------   --------------   --------------   -------------
<S>                                   <C>                  <C>              <C>              <C>
C. Thomas Thompson..................          -0-                -0-          -0-/12,000       -0-/-0-
Albert J. DiMarco...................          -0-                -0-         300,000/-0-     $25,125/-0-
Anthony L. Austin...................          -0-                -0-             -0-             -0-
James T. Holder.....................          -0-                -0-        23,291/76,709     $5,685/-0-
Michael T. Welch....................          -0-                -0-        20,000/80,000     $5,625/-0-
David D. Miller.....................          -0-                -0-        43,062/56,938     $3,722/-0-
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(1) Calculation of the value of unexercised in-the-money options is based upon
    unexercised options at fiscal year end which have an exercise price below
    $1.78125, the closing price of the Common Stock as reported on the NMS on
    December 30, 1997.
 
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
 
     The information set forth herein briefly describes certain transactions
between the Company and certain affiliated parties and/or certain of their
relatives. Management of the Company believes that such transactions have been
on terms no less favorable to the Company than those that could have been
obtained from unaffiliated parties. Any such transactions since November 15,
1991 have been approved by a majority of the Company's disinterested Directors.
 
     Transactions in which Current Affiliated Parties May Have an Interest.  On
November 22, 1996, the Company entered into the Restated Credit Agreement with
CKE, as agent of the various lenders named therein (the "Lenders"). The Lenders
include CKE, Fidelity, C. Thomas Thompson, William P. Foley, II, Burt Sugarman
and KCC Delaware Company, ("KCC"), a wholly owned subsidiary of GIANT. Pursuant
to the Restated Credit Agreement, the Company's primary debt aggregating
approximately $35.8 million principal amount, which had been acquired by the
Lenders on November 14, 1996, was restructured by, among other things, extending
its maturity by one year to July 31, 1999, fixing the interest rate at 13.0% per
annum, eliminating or relaxing certain covenants, delaying scheduled principal
payments until May 19, 1997 and eliminating $6.0 million in restructuring fees
and charges. In connection with the restructuring, the Company issued to the
Lenders warrants to purchase an aggregate of 20 million shares of Common Stock
at an exercise price of $0.75 per share, the approximate market price of the
Common Stock on the day prior to the announcement of the acquisition of the
Company's debt by the Lenders. The Lenders specified above received warrants in
the following amounts: CKE, 7,350,428; Fidelity, 2,108,262; C. Thomas Thompson,
28,490; William P. Foley, II, 854,700; Burt Sugarman, 712,250; and KCC. See
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations -- Liquidity and Capital Resources."
 
     On February 20, 1997, the Company received $20 million in consideration for
issuing an aggregate of 8,771,929 shares of Common Stock for $1.14 per share and
87,719 shares of Preferred Stock for $114.00 per share in a private placement.
The purchase price was based upon the closing price ($1.34) of the Common Stock
on December 16, 1996, the day prior to the approval of the transaction by the
Board of Directors, less a discount for the fact that such shares are not freely
transferable for a one-year period. The purchasers in the private placement
included: CKE (6,162,299 shares of Common Stock and 61,636 shares of Preferred
Stock); Fidelity (438,596 shares of Common Stock and 4,385 shares of Preferred
Stock); C. Thomas Thompson (21,929 shares of Common Stock and 219 shares of
Preferred Stock); Terry N. Christensen (21,929 shares of
 
                                       59
<PAGE>   60
 
Common Stock and 219 shares of Preferred Stock); William P. Foley, II (219,298
shares of Common Stock and 2,192 shares of Preferred Stock); and Burt Sugarman
(54,824 shares of Common Stock and 548 shares of Preferred Stock). The
purchasers in the private placement also received certain piggyback and demand
registration rights and agreed not to sell any shares of Common Stock received
in the private placement in the open market for a one-year period. The Preferred
Stock was converted into an aggregate of 9,383,118 shares of Common Stock on
August 6, 1997, upon approval by the Company's stockholders of such conversion.
See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations -- Liquidity and Capital Resources."
 
     In November 1997, the Company entered into a non-binding agreement to
negotiate an arrangement with Rally's pursuant to which it is anticipated that
Rally's would outsource basic accounting, technology and possibly other services
to the Company. The Company believes that some efficiencies resulting in reduced
corporate costs can be obtained by consolidating these duplicative routine
functions in one location. The terms of the proposed agreement have not yet been
negotiated and are subject to approval by the independent committees of the
Boards of Directors of the Company and Rally's. Although the Company may hire
additional employees as a result of the arrangement, it is not anticipated that
the arrangement will have a material impact on the operations of the Company.
CKE, which beneficially owns approximately 26.0% of the Company's Common Stock,
beneficially owns approximately 21.2% of Rally's common stock. Messrs.
Christensen, Foley, Sugarman and Thompson are also directors of Rally's. See
"Risk Factors -- Control by Principal Stockholder" and "Principal Stockholders
and Security Ownership of Management."
 
     Christensen, Miller, Fink, Jacobs, Glaser, Weil & Shapiro, LLP, a law firm
of which Terry N. Christensen is a partner (see "Management -- Directors and
Executive Officers"), has performed legal services for the Company. Such
services have related to compliance with securities laws and other business
matters.
 
     Transactions in Which Former Affiliated Parties May Have an Interest.  In
January 1996, the Company entered into an Agreement for Lease with Option for
Asset Purchase with George W. Cook, a Director of the Company until June 1996,
in which the Company was granted certain rights for three years in and to a
restaurant in Clearwater, Florida. Checkers (a) entered into a sublease for the
real property and an equipment lease for the fixed assets at a combined monthly
rental of $3,000, and (b) agreed to purchase the inventory located at the
Restaurant.
 
     On December 5, 1995, Checkers of Asheville ("C of A"), a North Carolina
Corporation in which George W. Cook is the principal officer and shareholder,
took possession of three under performing Company Restaurants pursuant to a
verbal agreement, and entered into Unit Franchise Agreements which provided for
waiver of the initial franchise fee but required the payment to the Company of
the standard royalty fee. On January 1, 1996, C of A entered into leases for
these Restaurants for a term of three years for the land, building and equipment
at a monthly rental of: (i) 4% of gross sales during the first year, 6% of gross
sales the second year, and a direct pass through of land rent during the third
year; (ii) 1% of gross sales payable from and after the fourth month of the
lease; and (iii) 3% of gross sales, respectively. Mr. Cook executed a continuing
guaranty, which provides for the personal guaranty of all of the obligations of
the franchisee under the franchise agreements. Pursuant to Options for Asset
Purchase dated January 1, 1996, C of A was granted the option, for a period of
three years, to purchase these Restaurants for the greater of (a) 50% of its
sales for the prior year, or (b) $350,000 each.
 
     On July 17, 1995, C of A took possession of two under performing Company
Restaurants pursuant to a verbal agreement and entered into franchise agreements
which provided for waiver of the initial franchise fee but required the payment
to the Company of a royalty fee of 1%, 2% and 3% during the first, second and
third years, respectively, and 4% thereafter. On January 1, 1996, C of A entered
into leases for these restaurants for a term of three years for (i) the building
and equipment at a monthly rental of 1.5%, 3% and 4.5% of gross sales during the
first, second and third years respectively, and (ii) the land at a monthly
rental of 3% of gross sales for the first year and 4% of gross sales thereafter.
Total sums received by the Company in fiscal year ended December 30, 1996 for
these restaurant were: (a) $6,351 in royalty fees pursuant to the Unit Franchise
Agreement, and (b) $17,500 in rent. Mr. Cook executed a continuing guaranty,
which provides for the
 
                                       60
<PAGE>   61
 
personal guaranty of all of the obligations of the franchisee under the
franchise agreements. Pursuant to Options for Asset Purchase dated January 1,
1996, Checkers of Raleigh ("C of R"), a North Carolina Corporation in which
George W. Cook is the principal officer and shareholder, was granted the option,
for a period of three years, to purchase these Restaurants for the greater of
(a) 50% of its sales for the prior year, or (b) $350,000 each.
 
     Effective as of July 28, 1995, the Company, InnerCityFoods ("ICF"), a joint
venture 75% owned by a subsidiary of the Company and 25% owned by La-Van
Hawkins, who ceased being a director of the Company January 1996, InnerCityFoods
Leasing Company and InnerCityFoods Joint Venture Company (collectively, the
"Checkers Parties") and La-Van Hawkins Group, Inc. ("Hawkins Group"), Mr.
Hawkins and La-Van Hawkins InnerCityFoods, LLC (collectively, the "Hawkins
Parties"), entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement (the "Hawkins Agreement")
providing for the purchase of the interest of the Hawkins Parties in ICF, the
sale by ICF of its three restaurants in Baltimore, Maryland to the Hawkins
Parties, the grant of certain development rights to the Hawkins Parties, and the
termination of all of the agreements between the Checkers Parties and the
Hawkins Parties relating to the operation of ICF.
 
     The transactions contemplated by the Hawkins Agreement were consummated on
August 15, 1995. On that date, the Company purchased all of the rights, title
and interest of Hawkins Group in and to ICF. The component of the purchase price
based upon the Net After Tax Earnings of ICF was zero, and the amounts owed by
the Hawkins Parties to the Checkers Parties was in excess of the remaining
$1,250,000 purchase price. Accordingly, there was no net purchase price payable
to the Hawkins Parties by the Company for Hawkins Group's interest in ICF. The
Checkers Parties also sold all of their respective rights, titles and interests
in the three Baltimore Restaurants to the Hawkins Parties for a purchase price
of $4,800,000. The purchase price was paid by the delivery of a promissory note
in the amount of $4,982,355, which amount includes the purchase price for the
three restaurants, the approximately $107,355 owed by the Hawkins Parties to the
Checkers Parties in connection with the operation of ICF that was not offset by
the $1,250,000 purchase price for Hawkins Group's interest in ICF, and an
advance of $75,000 to the Hawkins Parties which was used primarily to pay
closing costs related to the transaction. The note bears interest at a floating
rate which is the lesser of 10.5% or .25% above the current borrowing rate of
the Company under its primary credit facility. Interest only is payable for the
first six months with principal and interest being payable thereafter based on a
15-year amortization rate with the final payment of principal and interest due
on August 15, 2002. The note is secured by a pledge of all the assets sold.
Royalty fees for the three restaurants are at standard rates provided that the
Company will receive an additional royalty fee of 4% on all sales in excess of
$1,800,000 per Restaurant.
 
     The Hawkins Parties were granted development rights for Restaurants in
certain defined areas of Baltimore, Maryland, Washington, D.C., Bronx, New York,
and Harlem, New York, as well as a right of first refusal for certain
territories in California and Virginia. Franchise fees and royalty rates for all
restaurants developed under such development rights will be at standard rates
provided that the Company will receive an additional royalty fee of 4% on all
sales in excess of $1,800,000 per Restaurant.
 
     In February 1995, the Company entered into two separate Unit Franchise
Agreements for the operation of two Restaurants in North Carolina, with GNB,
Inc., a corporation owned by George W. Cook, Norma Cook and Michael Perez, his
wife and her son, which agreements provided for payment to the Company of the
standard royalty fee. The Restaurants were existing Restaurants purchased by Mr.
Cook from the prior franchisee, and the agreements provide for the franchise fee
to be waived. In connection with the transaction, Mr. Cook executed a continuing
guaranty, which guaranty provides for the personal guaranty of Mr. Cook of all
obligations of the franchisee under the franchise agreement. Total royalty fees
received by the Company in fiscal years ended January 1, 1996 and December 30,
1996 pursuant these agreements were $37,295 and 47,965, respectively.
 
     The Company incurred approximately $105,000 and $334,000, respectively, of
expenses for services provided by the law firm of MacFarlane Ausley Ferguson &
McMullen in 1995 and 1994, respectively. The firm continues to provide legal
services to the Company. Harry S. Cline, a Director of the Company from 1991
until June 1996, is a partner in the firm.
 
                                       61
<PAGE>   62
 
     In July 1993, the Company entered into an Area Development Agreement with
New Iberia Drive-In, Inc. ("New Iberia"), a corporation in which the cousin of
Herbert G. Brown, a Director of the Company until April 1996, was the sole
shareholder. The agreement was transferred in November 1993 from New Iberia to
Walker-LA Louisiana Partnership, a Louisiana general partnership in which that
cousin and Mr. Brown's son-in-law each hold a 50% ownership interest. The
agreement provides for the payment to the Company of the standard development
fee, a standard franchise fee per Restaurant and payment of standard royalty
fees. Six Unit Franchise Agreements have been granted pursuant to the agreement
in the names of various entities in which the cousin and son-in-law each hold a
50% ownership interest. Total royalty fees received by the Company in fiscal
years ended January 1, 1996 and December 30, 1996 pursuant to these Unit
Franchise Agreements were $193,582 and $187,165, respectively.
 
     In December 1993, the Company sold one of its restaurants in Ft.
Lauderdale, Florida, to Dania-Auger, Inc., a Florida corporation in which the
father-in-law of Jared D. Brown, formerly a beneficial owner of more than 5% of
the Common Stock and a Director of the Company until June 1996, is the principal
officer and stockholder. The sales price was $905,000 and the Company received
$705,000 in cash and a promissory note for $200,000. A gain of approximately
$470,000 was recognized by the Company. The term of the promissory note was for
two years bearing interest at prime plus 2% with interest only payments due
quarterly and one balloon principal payment due on or before December 31, 1995.
Dania-Auger is currently negotiating for the sale of the Restaurant to another
franchisee. The Company agreed to extend the term of the note to the earlier of
May 31, 1996 or the date the Restaurant is sold. The note, which remains
outstanding, is secured by property in Broward County, Florida. Total royalty
fees received by the Company in fiscal years ended January 1, 1996 and December
30, 1996 pursuant to the Unit Franchise Agreement for the Restaurant were
$31,378 and $24,652, respectively.
 
     In January 1992, the Company entered into a Unit Franchise Agreement for
the operation of a single Restaurant in the Clearwater, Florida area with George
W. Cook, Norma Cook and Michael Perez, his wife and her son, which agreement
provided for payment to the Company of a standard $25,000 franchise fee and a
standard royalty fee of 4% of sales. In connection with the transaction, Mr.
Cook and Mr. Perez executed a continuing guaranty, which guaranty provides for
the personal guaranty of each of the individuals of all obligations of the
franchisee under the franchise agreement. Total sums received in royalty fees by
the Company in fiscal years ended January 1, 1996 and December 30, 1996 pursuant
to the Unit Franchise Agreement were $37,461 and $23,674, respectively.
 
     In September 1991, the Company entered into a Unit Franchise Agreement for
the operation of a single Restaurant in Dania, Florida, with Dania-Auger, Inc.,
a Florida corporation in which Paul Auger, the father-in-law of Jared D. Brown
is the principal officer and stockholder. The unit franchise agreement provided
for payment to the Company of a standard $25,000 franchise fee and a standard
royalty fee of 4% of sales. In connection with the transaction, Mr. Auger and
his wife, Donna Auger, executed a continuing guaranty, which guaranty provides
for the personal guaranty of both of the individuals of all obligations of the
franchisee under the franchise agreement. Total sums received in royalty fees by
the Company in fiscal years ended January 1, 1996 and December 30, 1996 pursuant
to the unit franchise agreement were $31,286 and $26,584, respectively.
 
     In March 1990, a general partnership was formed between the Company (50%
interest) and GNC Investments, Inc. (50% interest), a Florida corporation
("GNC") in which George W. Cook is the principal officer and stockholder, for
the purpose of owning and operating a joint venture Restaurant in Clearwater,
Florida. The term of the partnership agreement was for 30 years unless sooner
terminated by the affirmative vote of a majority of the partners. The Company
was required to operate the Restaurant and was entitled to receive a royalty fee
of 2% of sales. In the event of the death of George W. Cook, the partnership was
required to pay the Company a management fee of 2.5% and a royalty fee of 4%,
respectively, of sales. On December 31, 1993, the Company sold its 50%
partnership interest to GNC for $422,000 and recognized a gain of $200,218. GNC
assumed all liabilities of the Company for any partnership obligations, and
entered into a standard form Unit Franchise Agreement with the Company. A
Management Agreement was signed on December 31, 1993, between the Company and
GNC whereby the Company agreed to manage the operations of the Restaurant until
the earlier of such date that GNC has hired a management team for such
Restaurant
 
                                       62
<PAGE>   63
 
or April 30, 1994. GNC reimbursed the Company for all of its out-of-pocket
expenses in managing and operating the Restaurant during such period. On January
1, 1996, the Company leased the Restaurant and subleased the real property from
GNC for a combined monthly rental of $3,000. Total sums received by the Company
in fiscal years ended January 1, 1996 and December 30, 1996 pursuant to the unit
franchise agreement were $14,082 and $2,285 in royalty fees, respectively.
 
     In May 1989 and March 1990, the Company entered into joint ventures (50%
interest) and a Florida corporation (50% interest) owned 100% and equally by
Donna M. Brown-McMullen and her husband Thomas W. McMullen. The joint ventures
own and operate Restaurants in Clearwater, Florida. The term of each agreement
is for 30 years unless sooner terminated by the affirmative vote of a majority
of the partners. The Company is required to operate the Restaurants and is
entitled to receive royalty fees of 2% and 4% and a management fee of 2.5% and
0% of sales, respectively. The partnership agreement contains certain
restrictions on transfer of partnership interests and rights of first refusal in
favor of each of the partners. Total fees received by the Company from the
partnership in fiscal years ended January 1, 1996 and December 30, 1996 were
$102,835 and $43,882, respectively. Donna M. Brown-McMullen is the daughter of
Herbert G. Brown.
 
          PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS AND SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT
 
     The following table sets forth, as of October 1, 1997, information as to:
(a) the beneficial ownership of the Company's Common Stock and Preferred Stock
by (i) each person serving the Company as a Director on such date and each
nominee for Director, (ii) each person who qualifies as a "named executive
officer" as defined in Item 402(a)(3) of Regulation S-K under the Exchange Act,
and (iii) all of the Directors and executive officers of the Company as a group;
and (b) the beneficial ownership of the Company's Common Stock by each person
known to the Company as having beneficial ownership of more than 5% of the
Company's Common Stock.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    COMMON STOCK
                                                              -------------------------
                                                              NUMBER OF      PERCENT OF
NAME                                                          SHARES(1)       CLASS(2)
- ----                                                          ----------     ----------
<S>                                                           <C>            <C>
C. Thomas Thompson..........................................     236,243(3)        *
James T. Holder.............................................     123,291(4)        *
Michael T. Welch............................................      23,333(4)        *
Albert J. DiMarco...........................................     300,000(4)        *
Anthony L. Austin...........................................         -0-          --
Terry N. Christensen........................................     357,753(5)        *
Frederick E. Fisher.........................................       5,800(4)        *
William P. Foley, II........................................   1,610,254(6)      2.3%
Clarence V. McKee...........................................       3,400           *
Burt Sugarman...............................................   1,125,689(7)      1.6%
Jean Giles Wittner..........................................         -0-          --
All Directors and executive officers as a group (13
  persons)..................................................   4,829,816(8)      6.5%
NAME AND ADDRESS OF 5%
  BENEFICIAL OWNER
- ---------------------
 
CKE Restaurants, Inc.
1700 N. Harbor Blvd.
Anaheim, California 92801...................................  20,105,313(9)     26.0%
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
 *  Less than 1%
(1) Based upon information furnished to the Company by the named persons and
    information contained in filings with the Commission. Under the rules of the
    Commission, a person is deemed to beneficially own shares over which the
    person has or shares voting or investment power or which the person has the
    right to acquire beneficial ownership within 60 days. Unless otherwise
    indicated, the named persons have sole voting and investment power with
    respect to their respective shares.
(2) Based on 69,919,903 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of October 1,
    1997. Shares of Common Stock subject to options or warrants exercisable
    within 60 days are deemed outstanding for computing the
 
                                       63
<PAGE>   64
 
    percentage of class of the persons holding such options or warrants but are
    not deemed outstanding for computing the percentage of class for any other
    person.
(3) Includes 162,400 shares subject to options and 28,490 shares subject to
    warrants exercisable on or prior to December 1, 1997.
(4) Shares subject to stock options exercisable on or prior to December 1, 1997.
(5) Includes 302,400 shares subject to options exercisable on or prior to
    December 1, 1997.
(6) Includes 854,700 shares subject to warrants and 302,400 shares subject to
    options exercisable prior to December 1, 1997; but excludes 1,680,616 shares
    held by Fidelity and 2,108,262 shares subject to exercisable warrants held
    by Fidelity and 12,754,885 shares held by CKE and 7,350,423 shares subject
    to warrants exercisable prior to December 1, 1997 held by CKE, all as to
    which Mr. Foley disclaims beneficial ownership. Mr. Foley is the Chairman of
    the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity and CKE, and he owns 20.3%
    of the outstanding common stock of Fidelity. A limited partnership whose
    general partner is controlled by Mr. Foley owns 15.8% of the outstanding
    common stock of CKE, and Fidelity owns 2.2% of the outstanding common stock
    of CKE. Mr. Foley may be deemed to be a controlling person of CKE and
    Fidelity.
(7) Includes 712,251 shares subject to warrants and 300,000 shares subject to
    options exercisable on or prior to December 1, 1997. Excludes 272,230 shares
    and 27,169 shares held by Mr. Sugarman's spouse and by his son,
    respectively, and 200,000 shares held by GIANT, of which Mr. Sugarman is
    Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer, as to which
    Mr. Sugarman disclaims beneficial ownership.
(8) Includes 579,728 shares subject to stock options exercisable on or prior to
    December 1, 1997, for other executive officers not listed above.
(9) Includes 7,350,428 shares subject to warrants exercisable on or prior to
    December 1, 1997.
 
     On September 21, 1997, CKE, Fidelity, GIANT and Rally's entered into a
letter of intent whereby it is anticipated that Rally's would acquire all shares
of the Company's Common Stock held of record on September 19, 1997 by CKE,
Fidelity, GIANT and certain related persons. The acquisition is subject to a
number of conditions, including negotiation and execution of a definitive
agreement, receipt by Rally's of a fairness opinion, receipt of any required
approvals and expiration of any required waiting periods. Upon consummation of
the acquisition, Rally's would own a minimum of approximately 24% of the
Company's outstanding Common Stock. CKE, Fidelity and GIANT would continue to
hold warrants to purchase an aggregate of approximately 12.3 million shares of
the Company's Common Stock.
 
                          DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
 
GENERAL
 
     The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of (i) 150,000,000
shares of common stock, $.001 par value per share (the "Common Stock"), and (ii)
2,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $.001 par value per share. The Company has
had, and may in the future have from time to time, discussions with franchisees
and others concerning the possible acquisition of Restaurants using Common Stock
as consideration. The Company has entered into agreements with the holders of
other subordinated promissory notes of the Company, pursuant to which the
Company will issue Common Stock in payment of all outstanding principal due
under the notes. See "Risk Factors -- Proposed Acquisition of Certain Notes" and
"Risk Factors -- Shares Eligible for Future Issuance and Sale" and "The
Transaction."
 
COMMON STOCK
 
     Holders of shares of Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share on all
matters to be voted upon by the stockholders. Subject to the prior rights of the
holders of preferred stock, holders of Common Stock are entitled to receive
dividends when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors from funds legally
available therefor, and to share ratably in the assets of the Company legally
available for distribution to the stockholders in the event of liquidation or
dissolution. The Common Stock has no preemptive rights and no subscription or
redemption privileges. The Common Stock does not have cumulative voting rights,
which means the holder or holders of more than half the shares voting for the
election of Directors can elect all the Directors then being
 
                                       64
<PAGE>   65
 
elected. All the outstanding shares of Common Stock are, and the shares to be
issued in the Transaction when issued will be, fully paid and not liable for
further call or assessment.
 
PREFERRED STOCK
 
     The Company is authorized to issue 2,000,000 shares of preferred stock. The
preferred stock may be issued from time to time in one or more series, and the
Board of Directors is authorized to fix the dividend rights, dividend rates, any
conversion or exchange rights, any voting rights, rights and terms of redemption
(including sinking fund provisions), the redemption price or prices, the
liquidation preferences and any other rights, preferences, privileges and
restrictions of any series of preferred stock and the number of shares
constituting such series and the designation thereof. The Company has no present
plans to issue any shares of preferred stock. Depending upon the rights of such
preferred stock, the issuance of preferred stock could have an adverse effect on
holders of Common Stock by delaying or preventing a change in control of the
Company, making removal of the present management of the Company more difficult
or resulting in restrictions upon payment of dividends and other distributions
to the holders of Common Stock.
 
DIRECTORS' LIABILITY
 
     As authorized by the Delaware General Corporation Law ("DGCL"), the
Restated Certificate limits the liability of Directors to the Company for
monetary damages. The effect of this provision in the Restated Certificate is to
eliminate the rights of the Company and its stockholders (through stockholders'
derivative suits on behalf of the Company) to recover monetary damages against a
Director for breach of fiduciary duty as a Director (including breaches
resulting from negligent behavior) except in certain limited situations. This
provision does not limit or eliminate the rights of the Company or any
stockholder to seek non-monetary relief such as an injunction or rescission in
the event of a breach of a Director's fiduciary duty. These provisions will not
alter the liability of Directors under federal securities laws.
 
SECTION 203 OF THE DELAWARE GENERAL CORPORATION LAW
 
     The Company is subject to the provisions of Section 203 of the DGCL. That
section provides, with certain exceptions, that a Delaware corporation may not
engage in any of a broad range of business combinations with a person or
affiliate or associate of such person who is an "Interested Stockholder" for a
period of three years from the date that such person became an Interested
Stockholder unless: (a) the transaction resulting in a person's becoming an
Interested Stockholder, or the business combination, is approved by the board of
directors of the corporation before the person becomes an Interested
Stockholder, (b) the Interested Stockholder acquires 85% or more of the
outstanding voting stock of the corporation in the same transaction that makes
such person an Interested Stockholder (excluding shares owned by persons who are
both officers and directors of the corporation and shares held by certain
employee stock ownership plans) or (c) on or after the date the person becomes
an Interested Stockholder, the business combination is approved by the
corporation's board of directors and by the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the
corporation's outstanding voting stock at an annual or special meeting,
excluding shares owned by the Interested Stockholder. An "Interested
Stockholder" is defined as any person that is (a) the owner of 15% or more of
the outstanding voting stock of the corporation or (b) an affiliate or associate
of the corporation and was the owner of 15% or more of the outstanding voting
stock of the corporation at any time within the three-year period immediately
prior to the date on which it is sought to be determined whether such person is
an Interested Stockholder.
 
ANTI-TAKEOVER EFFECTS OF PROVISIONS OF THE COMPANY'S RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF
INCORPORATION AND BY-LAWS
 
     Certain provisions of the Restated Certificate and the By-laws of the
Company (the "By-laws") could have an anti-takeover effect. These provisions are
intended to enhance the likelihood of continuity and stability in the
composition of the Board of Directors of the Company and in the policies
formulated by the Board of Directors and to discourage certain types of
transactions, described below, which may involve an actual or threatened change
of control of the Company. The provisions are designed to reduce the
vulnerability of the Company to an unsolicited proposal for a takeover of the
Company that does not contemplate the
 
                                       65
<PAGE>   66
 
acquisition of all of its outstanding shares or an unsolicited proposal for the
restructuring or sale of all or part of the Company. The provisions are also
intended to discourage certain tactics that may be used in proxy fights. The
Board of Directors believes that, as a general rule, such takeover proposals
would not be in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders.
 
RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
 
     Classified Board of Directors.  The Company's Restated Certificate of
Incorporation, as amended (the "Restated Certificate"), provides for the Board
of Directors to be divided into three classes of directors serving staggered
three-year terms. As a result, approximately one-third of the Board of Directors
will be elected each year.
 
     The Board of Directors believes that a classified Board of Directors will
help to assure the continuity and stability of the Board of Directors and the
business strategies and policies of the Company as determined by the Board of
Directors, because the likelihood of continuity and stability in the composition
of the Company's Board of Directors and in the policies formulated by the Board
will be enhanced by staggered three-year terms.
 
     The classified board provisions could have the effect of discouraging a
third party from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control
of the Company, even though such an attempt might be beneficial to the Company
and its stockholders. In addition, the classified board provision could delay
stockholders who do not agree with the policies of the Board of Directors from
removing a majority of the Board for two years, unless they can show cause and
obtain the requisite vote. See "Number of Directors; Removal" below.
 
     Special Meetings of the Stockholders.  The Restated Certificate prohibits
the taking of stockholder action by written consent without written consent
without a meeting. The Restated Certificate provides that special meetings of
stockholders of the Company may be called only by the Chairman, the President or
by a majority of the members of the Board of Directors. Furthermore, if a
proposal requiring stockholder action is made by or on behalf of an Interested
Stockholder or a Director affiliated with an Interested Stockholder or where an
Interested Stockholder otherwise seeks action requiring stockholder approval,
the affirmative vote of a majority of the Continuing Directors (Directors who
are not affiliates or associates of an Interested Stockholder and were Directors
before such person became an Interested Stockholder and any successor of a
Continuing Director who was approved by a majority of the Continuing Directors)
will also be required to call a special meeting of stockholders. This provision
will make it more difficult for stockholders to take action opposed by the Board
of Directors. The term "Interested Stockholder" generally means any person
(other than a stockholder who was a stockholder prior to August 27, 1991) who is
a beneficial owner of or has announced a plan to acquire 10% or more of the
outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote on matters generally
submitted to stockholders ("Voting Stock") and an Affiliate or Associate (other
than a stockholder who was a stockholder prior to August 27, 1991) which, at any
beneficial owner of 10% or more or the outstanding Voting Stock.
 
     Special Voting Requirements for Certain Transactions.  The Restated
Certificate provides that (i) any merger or consolidation of the Company or any
subsidiary with (a) any Interested Stockholder or (b) any other corporation
which is, or after such merger or consolidation would be, and affiliate or
associate of an Interested Stockholder, (ii) if any sale, lease or other
disposition to or with or on behalf of any Interested Stockholder or any
affiliate or associate of any Interested Stockholder of 5% of the book value of
the total assets of the Company or 5% of stockholders' equity, (iii) certain
liquidations or dissolutions of the Company and any proposal to amend the
Restated Certificate made on behalf of an Interested Stockholder or any
affiliate or associate of an Interested Stockholder or (iv) certain
reclassifications and recapitalizations or other transactions that have the
effect of increasing an Interested Stockholder's proportionate share of the
Company's capital stock (collectively "Business Combinations") require, subject
to certain exceptions, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80% of
the Voting Stock other than the Voting Stock of which an Interested Stockholder
is the beneficial owner.
 
                                       66
<PAGE>   67
 
     The above requirements generally do not apply to a Business Combination
approved by a disinterested majority of the Continuing Directors if certain
other requirements are met. Such other requirements are designed to provide an
incentive to an Interested Stockholder to treat the stockholders within a class
equally, to discourage discriminatory two-tiered transactions and to encourage
an Interested Stockholder to furnish timely information regarding such Business
Combination.
 
     Amendment of Certain Provisions of the Restated Certificate.  The Restated
Certificate generally requires the affirmative vote of the holders of at least
80% of the outstanding Voting Stock in order to amend its provisions, including
any provisions concerning (i) the classified board, (ii) the amendment of the
By-laws, (iii) any proposed compromise or arrangement between the Company and
its creditors, (iv) the authority of the stockholders to act by written consent,
(v) the liability of Directors, (vi) certain business combinations and (vii) the
required vote to amend the Restated Certificate. These voting requirements will
make it more difficult for stockholders to make changes in the Restated
Certificate which would be designed to facilitate the exercise of control over
the Company. In addition, the requirement for approval by at least an 80%
stockholder vote will enable the holders of a minority of the voting securities
of the Company to prevent the holders of a majority or more of such securities
from amending such provisions of the Restated Certificate.
 
     Number of Directors; Removal.  The Restated Certificate provides that the
Board of Directors will consist of between five and fifteen members, the exact
number to be fixed from time to time by resolution adopted by a majority of the
Directors then in office. The Company currently has eight directors and no
vacancies. Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock
then outstanding, the Restated Certificate provides that Directors of the
Company may be removed only for cause and only by the affirmative vote of
holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Voting Stock. Additionally,
if the proposal to remove a Director is made by or on behalf of an Interested
Stockholder, removal will also require the affirmative vote of holders of a
majority of Disinterested Shares (shares of Voting Stock held by stockholders
other than any Interested Stockholder by or for whom a proposal to remove a
Director is made). These provisions will preclude a stockholder from removing
incumbent directors without cause and simultaneously gaining control of the
Board of Directors by filing the vacancies created by such removal with its own
nominees.
 
BY-LAWS
 
     Advance Notice Requirements for Stockholder Proposals and Director
Nominations.  The By-laws establish an advance notice procedure for the
nomination, other than by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or a
committee thereof, of candidates for election as Director as well as for other
stockholder proposals to be considered at stockholders' meetings.
 
     Notice of stockholder proposals and Director nominations must be timely
given in writing to the Secretary of the Company prior to the meeting at which
the matters are to be acted upon or the Directors are to be elected. To be
timely, notice must be received at the principal executive offices of the
Company (a) in the case of an annual meeting, not less than 60 nor more than 90
days prior to the meeting of stockholders; provided, however, that in the event
that less than 70 days' notice or prior public disclosure of the date of the
meeting is given or make to the stockholders, notice by the stockholder in order
be timely must be so received not later than the close of business on the tenth
day following the day on which such notice of the date of the annual meeting was
mailed or public disclosure of the date of the annual meeting was made,
whichever first occurs; and (b) in the case of a special meeting of stockholders
called for the purpose of electing Directors, not later than the close of
business on the tenth day following the day on which notice of the date of the
special meeting was mailed or public disclosure of the date of the special
meeting was made, whichever first occurs.
 
     A stockholders' notice to the Secretary (a) with respect to a stockholder
proposal, shall set forth as to each matter the stockholder proposes to bring
before the meeting, (ii) the reasons for conducting such business at the
meeting, (iii) the name and record address of the stockholder proposing such
business; (iv) the class or series and number of shares of the Company which are
owned beneficially or of record by such stockholder, (v) a description of all
arrangements or understandings between such stockholder and any other person or
persons (including their names) in connection with the proposal of such business
by such stockholder and any material interest of such stockholder in such
business and (vi) a representation that such
 
                                       67
<PAGE>   68
 
stockholder intends to appear in person or by prosy at the annual meeting to
bring such business before the meeting; and (b) with respect to a Director
nomination, shall set forth (i) certain information about the nominee, (ii) the
consent of the nominee to serve as a Director if elected, (iii) the name and
record address of the nominating stockholder, (iv) the class or series and
number of shares of the Company which are beneficially owned by such
stockholder, (v) a description of all arrangements or understandings between
such stockholder and each proposed nominee and any other person pursuant to
which the nominations are to be made, (vi) a representation that such
stockholder intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to nominate
the persons named and (vii) certain other information.
 
     The purpose of requiring advance notice is to afford the Board of Directors
an opportunity to consider the qualifications of the proposed nominees or the
merits of other stockholder proposals and, to the extent deemed necessary or
desirable by the Board of Directors, to inform stockholders about those matters.
 
     Amendment to By-law Provisions.  The Restated Certificate provides that the
By-laws are subject oz adoption, amendment, repeal or rescission either by (a) a
majority of the authorized number of Directors and, if one or more Interested
Stockholder exists, by a majority of the Directors who are Continuing Directors
or (b) the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than 80% of the
outstanding shares of Voting Stock and, if such adoption, amendment, or repeal
or rescission is proposed by or on behalf of an Interested Stockholder or a
Director affiliated with and Interested Stockholder, by a majority of the
Disinterested Shares. These provisions will make it more difficult for
stockholders to make changes in the By-laws. The 80% vote will allow the holders
of a minority of the voting securities to prevent the holders of a majority or
more of voting securities from amending the By-laws.
 
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
 
     Chase Mellon Shareholder Services, L.L.C., Ridgefield Park, New Jersey, is
the Transfer Agent and Registrar for the Common Stock.
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
     Certain legal matters in connection with the issuance of the New NTDT Notes
and the shares of Common Stock offered hereby is being passed upon for the
Company by James T. Holder, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
of the Company.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
     The consolidated financial statements and schedules of Checkers Drive-In
Restaurants, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 30, 1996 and January 1, 1996
and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 30, 1996,
included herein and elsewhere in the Registration Statement, have been included
herein and in the Registration Statement in reliance upon the reports of KPMG
Peat Marwick LLP, independent certified public accountants, given on the
authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
 
                                       68
<PAGE>   69
 
                         INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>
Report of Auditors..........................................  F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets -- December 30, 1996 and January
  1, 1996...................................................  F-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations -- Years ended
  December 30, 1996, January 1, 1996 and January 2, 1995....  F-4
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity -- Years
  ended December 30, 1996, January 1, 1996 and January 2,
  1995......................................................  F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows -- Years ended
  December 30, 1996, January 1, 1996 and January 2, 1995....  F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -- Years ended
  December 30, 1996, January 1, 1996 and January 2, 1995....  F-8
Schedule VIII -- Valuation Accounts.........................  F-31
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets -- September 8, 1997
  and December 30, 1996.....................................  F-32
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations -- Quarters
  ended September 8, 1997 and September 9, 1996 and Three
  Quarters ended September 8, 1997 and September 9, 1996....  F-33
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows -- Three
  Quarters ended September 8, 1997 and September 9, 1996....  F-34
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements........  F-36
</TABLE>
 
                                       F-1
<PAGE>   70
 
                               REPORT OF AUDITORS
 
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. and Subsidiaries:
 
     We have audited the consolidated financial statements of Checkers Drive-In
Restaurants, Inc. and subsidiaries as listed in the accompanying index. In
connection with our audits of the consolidated financial statements, we have
also audited the financial statement schedule as listed in Item 14. These
consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule are the
responsibility of the company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
 
     We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
     In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above
presently fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Checkers
Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 30, 1996 and January
1, 1996, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of
the years in the three-year period ended December 30, 1996, in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles. Also in our opinion, the related
financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic
consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all
material respects, the information set forth therein.
 
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
 
Tampa, Florida
March 3, 1997
 
                                       F-2
<PAGE>   71
 
                      CHECKERS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANTS, INC.
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              DECEMBER 30,    JANUARY 1,
                                                                  1996           1996
                                                              ------------   ------------
<S>                                                           <C>            <C>
                                         ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents
  Restricted................................................  $  1,505,000   $    687,500
  Unrestricted..............................................     1,551,493      2,676,296
Accounts receivable.........................................     1,544,137      1,942,544
Notes receivable............................................       214,063      2,885,962
Inventory...................................................     2,260,945      3,161,996
Property and equipment held for resale......................     7,607,879      4,338,964
Income taxes receivable.....................................     3,514,188      3,272,594
Deferred loan costs -- (note 1).............................     2,451,551             --
Prepaid expenses and other current assets...................       305,721      1,368,532
                                                              ------------   ------------
         Total Current Assets...............................    20,954,977     20,334,388
Property and equipment, at cost, net of accumulated
  depreciation and amortization (note 2)....................    98,188,550    119,949,100
Note receivable from related party (note 6).................            --      5,182,355
Goodwill and non-compete agreements, net of accumulated
  amortization of $4,186,132 in 1996 and $3,211,665 in 1995
  (note 6)..................................................    12,283,789     17,019,078
Deferred income taxes (note 4)..............................            --      3,358,000
Deferred loan costs -- less current portion (note 1)........     3,899,820             --
Deposits and other noncurrent assets........................       782,694        975,996
                                                              ------------   ------------
                                                              $136,109,830   $166,818,917
                                                              ============   ============
                          LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Short term debt (note 3)....................................  $  2,500,000   $  1,000,000
Current installments of long term debt (note 3).............     9,589,233     13,170,619
Accounts payable............................................    15,142,249     10,536,745
Accrued wages, salaries, and benefits.......................     2,527,993      2,637,830
Reserve for restructuring, Restaurant relocations and
  abandoned sites (note 8)..................................     3,799,770      2,290,223
Accrued liabilities.........................................    13,784,309     13,652,230
Deferred franchise fee income...............................       336,919        300,000
                                                              ------------   ------------
         Total current liabilities..........................    47,680,473     43,587,647
Long-term debt, less current installments (note 3)..........    39,905,987     38,090,278
Deferred franchise fee income...............................       465,500        763,000
Minority interests in joint ventures........................     1,454,672        549,255
Other noncurrent liabilities................................     6,262,813      3,852,729
                                                              ------------   ------------
         Total liabilities..................................    95,769,445     86,842,909
                                                              ------------   ------------
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (NOTE 7):
Preferred stock, $.001 par value, Authorized 2,000,000
  shares, no shares outstanding.............................            --             --
Common stock, $.001 par value, authorized 100,000,000
  shares, 51,768,480 issued and outstanding at December 30,
  1996 and 51,528,480 at January 1, 1996....................        51,768         51,528
Additional paid-in capital..................................    90,339,098     90,029,213
Warrants (notes 7 and 10)...................................     9,463,132      3,000,000
Retained (deficit) earnings.................................   (59,113,613)   (12,704,733)
                                                              ------------   ------------
                                                                40,740,385     80,376,008
Less treasury stock, at cost, 578,904 shares................       400,000        400,000
                                                              ------------   ------------
Net stockholders' equity....................................    40,340,385     79,976,008
                                                              ------------   ------------
Commitments and related party transactions (notes 5 and
  9)........................................................  $136,109,830   $166,818,917
                                                              ============   ============
</TABLE>
 
          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                       F-3
<PAGE>   72
 
                      CHECKERS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANTS, INC.
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
       YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 30, 1996, JANUARY 1, 1996 AND JANUARY 2, 1995
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   FISCAL YEARS ENDED
                                                       ------------------------------------------
                                                       DECEMBER 30,    JANUARY 1,     JANUARY 2,
                                                           1996           1996           1995
                                                       ------------   ------------   ------------
<S>                                                    <C>            <C>            <C>
REVENUES:
  Net Restaurant sales...............................  $155,392,311   $178,744,335   $194,921,500
  Royalties..........................................     7,436,720      7,606,060      6,917,688
  Franchise fees.....................................       929,662        960,769      1,876,750
  Modular restaurant packages........................     1,201,624      2,994,285     11,398,642
                                                       ------------   ------------   ------------
          Total revenues.............................   164,960,317    190,305,449    215,114,580
                                                       ------------   ------------   ------------
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
  Restaurant food and paper costs....................    54,706,940     63,726,528     69,171,769
  Restaurant labor costs.............................    57,301,817     58,245,114     58,771,755
  Restaurant occupancy expenses......................    12,926,386     11,562,191      9,743,089
  Restaurant depreciation and amortization...........     8,847,663     10,649,982     12,334,119
  Advertising expense................................     7,420,414      8,086,874      7,932,986
  Other restaurant operating expenses................    15,345,252     15,565,453     15,133,639
  Cost of modular restaurant package revenues........     1,703,623      4,853,502     10,484,926
  Other Deprecation and amortization.................     4,325,517      4,044,290      2,796,088
  Selling general and administrative expenses........    20,689,965     24,215,251     21,875,325
  Impairment of long-lived assets (notes 1 and 8)....    14,781,745     18,935,190             --
  Losses on assets to be disposed of (note 8)........     7,131,639      3,192,000      9,140,000
  Loss Provisions (note 8)...........................     1,991,295      4,445,000      5,631,000
                                                       ------------   ------------   ------------
          Total cost and expenses....................   207,172,256    227,521,375    223,014,696
                                                       ------------   ------------   ------------
          Operating loss.............................   (42,211,939)   (37,215,926)    (7,900,116)
                                                       ------------   ------------   ------------
Other income (expense)
     Interest income.................................       677,995        674,119        325,614
     Interest expense................................    (6,232,761)    (5,724,242)    (3,564,454)
                                                       ------------   ------------   ------------
  Loss before minority interest, and income tax
     expense (benefit)...............................   (47,766,705)   (42,266,049)   (11,138,956)
  Minority interest in (losses) earnings.............    (1,508,825)      (191,575)       185,298
                                                       ------------   ------------   ------------
  Loss before income tax expense (benefit)...........   (46,257,880)   (42,074,474)   (11,324,254)
  Income tax expense (benefit) (note 4)..............       151,000     (8,855,000)    (4,573,000)
                                                       ------------   ------------   ------------
Net Loss.............................................  $(46,408,880)  $(33,219,474)  $ (6,751,254)
                                                       ============   ============   ============
Net loss per common share............................  $       (.90)  $       (.65)  $       (.14)
                                                       ============   ============   ============
Weighted average number of common shares
  outstanding........................................    51,698,480     50,903,238     49,464,023
                                                       ============   ============   ============
</TABLE>
 
          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                       F-4
<PAGE>   73
 
                      CHECKERS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANTS, INC.
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
       YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 30, 1996, JANUARY 1, 1996 AND JANUARY 2, 1995
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             ADDITIONAL                                                NET
                                   COMMON      PAID-IN                    RETAINED     TREASURY    STOCKHOLDERS
                                    STOCK      CAPITAL      WARRANTS      EARNINGS       STOCK        EQUITY
                                   -------   -----------   ----------   ------------   ---------   ------------
<S>                                <C>       <C>           <C>          <C>            <C>         <C>
Balance at, December 31, 1993....  $48,641   $83,356,420   $       --   $ 27,265,995   $(400,000)  $110,271,056
Issuance of 884,208 shares of
  common stock at $5.77 to $6.28
  per share to acquire
  Restaurants....................      884     5,427,998           --             --          --      5,428,882
Issuance of 664,045 shares of
  common stock as consideration
  for Restaurant acquisitions
  (note 6).......................      664       237,238           --             --          --        237,902
Net loss.........................       --            --           --     (6,751,254)         --     (6,751,254)
                                   -------   -----------   ----------   ------------   ---------   ------------
Balance at, January 2, 1995......   50,189    89,021,656            0     20,514,741    (400,000)   109,186,586
Issuance of 178,273 shares of
  common stock at $2.24 per share
  to acquire territory rights....      178       399,822           --             --          --        400,000
Issuance of 118,740 shares of
  common stock at $2.20 per share
  to acquire a promotional
  apparel company................      119       260,590           --             --          --        260,709
Issuance of 126,375 shares of
  common stock at $2.19 per share
  to acquire a Restaurant........      126       276,347           --             --          --        276,473
Issuance of 907,745 shares of
  common stock as consideration
  for Restaurant acquisition
  (note 6).......................      908        54,806           --             --          --         55,714
Issuance of 8,377 shares of
  common stock at $1.91 per share
  to pay consulting fees.........        8        15,992           --             --          --         16,000
Warrants issued in settlement of
  litigation.....................       --            --    3,000,000             --          --      3,000,000
Net Loss.........................       --            --           --    (33,219,474)         --    (33,219,474)
                                   -------   -----------   ----------   ------------   ---------   ------------
Balance at, January 1 1996.......   51,528    90,029,213    3,000,000    (12,704,733)   (400,000)    79,976,008
Issuance of 200,000 shares of
  common stock at $1.14 as
  payment on long-term debt......      200       221,925           --             --          --        222,125
Issuance of 40,000 shares of
  common stock at $1.19 per share
  to consulting fees.............       40        47,460           --             --          --         47,500
Warrants issued to investor
  group..........................       --            --    6,463,132             --          --      6,463,132
Employee stock options vested
  upon severance.................       --        40,500           --             --          --         40,500
Net loss.........................       --            --           --    (46,408,880)         --    (46,408,880)
                                   -------   -----------   ----------   ------------   ---------   ------------
Balance at, December 30, 1996....  $51,768   $90,339,098   $9,463,132   $(59,113,613)  $(400,000)  $ 40,340,385
                                   =======   ===========   ==========   ============   =========   ============
</TABLE>
 
          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                       F-5
<PAGE>   74
 
                      CHECKERS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANTS, INC.
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
       YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 30, 1996, JANUARY 1, 1996 AND JANUARY 2, 1995
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   FISCAL YEAR ENDED
                                                       ------------------------------------------
                                                       DECEMBER 30,    JANUARY 1,     JANUARY 2,
                                                           1996           1996           1995
                                                       ------------   ------------   ------------
<S>                                                    <C>            <C>            <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
  Net Earnings (Loss)................................  $(46,408,880)  $(33,219,474)  $ (6,751,254)
  Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash
     provided by operating activities:
     Deprecation and amortization....................    13,173,180     14,694,273     15,130,208
     Impairment of long-lived assets.................    15,281,745     18,935,190             --
     Provision for losses on assets to be disposed
       of............................................     7,131,639      3,192,000      9,140,000
     Provision for bad debt..........................     1,310,818      2,261,196        846,521
     Deferred loan cost amortization.................     1,300,081             --             --
     Loss Provisions.................................     1,991,295      3,800,000      4,669,847
     (Gain) loss on sale of property & equipment.....       (74,580)       125,816         68,375
     Minority interests in (losses) earnings.........    (1,508,825)      (191,575)       185,298
     Other...........................................            --             --        237,902
  Change in assets and liabilities:
     Increase in receivables.........................      (474,386)    (1,125,719)      (592,568)
     Decrease in notes receivables...................     3,011,825             --             --
     Decrease (Increase) in inventory................       370,590       (588,445)      (524,328)
     (Increase) Decrease in costs and earnings in
       excess of billings on uncompleted contracts...       (24,793)     1,041,847         70,872
     Increase in income tax receivable...............      (241,594)    (1,712,595)      (423,671)
     Decrease (Increase) in deferred income tax
       assets........................................     3,358,000     (3,358,000)            --
     (Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses.........       (89,972)       447,445     (4,477,970)
     Increase in deposits and other noncurrent
       assets........................................      (309,088)      (103,203)    (1,248,738)
     Increase (decrease) in accounts payable.........     4,272,963     (2,810,879)    (3,339,470)
     Increase in accrued liabilities.................     2,526,157      4,457,293      3,483,562
     (Decrease) increase in deferred income..........      (260,581)       205,500       (448,000)
     Decrease in deferred income taxes liabilities...            --     (2,540,000)    (3,701,000)
                                                       ------------   ------------   ------------
          Net cash provided by operating
            activities...............................     4,335,594      3,510,670     12,325,586
                                                       ------------   ------------   ------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Capital expenditures...............................    (4,240,449)    (2,876,491)   (34,763,515)
  Proceeds from sale of assets.......................     1,812,625      5,502,347     15,372,000
  Increase in goodwill and noncompete agreements.....        (3,875)            --       (156,206)
  Acquisitions of companies, net cash paid...........      (200,000)       (64,389)    (1,085,054)
                                                       ------------   ------------   ------------
          Net cash provided by (used in) investing
            activities...............................  $ (2,631,699)  $  2,561,467   $(20,632,775)
                                                       ============   ============   ============
</TABLE>
 
          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                       F-6
<PAGE>   75
 
                      CHECKERS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANTS, INC.
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
       YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 30, 1996, JANUARY 1, 1996 AND JANUARY 2, 1995
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     FISCAL YEAR ENDED
                                                         -----------------------------------------
                                                         DECEMBER 30,    JANUARY 1,    JANUARY 2,
                                                             1996           1996          1995
                                                         ------------   ------------   -----------
<S>                                                      <C>            <C>            <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  Proceeds from issuance of short-term debt-net........  $ 1,500,000    $  1,000,000   $        --
  Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt.............           --       4,183,195            --
  Borrowing on notes note payable to banks.............           --              --    18,000,000
  Repayments on notes payable to banks.................           --              --    (7,250,000)
  Principal payments on long-term debt.................   (3,584,309)    (11,239,365)   (2,097,525)
  Proceeds from investment by minority interest........      285,000              --            --
  Distributions to minority interest...................     (211,889)       (163,696)     (273,240)
                                                         -----------    ------------   -----------
          Net cash provided by (used in) financing
            activities.................................   (2,011,198)     (6,219,866)    8,379,235
                                                         -----------    ------------   -----------
          Net increase (decrease) in cash..............     (307,303)       (147,729)       72,046
CASH AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD............................    3,363,796       3,511,525     3,439,479
                                                         -----------    ------------   -----------
CASH AT END OF PERIOD..................................    3,056,493       3,363,796     3,511,525
                                                         ===========    ============   ===========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
  Interest paid........................................    5,842,109       5,065,292     3,662,963
  Income taxes paid....................................           --         182,121       242,000
  Note received on sale of assets......................           --       4,982,355            --
  Capital lease obligations incurred...................      225,000       5,000,000       887,048
SCHEDULE OF NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  Acquisitions of companies:
     Fair value of assets acquired.....................    9,902,452       3,045,758    12,637,201
     Receivables forgiven..............................   (5,429,459)             --            --
     Reversal of deferred gain.........................    1,421,517              --            --
     Liabilities assumed...............................   (5,694,510)     (1,988,476)   (6,123,265)
     Stock issued......................................           --        (992,893)   (5,428,882)
                                                         -----------    ------------   -----------
          Total cash paid for the net assets
            acquired...................................      200,000          64,389     1,085,054
                                                         ===========    ============   ===========
  Stock issued for repayment of debt...................      228,125              --            --
                                                         ===========    ============   ===========
  Stock issued for payment of consulting fees..........  $    47,500    $         --   $        --
                                                         ===========    ============   ===========
</TABLE>
 
          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                       F-7
<PAGE>   76
 
                      CHECKERS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANTS, INC.
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
            DECEMBER 30, 1996, JANUARY 1, 1996, AND JANUARY 2, 1995
 
NOTE 1:  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
     (a) PURPOSE AND ORGANIZATION.  The principal business of Checkers Drive-In
Restaurants, Inc. (the "Company") is the operation and franchising of Checkers
Restaurants. At December 30, 1996, there were 478 Checkers Restaurants operating
in 23 different states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Of those
Restaurants, 232 were Company-operated (including thirteen joint ventures) and
246 were operated by franchisees. The accounts of the joint ventures have been
included with those of the Company in these consolidated financial statements.
 
     The consolidated financial statements also include the accounts of all of
the Company's subsidiaries, including Champion Modular Restaurant Company, Inc.
("Champion"). Champion manufactures Modular Restaurant Packages primarily for
the Company and franchisees. Effective February 15, 1994, Champion was merged
into the Company and is currently operated as a division. Intercompany balances
and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation and minority interests
have been established for the outside partners' interests.
 
     As of January 1, 1994, the Company changed from a calendar reporting year
ending on December 31st to a fiscal year which will generally end on the Monday
closest to December 31st. Each quarter consists of three 4-week periods with the
exception of the fourth quarter which consists of four 4-week periods.
 
     (b) ACCOUNTING CHANGE.  As discussed in Note 7, the Company adopted the
disclosure-only provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
123 (SFAS 123), "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation".
 
     (c) REVENUE RECOGNITION.  Franchise fees and area development franchise
fees are generated from the sale of rights to develop, own and operate Checkers
Restaurants. Area development franchise fees are based on the number of
potential Restaurants in a specific area which the franchisee agrees to develop
pursuant to the terms of the Area Development Agreement between the Company and
the franchisee and are recognized as income on a pro-rata basis when
substantially all of the Company's obligations per location are satisfied
(generally at the opening of a Restaurant). Both franchise fees and area
development franchise fees are non-refundable. Franchise fees and area
development franchises fees received prior to the substantial completion of the
Company's obligations are deferred.
 
     The Company receives royalty fees from franchisees, generally in the amount
of 4% of each Restaurant's revenues. Royalty fees are recognized as earned.
 
     Champion recognizes revenues on the percentage-of-completion method,
measured by the percentage of costs incurred to the estimated total costs of the
contract.
 
     (d) CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS.  The Company considers all highly liquid
instruments purchased with a maturity of less than three months to be cash
equivalents. Restricted Cash consists of cash on deposit with various financial
institutions as collateral to support the Company's obligations to the States of
Florida and Georgia for potential Workers' Compensation claims. This cash is not
available for the Company's use until such time that the respective states
permit its release.
 
     (e) RECEIVABLES.  Receivables consist primarily of royalties due from
franchisees and receivables from the sale of Modular Restaurant Packages.
Allowances for doubtful receivables was $2,216,836 at December 30, 1996 and
$1,357,938 at January 1, 1996.
 
     (f) INVENTORY.  Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in,
first-out (FIFO) method) or market.
 
                                       F-8
<PAGE>   77
 
                      CHECKERS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANTS, INC.
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     (g) PRE-OPENING COSTS.  Pre-opening costs are deferred and amortized over
12 months commencing with a Restaurant's opening. Such costs totalled $14,133 at
December 30,1996 and $161,234 at January 1, 1996.
 
     (h) DEFERRED LOAN COSTS.  Deferred loan costs of $6,805,677 incurred in
connection with the Company's November 22, 1996 restructure of its primary
credit facility (see Notes 3 and 10) are being amortized on the effective
interest method.
 
     (i) PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT AND PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT HELD FOR
RESALE.  Property and equipment (P & E) are stated at cost except for P & E that
have been impaired, for which the carrying amount is reduced to estimated fair
value. Property and equipment under capital leases are stated at their fair
value at the inception of the lease. Property and equipment held for resale is
carried at fair market value, adjusted for new market conditions on a quarterly
basis. Depreciation and amortization are computed on straight-line method over
the estimated useful lives of the assets.
 
     (j) IMPAIRMENT OF LONG LIVED ASSETS.  During the fourth quarter of 1995,
the Company early adopted the Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Long-Lived Assets
to be Disposed Of" (SFAS 121) which requires the write-down of certain
intangibles and tangible property associated with under performing sites. In
applying SFAS No. 121 during 1995 and in 1996, the Company reviewed all stores
that recorded losses in the applicable fiscal years and performed a discounted
cash flow analysis where indicated for each store based upon such results
projected over a ten or fifteen year period. This period of time was selected
based upon the lease term and the age of the building, which the Company
believes is appropriate based upon its limited operating history and the
estimated useful life of its modular restaurants.
 
     The Company recorded significant SFAS No. 121 impairment losses in 1995 and
again in 1996 because sales continued to decline in both fiscal years, in spite
of several marketing programs, which necessitated a review of the carrying value
of its assets. The effect of applying SFAS No. 121 resulted in a reduction of
property and equipment and goodwill of $15,281,745 in 1996 and $18,935,190 in
1995.
 
     (k) GOODWILL AND NON-COMPETE AGREEMENTS.  Goodwill and non-compete
agreements are being amortized over 20 years and 3 to 7 years, respectively, on
a straight-line basis (SFAS 121 impairments of goodwill were $4,631,742 in 1996
and $5,850,447 in 1995).
 
     (l) INCOME TAXES.  The Company accounts for income taxes under the
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, "Accounting for Income
Taxes" (SFAS 109). Under the asset or liability method of SFAS 109, deferred tax
assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences
attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of
existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax
assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to
taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to
be recovered or settled. Under SFAS 109, the effect on deferred tax assets and
liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that
includes the enactment date.
 
     (m) USE OF ESTIMATES.  The preparation of the financial statements in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to
make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of
the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses
during the reported period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
     (n) DISCLOSURES ABOUT FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS.  The balance
sheets as of December 30, 1996, and January 1, 1996, reflect the fair value
amounts which have been determined, using available market information and
appropriate valuation methodologies. However, considerable judgement is
necessarily
 
                                       F-9
<PAGE>   78
 
                      CHECKERS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANTS, INC.
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
required in interpreting market data to develop the estimates of fair value.
Accordingly, the estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of
the amounts that the Company could realize in a current market exchange. The use
of different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have a
material effect on the estimated fair value amounts.
 
     Cash and cash equivalents, receivables, accounts payable, and short-term
debt -- The carrying amounts of these items are a reasonable estimate of their
fair value.
 
     Long-term debt -- Interest rates that are currently available to the
Company for issuance of debt with similar terms and remaining maturities are
used to estimate fair value for debt issues that are not quoted on an exchange.
 
     (o) STOCK SPLITS.  The Company declared a three-for-two stock split,
payable in the form of stock dividends effective June 30, 1993. All share
information and per share information in these financial statements has been
retroactively restated to reflect the split.
 
     (p) RECLASSIFICATIONS.  Certain amounts in the 1995 and 1994 financial
statements have been reclassified to conform to the 1996 presentation.
 
NOTE 2:  PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
 
     Property and equipment consists of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  DECEMBER 30,    JANUARY 1,    USEFUL LIFE
                                                      1996           1996        IN YEARS
                                                  ------------   ------------   -----------
<S>                                               <C>            <C>            <C>
Land and improvements...........................  $ 56,544,488   $ 59,534,146      15
Buildings.......................................    29,282,034     43,879,310    20-31.5
Equipment and fixtures..........................    46,285,823     41,980,907     5-10
Construction-in-progress........................            --      1,162,652
                                                  ------------   ------------
                                                   132,112,345    146,557,015
Less accumulated depreciation and
  amortization..................................    33,923,796     26,607,915
                                                  ------------   ------------
                                                  $ 98,188,550   $119,949,100
                                                  ============   ============
</TABLE>
 
     Capitalized interest totalled approximately $328,000 for 1994 (none in 1995
or 1996).
 
NOTE 3:  LONG-TERM DEBT
 
     Long-term debt consists of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              DECEMBER 30,   JANUARY 1,
                                                                  1996          1996
                                                              ------------   -----------
<S>                                                           <C>            <C>
Notes payable under Loan Agreement..........................  $35,818,099    $37,021,241
Notes payable due at various dates, secured by buildings and
  equipment, with interest at rates primarily ranging from
  9.0% to 15.83%, payable monthly...........................    8,962,991     10,578,069
Unsecured notes payable, bearing interest at rates ranging
  from prime to 12%.........................................    3,480,852      3,580,852
Other.......................................................    1,233,278         80,735
                                                              -----------    -----------
Total long-term debt........................................   49,495,220     51,260,897
Less current installments...................................    9,589,233     13,170,619
                                                              -----------    -----------
Long-term debt, less current installments...................  $39,905,987    $38,090,278
                                                              ===========    ===========
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-10
<PAGE>   79
 
                      CHECKERS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANTS, INC.
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     Aggregate maturities under the existing terms of long-term debt agreements
for each of the succeeding five years are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>
1997........................................................  $ 9,589,233
1998........................................................    7,217,865
1999........................................................   31,391,670
2000........................................................    1,000,145
2001........................................................      234,618
Thereafter..................................................       61,689
</TABLE>
 
     On October 28, 1993, the Company entered into a loan agreement (the "Loan
Agreement") with a group of banks ("Bank Group") providing for an unsecured,
revolving credit facility. The Company borrowed approximately $50 million under
this facility primarily to open new Restaurants and pay off approximately $4
million of previously-existing debt. The Company subsequently arranged for the
Loan Agreement to be converted to a term loan and collateralized the term loan
and a revolving line of credit ranging from $1 million to $2 million (the
"Credit Line") with substantially all of the Company's assets. On March 15,
1996, the Bank Group advanced an additional sum of approximately $1.5 million to
the Company which funds were used for the payment of various property taxes (the
"Property Tax Loan"). The Property Tax Loan, together with all accrued interest,
was repaid in full on June 12, 1996, from proceeds of an income tax refund to
the Company.
 
     On July 29, 1996, the debt under the Loan Agreement and Credit Line was
acquired from the Bank Group by an investor group led by an affiliate of DDJ
Capital Management, LLC (collectively, "DDJ"). The Company and DDJ began
negotiations for restructuring of the debt. On November 14, 1996, and prior to
consummation of a formal debt restructuring with DDJ, the debt under the Loan
Agreement and Credit Line was acquired from DDJ by a group of entities and
individuals, most of whom are engaged in the fast food restaurant business. This
investor group (the "CKE Group") was led by CKE Restaurants, Inc., the parent of
Carl Karcher Enterprises, Inc., Casa Bonita, Inc., and Summit Family
Restaurants, Inc. Also participating were most members of the DDJ Group, as well
as KCC Delaware, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Giant Group, Ltd., which is a
controlling shareholder of Rally's Hamburgers, Inc. Waivers of all defaults
under the Loan Agreement and Credit Line were granted through November 22, 1996,
to provide a period of time during which the Company and the CKE Group could
negotiate an agreement on debt restructuring.
 
     On November 22, 1996, the Company and the CKE Group executed an Amended and
Restated Credit Agreement (the "Restated Credit Agreement") thereby completing a
restructuring of the debt under the Loan Agreement. The Restated Credit
Agreement consolidated all of the debt under the Loan Agreement and the Credit
Line into a single obligation. At the time of the restructuring, the outstanding
principal balance under the Loan Agreement and the Credit Line was $35.8
million. Pursuant to the terms of the Restated Credit Agreement, the term of the
debt was extended by one (1) year until July 31, 1999, and the interest rate on
the indebtedness was reduced to a fixed rate of 13%. In addition, all principal
payments were deferred until May 19, 1997, and the CKE Group agreed to eliminate
certain financial covenants, to relax others and to eliminate approximately $6
million in restructuring fees and charges. The Restated Credit Agreement also
provided that certain members of the CKE Group agreed to provide to the Company
a short term revolving line of credit of up to $2.5 million, also at a fixed
interest rate of 13% (the "Secondary Credit Line"). In consideration for the
restructuring, the Restated Credit Agreement required the Company to issue to
the CKE Group warrants to purchase an aggregate of 20 million shares of the
Company's common stock at an exercise price of $.75 per share, which was the
approximate market price of the common stock prior to the announcement of the
debt transfer. As of February 27, 1997, the Company has reduced the principal
balance under the Restated Credit Agreement by $9.1 million and has repaid the
Secondary Credit Line in full. A portion of the funds utilized to make these
principal reduction payments were obtained by the Company from
 
                                      F-11
<PAGE>   80
 
                      CHECKERS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANTS, INC.
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
the sale of certain closed restaurant sites to third parties. Additionally, the
Company utilized $10.5 million of the proceeds from the February 21, 1997,
private placement which is described later in this section. Pursuant to the
Restated Credit Agreement, the prepayments of principal made in 1996 and early
in 1997 will relieve the Company of the requirement to make any of the regularly
scheduled principal payments under the Restructured Credit Agreement which would
have otherwise become due in fiscal year 1997. The Amended and Restated Credit
Agreement provides however, that 50% of any future asset sales must be utilized
to prepay principal.
 
     On August 2, 1995, the Company entered into a purchase agreement (as
amended in October 1995 and April 1996 the "Rall-Folks Agreement") with
Rall-Folks, Inc. ("Rall-Folks") pursuant to which the Company agreed to issue
shares of its Common Stock in exchange for and in complete satisfaction of three
promissory notes of the Company held by Rall-Folks (the "Rall-Folks Notes").
Pursuant to the Rall-Folks Agreement, the Company is to deliver to Rall-Folks
shares of its Common Stock with a value equal to the outstanding balance due
under the Rall-Folks Notes (the "Rall-Folks Purchase Price"). The total amount
of principal outstanding under the Rall-Folks Notes was approximately $1,888,000
as of January 1, 1996 and $1,788,000 as of December 30, 1996. The Rall-Folks
Notes are fully subordinated to the Company's existing bank debt.
 
     Under the terms of the Rall-folks Agreement, the Company guaranteed that if
Rall-Folks sells all of the Common Stock issued for the Rall-folks Notes in a
reasonably prompt manner (subject to certain limitations described below)
Rall-Folks will receive net proceeds from the sale of such stock equal to the
Rall-Folks Purchase Price. If Rall-Folks receives less than such amount, the
Company will issue to Rall-Folks, at the option of Rall-Folks, either (i)
additional shares of Common Stock, to be sold by Rall-Folks, until Rall-Folks
receives an amount equal to the Rall-Folks Purchase Price, or (ii) a six-month
promissory note bearing interest at 11%, with all principal and accrued interest
due at maturity, and subordinated to the Company's bank debt pursuant to the
same subordination provisions, equal to the difference between the Rall-Folks
Purchase Price and the net amount received by Rall-Folks from the sale of the
Common Stock.
 
     On August 3, 1995, the Company entered into a purchase agreement (as
amended in October 1995 and April 1996, the "RDG Agreement") with Restaurant
Development Group, Inc. ("RDG") pursuant to which the Company agreed to issue
shares of its Common Stock in exchange for and in complete satisfaction of a
promissory note of the Company held by RDG (the "RDG Note"). The total amount of
principal outstanding under the RDG Note was approximately $1,693,000 as of
January 1, 1996 and as of December 30, 1996. The RDG Note is fully subordinated
to the Company's existing bank debt. In partial consideration of the transfer of
the RDG Note to the Company, the Company will deliver to RDG shares of Common
Stock with a value equal to the sum of (i) the outstanding balance due under the
RDG Note on the closing date and (ii) $10,000 (being the estimated legal
expenses of RDG to be incurred in connection with the registration of the Common
Stock) (the "RDG Purchase Price").
 
     As further consideration for the transfer of the RDG Note to the Company,
the Company agreed to issue RDG a warrant (the "Warrant") for the purchase of
120,000 shares of Common Stock at a price equal to the average closing sale
price of the Common Stock for the ten full trading days ending on the third
business day immediately preceding the closing date (such price is referred to a
the "Average Closing Price"); however, in the event that the average closing
price of the Common Stock for the 90 day period after the closing date is less
than the Average Closing Price, the purchase price for the Common Stock under
the Warrant will be changed on the 91st day after the closing date to the
average closing price for such 90 day period. The Warrant will be exercisable at
any time within five years after the closing date.
 
     Under the terms of the RDG Agreement, the Company has guaranteed that if
RDG sells all of such Common Stock issued for the RDG note in a reasonably
prompt manner (subject to certain limitations described below), RDG will receive
net proceeds from the sale of such stock equal to at least 80% of the RDG
 
                                      F-12
<PAGE>   81
 
                      CHECKERS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANTS, INC.
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
Purchase Price. If RDG receives less than such amount, the Company will issue
additional shares of Common Stock to RDG, to be sold by RDG, until RDG receives
an amount equal to 80% of the Purchase Price.
 
     The Rall-Folks Notes and the RDG Notes were due on August 4, 1995. Pursuant
to the Rall-Folks Agreement and the RDG Agreement, the Rall-Folks Notes and the
RDG Note were to be acquired by the Company in exchange for Common Stock on or
before September 30, 1995. The Company and Rall-folks and RDG amended the
Rall-Folks Agreement and the RDG Agreement, respectively, to allow for a closing
in May 1996 (subject to extension in the event closing is delayed due to review
by the Securities and Exchange Commission of the registration statement covering
the Common Stock to be issued in the transaction). The transactions with
Rall-Folks and RDG have been delayed due to the Company's negotiations with the
various investor groups during fiscal 1996 concerning the restructure of the
Company's debt. Each of the parties has the right to terminate their respective
Agreement.
 
     Pursuant to the Rall-Folks Agreement and the RDG Agreement, the term of the
Notes will be extended until the earlier of the closing of the repurchase of the
Notes or until approximately one month after the termination of the applicable
Agreement by a party in accordance with its terms. Closing is contingent upon a
number of conditions, including the prior registration under the federal and
state securities laws of the Common Stock to be issued and the subsequent
approval of the transaction by the stockholders of Rall-Folks and RDG of their
respective transactions. In the event the Company complies with all of its
obligations under the Rall-Folks Agreement and the stockholders of Rall-Folks do
not approve the transaction, the term of the Rall-Folks Notes was to have been
extended until December 1996. In the event the Company complies with all of its
obligations under the RDG Agreement and the stockholders of RDG do not approve
the transaction, the term of the RDG Note was to have been extended
approximately one year. The Company intends to attempt to negotiate a further
extension of these notes. No assurance can be given that the Company will be
successful in any attempted negotiations.
 
     Under the terms of the Rall-Folks Agreement and the RDG Agreement, if the
transaction contemplated therein is consummated, so long as Rall-Folks and RDG,
respectively, is attempting to sell the Common Stock issued to it in a
reasonably prompt manner (subject to the limitations described below), the
Company is obligated to pay to it in cash an amount each quarter equal to 2.5%
of the value of the Common Stock held by it on such date (such value being based
upon the value of the Common Stock when issued to it).
 
     On April 11, 1996, the Company entered into a Note Repayment Agreement (the
"NTDT Agreement") with Nashville Twin Drive-Thru Partners, L.P. ("NTDT")
pursuant to which the Company may issue shares of its Common Stock in exchange
for and in complete satisfaction of a promissory note of the Company held by
NTDT which matured on April 30, 1996 (the "NTDT Note"). Pursuant to the NTDT
Agreement, the Company is to issue shares of Common Stock to NTDT in blocks of
two hundred thousand shares each valued at the closing price of the Common Stock
on the day prior to the date they are delivered to NTDT (such date is
hereinafter referred to as the "Delivery Date" and the value of the Common Stock
on such date is hereinafter referred to as the "Fair Value"). The amount
outstanding under the NTDT Note will be reduced by the Fair Value of the stock
delivered to NTDT on each Delivery Date. The Company is obligated to register
each block of Common Stock for resale by NTDT under the federal and state
securities laws, and to keep such registration effective for a sufficient length
of time to allow the sale of the block of Common Stock, subject to limitations
on sales imposed by the Company described below. As each block of Common Stock
is sold, the Company will issue another block, to be registered for resale and
sold by NTDT, until NTDT receives net proceeds from the sale of such Common
Stock equal to the balance due under the NTDT Note. The Company will continue to
pay interest in cash on the outstanding principal balance due under the NTDT
Note through the date on which NTDT receives net proceeds from the sale of
Common Stock sufficient to repay the principal balance of the NTDT Note. On each
Delivery Date and on the same day of each month thereafter if NTDT holds on such
subsequent date any unsold shares of Common Stock, the Company will
 
                                      F-13
<PAGE>   82
 
                      CHECKERS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANTS, INC.
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
also pay to NTDT in cash an amount equal to .833% of the Fair Value of the
shares of Common Stock issued to NTDT as part of such block of Common Stock and
held by NTDT on such date. Once the NTDT Note has been repaid in full, NTDT is
obligated to return any excess proceeds or shares of Common Stock to the
Company. The total amount of principal outstanding under the NTDT Note was
approximately $1,354,000 as of December 30, 1996. The NTDT Note is fully
subordinated to the Company's existing bank debt. The term of the NTDT Note was
to have been extended until May 31, 1997, if the Company was in compliance with
its obligations under the NTDT Agreement and NTDT had received at least $1.0
million from the sale of the Common Stock by January 31, 1997. The Company did
not meet these obligations and the Note, therefore, was not extended. Such dates
were to be extended if NTDT failed to make a commercially reasonable attempt to
sell an average of 10,000 shares of Common Stock per day on each trading day
that a registration statement covering unsold shares held by NTDT is in effect
prior to such dates, or if the Company is delayed in filing a registration
statement (or an amendment or supplement thereto) due to the failure of NTDT to
provide information required to be provided to the Company under the NTDT
Agreement. In the event that the Company files a voluntary bankruptcy petition,
an involuntary bankruptcy petition is filed against the Company and not
dismissed within 60 days, a receiver or trustee is appointed for the Company's
assets, the Company makes an assignment of substantially all of its assets for
the benefit of its creditors, trading in the Common Stock is suspended for more
than 14 days, or the Company fails to comply with its obligations under the NTDT
Agreement, the outstanding balance due under the NTDT Note will become due and
NTDT may thereafter seek to enforce the NTDT Note. The Company has not complied
with its obligations under the NTDT Agreement to date.
 
     If these transactions are consummated, it is anticipated that approximately
4,000,000 shares of Common Stock will be issued by the Company (representing
approximately 6.2% of the shares outstanding after such issuance) as
consideration for various assets, primarily the Rall-Folks Notes, the RDG Note
and the NTDT Note (the "Notes") described above. The number of shares to be
issued will be determined by dividing the outstanding balance due under the
Notes (approximately $4.8 million as of March 1, 1997) or the purchase price for
the assets (approximately $300,000) by the average of the closing sale price per
share of the Common Stock for a set number of days prior to the closing date for
each transaction. The shares will either be available for immediate sale by the
persons and entities to whom they are issued,or the Company will be required to
register them for sale under the federal and state securities laws. In order to
promote an orderly distribution of the Common Stock to be issued to and sold by
Rall-Folks, RDG and NTDT, the Company negotiated the following limits on the
sales that may be made by Rall-Folks, RDG and NTDT: (i) each may sell not more
than 50,000 shares of Common Stock per week (150,000 in the aggregate) and (ii)
each may sell not more than 25,000 shares in any one day (75,000 shares in the
aggregate); provided that each may sell additional shares in excess of such
limits if such additional shares are sold at a price higher than the lowest then
current bid price for the Common Stock. While it is anticipated that the
foregoing limits, if the agreements containing such limits remain in effect,
will allow an orderly distribution of the Common Stock to be issued to and sold
by Rall-Folks, RDG and NTDT, the effect of a continuous offering of an average
of 30,000 shares per day by Rall-Folks, RDG and NTDT is undeterminable at this
time. The individuals or entities having registration rights for Common Stock to
be issued upon the exercise of the warrants under the Restated Credit Agreement,
(or any other individuals or entities having piggyback registration rights
thereto) will be entitled to sell such stock upon exercise of the warrants
subject to any limitations under federal securities laws resulting from their
relationship to the Company. The individuals or entities having registration
rights for Common Stock issued in connection with the Private Placement may be
sold in the open market only after the expiration of one year from the date of
issuance, also subject to any applicable federal securities laws. There can be
no assurance that any of these sales will not have an adverse effect on the
market price for the Common Stock.
 
                                      F-14
<PAGE>   83
 
                      CHECKERS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANTS, INC.
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     The consummation of the transaction with each of Rall-Folks, RDG and NTDT
has been delayed by the negotiations with the various investor groups during
fiscal 1996 concerning the restructure of the Company's debt. Pursuant to the
terms of the Restated Credit Agreement, the Company is obligated to purchase or
repay the Rall-Folks Notes, the RDG Note and the NTDT Note using Common Stock,
or may repay them in cash.
 
     On February 21, 1997, the Company completed a private placement (the
"Private Placement") of 8,771,929 shares of the Company's common stock, $.001
par value, and 87,719 shares of the Company's Series A preferred stock, $114 par
value (the "Preferred Stock"). CKE Restaurants, Inc. purchased 6,162,299 of the
Company's common stock and 61,623 of the Preferred Stock and other qualified
investors, including other members of the CKE Group of lenders under the
Restated Credit Agreement, also participated in the Private Placement. The
Company received approximately $20 million in proceeds from the Private
Placement. The Company used $8 million of the Private Placement proceeds to
reduce the principal balance due under the Restated Credit Agreement; $2.5
million was utilized to repay the Secondary Credit Line; $2.3 million was
utilized to pay outstanding balances to various key food and paper distributors;
and the remaining amount was used primarily to pay down outstanding balances due
certain other vendors. The reduction of the debt under the Restated Credit
Agreement and the Secondary Credit Line, both of which carry a 13% interest rate
will reduce the Company's interest expense by more than $1.3 million annually.
 
NOTE 4:  INCOME TAXES
 
     Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations in fiscal years
1996, 1995 and 1994 amounted to $151,000, ($8,855,000), and ($4,573,000)
respectively.
 
     Income tax expense (benefit) consists of:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    CURRENT      DEFERRED        TOTAL
                                                  -----------   -----------   -----------
<S>                                               <C>           <C>           <C>
1996
  Federal.......................................  $(3,397,000)  $ 3,397,000   $        --
  State.........................................      190,000       (39,000)      151,000
                                                  -----------   -----------   -----------
                                                  $(3,207,000)  $ 3,358,000   $   151,000
                                                  ===========   ===========   ===========
1995
  Federal.......................................  $(2,957,000)  $(4,523,000)  $(7,480,000)
  State.........................................           --    (1,375,000)   (1,375,000)
                                                  -----------   -----------   -----------
                                                  $(2,957,000)  $(5,898,000)  $(8,855,000)
                                                  ===========   ===========   ===========
1994
  Federal.......................................  $  (773,000)  $(3,094,000)  $(3,867,000)
  State.........................................      (99,000)     (607,000)     (706,000)
                                                  -----------   -----------   -----------
                                                  $  (872,000)  $(3,701,000)  $(4,573,000)
                                                  ===========   ===========   ===========
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-15
<PAGE>   84
 
                      CHECKERS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANTS, INC.
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     Actual expense differs from the expected expense by applying the federal
income tax rate of 35% to earnings before income tax as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            FISCAL YEAR ENDED
                                                -----------------------------------------
                                                  DEC. 30,       JAN. 1,        JAN. 2,
                                                    1996           1996          1995
                                                ------------   ------------   -----------
<S>                                             <C>            <C>            <C>
"Expected" tax (benefit) expense..............  $(16,190,000)  $(14,726,000)  $(3,963,000)
State taxes, net of federal benefit...........    (1,802,000)    (1,632,000)     (459,000)
Change in valuation allowance for deferred tax
  asset allocated to income tax expense.......    18,125,000      7,616,000            --
Adjustments to deferred taxes for enacted
  change in federal tax rate..................            --             --            --
Other, Net....................................        18,000       (113,000)     (151,000)
                                                ------------   ------------   -----------
Actual tax expense (benefit)..................  $    151,000   $ (8,855,000)  $(4,573,000)
                                                ============   ============   ===========
</TABLE>
 
     The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant
portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities, are
represented below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             DECEMBER 30,   JANUARY 1,
                                                                 1996          1996
                                                             ------------   -----------
<S>                                                          <C>            <C>
Deferred Tax Assets:
  Impairment of long-lived assets under SFAS 121...........  $ 16,085,000   $ 7,365,000
  Accrued expenses and provisions for restructuring and
     Restaurant relocations and abandoned sites,
     principally due to deferral for income tax purposes...     8,581,000     6,156,000
  Federal net operating losses and credits.................    13,878,000     7,733,000
  State net operating losses and credits...................     2,210,000     1,275,000
  Deferral of franchise income and costs associated with
     franchise openings in progress........................       100,000       337,000
  Other....................................................       284,000       995,000
                                                             ------------   -----------
          Total gross deferred tax assets..................    41,138,000    23,861,000
  Valuation allowance......................................   (25,741,000)   (7,616,000)
                                                             ------------   -----------
          Net deferred tax assets..........................  $ 15,397,000   $16,245,000
                                                             ------------   -----------
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
  Property and equipment, principally due to differences in
     depreciation..........................................    15,276,000    12,824,000
  Pre-opening expense......................................       121,000        63,000
                                                             ------------   -----------
          Total gross deferred tax liabilities.............    15,397,000    12,887,000
                                                             ------------   -----------
          Net deferred tax assets..........................  $         --   $ 3,358,000
                                                             ============   ===========
</TABLE>
 
     The net change in the valuation allowance in the year ended December 30,
1996 was an increase of $18,125,000. The total valuation allowance of
$25,741,000 is maintained on deferred tax assets which the Company has not
determined to be more likely than not realizable at this time. The Company will
continue to review the valuation allowance on a quarterly basis and make
adjustments as appropriate.
 
     The current year federal net operating loss was carried back for federal
tax purposes. This resulted in an unused portion of the net operating loss and
alternative tax net operating loss available for carryforward which are both
reflected in Federal net operating losses and credits.
 
                                      F-16
<PAGE>   85
 
                      CHECKERS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANTS, INC.
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     At December 30, 1996 the Company has net operating loss carryforwards for
Federal income tax purposes of $31,513,000 which are available to offset future
taxable income, if any, through 2011. The Company also has alternative minimum
tax credit carryforwards of approximately $1,131,000 which are available to
reduce future regular income taxes, if any, over an indefinite period as well as
Targeted Jobs Tax Credit carryforwards in the amount of $446,000 which are
available to reduce future regular income taxes, if any, through 2011.
 
     The Company was examined by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for 1991 and
1992 and received tax deficiency notices on February 23, 1995. The IRS
challenged the life used for depreciation purposes by the Company for its
modular restaurant buildings. The amount of the assessment for 1991 and 1992 was
$579,551, before any related interest. The Company successfully appealed the tax
deficiency notices and was notified by the IRS, and concurred with by the Joint
Committee on Taxation, that the returns for the audited years be accepted as
filed.
 
NOTE 5:  RELATED PARTIES
 
     In May 1989 and March 1990, the Company entered into joint ventures with
related parties to operate two Restaurants. The joint venture agreements require
royalty fees of 2 to 4% and one of the agreements requires a management fee of
2.5% be paid to the Company. Total fees received by the Company were $102,835
and $111,725 respectively during 1995 and 1994.
 
     In December 1993, the Company sold its 50% partnership interest in one of
the above joint ventures back to the joint venture partner for $422,000 and
recognized a gain of $200,218. This joint venture partner has an additional
franchise Restaurant. Royalties paid by these Restaurants to the Company, for
the time periods in which the Restaurants were owned 100% by the joint venture
partner, were $67,935, and $62,222 in 1995 and 1994, respectively.
 
     In February 1990, the Company entered into a joint venture as a 50% partner
with an unaffiliated Florida corporation to own and operate a Restaurant. In
May, 1990, a related party leased to the partnership the land on which the
Restaurant is located. Rent paid by the partnership in 1993 and 1994 was
$43,656, and $43,656, respectively.
 
     In September 1991, the Company entered into a unit franchise agreement for
the operation of a single restaurant in Dania, Florida, with a related party.
The unit franchise agreement provided for payment to the Company of a standard
$25,000 franchise fee and a standard royalty fee of 4% of sales. In connection
with the transaction, the related party and his wife executed a continuing
guaranty, which guaranty provides for the personal guaranty of both of the
individuals of all obligations of the franchisee under the franchise agreement.
Total sums received by the Company in royalty fees in fiscal years 1995 and 1994
pursuant to the unit franchise agreement were $31,286, and $32,827,
respectively.
 
     In January 1992, the Company entered into a unit franchise agreement for
the operation of a single restaurant in the Clearwater, Florida area with three
related parties, which agreement provided for payment to the Company of a
standard $25,000 franchise fee and a standard royalty fee of 4% of sales. In
connection with the transaction, the related parties executed a continuing
guaranty, which guaranty provides for the personal guaranty of each of the
individuals of all obligations of the franchisee under the franchise agreement.
Total sums received by the Company in royalty fees in fiscal years 1995 and 1994
pursuant to the unit franchise agreement were $17,932 and $33,296 respectively.
 
     In February 1992, a general partnership was formed between a Director and
an unaffiliated Florida corporation, for the purpose of developing a shopping
center in Ocala, Florida. In July, 1992, the partnership leased to the Company
land on which a Restaurant was built. In October, 1994, the partnership sold the
land the Company was leasing to an unaffiliated entity. Total rent paid during
1994 was $21,730.
 
                                      F-17
<PAGE>   86
 
                      CHECKERS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANTS, INC.
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     In March 1993, a general partnership among certain related parties leased
to the Company under a triple net lease a parcel of land on which a Checkers
restaurant was to be built. The term of the lease was for five years, with five
five-year option periods and monthly rent payments of $4,167 during the initial
term. Due to the reductions in the Company's development plans, no restaurant
was ever built on the property and the lease was terminated in 1994, with no
rent ever having been paid by the Company. The Company did pay approximately
$72,000 in development related fees to third parties in connection with its
efforts to develop the property, approximately $30,000 of which were reimbursed
to the Company by the partnership.
 
     In July 1993, the Company entered into an Area Development Agreement with
two related parties. The Agreement provides for the payment to the Company of
the standard development fee, a standard franchise fee per restaurant and
payment of standard royalty fees. Six unit franchise agreements have been
granted pursuant to the Agreement in the names of various entities in which the
related parties each hold a fifty (50%) ownership interest. Total royalty fees
received by the Company in fiscal years 1995 and 1994 and pursuant to the unit
franchise agreements were $193,582 and $187,143 respectively.
 
     In December 1993, the Company sold one of its Restaurants in Ft.
Lauderdale, Florida, to a related party, The sales price was $905,000 and the
Company received $705,000 in cash and a promissory note for $200,000. A gain of
approximately $470,000 was recognized by the Company. The term of the promissory
note was for two years bearing interest at prime + 2% with interest only
payments due quarterly and one balloon principal payment due on or before
December 31, 1995. The related party is currently negotiating for the sale of
the Restaurant to another franchisee. The Company has agreed to extend the term
of the Note to the earlier of May 31, 1996 or the date the Restaurant is sold.
The note is secured by property in Broward County, Florida. Total royalty fees
received by the Company in fiscal years 1995 and 1994 pursuant to the unit
franchise agreement for the Restaurant were $31,378 and $32,599 respectively.
 
     In September 1993, the Company acquired 13 Restaurants from a Director of
the Company and a group of five partnerships (see note 6). The Company also
entered into a joint venture agreement with an affiliate of the Director in
September 1993, whereby the Director's affiliate served as the operating general
partner and owned 25% interest in the joint venture. The agreement gave the
Company the right to purchase, and gave the Director the right to require the
Company to purchase, the Director's 25% interest in the joint venture at
December 31, 1995 based on a formula price. The Director received compensation
and distributions totalling approximately $179,916 in 1995 and $265,000 in 1994
from the joint venture. The joint venture also paid development fees of $200,000
in 1994 (none in 1995) to the Director and an affiliate of the Director. The
joint venture subleased its office space in Atlanta from an affiliate of the
Director in 1995 and 1994. Rent paid by the joint venture in 1995 and 1994 was
$86,595 and $124,905 respectively. Total franchise fees received from the
Director and his affiliate and recognized as income was and $96,250 in 1995
(none in 1994). The Company purchased the interest of the Director and his
affiliations in the joint venture and sold three of these Restaurants to an
affiliate of the Director in August 1995 (see Note 6 relating to
InnerCityFoods).
 
     On July 17, 1995, Checkers of Raleigh, a North Carolina corporation ("C of
R") in which a Director is the principal officer and shareholder, took
possession of an under performing Company Restaurant pursuant to a verbal
agreement, and entered into a franchise agreement which provided for waiver of
the initial franchise fee but required the payment to the Company of a royalty
fee of 1%, 2% and 3% during the first, second and third years, respectively, and
4% thereafter. On January 1, 1996, C of R entered into leases for this
Restaurant for a term of three years for (i) the building and equipment at a
monthly rental of 1.5%, 3% and 4.5% of gross sales during the first, second and
third years respectively, and (ii) the land at a monthly rental of 3% of gross
sales for the first year and 4% of gross sales thereafter. Total sums received
by the Company in fiscal year 1995 for this Restaurant were: (a) $2,037 in
royalty fees pursuant to the unit franchise agreement, and (b) -0- in rent. All
sums due and owing to the Company under the leases as of December 30, 1996 were
required to be paid on or before March 31, 1997. The Director executed a
continuing guaranty, which provides for the
 
                                      F-18
<PAGE>   87
 
                      CHECKERS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANTS, INC.
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
personal guaranty of all of the obligations of the franchisee under the
franchise agreement. Pursuant to an Option for Asset Purchase dated January 1,
1996, C of R was granted the option to purchase this Restaurant for the greater
of (a) 50% of its sales for the prior year, or (b) $350,000. On July 17, 1995, C
of R took possession of another under performing Company Restaurant pursuant to
a verbal agreement, and entered into a franchise agreement which provided for
waiver of the initial franchise fee but required the payment to the Company of a
royalty fee of 1%, 2% and 3% during the first, second and third years,
respectively, and 4% thereafter. On January 1, 1996, C of R entered into leases
for this Restaurant for a term of three years for (i) the building and equipment
at a monthly rental of 1.5%, 3% and 4.5% of gross sales during the first, second
and third years, respectively, and (ii) the land at a monthly rental of 3% of
gross sales for the first year and 4% of gross sales thereafter. Total sums
received by the Company in fiscal year 1995 for this Restaurant were: (a) $1,392
in royalty fees pursuant to the unit franchise agreement, and (b) -0- in rent.
All sums due and owing to the Company under the leases as of January 1, 1996,
were required to be paid on or before March 31, 1996. The Director executed a
continuing guaranty, which provides for the personal guaranty of all of the
obligations of the franchisee under the franchise agreement. Pursuant to an
Option for Asset Purchase dated January 1, 1996, C of R was granted the option
to purchase this Restaurant for the greater of (a) 50% of its sales for the
prior year, or (b) $350,000.
 
     On December 5, 1995, Checkers of Asheville, a North Carolina corporation
("C of A") in which a Director is the principal officer and shareholder, took
possession of an under performing Company Restaurant pursuant to a verbal
agreement, and entered into a unit franchise agreement which provided for waiver
of the initial franchise fee but required the payment to the Company of the
standard royalty fee. On January 1, 1996, C of A entered into leases for this
Restaurant for a term of three years for the land, building and equipment at a
monthly rental of 4% of gross sales during the first year, 6% of gross sales the
second year, and a direct pass through of land rent during the third year. The
Director executed a continuing guaranty, which provides for the personal
guaranty of all of the obligations of the franchisee under the franchise
agreement. Pursuant to an Option for Asset Purchase dated January 1, 1996, C of
A was granted the option to purchase this Restaurant for the greater of (a) 50%
of its sales for the prior year, or (b) $350,000. On December 5, 1995, C of A
took possession of another under performing Company Restaurant pursuant to a
verbal agreement, and entered into a franchise agreement which provided for
waiver of (i) the initial franchise fee, and (ii) royalties during the first
three months, but requires the payment to the Company of the standard royalty
fee thereafter. On January 1, 1996, C of A entered into leases for this
Restaurant for a term of three years for the building and equipment at a monthly
rental of 1% of gross sales payable from and after the fourth month of the
lease. The Director executed a continuing guaranty, which provides for the
personal guaranty of all of the obligations of the franchisee under the
franchise agreement. Pursuant to an Option for Asset Purchase dated January 1,
1996, C of A was granted the option to purchase this Restaurant for the greater
of (a) 50% of its sales for the prior year, or (b) $300,000. On December 5,
1995, C of A took possession of another under performing Company Restaurant
pursuant to a verbal agreement and entered into a franchise agreement which
provided for waiver of the initial franchise fee but required the payment to the
Company of the standard royalty fee. On January 1, 1996, C of A entered into
leases for this Restaurant for a term of three years for the land, building and
equipment at a monthly rental of 3% of gross sales. The Director executed a
continuing guaranty, which provides for the personal guaranty of all of the
obligations of the franchisee under the franchise agreement. Pursuant to an
Option for Asset Purchase dated January 1, 1996, C of A was granted the option
to purchase this Restaurant for the greater of (a) 50% of its sales for the
prior year, or (b) $300,000.
 
     In January 1996, the Company entered into an Agreement for Lease with
Option for Asset Purchase ("Agreement") with a Director in which the Company was
granted certain rights for three years in and to a Restaurant in Clearwater,
Florida. Checkers (a) entered into a sublease for the real property and an
equipment lease for the fixed assets at a combined monthly rental of $3,000, and
(b) agreed to purchase the inventory located at the Restaurant.
 
                                      F-19
<PAGE>   88
 
                      CHECKERS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANTS, INC.
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     The Company incurred approximately $166,000 and $334,000 in legal fees for
1995 and 1994, respectively, from a law firm in which a Director of the Company,
at the time, was a partner.
 
     Management believes that all of the above transactions were completed on
terms comparable to those which could have been negotiated with independent
third parties.
 
NOTE 6:  ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS
 
     In May 1994, the Company completed an exchange agreement with Rally's
Hamburgers, Inc. ("Rally's") in which the Company acquired or leased three
Atlanta, Georgia Restaurant sites directly from Rally's and leased, assigned
existing leases for, or sold 18 Checkers Restaurant sites to Rally's. Also in
May 1994, the Company acquired eight Restaurant properties in Atlanta, Georgia
from two Rally's franchisees, and nine Restaurant properties in Miami, Florida
from a third Rally's franchisee. The aggregate purchase price for these
acquisitions was approximately $9,708,000 (676,761 shares of Common Stock,
$177,000 in cash, and approximately $5,295,000 in subordinated promissory notes
and assumed liabilities). Goodwill of $5,760,814 resulted from these
transactions.
 
     The Company acquired five additional Restaurants from three franchisees
during 1994, for an aggregate of 207,457 shares of Common Stock, $908,000 in
cash, and $828,000 in assumption of liabilities. Goodwill of $729,249 resulted
from these transactions.
 
     On March 31, 1995, the Company re-acquired certain rights relating to the
development and operation of Checkers Restaurants in the cities of Flint and
Saginaw, Michigan. The purchase price was $400,000 payable by the delivery of
178,273 shares of Common Stock.
 
     Effective as of July 28, 1995, an Asset Purchase Agreement (the
"Agreement") was entered into by and among InnerCityFoods, a Georgia general
partnership ("ICF"), InnerCityFoods Joint Venture company, a Delaware
corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of the Registrant ("ICF JVC"),
InnercityFoods Leasing Company, a Delaware corporation and wholly owned
subsidiary of the Company ("Leasing"), The La-Van Hawkins Group, Inc., a Georgia
corporation ("Hawkins Group"), LaVan Hawkins InnerCityFoods, LLC, a Maryland
limited liability company ("LHICF"), and La-Van Hawkins, an individual who was
the President of ICF and a Director of the Company from August 1994 to January
1996 ("Hawkins"). For purposes of the disclosure in this term, ICF JVC, Leasing
and the Company are collectively referred to as the "Checkers Parties" and
Hawkins Group, LHICF and Hawkins are collectively referred to as the "Hawkins
Parties".
 
     ICF was a joint venture between the Hawkins Group and ICF JVC, of which the
Hawkins Group was the Operating Partner. The Hawkins Group is controlled by
Hawkins. ICF was engaged in the operation of seven Checkers Restaurants in
Atlanta, Georgia, six Checkers Restaurants in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and
three Checkers Restaurants in Baltimore, Maryland. ICF JVC owned a 75% interest
in ICF and the Hawkins Group owned a 25% interest in ICF. The physical assets
comprising the Restaurants operated by ICF were owned by Leasing and leased to
ICF.
 
     The Agreement consisted of two separate transactions. The first transaction
was the purchase by the Company of all of the rights, titles, and interest of
Hawkins Group in and to ICF for a purchase price of $1,250,000, plus an amount
based on ICF's earnings times 1.25, minus all amounts owed by the Hawkins
Parties to the Checkers Parties in connection with the operation of ICF. The
component of the purchase price based upon the earnings of ICF was zero, and the
amounts owed by the Hawkins Parties to the Checkers Parties was in excess of
$1,250,000. Accordingly, there was no net purchase price payable to the Hawkins
Parties by the Company for Hawkins Group's interest in ICF.
 
     The second transaction under the Agreement was the sale by the Checkers
Parties of all of their respective rights, titles and interests in the three
Checkers Restaurants located in Baltimore, Maryland, to
 
                                      F-20
<PAGE>   89
 
                      CHECKERS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANTS, INC.
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
LHICF for a purchase price of $4,800,000. The purchase price was paid by the
delivery of a promissory note in the amount of $4,982,355, which amount includes
the purchase price for the three Restaurants, the approximately $107,355 owed by
the Hawkins Parties to the Checkers Parties in connection with the operation of
ICF that was not offset by the $1,250,000 purchase price for Hawkins Group's
interest in ICF and an advance of $75,000 to Hawkins that was used primarily to
pay closing costs related to the transaction. The note bears interest at a
floating rate which is the lesser of (i) .25% above the current borrowing rate
of the Company under its Loan Agreement and (ii) 10.5%. Interest only is payable
for the first six months with principal and interest being payable thereafter
based on a 15 year amortization rate with the final payment of principal and
interest due August 2002. The note is secured by a pledge of all the assets
sold. Royalty fees for the three Restaurants are at standard rates provided that
the Company will receive an additional royalty fee of 4% on all sales in excess
of $1,800,000 per Restaurant.
 
     In addition to the two transactions described above, the Agreement also
provided for the Hawkins Parties to be granted, and such parties were granted on
the closing date, development rights for Checkers Restaurants in certain defined
areas of Baltimore, Maryland, Washington, D.C., Bronx, New York, and Harlem, New
York, as well as a right of first refusal for certain territories in California
and Virginia. Franchise fees and royalty rates for all Restaurants developed
under such development rights will be at standard rates provided that the
Company will receive an additional royalty fee of 4% on all sales in excess of
$1,800,000 per Restaurant.
 
     The Agreement also provides that the Agreement supersedes all other prior
agreements, understandings and letters related to the transactions contemplated
by the Agreement including, but not limited to, the Joint Venture Agreement,
dated as of August 10, 1993 and the Management Agreement, Engagement Agreement
and Buy/Sell Agreement, each dated as of September 7, 1993, by and among certain
of the Hawkins Parties and their affiliates and the Checkers Parties; provided,
however, that any provisions of such agreements that would survive the
termination of such agreements according to the terms of such agreements are
deemed to have survived the termination of such agreements pursuant to the terms
of the Agreement.
 
     The Company purchased two Checkers Restaurants in Nashville, Tennessee in
March 1995 from a franchisee. Consideration consisted of approximately $50,000
in cash at closing, secured, subordinated promissory notes for approximately
$1,550,000 and future cash payments of up to $800,000 consisting of $200,000 for
a noncompete agreement ($40,000 per year for five years) and up to $600,000
through an earnout provision.
 
     In April 1995, the Company acquired the remaining 50% share of a joint
venture Restaurant in St. Petersburg, Florida. Pursuant to the terms of the
Assignment Agreement by and among the Company and the other partners of the
joint venture, the Company acquired the one-half interest for 126,375 shares of
Common Stock valued at approximately $280,000.
 
     In April 1995, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of a
promotional apparel distributor ("the Distributor") for a purchase price
including (a) $67,400, payable in shares of Common Stock, and (b) the assumption
of approximately $238,000 of liabilities, approximately $196,000 of which was
represented by promissory notes payable to certain stockholders of the
Distributor (the "Noteholders"). The Company issued a total of 118,740 shares of
Common Stock to the Distributor in payment of the $67,400 purchase price and to
the Noteholders in payment of their notes.
 
     As of the close of business July 1, 1996, the Company acquired certain
general and limited partnership interests in nine Checkers restaurants in the
Chicago area, three wholly-owned Checkers Restaurants and other assets and
liabilities as a result of the bankruptcy of Chicago Double-Drive Thru, Inc.
("CDDT"). These assets were received in lieu of past due royalties, notes
receivable and accrued interest, from CDDT which totalled, net of reserves,
$3,333,014. Assets of $8,892,905 ($7,038,011 tangible and $1,854,894
 
                                      F-21
<PAGE>   90
 
                      CHECKERS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANTS, INC.
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
intangible) and liabilities of approximately $3,018,760 were consolidated into
the balance sheet of the Company as of the acquisition date. The Company has not
received, from the bankruptcy trustee, closing financial statements for these
partnerships and therefore, the resulting minority interests of approximately
$2,341,131 recorded as of July 1, 1996, along with certain of the
above-mentioned assets and liabilities are subject to adjustment.
 
     Long-term debt of $1,621,757 was assumed as a result of the acquisition of
the assets of CDDT, including an obligation to the Internal Revenue Service of
$545,000 and an obligation to the State of Illinois Department of Revenue of
$155,000, each subject to interest at 9.125% per year. The remaining acquired
notes $(921,757) are payable to a Bank and other parties with interest at rates
ranging from 8.11% to 10.139%. Non-interest bearing notes payable, certain
accrued liabilities and permitted encumbrances of $1,064,462 related to this
acquisition were assumed by the Company. Accounts payable incurred by CDDT and
its partnerships in the normal course of business amounting to $332,541 were
also recorded in connection with this acquisition.
 
     On August 16, 1996, the Company received $3,500,000 and a Checkers
Restaurant in Washington D.C., valued at $659,547, in settlement of a note
receivable of $4,982,355, accrued interest of $319,924, and other receivables of
$278,785. This transaction resulted in an elimination of a deferred gain of
$1,421,517 which had been previously recorded as a liability upon the sale of
three Checkers Restaurants located in Baltimore, Maryland on July 28, 1995 when
the $4,982,355 note receivable was generated.
 
     The operations of these acquisitions are included in these financial
statements from the date of purchase. The impact of the 1994, 1995 and 1996
acquisitions on the consolidated results of operations for the period prior to
acquisitions is immaterial.
 
NOTE 7:  STOCK OPTION PLANS
 
     In August 1991, the Company adopted a stock option plan for employees
whereby incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation
rights and restrictive shares can be granted to eligible salaried individuals.
An option may vest immediately as of the date of grant and no option will be
exercisable after ten years from the date of the grant. All options expire no
later than 10 years from the date of grant. The Company has reserved 3,500,000
shares for issuance under the plan. In 1994, the Company adopted a stock option
plan for non-employee directors, which provides for the automatic grant to each
non-employee director upon election to the Board of Directors of a
non-qualified, ten-year option to acquire 12,000 shares of the Company's common
stock, with the subsequent automatic grant on the first day of each fiscal year
thereafter during the time such person is serving as a non-employee director of
a non-qualified ten-year option to acquire an additional 3,000 shares of common
stock. The Company has reserved 200,000 shares for issuance under this plan. All
such options have an exercise price equal to the closing sale price of the
common stock on the date of grant. One-fifth of the shares of common stock
subject to each initial option grant become exercisable on a cumulative basis on
each of the first five anniversaries of the grant of such option. One-third of
the shares of common stock subject to each subsequent option grant become
exercisable on a cumulative basis on each of the first three anniversaries of
the date of the grant of such option. As of December 30, 1996, there were
111,600 options outstanding with a weighted average exercise price of $2.93 per
share. The plans provide that shares granted come from the Company's authorized
but unissued or reacquired common stock. The price of the options granted
pursuant to these plans will not be less than 100 percent of the fair market
value of the shares on the date of the grant.
 
     The Company has adopted the disclosure-only provisions of Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock Based
Compensation." Accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized for the
stock option plans. Had compensation cost for the Company's stock option plan
for employees been determined based on the fair value at the grant date for
awards in fiscal 1994, 1995, and 1996
 
                                      F-22
<PAGE>   91
 
                      CHECKERS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANTS, INC.
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
consistent with the provisions of SFAS No. 123, the Company's net earnings and
earnings per share would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated
below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            FISCAL YEAR ENDED
                                                -----------------------------------------
                                                DECEMBER 30,    JANUARY 1,    JANUARY 2,
                                                    1996           1996          1995
                                                ------------   ------------   -----------
<S>                                             <C>            <C>            <C>
Net Earnings (Loss)
  As Reported.................................  $(46,408,880)  $(33,219,474)  $(6,751,254)
  Pro Forma...................................   (47,828,734)   (33,706,928)   (7,136,711)
Net Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share
  As Reported.................................         (0.90)         (0.65)        (0.14)
  Pro Forma...................................  $      (0.93)  $      (0.66)  $     (0.14)
</TABLE>
 
     The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using
the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average
assumptions used for grants in 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively: dividend yield
of zero percent for all years; expected volatility of 57, 60 and 64 percent,
risk-free interest rates of 7.1, 6.2 and 6.5 percent, and expected lives of 4.7,
5.1 and 3.5 years. The compensation cost disclosed above may not be
representative of the effects on reported income in future years, for example,
because options vest over several years and additional awards are made each
year. Information regarding the employee option plan for 1996, 1995 and 1994 is
as follows.
 
SUMMARY OF THE STATUS OF THE COMPANY'S STOCK OPTION PLANS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     1996                   1995                   1994
                                             --------------------   --------------------   ---------------------
                                                         WEIGHTED               WEIGHTED                WEIGHTED
                                                         AVERAGE                AVERAGE                 AVERAGE
                                                         EXERCISE               EXERCISE                EXERCISE
                                              SHARES      PRICE      SHARES      PRICE       SHARES      PRICE
                                             ---------   --------   ---------   --------   ----------   --------
<S>                                          <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>          <C>
Outstanding at the beginning of the year...  2,579,484    $4.75     2,915,074    $5.44      2,119,000    $9.95
Granted (exercise price equals market).....     24,100     1.00       500,182     2.37      1,855,376     3.85
Granted (exercise price exceeds market)....    953,056     1.54            --                      --
Exercised..................................         --                     --                      --
Forfeited..................................   (336,010)    2.07      (835,772)    4.00     (1,059,302)    5.09
                                             ---------              ---------              ----------
Outstanding at the end of the year.........  3,220,630     3.94     2,579,484     4.75      2,915,074     5.44
                                             =========              =========              ==========
Options Exercisable at year end............  2,165,934              1,147,650                 572,124
                                             ---------              ---------              ----------
Weighted-average fair value of options
  granted during the year..................  $    0.39(1)           $    1.08              $     2.01
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(1) The weighted-average fair value of options granted whose exercise price
    exceeds market was also $0.39.
 
                                      F-23
<PAGE>   92
 
                      CHECKERS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANTS, INC.
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
SUMMARY OF COMPANY STOCK OPTION PLAN'S PRICES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                OPTIONS OUTSTANDING
                                     ------------------------------------------
                                                    WEIGHTED-                           OPTIONS EXERCISABLE
                                                     AVERAGE                      -------------------------------
                                       NUMBER       REMAINING      WEIGHTED-          NUMBER         WEIGHTED-
                                     OUTSTANDING   CONTRACTUAL      AVERAGE       EXERCISABLE AT      AVERAGE
RANGE OF EXERCISE PRICES              12/30/96     LIFE (YRS.)   EXERCISE PRICE      12/30/96      EXERCISE PRICE
- ------------------------             -----------   -----------   --------------   --------------   --------------
<S>                                  <C>           <C>           <C>              <C>              <C>
$0.75 to $2.00.....................     816,069        9.5            1.52            206,204           1.53
$2.01 to $3.00.....................     896,840        4.7            2.59            470,701           2.56
$3.01 to $4.00.....................     388,125        2.2            3.55            388,125           3.55
$4.01 to $5.00.....................          --         --              --                 --             --
$5.01 to $6.00.....................     816,001        2.6            5.13            801,097           5.13
$6.01 to $20.00....................     303,595        6.9           11.72            299,807          11.71
                                     ----------        ---           -----          ---------          -----
$0.75 to $20.00....................   3,220,630        5.3            3.94          2,165,934           4.86
                                     ==========        ===           =====          =========          =====
</TABLE>
 
     In August 1994, employees granted $11.50, $11.63, $12.33 and $19.00 options
were given the opportunity to forfeit those options and be granted an option to
purchase a share at $5.13 for every two option shares retired. As a result of
this offer, options for 662,228 shares were forfeited in return for options for
331,114 shares at $5.13 per share, and these changes are reflected in the above
table.
 
     In February 1996, employees (excluding executive officers) granted options
in 1993 and 1994 with exercise prices in excess of $2.75 were offered the
opportunity to exchange for a new option grant for a lesser number of shares at
an exercise price of $1.95, which represented a 25% premium over the market
price of the Company's common stock on the date the plan was approved. Existing
options with an exercise price in excess of $11.49 could be cancelled in
exchange for new options on a four to one basis. Options with an exercise price
between $11.49 and $2.75 could be cancelled in exchange for new options on a
three for one basis. The offer to employees expired April 30, 1996 and, as a
result of this offer, options for 49,028 shares were forfeited in return for
options for 15,877 shares at the $1.95 exercise price. These changes are
reflected in the tables above.
 
NOTE 8:  LOSS PROVISIONS
 
     The Company recorded accounting charges and loss provisions of $16,765,195
during the third quarter of 1996, $1,249,644 of which consisted of various
selling, general and administrative expenses ($499,644 for bad debt expense and
a $750,000 provision for state sales tax audits). Provisions totalling
$14,169,777 to close 27 Restaurants and relocate 22 of them ($4,194,344), settle
16 leases on real property underlying these stores ($1,200,000) and sell land
underlying the other 11 Restaurants ($307,347), and impairment charges related
to an additional 28 under-performing Restaurants ($8,468,035) were recorded.
Refinancing costs of $845,775 were also recorded to expense capitalized costs
incurred in connection with the Company's previous lending arrangements with its
bank group. A provision of $500,000 was also recorded for Champion's finished
buildings inventory as an adjustment to fair market value.
 
     Additional accounting charges and loss provisions of $12,789,609 were
recorded during the fourth quarter of 1996, $1,494,730 of which consisted of
various selling, general and administrative expenses ($578,810 for severance,
$346,000 for employee relocations, bad debt provisions of $366,078, and $203,842
for other charges). Provisions totalling $7,743,608 including $1,429,898 for
additional losses on assets to be disposed of, $5,920,746 for impairment charges
related to 9 under-performing Restaurants received by the Company as a result of
the CDDT bankruptcy in July 1996 and $392,964 for other impairment charges were
also recorded. Additionally, in the fourth quarter of 1996, a provision of
$350,549 was recorded for legal settlements, a $1,140,746 provision for loss on
the disposal of the L.A. Mex product line, workers compensation accruals of
$1,093,000 (included in Restaurant labor costs), adjustments to goodwill of
$513,676 (included in other
 
                                      F-24
<PAGE>   93
 
                      CHECKERS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANTS, INC.
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
depreciation and amortization) and a $453,300 charge for the assumption of
minority interests in losses on joint-venture operations as a result of the
receipt by the Company of certain assets from the above mentioned CDDT
bankruptcy.
 
     Third quarter 1995 accounting charges and loss provisions of $8,800,000
consisted of $2,934,000 in various selling, general and administrative expenses
($1,167,000 write-off of receivables, accruals for $125,000 in recruiting fees,
$304,000 in relocation costs, $274,000 in severance pay, $101,000 in state
income and sales taxes, reserves for $700,000 in legal settlements, the write
off of a $263,000 investment in an apparel company); $3,192,000 to provide for
Restaurant relocation costs, write-downs and abandoned site costs; $344,000 to
expense refinancing costs; $645,000 to provide for inventory obsolescence;
$1,500,000 for workers compensation exposure included in Restaurant labor costs
and $185,000 in other charges, net, including the $499,000 write-down of excess
work in progress inventory costs and a minority interest credit of $314,000.
 
     Fourth quarter 1995 accounting charges included $3,000,000 for warrants to
be issued in settlement of litigation (see Note 9 (b) - Lopez, et al vs.
Checkers) to accrue approximately $800,000 for legal fees in connection with the
settlement and continued defense of various litigation matters. Additionally,
during the fourth quarter of 1995, the Company adopted Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 121 "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
and Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of" (SFAS 121) which required a write-down
of certain intangibles and property related to under performing sites. The
effect of adopting SFAS 121 was a total charge to earnings for 1995 of
$18,935,190, consisting of a $5,850,447 write-down of goodwill and a $13,084,743
write-down of property and equipment.
 
     The significant loss provisions discussed above during 1995 and 1996 were
caused by declining sales and a corresponding decline in cash flows which
impacted the Company's ability to support its net assets as reviewed under SFAS
No. 121. The result of declining sales and cash flows also necessitated the
recording of additional provisions to account for reductions in corporate
staffing and other overhead expenses associated with the restructuring required
to bring the Company's corporate and support activities in line with the lower
levels of sales and cash flows.
 
     In 1994 the Company recorded provisions totalling $4,500,000 in the first
quarter and $11,396,000 in the fourth quarter of 1994. The first quarter
$4,500,000 provision included $1,753,000 to provide for the write-off of site
costs and the other costs to originally open Restaurants and $1,728,000 in lease
liability settlements for the 21 underperforming or closed Restaurants. The
fourth quarter 1994 provisions totalling $11,396,000 included a $1,690,000
charge to settle leases and $2,950,000 to expense site costs and other costs to
originally open Restaurants for 12 under performing Restaurants to be relocated.
These charges, along with the first quarter $4,500,000 charge described above
are combined, and the total $9,140,000 was reflected in the Company's 1994
statement of operations. A restructuring charge of $5,631,000 was included in
the fourth quarter 1994 provisions to provide for the Company's reorganization
due to its inability to find sufficient capital on acceptable terms to maintain
its growth rate and the resultant downsizing of staff and offices and the
write-off of costs associated with sites which will not be developed and new
Restaurant openings which have been delayed. The charge consisted of severance
costs, closed office expense, and loss on sale of the Company plane totalling
$680,000, and site costs and other costs to open previously anticipated new
Restaurants of $4,951,000. Other fourth quarter 1994 provisions included
$850,000 for legal costs and an allowance for royalty receivables due from a
franchisee involved in a bankruptcy, and $275,000 for settlement of real estate
title claims, both of which were included in 1994 selling, general and
administrative expenses. Of the 1994 provisions which total $15,896,000,
approximately $11,000,000 represents non-cash charges primarily for the
write-off of site costs and other costs to originally open the Restaurants. The
remaining $4,900,000 primarily represents cash expenditures to be made to settle
lease liabilities (approximately $4,100,000) over the remaining lives (up to
fourteen years) of the underlying leases.
 
                                      F-25
<PAGE>   94
 
                      CHECKERS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANTS, INC.
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     Lease payments, other cash charges and asset write-offs in 1996 and 1995
reduced the Reserve for restaurant relocations and abandoned sites by $5,455,767
and $5,190,960, respectively. Legal reserves were utilized by $3,000,000 in 1995
and $686,293 in 1996. Other provisions are typically utilized on a current
basis.
 
                      CHECKERS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANTS, INC.
                     ACCOUNTING CHARGES AND LOSS PROVISIONS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            1996                       1995                       1994
                                  ------------------------   ------------------------   ------------------------
                                   PROVISION     RESERVE      PROVISION     RESERVE      PROVISION     RESERVE
                                     TOTAL       BALANCE        TOTAL       BALANCE        TOTAL       BALANCE
                                  -----------   ----------   -----------   ----------   -----------   ----------
<S>                               <C>           <C>          <C>           <C>          <C>           <C>
Workers compensation
  adjustments...................  $ 1,093,000   $            $ 1,500,000   $            $         0   $
                                  -----------                -----------                -----------
Amortization adjustments........      513,676                          0                          0
                                  -----------                -----------                -----------
Excess work-in-progress
  inventory adjustment..........            0                    499,000                          0
                                  -----------                -----------                -----------
Unusual bad debt provisions.....      865,722      865,722     1,167,000            0       850,000            0
State income/sales tax audits...      750,000      750,000       101,000      101,000             0
Severance.......................      578,810      578,810       274,000      274,000             0
Relocations.....................      346,000      346,000       304,000      304,000             0
Recruiting fees.................            0                    125,000      125,000             0
Refinancing costs...............      845,775                    344,000                          0
Legal settlements...............            0       13,707       700,000      700,000             0
Write-off of investment in
  apparel Co....................            0                    263,000                          0
Other...........................      203,842                          0                    275,000
                                  -----------   ----------   -----------   ----------   -----------   ----------
         Total general and
           administrative.......    3,590,149    2,554,239     3,278,000    1,504,000     1,125,000            0
                                  -----------   ----------   -----------   ----------   -----------   ----------
Impairment of long lived
  assets........................   14,781,745                 18,935,190                          0
                                  -----------                -----------                -----------
Closing and relocating
  restaurants...................    5,624,292                  1,199,000                  5,722,000
Settling leases.................    1,200,000                  1,993,000                  3,418,000
Selling land....................      307,347                          0                          0
                                  -----------   ----------   -----------   ----------   -----------   ----------
         Total losses on assets
           to be disposed of....    7,131,639    3,799,770     3,192,000    2,123,898     9,140,000    4,122,858
                                  -----------   ----------   -----------   ----------   -----------   ----------
Loss on disposal of product
  line..........................    1,140,746    1,140,746             0                          0
Write-off restaurant development
  costs.........................            0                          0                  4,951,000
Closed office expense...........            0                          0                    200,000
Loss on sale of Company plane...            0                          0                    230,000
Severance costs/restructuring
  reserve.......................            0            0             0      166,325       250,000
Legal settlements/legal
  reserve.......................      350,549    1,150,549     3,800,000      800,000             0
Champion inventory fair value
  write-down....................      500,000            0       645,000                          0
                                  -----------   ----------   -----------   ----------   -----------   ----------
         Total loss provisions/
           restructuring........    1,991,295    2,291,295     4,445,000      966,325     5,631,000    1,377,373
                                  -----------   ----------   -----------   ----------   -----------   ----------
Unusual adjustments to minority
  interests.....................      453,300                   (314,000)                         0
                                  -----------   ----------   -----------   ----------   -----------   ----------
         Total accounting
           charges and loss
           provisions...........  $29,554,804   $8,645,304   $31,535,190   $4,594,223   $15,896,000   $5,500,231
                                  ===========   ==========   ===========   ==========   ===========   ==========
</TABLE>
 
     Workers compensation adjustments are included in Restaurant labor costs.
Amortization adjustments are included in Other depreciation and amortization.
Excess work-in progress inventory adjustment is included in Cost of modular
restaurant package revenues. The reserve balance for unusual bad debt provisions
is included
 
                                      F-26
<PAGE>   95
 
                      CHECKERS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANTS, INC.
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
in Allowances for doubtful receivables and the other reserves related to general
and administrative expenses as well as legal reserves are included in Accrued
liabilities.
 
NOTE 9:  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
     (a) LEASE COMMITMENTS.  The Company leases Restaurant properties and office
space under operating lease agreements. These operating leases generally have
five to ten-year terms with options to renew. Base rent expense on these
properties was approximately $8,015,000 in 1996, $9,773,000 in 1995, and
$7,800,000 in 1994.
 
     Future minimum lease payments under noncancelable operating leases as of
December 30, 1996 are approximately as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              OPERATING
YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31                                         LEASES
- -----------------------                                       ----------
<S>                                                           <C>
  1997......................................................   8,245,000
  1998......................................................   7,328,000
  1999......................................................   7,165,000
  2000......................................................   7,349,000
  2001......................................................   6,999,000
  Thereafter................................................  53,599,000
</TABLE>
 
     (b) LITIGATION.  Except as described below, the Company is not a party to
any material litigation and is not aware of any threatened material litigation:
 
          In re Checkers Securities Litigation, Master File No.
     93-1749-Civ-T-17A. On October 13, 1993, a class action complaint was filed
     in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida,
     Tampa Division, by a stockholder against the Company, certain of its
     officers and directors, including Herbert G. Brown, Paul C. Campbell,
     George W. Cook, Jared D. Brown, Harry S. Cline, James M. Roche, N. John
     Simmons, Jr. and James F. White, Jr., and KPMG Peat Marwick, the Company's
     auditors. The complaint alleges, generally, that the Company issued
     materially false and misleading financial statements which were not
     prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, in
     violation of Section 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
     and Rule 10b-5 thereunder, and Florida common law and statute. The
     allegations, including an allegation that the Company inappropriately
     selected the percentage of completion method of accounting for sales of
     modular restaurant buildings, are primarily directed to certain accounting
     principles followed by Champion. The plaintiffs seek to represent a class
     of all purchasers of the Company's Common Stock between November 22, 1991
     and October 8, 1993, and seek an unspecified amount of damages. Although
     the Company believes this lawsuit is unfounded and without merit, in order
     to avoid further expenses of litigation, the parties have reached an
     agreement in principle for the settlement of this class action. The
     agreement for settlement provides for one of the Company's director and
     officer liability insurance carriers and another party to contribute to a
     fund for the purpose of paying claims on a claims-made basis up to a total
     of $950,000. The Company has agreed to contribute ten percent (10%) of
     claims made in excess of $475,000 for a total potential liability of
     $47,500. The settlement is subject to the execution of an appropriate
     stipulation of settlement and other documentation as may be required or
     appropriate to obtain approval of the settlement by the Court, notice to
     the class of pendency of the action and proposed settlement, and final
     court approval of the settlements.
 
          Lopez et al. v. Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. et al., Case No.
     94-282-Civ-T-17C. On February 18, 1994, a class action complaint was filed
     by four stockholders against the Company, Herbert G. Brown and James
     Mattei, former officers and directors, in the United States District Court
     for the
 
                                      F-27
<PAGE>   96
 
                      CHECKERS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANTS, INC.
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division. The complaint alleges,
     generally, that the defendants made certain materially false and misleading
     public statements concerning the pricing practices of competitors and
     analysts' projections of the Company's earnings for the year ended December
     31, 1993, in violation of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities
     Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 thereunder. The plaintiffs seek to
     represent a class of all purchasers of the Company's Common Stock between
     August 26, 1993 and March 15, 1994, and seek an unspecified amount of
     damages. Although the Company believes this lawsuit is unfounded and
     without merit, in order to avoid further expenses of litigation, the
     parties have reached an agreement for the settlement of this class action.
     The agreement for settlement provides for various director and officer
     liability insurance carriers to pay $8,175,000 cash and for the Company to
     issue warrants valued at approximately $3,000,000, for the purchase of
     5,100,000 shares of the Company common stock at a price of $1.4375 per
     share. The warrants will be exercisable for a period of four (4) years
     after the effective date of the settlement. At a hearing held on November
     22, 1996, the Court determined that the proposed settlement is fair,
     reasonable and adequate. The settlement has been implemented and the
     lawsuit has been dismissed.
 
          Greenfelder et al. v. White, Jr., et al. On August 10, 1995, a state
     court complaint was filed in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial
     Circuit for Pinellas County, Florida, Civil Division, entitled Gail P.
     Greenfelder and Powers Burgers, Inc. v. James F. White, Jr., Checkers
     Drive-In Restaurants, Inc., Herbert G. Brown, James E. Mattei, Jared D.
     Brown, Robert G. Brown and George W. Cook, Case No. 95-4644-C1-21. The
     original complaint alleged, generally, that certain officers of the Company
     intentionally inflicted severe emotional distress upon Ms. Greenfelder, who
     is the sole stockholder, president and director of Powers Burgers, a
     Checkers franchisee. The original complaint further alleged that Ms.
     Greenfelder and Powers Burgers were induced to enter into various
     agreements and personal guarantees with the Company based upon
     misrepresentations by the Company and its officers and the Company violated
     provisions of Florida's Franchise Act and Florida's Deceptive and Unfair
     Trade Practices Act. The original complaint alleged that the Company is
     liable for all damages caused to the plaintiffs as follows: damages in an
     unspecified amount in excess of $2,500,000 in connection with the claim of
     intentional infliction of emotional distress; $3,000,000 or the return of
     all monies invested by the plaintiffs in Checkers franchises in connection
     with the misrepresentation of claims; punitive damages; attorneys' fees;
     and such other relief as the court may deem appropriate. The Court has
     granted, in whole or in part, three (3) motions to dismiss the plaintiff's
     complaint, as amended, including an order entered on February 14, 1997,
     which dismissed the plaintiffs' claim of intentional infliction of
     emotional distress, with prejudice, but granted the plaintiffs leave to
     file an amended pleading with respect to the remaining claims set forth in
     their amended complaint. The Company believes that this lawsuit is
     unfounded and without merit, and intends to continue to defend it
     vigorously. No estimate of any possible loss or range of loss resulting
     from the lawsuit can be made at this time.
 
          Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. v. Tampa Checkmate Food Services,
     Inc., et al. On August 10, 1995, a state court counterclaim and third-party
     complaint was filed in the Circuit Court of the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit
     in and for Hillsborough County, Florida, Civil Division, entitled Tampa
     Checkmate Food Services, Inc., Checkmate Food Services, Inc., and Robert H.
     Gagne v. Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc., Herbert G. Brown, James E.
     Mattei, James F. White, Jr., Jared D. Brown, Robert G. Brown and George W.
     Cook, Case No. 95-3869. In the original action, filed by the Company in
     July 1995 against Mr. Gagne and Tampa Checkmate Food Services, Inc., a
     company controlled by Mr. Gagne, the Company is seeking to collect on a
     promissory note and foreclose on a mortgage securing the promissory note
     issued by Tampa Checkmate and Mr. Gagne, and obtain declaratory relief
     regarding the rights of the respective parties under Tampa Checkmate's
     franchise agreement with the Company. The counterclaim and third party
     complaint allege, generally, that Mr. Gagne, Tampa Checkmate and Checkmate
     Food Services, Inc. were induced into entering into various franchise
     agreements with and personal
 
                                      F-28
<PAGE>   97
 
                      CHECKERS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANTS, INC.
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     guarantees to the Company based upon misrepresentations by the Company. The
     counterclaim and third party complaint seeks damages in the amount of
     $3,000,000 or the return of all monies invested by Checkmate, Tampa
     Checkmate and Gagne in Checkers franchises, punitive damages, attorneys'
     fees and such other relief as the court may deem appropriate. The
     counterclaim was dismissed by the court on January 26, 1996 with the right
     to amend. On February 12, 1996 the counterclaimants filed an amended
     counterclaim alleging violations of Florida's Franchise Act, Florida's
     Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, and breaches of implied duties of
     "good faith and fair dealings" in connection with a settlement agreement
     and franchise agreement between various of the parties. The amended
     counterclaim seeks a judgement for damages in an unspecified amount,
     punitive damages, attorneys' fees and such other relief as the court may
     deem appropriate. The Company has filed a motion to dismiss the amended
     counterclaim. The Company believes that this lawsuit is unfounded and
     without merit, and intends to continue to defend it vigorously. No estimate
     of any possible loss or range of loss resulting from the lawsuit can be
     made at this time.
 
     (c) PURCHASE COMMITMENTS.  The Checkers Drive-In Restaurant chain, which
includes both the Company and franchisee-owned stores together, has purchase
agreements with various suppliers extending beyond one year. Subject to the
supplier's quality and performance, the purchases covered by these agreements
aggregate approximately $9 million in 1997, $11 million in 1998, $8 million in
1999 and $5 million in 2000.
 
NOTE 10:  WARRANTS
 
     As partial consideration for the transfer of a promissory note of the
Company (the "Note") back to the Company, the Company is obligated to deliver to
the holder of the Note a warrant (the "Warrant") for the purchase of 120,000
shares of Common Stock at a price equal to the average closing sale price of the
Common Stock for the ten full trading days ending on the third business day
immediately preceding the closing date (such price is referred to as the
"Average Closing Price"); however, in the event that the average closing price
of the Common Stock for the ninety day period after the closing date is less
than the Average Closing Price, the purchase price for the Common Stock under
the Warrant will be changed on the 91st day after the closing date to the
average closing price for such ninety day period. The Warrant will be
exercisable at any time within five years after the closing date. The Company is
obligated to register the stock acquired by the holders of the Note under the
Warrant. It is anticipated that the transaction will close in the second quarter
of 1996.
 
     The Company issued warrants for the purchase of 5,100,000 shares of the
Company's Common Stock at a price of $1.4375 per share. These warrants, valued
at $3,000,000, were issued in settlement of certain litigation (note 9 (b)
- -Lopez, et al vs. v.Checkers), and will be exercisable for a period of four
years after the effective date of the settlement.
 
     On November 22, 1996, the Company issued warrants to purchase 20 million
shares of Common Stock of the Company to the members of the new lender group
(see Note 3) at an exercise price of $0.75 per share which was the approximate
market price of the common stock prior to the announcement of the transfer of
the debt. These warrants were valued at $6,463,132, the value of the concessions
given as consideration for the warrants. The warrants are exercisable at any
time until November 22, 2002. Checkers is obligated to register the common stock
issuable under the warrants within six months and to maintain such registration
for the life of the warrants. The holders of the warrants also have other
registration rights relating to the common stock to be issued under the
warrants. The warrants contain customary antidilution provisions. The warrants
to purchase 150,000 shares of Checkers common stock for $2.69 per share, which
were issued in April 1995 to Checkers' prior bank lending group under the prior
loan agreement, were cancelled.
 
                                      F-29
<PAGE>   98
 
                      CHECKERS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANTS, INC.
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 11:  UNAUDITED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA
 
     The following table presents selected quarterly financial data for the
periods indicated (in 000's, except per share data):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   FIRST    SECOND     THIRD      FOURTH
                                                  QUARTER   QUARTER   QUARTER    QUARTER
                                                  -------   -------   --------   --------
<S>                                               <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>
1996
Net revenues....................................  $38,423   $38,650   $ 37,088   $ 50,799
Impairment of long-lived assets.................       --        --      8,468      6,814
Losses on assets to be disposed of..............       --        --      5,702      1,430
Loss provisions.................................       --        --        500      1,491
Loss from operations............................      714    (1,428)   (21,303)   (20,195)
Net loss........................................     (252)   (1,548)   (24,423)   (20,366)
Earnings per share..............................  $  (.00)  $  (.02)  $   (.47)  $   .(39)
1995
Net revenues....................................  $46,044   $48,923   $ 43,451   $ 51,887
Impairment of long-lived assets.................       --        --         --     18,935
Losses on assets to be disposed of..............       --        --      3,192         --
Loss provisions.................................       --        --        645      3,800
Loss from operations............................   (1,618)     (691)   (10,516)   (24,391)
Net loss........................................   (1,693)   (1,231)    (7,312)   (22,983)
Earnings per share..............................  $  (.03)  $  (.02)  $   (.14)  $   (.45)
1994
Net revenues....................................  $51,735   $47,157   $ 50,789   $ 65,434
Losses on assets to be disposed of..............    4,500        --         --      4,640
Loss provisions.................................       --        --         --      5,631
Loss from operations............................   (2,367)    2,661      1,328     (9,522)
Net loss........................................   (1,758)    1,265        387     (6,646)
Earnings per share..............................  $  (.04)  $   .03   $    .01   $   (.13)
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 12:  UNAUDITED SUBSEQUENT EVENT
 
     On March 25, 1997, Checkers agreed in principle to a merger transaction
pursuant to which Rally's Hamburgers, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Rally's"),
was to become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Checkers. Under the terms of the
letter of intent executed by Checkers and Rally's, each share of Rally's common
stock would be convened into three shares of Checkers' Common Stock upon
consummation of the merger. The transaction was subject to negotiation of
definitive agreements, receipt of fairness opinions by each party, receipt of
stockholder and other required approvals and other customary conditions and the
ability to use the pooling of interests method of accounting for the merger. On
June 16, 1997, the Company announced the termination of merger negotiations due
to the inability to obtain prior approval from the Securities and Exchange
Commission for favorable accounting treatment of the proposed merger. Certain
legal, accounting and other expenses totalling $350,000 associated with the
proposed transaction were included in general and administrative expenses for
the quarter ended June 16, 1997.
 
                                      F-30
<PAGE>   99
 
                                                                   SCHEDULE VIII
 
                      CHECKERS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANTS, INC.
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                      SCHEDULE VIII -- VALUATION ACCOUNTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   BALANCE AT                             BALANCE AT
                                                   BEGINNING                                END OF
DESCRIPTION                                        OF PERIOD     EXPENSED    DEDUCTIONS     PERIOD
- -----------                                        ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
<S>                                                <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Year ended January 2, 1995
  Allowance for doubtful receivables.............  $  165,000   $  887,000    $968,000    $   84,000
                                                   ==========   ==========    ========    ==========
Year ended January 1, 1996
  Allowance for doubtful receivables.............  $   84,000   $2,261,196    $987,258    $1,357,938
                                                   ==========   ==========    ========    ==========
Year ended December 30, 1996
  Allowance for doubtful receivables.............  $1,357,938   $1,310,818    $451,920    $2,216,836
                                                   ==========   ==========    ========    ==========
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-31
<PAGE>   100
 
                      CHECKERS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANTS, INC.
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                     CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              SEPTEMBER 8,   DECEMBER 30,
                                                                  1997           1996
                                                              ------------   ------------
                                                              (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                           <C>            <C>
                                         ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents:
  Restricted................................................    $  2,557       $  1,505
  Unrestricted..............................................       1,164          1,551
Accounts receivable.........................................       1,810          1,544
Notes receivable............................................         617            214
Inventory...................................................       2,045          2,261
Property and equipment held for sale........................       5,860          7,608
Income taxes receivable.....................................          --          3,514
Deferred loan costs.........................................       1,625          2,452
Prepaid expenses and other current assets...................       1,046            306
                                                                --------       --------
          Total current assets..............................      16,724         20,955
Property and equipment, at cost, net of accumulated
  depreciation and amortization.............................      89,964         98,188
Intangibles, net of accumulated amortization................      12,278         12,284
Deferred loan costs -- less current portion.................       1,671          3,900
Deposits and other non-current assets.......................         663            783
                                                                --------       --------
                                                                $121,300       $136,110
                                                                ========       ========
                          LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Short term debt.............................................    $     --       $  2,500
Current installments of long-term debt......................       7,274          9,589
Accounts payable............................................       8,741         15,142
Accrued wages, salaries and benefits........................       2,286          2,528
Reserves for restaurant relocations and abandoned sites.....       2,412          3,800
Other accrued liabilities...................................      10,130         13,784
Deferred income.............................................         391            337
                                                                --------       --------
          Total current liabilities.........................      31,234         47,680
Long-term debt, less current installments...................      30,136         39,906
Deferred franchise fee income...............................         421            466
Minority interests in joint ventures........................       1,021          1,455
Other long-term liabilities.................................       7,118          6,263
                                                                --------       --------
          Total liabilities.................................      69,930         95,770
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Preferred stock, $.001 par value, authorized 2,000,000
  shares, no shares outstanding.............................          --             --
Common stock, $.001 par value, authorized 150,000,000
  shares, issued and outstanding 70,132,472 at September 8,
  1997 and 51,768,480 at December 30, 1996..................          70             52
Additional paid-in capital..................................     110,435         90,339
Warrants....................................................       9,463          9,463
Retained earnings...........................................     (68,198)       (59,114)
                                                                --------       --------
                                                                  51,770         40,740
Less treasury stock, at cost, 578,904 shares................         400            400
                                                                --------       --------
          Net stockholders' equity..........................      51,370         40,340
                                                                --------       --------
                                                                $121,300       $136,110
                                                                ========       ========
</TABLE>
 
            See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 
                                      F-32
<PAGE>   101
 
                      CHECKERS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANTS, INC.
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                                  (UNAUDITED)
                    (IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        QUARTERS ENDED             THREE QUARTERS ENDED
                                                  ---------------------------   ---------------------------
                                                  SEPTEMBER 8,   SEPTEMBER 9,   SEPTEMBER 8,   SEPTEMBER 9,
                                                      1997           1996           1997           1996
                                                  ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------
<S>                                               <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
REVENUES:
Net restaurant sales............................    $30,786        $ 34,875       $ 94,987       $107,193
Franchise revenues and fees.....................      1,797           1,966          5,122          6,075
Modular restaurant packages.....................        150             247            494            893
                                                    -------        --------       --------       --------
          Total revenues........................     32,733          37,088        100,603        114,161
                                                    -------        --------       --------       --------
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Restaurant food and paper costs.................      9,715          12,417         31,223         37,080
Restaurant labor costs..........................      9,887          13,139         31,017         38,341
Restaurant occupancy expense....................      2,798           3,171          8,029          8,827
Restaurant depreciation and amortization........      1,904           2,064          5,732          6,023
Advertising expense.............................      1,588           1,490          4,828          3,597
Other restaurant operating expense..............      3,100           3,716          9,533          9,954
Costs of modular restaurant package revenues....        150             382            439          1,380
Other depreciation and amortization.............        518           1,053          1,546          2,720
General and administrative expenses.............      3,377           6,289         10,276         13,585
Impairment of long-lived assets.................         --           8,468             --          8,468
Losses on assets to be disposed of..............         --           5,702             --          5,702
Loss provisions.................................         --             500             --            500
                                                    -------        --------       --------       --------
          Total costs and expenses..............     33,037          58,391        102,623        136,177
                                                    -------        --------       --------       --------
          Operating (loss) income...............       (304)        (21,303)        (2,020)       (22,016)
                                                    -------        --------       --------       --------
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
Interest income.................................         57             126            238            622
Interest expense................................     (1,046)         (1,338)        (3,566)        (3,854)
Interest -- loan cost amortization..............       (445)            (69)        (3,100)          (159)
                                                    -------        --------       --------       --------
Loss before minority interests and income tax
  expense.......................................     (1,738)        (22,584)        (8,448)       (25,407)
Minority interests..............................         (0)            (56)           (60)            10
                                                    -------        --------       --------       --------
Loss before income tax expense..................     (1,738)        (22,528)        (8,388)       (25,417)
Income tax expense..............................         --           1,715             --            626
                                                    -------        --------       --------       --------
          Net loss..............................    $(1,738)       $(24,243)      $ (8,388)      $(26,043)
                                                    =======        ========       ========       ========
Preferred dividends.............................        696              --            696             --
                                                    =======        ========       ========       ========
Net loss to common shareholders.................    $(2,434)       $(24,243)      $ (9,084)      $(26,043)
                                                    =======        ========       ========       ========
Net loss per common share.......................    $ (0.04)       $  (0.47)      $  (0.15)      $  (0.50)
                                                    =======        ========       ========       ========
Weighted average number of common shares
  outstanding...................................     65,548          51,768         60,163         51,722
                                                    =======        ========       ========       ========
</TABLE>
 
            See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 
                                      F-33
<PAGE>   102
 
                      CHECKERS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANTS, INC.
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                  (UNAUDITED)
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 THREE QUARTERS ENDED
                                                              ---------------------------
                                                              SEPTEMBER 8,   SEPTEMBER 9,
                                                                  1997           1996
                                                              ------------   ------------
<S>                                                           <C>            <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss....................................................    $ (8,388)      $(26,043)
Adjustments to reconcile net earning to net cash (used in)
  provided by operating activities:
  Depreciation and amortization.............................       7,278          8,742
  Impairment of long-lived assets...........................          --          8,468
  Losses on assets to be disposed of........................          --          5,702
  Refinancing costs.........................................          --            846
  Deferred loan cost amortization...........................       3,100            159
  Provision for bad debt, inventory obsolescence and sales
    tax.....................................................         323          1,750
  (Gain) loss on disposal of property and equipment.........          81            165
  Minority interests in (losses) earnings...................         (60)            10
Change in assets and liabilities:
  (Increase), Decrease in accounts receivable...............      (1,351)         2,959
  Decrease in notes receivable..............................          78             --
  Decrease in inventory.....................................         260            300
  Decrease, (Increase) in costs and earnings in excess of
    billings on uncompleted contracts.......................         238            (90)
  Decrease in income taxes receivable.......................       3,514          2,825
  Increase in prepaid expenses and other....................        (773)        (1,115)
  Decrease in deferred income tax assets....................          --            406
  Decrease, (Increase) in deposits and other long-term
    assets..................................................         119             (8)
  (Decrease), Increase in accounts payable..................      (6,205)         3,168
  Decrease in accrued liabilities...........................      (3,960)        (1,000)
  Increase in deferred income...............................          10            105
                                                                --------       --------
        Net cash (used in) provided by operating
        activities..........................................      (5,736)         7,349
                                                                --------       --------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures........................................      (1,198)        (2,963)
Proceeds from sale of assets................................       3,280          1,469
Cash paid for business purchases............................        (155)          (200)
                                                                --------       --------
        Net cash provided by (used in) investing
        activities..........................................       1,927         (1,694)
                                                                --------       --------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Repayments on short term debt...............................      (2,500)            --
Principal payments on long-term debt........................     (12,423)        (3,826)
Net proceeds from private placement.........................      19,450             --
Proceeds from investment by minority interests..............          --            285
Distributions to minority interests.........................         (53)          (153)
                                                                --------       --------
        Net cash provided by (used in) financing
        activities..........................................       4,474         (3,694)
                                                                --------       --------
        Net increase in cash................................         665          1,961
                                                                --------       --------
Cash at beginning of period.................................       3,056          3,364
                                                                --------       --------
Cash at end of period.......................................    $  3,721       $  5,325
                                                                ========       ========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Interest paid...............................................    $  4,071       $  3,957
Capital lease obligations incurred..........................          --            225
                                                                ========       ========
SCHEDULE OF NONCASH INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisitions:
  Fair value of tangible assets acquired....................    $     45       $  7,994
  Receivables forgiven......................................         (38)        (5,429)
  Intangibles recorded......................................         699          1,908
  Reversal of deferred gain.................................          --          1,422
  Liabilities assumed.......................................        (433)        (3,354)
  Assets transferred........................................        (438)            --
  Minority interests dissolved (recorded)...................         320         (2,341)
                                                                --------       --------
        Total cash paid for net assets acquired.............    $    155       $    200
                                                                ========       ========
</TABLE>
 
            See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 
                                      F-34
<PAGE>   103
 
SCHEDULE OF NONCASH FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
     On August 6, 1997, in connection with the Company's February 21, 1997
private placement which included the issuance of 87,719 shares of the Company's
Series A preferred stock (the "Private Placement"), the 87,719 shares of
preferred stock were converted into 8,771,900 shares of the company's common
stock, valued at $9,999,966. In accordance with the agreement underlying the
Private Placement (the "Private Placement Agreement"), the company also issued
610,524 shares of common stock as a dividend pursuant to the liquidation
preference provisions of the Private Placement Agreement, valued at $696,000 to
the holders of the preferred stock issued in the Private Placement.
 
                                      F-35
<PAGE>   104
 
                      CHECKERS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANTS, INC.
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
              NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
NOTE 1.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
     (a) BASIS OF PRESENTATION -- The accompanying unaudited financial
statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q
and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all the
information and notes required by generally accepted accounting principles for
complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments
necessary to present fairly the information set forth therein have been
included. The operating results for the quarter and the three quarters ended
September 8, 1997, are not necessarily an indication of the results that may be
expected for the fiscal year ending December 29, 1997. Except as disclosed
herein, there has been no material change in the information disclosed in the
notes to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 1996. Therefore, it is
suggested that the accompanying financial statements be read in conjunction with
the Company's December 30, 1996 consolidated financial statements. The Company's
calendar reporting year ends on the Monday closest to December 31. Each quarter
consists of three 4-week periods with the exception of the fourth quarter which
consists of four 4-week periods.
 
     (b) PURPOSE AND ORGANIZATION -- The principal business of Checkers Drive-In
Restaurants, Inc. (the "Company") is the operation and franchising of Checkers
Restaurants. At September 8, 1997, there were 480 Checkers Restaurants operating
in 23 different states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Of those
Restaurants, 232 were Company-operated (including thirteen joint venture
Restaurants) and 248 were operated by franchisees. The accounts of the joint
ventures have been included with those of the Company in these consolidated
financial statements. Champion Modular Restaurant Company, a division of the
Company, ("Champion") manufactures Modular Restaurant Packages ("MRP's")
primarily for the Company and franchisees.
 
     The consolidated financial statements also include the accounts of all of
the Company's subsidiaries. Intercompany balances and transactions have been
eliminated in consolidation and minority interests have been established for the
outside partners' interests.
 
     (c) REVENUE RECOGNITION -- Franchise fees are generated from the sale of
rights to develop, own and operate Restaurants. Such fees are based on the
number of potential Restaurants in a specific area which the franchisee agrees
to develop pursuant to the terms of the franchise agreement between the Company
and the franchisee and are recognized as income on a pro rata basis when
substantially all of the Company's obligations per location are satisfied,
generally at the opening of the Restaurant. Franchise fees are non-refundable.
The Company receives royalty fees from franchisees based on a percentage of each
restaurant's gross revenues. Royalty fees are recognized as earned. Champion
recognizes revenues on the percentage-of-completion method, measured by the
percentage of costs incurred to the estimated total costs of the contract.
 
     (d) CASH, AND CASH EQUIVALENTS -- The Company considers all highly liquid
instruments purchased with an original maturity of less than three months to be
cash equivalents. Restricted cash consists of cash on deposit with various
financial institutions as collateral to support the Company's obligation to the
States of Florida and Georgia for potential Workers' Compensation claims. This
cash is not available for the Company's use until such time that the respective
states permit its release.
 
     (e) RECEIVABLES -- Receivables consist primarily of franchise fees,
royalties and notes due from franchisees, and receivables from the sale of
modular restaurant packages. Allowances for doubtful receivables were $1.9
million at September 8, 1997 and $2.2 million at December 30, 1996.
 
     (f) INVENTORY -- Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in,
first-out (FIFO) method) or market.
 
                                      F-36
<PAGE>   105
 
                      CHECKERS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANTS, INC.
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
      NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
     (g) DEFERRED LOAN COSTS -- Deferred loan costs of $6.9 million incurred in
connection with the Company's November 22, 1996 restructure of its primary
credit facility (see Note 2) are being amortized on the effective interest
method.
 
     (h) PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT AND PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT HELD FOR
RESALE -- Property and equipment ("P & E") are stated at cost except for P & E
that have been impaired, for which the carrying amount is reduced to estimated
fair value. Property and equipment under capital leases are stated at their fair
value at the inception of the lease. Property and equipment held for resale is
carried at fair market value, adjusted for new market conditions on a quarterly
basis. Depreciation and amortization are computed on straight-line method over
the estimated useful lives of the assets.
 
     (i) IMPAIRMENT OF LONG LIVED ASSETS -- During the fourth quarter of 1995,
the Company early adopted the Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Long-Lived Assets
to be Disposed Of" ("SFAS 121") which requires the write-down of certain
intangibles and tangible property associated with under performing sites to the
level supported by the forecasted discounted cash flow.
 
     (j) GOODWILL AND NON-COMPETE AGREEMENTS -- Goodwill and non-compete
agreements are being amortized over 20 years and 3 to 7 years, respectively, on
a straight-line basis.
 
     (k) INCOME TAXES -- The Company accounts for income taxes under the
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, "Accounting for Income
Taxes" ("SFAS 109"). Under the asset or liability method of SFAS 109, deferred
tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences
attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of
existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax
assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to
taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to
be recovered or settled. Under SFAS 109, the effect on deferred tax assets and
liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that
includes the enactment date (see Note 5).
 
     (l) USE OF ESTIMATES -- The preparation of the financial statements in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to
make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of
the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses
during the reported period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
     (m) DISCLOSURES ABOUT FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS -- The balance
sheets as of September 8, 1997 and December 30, 1996, reflect the fair value
amounts which have been determined, using available market information and
appropriate valuation methodologies. However, considerable judgement is
necessarily required in interpreting market data to develop the estimates of
fair value. Accordingly, the estimates presented herein are not necessarily
indicative of the amounts that the Company could realize in a current market
exchange. The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation
methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts.
Cash and cash equivalents, receivables, accounts payable, and short-term
debt -- The carrying amounts of these items are a reasonable estimate of their
fair value. Long-term debt -- Interest rates that are currently available to the
Company for issuance of debt with similar terms and remaining maturities are
used to estimate fair value for debt issues that are not quoted on an exchange.
 
     (n) NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS -- In February 1997, the Financial Accounting
Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128,
"Earnings Per Share," ("SFAS 128") which is effective for reporting periods
ending after December 15, 1997. SFAS 128 replaces the presentation of primary
earnings per share and fully diluted earnings per share previously found in
Accounting Principles Board
 
                                      F-37
<PAGE>   106
 
                      CHECKERS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANTS, INC.
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
      NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
Opinion No. 15, "Earnings Per Share" ("APB 15") with basic earnings per share
and diluted earnings per share. Due to the net losses for each of the periods
ended September 8, 1997 and September 9, 1996, the inclusion of options and
warrants would result in an antidilutive per share amount. Therefore, for all
periods presented, such options and warrants are excluded from earnings per
share calculations under both APB 15 and, on a proforma basis, SFAS 128.
 
     In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS 130,
"Reporting Comprehensive Income." This statement establishes standards for
reporting and display of comprehensive income and its components (revenues,
expenses, gains, and losses) in a full set of general-purpose financial
statements. Comprehensive income is the change in equity of a business
enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances
from nonowner sources. This statement is effective for fiscal years beginning
after December 15, 1997. Reclassification of the Company's financial statements
for earlier periods provided for comparative purposes will be required. The
Company believes that this standard will not have a material adverse effect on
the Company's financial statements.
 
     (o) RECLASSIFICATIONS -- Certain amounts in the 1996 financial statements
have been reclassified to conform to the 1997 presentation.
 
NOTE 2.  LONG-TERM DEBT
 
     Long-term debt consists of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              SEPTEMBER 8,   DECEMBER 30,
                                                                  1997           1996
                                                              ------------   ------------
                                                                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                           <C>            <C>
Notes payable under Loan Agreement..........................    $26,347        $35,818
Notes payable due at various dates, secured by buildings and
  equipment, with interest at rates primarily ranging from
  9.0% to 18.0%, payable monthly............................      6,735          8,963
Unsecured notes payable, bearing interest at rates ranging
  from prime to 12.0%.......................................      2,881          3,481
Other, at interest rates ranging from 7.0% to 10.0%.........      1,447          1,233
                                                                -------        -------
          Total long-term debt..............................     37,410         49,495
Less current installments...................................      7,274          9,589
                                                                -------        -------
Long-term debt, less current installments...................    $30,136        $39,906
                                                                =======        =======
</TABLE>
 
     On July 29, 1996, the debt under the Company's prior bank loan agreement
(the "Loan Agreement") and credit line ("Credit Line") was acquired from a bank
group by an investor group led by an affiliate of DDJ Capital Management, LLC
(collectively, "DDJ"). The Company and DDJ began negotiations for restructuring
of the debt. On November 14, 1996, and prior to consummation of a formal debt
restructuring with DDJ, the debt under the Loan Agreement and Credit Line was
acquired from DDJ by a group of entities and individuals, most of whom are
engaged in the fast food restaurant business. This investor group (the "CKE
Group") was led by CKE Restaurants, Inc., the parent of Carl Karcher
Enterprises, Inc., Casa Bonita, Inc., and Summit Family Restaurants, Inc. Also
participating were most members of the DDJ Group, as well as KCC Delaware
Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Giant Group, Ltd., which is a principal
shareholder of Rally's Hamburgers, Inc. Waivers of all defaults under the Loan
Agreement and Credit Line were granted through November 22, 1996, to provide a
period of time during which the Company and the CKE Group could negotiate an
agreement on debt restructuring.
 
                                      F-38
<PAGE>   107
 
                      CHECKERS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANTS, INC.
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
      NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
     On November 22, 1996, the Company and the CKE Group executed an Amended and
Restated Credit Agreement (the "Restated Credit Agreement") thereby completing a
restructuring of the debt under the Loan Agreement. The Restated Credit
Agreement consolidated all of the debt under the Loan Agreement and the Credit
Line into a single obligation. At the time of the restructuring, the outstanding
principal balance under the Loan Agreement and the Credit Line was $35.8
million. Pursuant to the terms of the Restated Credit Agreement, the term of the
debt was extended by one (1) year until July 31, 1999, and the interest rate
payable to the CKE Group on the indebtedness was reduced to a fixed rate of 13%
(the effective interest rate on this obligation including the amortization of
$6.9 million in deferred loan costs is 20.1%). In addition, all principal
payments were deferred until May 19, 1997, and the CKE Group agreed to eliminate
certain financial covenants, to relax others and to eliminate approximately $4.3
million in cash loan fees under the Loan Agreement. The Restated Credit
Agreement also provided that certain members of the CKE Group agreed to provide
to the Company a short term revolving line of credit of up to $2.5 million, also
at a fixed interest rate of 13% (the "Secondary Credit Line"). In consideration
for the restructuring, the Restated Credit Agreement required the Company to
issue to the CKE Group warrants to purchase an aggregate of 20 million shares of
the Companys' common stock at an exercise price of $.75 per share, which was the
approximate market price of the common stock prior to the announcement of the
debt transfer. As of September 8, 1997, the Company has reduced the principal
balance under the Restated Credit Agreement by $9.4 million and has repaid the
Secondary Credit Line in full. A portion of the funds utilized to make these
principal reduction payments were obtained by the Company from the sale of
certain closed restaurant sites to third parties. Additionally, the Company
utilized $10.5 million of the proceeds from the February 21, 1997, private
placement which is described later in this section for these principal reduction
payments. Pursuant to the Restated Credit Agreement, the prepayments of
principal made in 1996 and early in 1997 will relieve the Company of the
requirement to make any of the regularly scheduled principal payments under the
Restructured Credit Agreement which would have otherwise become due in fiscal
year 1997 through maturity. The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement provides
however, that 50% of any future asset sales must be utilized to prepay
principal.
 
     The Company has outstanding promissory notes in the aggregate principal
amount of approximately $3.8 million at September 8, 1997 and $3.5 million at
October 9, 1997 (the "Notes") payable to Rall-Folks, Inc. ("Rall-Folks"),
Restaurant Development Group, Inc. ("RDG") and Nashville Twin Drive-Through
Partners, L.P. ("N.T.D.T."). The Company had agreed to acquire the Notes issued
to Rall-Folks and RDG in consideration of the issuance of an aggregate of
approximately 1.9 million shares of Common Stock and the Note issued to NTDT in
exchange for a convertible note in the same principal amount and convertible
into approximately 614,000 shares of Common Stock pursuant to purchase
agreements entered into in 1995 and subsequently amended. All three of the
parties received varying degrees of protection on the purchase price of the
promissory notes. Accordingly, the actual number of shares to be issued will be
determined by the market price of the Company's stock. The Company was not able
to consummate these transactions as originally scheduled. Pursuant to the most
recent amendment, consummation of the Rall-Folks, RDG and NTDT purchases is to
occur prior to December 16, November 25, and November 15, 1997, respectively,
subject to extension in certain cases. The Company does not currently have
sufficient cash available to pay one or more of these notes if required to do
so.
 
NOTE 3:  STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
     On February 21, 1997, the Company completed a private placement (the
"Private Placement") of 8,771,929 shares of the Company's common stock, $.001
par value, and 87,719 shares of the Company's Series A preferred stock, $114 par
value (the "Preferred Stock"). CKE Restaurants, Inc. purchased 6,162,299 of the
Company's common stock and 61,623 of the Preferred Stock and other qualified
investors, including
 
                                      F-39
<PAGE>   108
 
                      CHECKERS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANTS, INC.
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
      NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
other members of the CKE Group of lenders under the Restated Credit Agreement,
also participated in the Private Placement. The Company received approximately
$19.5 million in net proceeds from the Private Placement.
 
     On August 6, 1997, the 87,719 shares of preferred stock were converted into
8,771,900 shares of the company's common stock, valued at $9,999,966. In
accordance with the agreement underlying the Private Placement (the "Private
Placement Agreement"), the company also issued 610,514 shares of common stock as
a dividend pursuant to the liquidation preference provisions of the Private
Placement Agreement, valued at $696,000 to the holders of the preferred stock
used in the Private Placement.
 
     At the Company's Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on August 6, 1997,
stockholders approved an amendment to the Company's Certificate of Incorporation
increasing the number of authorized shares of common stock from 100,000,000 to
150,000,000 shares.
 
NOTE 4:  STOCK OPTION PLANS
 
     In August 1991, the Company adopted the 1991 stock option plan, as amended,
for employees whereby incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options,
stock appreciation rights and restrictive shares can be granted to eligible
salaried individuals. The plan was amended on August 6, 1997 by the approval of
the stockholders to increase the number of shares subject to the plan from
3,500,000 to 5,000,000.
 
     In 1994, the Company adopted the 1994 stock option plan for non-employee
directors, as amended (The "Directors Plan"). The Directors Plan was amended on
August 6, 1997 by the approval of the Company's stockholders to increase the
number of shares subject to the Directors plan from 200,000 to 5,000,000. The
Directors Plan provided for the automatic grant to each non-employee director
upon election to the Board of Directors of a non-qualified, ten-year option to
acquire shares of the Company's common stock, with the subsequent automatic
grant on the first day of each fiscal year thereafter during the time such
person is serving as a non-employee director of a non-qualified ten-year option
to acquire additional shares of common stock. One-fifth of the shares of common
stock subject to each initial option grant become exercisable on a cumulative
basis on each of the first five anniversaries of the grant of such option.
One-third of the shares of common stock subject to each subsequent option grant
become exercisable on a cumulative basis on each of the first three
anniversaries of the date of the grant of such option. Each non-employee
director serving on the Board as of July 26, 1994 received options to purchase
12,000 shares. Each new non-employee director elected or appointed subsequent to
that date also received options to purchase 12,000 shares. Each non-employee
director has also received additional options to purchase 3,000 shares of common
stock on the first day of each fiscal year. On August 6, 1997 the Directors Plan
was amended to provide: (i) an increase in the option grant to new non-employee
directors to 100,000 shares, (ii) an increase in the annual option grant to
20,000 shares and (iii) the grant of an option to purchase 300,000 shares to
each non-employee director who was a Director both immediately prior to and
following the effective date of the amendment.
 
     Both the 1991 Stock Option Plan and the Directors Plan provide that the
shares granted come from the Company's authorized but unissued or reacquired
common stock. The exercise price of the options granted pursuant to these plans
will not be less than 100 percent of the fair market value of the shares on the
date of grant. An option may vest and be exercisable immediately as of the date
of the grant and no option will be exercisable and will expire after ten years
from the date granted.
 
     In August 1994, employees granted $11.50, $11.63, $12.33 and $19.00 options
were given the opportunity to forfeit those options and be granted an option to
purchase a share at $5.13 for every two option shares retired. As a result of
this offer, options for 662,228 shares were forfeited in return for options for
331,114 shares at $5.13 per share.
 
                                      F-40
<PAGE>   109
 
                      CHECKERS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANTS, INC.
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
      NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
     In February 1996, employees (excluding executive officers) granted options
in 1993 and 1994 with exercise prices in excess of $2.75 were offered the
opportunity to exchange for a new option grant for a lesser number of shares at
an exercise price of $1.95, which represented a 25% premium over the market
price of the Company's common stock on the date the plan was approved. Existing
options with an exercise price in excess of $11.49 could be cancelled in
exchange for new options on a four to one basis. Options with an exercise price
between $11.49 and $2.75 could be cancelled in exchange for new options on a
three for one basis. The offer to employees expired April 30, 1996 and, as a
result of this offer, options for 49,028 shares were forfeited in return for
options for 15,877 shares at the $1.95 exercise price.
 
     During the quarter ended March 24, 1997, the Company granted 285,000
options pursuant to the terms of the 1991 Employee Stock Option Plan referenced
above and the Company granted options to purchase a total of 500,000 shares of
its common stock as part of compensation packages for two new executive
officers, which options were not granted pursuant to the terms of the 1991
Employee Stock Option Plan. During the quarter ended June 16, 1997, 12,000
options were granted pursuant to the terms of the Directors Plan and during the
quarter ended September 8, 1997, 1.6 million options were granted pursuant to
the terms of the Directors Plan
 
     The Company has adopted the disclosure-only provisions of Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock Based
Compensation." Accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized for the
stock option plans. Had compensation cost for the Company's stock option plans
been determined based on the fair value at the grant date for awards in fiscal
1996 and each of the first three quarters of 1997 consistent with the provisions
of SFAS No. 123, the Company's net earnings and earnings per share would have
been reduced by approximately $1.4 million, $680,000, $43,000 and $1.0 million,
respectively, on a pro forma basis. The fair value of each option grant is
estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with
the following weighted-average assumptions used for grants in 1996 and the first
three quarters of fiscal 1997, respectively: dividend yield of zero percent for
all periods; expected volatility of 64, 81, and 89 percent, risk-free interest
rates of 6.5, 6.0, and 5.9 percent, and expected lives of 3.5, 2, and 2 years,
respectively. The compensation cost disclosed above may not be representative of
the effects on reported income in future quarters, for example, because options
vest over several years and additional awards are made each year.
 
NOTE 5:  INCOME TAXES
 
     The Company recorded income tax benefits of $660,000 for the quarter ended
September 8, 1997 and $8.6 million for the quarter ended September 9, 1996, or
38.0% of the losses before income taxes. The Company then recorded valuation
allowances of $660,000 and $10.3 million against deferred income tax assets as
of September 8, 1997 and September 9, 1996 respectively. The Company's total
valuation allowances of $30.0 million as of September 8, 1997, is maintained on
deferred tax assets which the Company has not determined to be more likely than
not realizable at this time. Subject to a review of the tax assets, these
valuation allowances will be reversed during periods in the future in which the
Company records pre-tax income, in amounts necessary to offset any then recorded
income tax expenses attributable to such future periods.
 
NOTE 6:  LOSS PROVISIONS
 
     The Company recorded accounting charges and loss provisions of $16.8
million during the third quarter of 1996, $2.1 million of which consisted of
various selling, general and administrative expenses. Provisions totalling $14.2
million to close 27 Restaurants, relocate 22 of them ($4.2 million), settle 16
leases on real property underlying these stores ($1.2 million) and sell land
underlying the other 11 Restaurants ($307,000), and impairment charges related
to an additional 28 under-performing Restaurants ($8.5 million) were
 
                                      F-41
<PAGE>   110
 
                      CHECKERS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANTS, INC.
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
      NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
recorded. Included in general and administrative expenses in the third quarter
of 1996 are refinancing costs of $845,775 recorded to expense capitalized loan
costs incurred in connection with the Company's previous lending arrangements
with its bank group, $499,644 in unusual bad debt provisions, and $750,000 in
provisions for state sales tax audits. A loss provision of $500,000 was also
recorded to adjust Champion's finished buildings inventory to fair market value.
 
NOTE 7:  SUBSEQUENT EVENT
 
     In October 1997, the Company and Rally's Hamburgers, Inc. ("Rally's")
entered into an employment agreement with James J. Gillespie, effective November
10, 1997, pursuant to which he is to serve as Chief Executive Officer of the
Company and Rally's. Mr. Gillespie is also to serve as a director of the Company
and Rally's. The term of employment is for two years, subject to automatic
renewal by the Company and Rally's for one-year periods thereafter, at an annual
base salary of $282,500. Mr. Gillespie is also entitled to participate in the
incentive bonus plans of the Company and Rally's. Upon execution of the
employment agreement, Mr. Gillespie was granted an option to purchase 300,000
shares of Rally's common stock, $.10 par value per share at an exercise price
equal to the closing price on November 10, 1997 as reported in the Wall Street
Journal, and is entitled to receive, on November 10, 1997, a signing bonus of
$50,000. The option vests in three equal annual installments commencing on
November 10, 1998; provided, that if the term of the agreement is not extended
to November 10, 2000, the option shall become fully vested on November 10, 1999.
Mr. Gillespie is entitled to choose to participate in either the Company's or
Rally's employee benefit plans and programs and is entitled to reimbursement of
his reasonable moving expenses and a relocation fee of $5,000. The agreement may
be terminated at any time for cause. If Mr. Gillespie is terminated without
cause, he will be entitled to receive his base annual salary, and any earned
unpaid bonus, through the unexpired term of the agreement, payable in a lump sum
or as directed by Mr. Gillespie. Mr. Gillespie has agreed to keep confidential
all non-public information about the Company and Rally's during the term of his
employment and for a two-year period thereafter. In addition, Mr. Gillespie has
agreed that he will not, during his employment, engage in any business which is
competitive with either the Company or Rally's. The Company and Rally's intend
to share the costs associated with this agreement.
 
                                      F-42
<PAGE>   111
 
                                                                      APPENDIX A
 
                 AMENDED AND RESTATED NOTE REPAYMENT AGREEMENT
 
     THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED NOTE REPAYMENT AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") is
made and entered into as of this 17th day of July, 1997, and amends and restates
in its entirety that certain Note Repayment Agreement, dated as of April 11,
1996 (as amended and restated hereby, the "Agreement"), by and among CHECKERS
DRIVE-IN RESTAURANTS, INC., a Delaware corporation ("Checkers"), NASHVILLE TWIN
DRIVE-THRU PARTNERS, L.P., a Tennessee limited partnership ("NTDT"), JONES &
JONES TWIN DRIVE-THRU, INC., a Tennessee corporation and a general partner of
NTDT ("Jones & Jones"), NTD ENTERPRISES, INC., a Tennessee corporation and a
general partner of NTDT ("NTD"), and ROLAND L. JONES, an individual ("Jones")
(NTDT, Jones & Jones, NTD and Jones are collectively referred to herein as the
"NTDT Parties").
 
     WHEREAS, NTDT holds a promissory note of Checkers, dated March 31, 1995, in
the original principal amount of $1,354,287.00 (the "Note"); and
 
     WHEREAS, Checkers and the NTDT Parties have entered into the Note Repayment
Agreement, pursuant to which Checkers was granted the right to repay the Note by
delivering to NTDT shares of the common stock of Checkers ("Common Stock"); and
 
     WHEREAS, Checkers and NTDT desire to amend and restate the Agreement to
provide for an exchange of the Note for a series of subordinated promissory
notes, with an aggregate principal amount equal to the outstanding balance due
under the Note, which new notes will be convertible by NTDT into shares of
Common Stock pursuant to the terms and conditions hereof;
 
     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, the mutual
representations, warranties, covenants and agreements hereinafter contained, and
other good and valuable consideration the receipt and sufficiency of which are
hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound, the parties agree as
follows:
 
                                   ARTICLE I
 
                               PURCHASE AND SALE
 
     1.01 Purchase and Sale of the Note.  Subject to and upon the terms and
conditions hereinafter set forth and the representations and warranties
contained herein, Checkers agrees to purchase from NTDT, and NTDT agrees to
sell, assign, transfer and deliver to Checkers, free and clear of any and all
liens, encumbrances, liabilities, claims, charges and restrictions of any kind
or nature whatsoever, all of NTDT's right, title and interest (which will be
good, valid and complete) in and to the Note.
 
     1.02 Non-Assumption of Liabilities.  None of the provisions of this
Agreement will be deemed to create any obligation or liability of Checkers to
any person or entity other than NTDT, whether under a third-party beneficiary
theory, successor liability theory or otherwise.
 
                                   ARTICLE II
 
                                 PURCHASE PRICE
 
     The aggregate purchase price (the "Purchase Price") payable to NTDT for the
Note will be equal to the outstanding balance (principal and accrued interest)
due under the Note on the Closing Date (as hereinafter defined). The Purchase
Price shall be payable by delivery at Closing (as hereinafter defined) of
promissory notes issued by Checkers to NTDT (the "New Notes") with an aggregate
principal balance equal to the Purchase Price. Each of the New Notes shall be
issued with an original principal amount of $100,000, except for one New Note
which shall be issued in a principal amount equal to the remainder resulting
from dividing the Purchase Price by $100,000. The New Notes shall be
subordinated to Checkers' primary debt facility, pursuant to the same terms as
the Note. The New Notes shall be convertible into shares of the common stock
 
                                       A-1
<PAGE>   112
 
of Checkers, par value $.001 per share ("Common Stock"), as provided in Article
III hereof. The New Notes shall be issued in the form attached hereto as Exhibit
A.
 
                                  ARTICLE III
 
                            CONVERSION OF NEW NOTES
 
     3.01 Conversion Privilege and Conversion Price.  Subject to and upon
compliance with the provisions of this Article, at the option of NTDT, each of
the New Notes may be converted from time to time (so long as NTDT has not been
notified by Checkers that the effectiveness of the Registration Statement (as
defined in Section 6.01 hereof) is suspended) at the principal amount thereof
into fully paid and nonassessable shares of Common Stock at the Conversion
Price, determined as hereinafter provided, in effect at the time of conversion.
Checkers shall have the option of paying in cash the balance due under any New
Note in lieu of issuing shares of Common Stock upon the exercise by NTDT of its
right of conversion with respect to any New Note. If Checkers elects to repay
such New Note in cash (including principal and accrued interest), such payment
shall be delivered to NTDT within 15 business days after delivery to Checkers of
NTDT's notice (delivered pursuant to Section 3.02 hereof) of its intention to
convert the New Note.
 
     The price at which shares of Common Stock shall be delivered upon
conversion (herein called the "Conversion Price") shall be the arithmetic
average (rounded to the nearest penny) of the closing sale price per share of
the Common Stock as reported on the Nasdaq Stock Market's National Market (as
reported in The Wall Street Journal) for the three full trading days ending on
the business day immediately preceding the date on which NTDT delivers to
Checkers notice of its intent to convert as provided in Section 3.02 hereof.
 
     3.02 Exercise of Conversion Privilege.  In order to exercise the conversion
privilege, NTDT shall surrender the New Note to be converted, duly endorsed or
assigned to Checkers or in blank, at its office at 600 Cleveland Street, Eighth
Floor, Clearwater, Florida 34615, accompanied by written notice to Checkers at
such office that NTDT has elected to convert such New Note into shares of Common
Stock.
 
     Provided that NTDT has not been notified by Checkers that the effectiveness
of the Registration Statement (as defined in Section 6.01 hereof) is suspended,
a New Note shall be deemed to have been converted immediately prior to the close
of business on the day of surrender of such New Note for conversion in
accordance with the foregoing provisions (the "Conversion Date"), and at such
time the rights of NTDT as the holder of such New Note shall cease and NTDT
shall be treated for all purposes as the record holder of the Common Stock into
which such New Note is convertible at such time. If NTDT shall surrender a New
Note along with notice of its election to convert such New Note at a time when
the effectiveness of the Registration Statement is suspended, then (i) Checkers
shall hold the New Note in trust for the benefit of NTDT until the effectiveness
of the Registration Statement is recontinued and (ii) the Conversion Date shall
be the day that Checkers gives notice to NTDT that the effectiveness of the
Registration Statement is recontinued and the New Note shall be deemed to have
been converted immediately prior to the close of business on such date, and at
such time the rights of NTDT as the holder of such New Note shall cease and NTDT
shall be treated for all purposes as the record holder of the Common Stock into
which such New Note is convertible at such time.
 
     3.03 Delivery of Shares.  Within seven business days after any Conversion
Date, Checkers shall cause to be delivered to NTDT one or more certificates in
the name of NTDT representing the shares of Common Stock issuable upon
conversion of the related New Note.
 
     Checkers' delivery to NTDT of the fixed number of shares of the Common
Stock into which the New Note is convertible shall be deemed to satisfy
Checkers' obligation to pay the principal amount of the New Note subject to
Checker's obligations set forth in Section 6.02 hereof. Checkers shall also
deliver to NTDT with the certificates representing the Common Stock a check in
payment of all interest accrued on the converted New Note from the end of the
prior interest period through the Conversion Date.
 
     3.04 Fractions of Shares.  No fractional shares of Common Stock shall be
issued upon conversion of a New Note. If more than one New Note shall be
surrendered for conversion at one time, the number of full
 
                                       A-2
<PAGE>   113
 
shares which shall be issuable upon conversion thereof shall be computed on the
basis of the aggregate principal amount of the New Notes so surrendered. In the
event that the number of shares of Common Stock to be issued includes a
fractional share, the number of shares shall be rounded up or down to the
nearest whole number of shares.
 
     3.05 Company to Reserve Common Stock.  Checkers shall at all times reserve
and keep available, free from preemptive rights, out of its authorized but
unissued Common Stock, for the purpose of effecting the conversion of the New
Notes, the full number of shares of Common Stock then issuable upon the
conversion of all outstanding New Notes.
 
     3.06 Taxes on Conversions.  Checkers will pay any and all taxes that may be
payable in respect of the issue or delivery of shares of Common Stock on
conversion of New Notes pursuant hereto. Checkers shall not, however, be
required to pay any tax which may be payable in respect of any transfer involved
in the issue and delivery of shares of Common Stock in a name other than that of
NTDT, and no such issue or delivery shall be made unless and until NTDT has paid
to Checkers the amount of any such tax, or has established to the satisfaction
of Checkers that such tax has been paid.
 
                                   ARTICLE IV
 
                     REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF NTDT
 
     NTDT represents and warrants to Checkers (each of which shall be deemed
material and independently relied upon by Checkers) as follows:
 
          4.01 Organization and Standing.  NTDT is a partnership duly organized,
     validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of
     Tennessee with full power and authority to own its properties and assets.
 
          4.02 Authority.  Subject to receipt of the approval and consent of the
     partners of NTDT, NTDT has the full power and authority to enter into and
     perform this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated
     herein in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
 
          4.03 Authorization.  Other than obtaining the consent of the partners
     of NTDT, NTDT has taken all necessary actions to authorize and approve the
     execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the transactions
     contemplated hereby. This Agreement constitutes a legal, valid and binding
     obligation of NTDT, enforceable against NTDT in accordance with its terms.
 
          4.04 Title to the Note.  NTDT has good, valid and complete title to
     the Note.
 
          4.05 Litigation and Disputes.  There is no claim, litigation or
     proceeding pending or, to the knowledge of NTDT, threatened, against or
     with respect to NTDT, and there exists no basis or grounds for any such
     suit, action, proceeding, claim or investigation, which affects the title
     or interest of NTDT to or in the Note or which would prevent or affect the
     consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement by NTDT.
 
          4.06 Registration Statement.  None of the information regarding NTDT
     supplied or to be supplied by NTDT for inclusion (i) in the Registration
     Statement (as hereinafter defined) or any Resale Registration Statement (as
     hereinafter defined) to be filed by Checkers with the Securities and
     Exchange Commission ("SEC") in connection with the registration of the
     Common Stock issued hereunder, or (ii) in any other documents to be filed
     with the SEC or any other regulatory authority in connection with the
     transactions contemplated in this Agreement, as the same may be updated by
     written notice from NTDT to Checkers from time to time, will at the
     respective time such documents are filed and, in the case of the
     Registration Statement or any Resale Registration Statement, when it
     becomes effective, be false or misleading with respect to any material
     fact, or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the
     statements therein not misleading.
 
                                       A-3
<PAGE>   114
 
                                   ARTICLE V
 
                   REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF CHECKERS
 
     Checkers represents and warrants to NTDT (each of which shall be deemed
material and independently relied upon by NTDT) as follows:
 
          5.01 Organization and Standing.  Checkers is a corporation duly
     organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the
     State of Delaware with full power and authority to own its properties and
     assets and to conduct its business as now conducted or proposed to be
     conducted. Checkers is in good standing and duly qualified to conduct
     business as a foreign corporation in each of the jurisdictions in which the
     nature of its business or the ownership of its properties requires such
     qualification and in which failure to be so qualified would have a material
     adverse effect on the business, operations, assets, financial position or
     prospects of Checkers.
 
          5.02 Corporate Authority.  Checkers has the full power and authority
     to enter into and perform this Agreement and to consummate the transactions
     contemplated herein in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
 
          5.03 Corporate Authorization.  Checkers has taken all necessary
     corporate actions to authorize and approve the execution, delivery and
     performance of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.
     This Agreement constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of
     Checkers, enforceable against Checkers in accordance with its terms.
 
          5.04 Capitalization.  As of May 1, 1997, the authorized capital stock
     of Checkers consisted of (i) 100,000,000 shares of Common Stock, of which
     60,540,409 shares were issued and outstanding, and (ii) 2,000,000 shares of
     preferred stock, $.001 par value per share, of which 87,719 shares were
     issued and outstanding. All of the issued and outstanding shares of Common
     Stock are validly issued, fully paid, nonassessable and outstanding and not
     issued in violation of the preemptive rights of any stockholder.
 
          5.05 Required Consents.  Except for the registration of the New Notes
     and the shares of Common Stock to be issued hereunder with the SEC and
     under the blue sky laws of the State of Tennessee, no consents or approvals
     of any public body or authority and no consents or waivers from any other
     parties to any agreements or other instruments are required for the lawful
     consummation on the part of Checkers of the transactions contemplated by
     this Agreement.
 
          5.06 Registration Statement.  None of the information included (i) in
     the Registration Statement or any Resale Registration Statement and (ii) in
     any other documents to be filed with the SEC or any regulatory authority in
     connection with the transactions contemplated in this Agreement will at the
     respective time such documents are filed and, in the case of the
     Registration Statement or any Resale Registration Statement, when it
     becomes effective, be false or misleading with respect to any material
     fact, or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the
     statements therein not misleading, except that no representation or
     warranty is being made with respect to information supplied by NTDT to
     Checkers for inclusion therein. All documents which Checkers is responsible
     for filing with the SEC and any regulatory authority in connection with the
     Registration Statement or any Resale Registration Statement will comply as
     to form in all material respects with the provisions of applicable law.
 
                                   ARTICLE VI
 
                             COVENANTS OF CHECKERS
 
     Checkers covenants to NTDT as follows:
 
          6.01 Preparation of the Registration Statement.  Checkers shall
     prepare and file with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-4
     (including the related prospectus), and required amendments thereto or
     supplements to any prospectus contained therein (the "Registration
     Statement"), and all necessary or appropriate related securities law or
     blue sky filings required in the State of Tennessee (together with all
     amendments and supplements thereto, the "Blue Sky Filings"), relating to
     the issuance of the New
 
                                       A-4
<PAGE>   115
 
     Notes and the shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the New
     Notes, and shall use its commercially reasonable best efforts to have the
     same declared effective by the SEC as expeditiously as practicable, and
     shall use its commercially reasonable best efforts to keep such
     Registration Statement and Blue Sky Filings current for such period of time
     as is required for NTDT to complete the conversion of all of the New Notes
     into shares of Common Stock, so long as NTDT proceeds in good faith to
     convert such New Notes and sell the shares of Common Stock received upon
     conversion in a prompt but orderly manner as described in Section 6.03
     hereof; provided, however, that Checkers shall have the right (i) to defer
     the initial filing or request for acceleration of effectiveness or (ii)
     after effectiveness, to suspend effectiveness of any such registration
     statement, if, in the good faith judgment of the board of directors of
     Checkers and upon the advice of counsel to Checkers, such delay in filing
     or requesting acceleration of effectiveness or such suspension of
     effectiveness is necessary in light of the existence of material nonpublic
     information (financial or otherwise) concerning Checkers, disclosure of
     which at the time is not, in the opinion of the board of directors of
     Checkers upon the advice of counsel, (a) otherwise required, and (b) in the
     best interests of Checkers. Checkers shall not voluntarily take any action
     that would cause more than a 90-day delay in filing or requesting
     acceleration of effectiveness or a 90-day suspension of effectiveness. The
     Registration Statement will not cover resales of the Common Stock. When the
     Registration Statement is declared effective by the SEC, Checkers shall
     give NTDT prompt notice of such fact and shall supply NTDT with sufficient
     copies of the prospectus contained in such Registration Statement to enable
     NTDT to send copies to each of its partners in connection with calling of a
     meeting of such partners for the purpose of voting on this Agreement and
     the transactions contemplated herein. Checkers shall give NTDT notice of
     any suspensions and recontinuations of the effectiveness of the
     Registration Statement. Subject to the foregoing, Checkers shall file all
     such post effective amendments and supplements to the Registration
     Statement and Blue Sky Filings as may be necessary, in its judgment, to
     keep such Registration Statement and Blue Sky Filings current.
 
          6.02 Guarantee of Proceeds from the Sale of the Common Stock.  The
     parties acknowledge that the intent of this Section is to provide a
     mechanism under which NTDT will receive cash from (i) the sale of Common
     Stock issued upon the conversion of the New Notes, (ii) the sale of Common
     Stock issued pursuant to the terms of this Section 6.02 in payment of a
     Price Differential (as defined herein), and (iii) the repayment of any New
     Note or the repurchase of any shares of Common Stock as provided in this
     Section 6.02, which cash will be equal in the aggregate to, but not in
     excess of, the Purchase Price. In order to effectuate the foregoing, and
     provided that NTDT proceeds in good faith (as described in Section 6.03) to
     convert the New Notes and sell all of the Common Stock received upon the
     conversion of the New Notes in a reasonably prompt but orderly manner
     (subject to the limitations set forth in Section 7.06), if the aggregate
     Net Proceeds (gross proceeds less brokers' commissions and discounts) from
     the sale of such stock is less than the Purchase Price, Checkers shall
     issue to NTDT additional shares of Common Stock with a value equal to the
     difference between the Purchase Price and the aggregate Net Proceeds
     received from the sale of the Common Stock (such difference is hereinafter
     referred to as the "Initial Price Differential"). Checkers shall issue
     instructions to its transfer agent to issue to NTDT the additional shares
     of Common Stock within five business days after the delivery to Checkers of
     the last confirmation slip relating to the final sale of the Common Stock
     issued upon the conversion of all of the New Notes. NTDT shall instruct all
     brokers selling the Common Stock on its behalf to furnish to Checkers and
     its counsel a copy of the confirmation slip relating to each sale of Common
     Stock at the same time as such confirmation slip is provided to NTDT. The
     number of shares to be issued (the "Stock Payment") shall be equal to the
     amount determined by dividing the Initial Price Differential by the
     arithmetic average (rounded to the nearest penny) of the closing sale price
     per share of the Common Stock as reported on the Nasdaq Stock Market's
     National Market (as reported in The Wall Street Journal) for the three full
     trading days immediately preceding the date on which Checkers issues
     instructions to its transfer agent to issue such additional shares (such
     average closing sale price being referred to hereinafter as the "Resale
     Price" for such shares).
 
          Checkers shall promptly prepare and file a registration statement and
     all necessary or appropriate related state securities law or blue sky
     filings under which Checkers shall register the Common Stock representing
     the Stock Payment and NTDT may sell the shares representing the Stock
     Payment upon the
 
                                       A-5
<PAGE>   116
 
     terms and conditions provided in Section 6.04 below. In the event that the
     aggregate Net Proceeds from the sale of such shares is less than the
     Initial Price Differential, Checkers shall issue additional shares of
     Common Stock with a value equal to the difference between the Purchase
     Price and the aggregate Net Proceeds received from the sale of (a) the
     Common Stock issued to NTDT upon the conversion of the New Notes and (b)
     the Common Stock constituting the Stock Payment (such difference is
     hereinafter referred to as the "Second Price Differential"), as provided
     above with respect to the Initial Price Differential. Checkers shall
     register the same and NTDT may sell the same as provided in Section 6.04
     below with respect to the Stock Payment. Checkers and NTDT will continue
     this process until such time as there is no Price Differential realized by
     NTDT on the sale of any batch of Common Stock issued in payment of a Price
     Differential on a previous batch of Common Stock.
 
          Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, Checkers shall
     have the option at any time to deliver cash to NTDT in lieu of additional
     shares of Common Stock in order to pay any Price Differential. Checkers
     also shall have the right to require NTDT at any time to sell to Checkers
     any shares held by NTDT which were acquired upon conversion of a New Note
     or which represent part of a Stock Payment at a price per share equal to
     the applicable Conversion Price or Resale Price thereof. In the event that
     NTDT should receive aggregate Net Proceeds from the sale of Common Stock
     issued upon the conversion of the New Notes and/or pursuant to the terms of
     this Section 6.02 in excess of the Purchase Price, or in the event that
     once NTDT has received Net Proceeds equal to the Purchase Price it still
     holds any New Notes or shares of Common Stock delivered by Checkers upon
     the conversion of a New Note or pursuant to this Section 6.02, then NTDT
     shall promptly deliver to Checkers such excess Net Proceeds, the remaining
     New Notes and the excess shares of Common Stock.
 
          6.03 Proceeding in Good Faith to Convert the New Notes and Sell the
     Shares of Common Stock. The parties agree that NTDT will be deemed to be
     proceeding in good faith to convert the New Notes and sell the Common Stock
     in a reasonably prompt but orderly manner if it sells in each three-month
     period commencing with the three month period beginning on the day after
     the Closing Date and continuing in each consecutive three-month period
     thereafter at least 90% of the lesser of (i) the maximum number of shares
     of Common Stock permitted to be sold during such period under Rule 144
     promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933 or (ii) the maximum number of
     shares permitted to be sold during such period under Section 7.06 hereof
     without regard to sales on upticks (as defined therein). NTDT may convert
     the New Notes one or more at a time, in its discretion, with one New Note
     being converted immediately after the sale of all of the shares of Common
     Stock received upon the conversion of the previously converted New Note.
 
          6.04 Registration of Common Stock Constituting the Stock Payments.  As
     soon as practicable after the issuance of the Common Stock constituting the
     Stock Payment and any subsequent Stock Payments, if any, Checkers shall
     prepare and file a registration statement on Form S-3 (if it is eligible to
     use such form), or such other form as it deems suitable (together with all
     amendments and supplements thereto, the "Resale Registration Statement"),
     and all necessary or appropriate related Blue Sky Filings (together with
     all amendments and supplements thereto), under which Checkers shall
     register the shares of Common Stock issued in payment of a Price
     Differential pursuant to Section 6.02. Checkers shall also use its
     commercially reasonable best efforts to have the Resale Registration
     Statement declared effective by the SEC as expeditiously as practicable,
     and shall keep such Resale Registration Statement and Blue Sky Filings
     current for such period of time as is required for NTDT to complete the
     sale of all shares of Common Stock registered therein, so long as NTDT
     proceeds in good faith to sell such shares in a prompt but orderly manner,
     as provided in Section 6.03; provided, however, that Checkers shall have
     the right (i) to defer the initial filing or request for acceleration of
     effectiveness, or (ii) after effectiveness, to suspend effectiveness of the
     Resale Registration Statement (to be later recontinued) if, in the good
     faith judgment of the board of directors of Checkers and upon the advice of
     counsel to Checkers, such delay in filing or requesting acceleration of
     effectiveness or such suspension of effectiveness is necessary in light of
     the existence of material non-public information (financial or otherwise)
     concerning Checkers, disclosure of which at the time is not, in the opinion
     of the board of directors of Checkers upon the advice of counsel, (a)
     otherwise required, and (b) in the best interests of Checkers. Checkers
     shall not voluntarily
 
                                       A-6
<PAGE>   117
 
     take any action that would cause more than a 90-day delay in filing or
     requesting acceleration of effectiveness or a 90-day suspension of
     effectiveness. Checkers shall give NTDT notice of effectiveness and any
     suspensions and recontinuations of the effectiveness of the Resale
     Registration Statement. Subject to the foregoing, Checkers shall file all
     such post effective amendments and supplements to the Resale Registration
     Statement and Blue Sky Filings as may be necessary, in its judgment, to
     keep such Resale Registration Statement and Blue Sky Filings current. NTDT
     may proceed to sell the shares registered in the Resale Registration
     Statement beginning on the date the Resale Registration Statement is
     declared effective by the SEC. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Checkers
     shall not be obligated to register shares for sale in the states of Arizona
     or Nevada, unless the costs of registration in such states, including
     filing fees and reasonable attorneys' fees, are paid by NTDT.
 
          6.05 Payment of Current Interest.  Checkers acknowledges that the
     annual interest rate on the Note is currently 18%, and agrees that the Note
     shall continue to bear interest at an annual rate of 18% until the Closing
     Date. Until the Closing Date, Checkers shall continue to pay to NTDT on the
     first day of each month an amount in cash equal to the interest due under
     the Note for the preceding month. On the Closing Date, Checkers shall pay
     in cash the interest accrued through the Closing Date on the Note.
     Following the Closing Date, the New Notes shall bear interest at an annual
     rate of 18% until their conversion into Common Stock. Checkers shall pay to
     NTDT on the first day of each month an amount in cash equal to the interest
     due under the New Notes for the preceding month.
 
          6.06 Payment of Interest on Value of Unsold Shares.  Beginning on the
     first day of the month following the Conversion Date with respect to a
     converted New Note, and on the first day of each month thereafter until all
     of the shares of Common Stock received upon the conversion of such New Note
     are sold, Checkers shall pay to NTDT in cash an amount equal to .00049315%
     (representing an annual rate of 18%) of the value of each such share of
     Common Stock for each day during such month that the share was held by
     NTDT. The value of each such share shall be deemed to be the applicable
     Conversion Price for such share of Common Stock. Similarly, if additional
     shares of Common Stock are issued by Checkers to NTDT pursuant to the terms
     of Section 6.02, then beginning on the first day of the month following the
     issuance of such additional shares and on the first day of each month
     thereafter until all of the shares of Common Stock issued under Section
     6.02 are sold, Checkers shall pay to NTDT in cash an amount equal to
     .00049315% (representing an annual rate of 18%) of the value of each such
     share of Common Stock for each day during such month that the share was
     held by NTDT. The value of each such share shall be deemed to be the
     applicable Resale Price for such share of Common Stock.
 
          6.07 Additional Payments.  Upon the execution hereof by NTDT, Checkers
     shall pay to NTDT in cash the amount of One Hundred Thousand Dollars
     ($100,000.00), to be applied against the principal balance due under the
     Note. Beginning on August 15, 1997, and on the 15th day of each month
     thereafter through October 15, 1997, in the event that the Registration
     Statement has not been declared effective by the SEC prior to such date,
     Checkers shall pay to NTDT in cash the amount of One Hundred Thousand
     Dollars ($100,000.00), to be applied against the principal balance due
     under the Note. Notwithstanding any other provision contained in this
     Agreement, all remaining principal due under the Note and any accrued but
     unpaid interest thereon shall be payable on November 15, 1997, if the
     Registration Statement is not declared effective by the SEC before such
     date.
 
          6.08 Payment of Legal Expenses.  Upon the execution hereof by NTDT,
     Checkers shall pay to NTDT Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) as partial
     reimbursement for legal fees incurred by NTDT in connection with this
     Agreement and related matters.
 
          6.09 Covenant as to Common Stock.  Checkers covenants that all shares
     of Common Stock which may be issued upon conversion of the New Notes or
     pursuant to the terms of Section 6.02 hereof will upon issue be fully paid
     and nonassessable and, except as provided in Section 3.06, Checkers will
     pay all taxes, liens and charges with respect to the issue thereof.
 
          Checkers will list or cause to have quoted the shares of Common Stock
     issued upon conversion of the New Notes or pursuant to the terms of Section
     6.02 hereof on each national securities exchange or in the over-the-counter
     market or such other market on which the Common Stock is then listed or
     quoted.
 
                                       A-7
<PAGE>   118
 
          6.10 Equal Treatment.  Checkers shall not enter into any agreement
     with any other creditor whose debt is subordinated to Checkers' primary
     debt facility that provides for the repayment of such creditor's debt under
     terms more favorable than those contained in this Agreement.
 
                                  ARTICLE VII
 
                               COVENANTS OF NTDT
 
     NTDT covenants to Checkers as follows:
 
          7.01 Actions Prior to Closing.  From and after the date of execution
     of this Agreement and until the Closing Date, or until this Agreement shall
     be terminated as herein provided, NTDT shall not (i) sell the Note to any
     other corporation or person, (ii) pledge the Note to any person or
     otherwise subject the Note to a lien or encumbrance, (iii) engage in any
     activity, enter into any transaction or fail to take any action which would
     be inconsistent with any of the representations and warranties as set forth
     in Article III of this Agreement as if such representations and warranties
     were made at a time subsequent to such activity or transaction and all
     references to the date of this Agreement were deemed to be such later time.
 
          7.02 Extension of the Term of the Note; Modification of Interest
     Rate.  Upon the execution hereof by NTDT, the term of the Note shall be
     extended until and the Note shall be payable on the earlier of (i) the
     Closing Date or (ii) November 16, 1997; provided however, that in the event
     the Registration Statement is declared effective by the SEC prior to
     November 16, 1997, and the partners of NTDT fail to approve this Agreement
     and the transactions contemplated herein within 30 days after NTDT receives
     actual notice that the Registration Statement has been declared effective
     by the SEC, the term of the Note shall be extended automatically until
     December 31, 1998 and the interest rate shall be reduced to an annual rate
     of 12%. Similarly, after the Closing Date, if NTDT does not proceed in good
     faith (as described in Section 6.03 hereof) to convert the New Notes and
     sell the Common Stock, the term of the Note shall be extended automatically
     until December 31, 1998 and the interest rate shall be reduced to an annual
     rate of 12%.
 
          7.03 Registration Statement Information.  On request of Checkers, NTDT
     will furnish to Checkers all information concerning NTDT as is required to
     be set forth in (i) the Registration Statement and any Resale Registration
     Statement and (ii) any application or statement made by Checkers to any
     governmental agency or authority in connection with the transactions
     contemplated by this Agreement.
 
          7.04 Approval by Partners.  Promptly after the date on which NTDT
     receives actual notice that the Registration Statement has been declared
     effective by the SEC, NTDT shall call a meeting of the partners of NTDT, to
     be held within 30 days after NTDT's receipt of such notice, for the purpose
     of obtaining the approval of the partners of NTDT of this Agreement and the
     transactions contemplated herein. NTDT shall distribute a copy of the
     Registration Statement to each partner of NTDT along with the notice of
     such meeting.
 
          7.05 Dissolution of NTDT or Distribution of Common Stock to the
     Partners.  Within one year after the Closing, NTDT shall either (i)
     dissolve and wind up its affairs pursuant to Tennessee law or (ii)
     distribute the shares of Common Stock issued to NTDT pursuant to the terms
     of this Agreement to the partners of NTDT, pro rata in accordance with
     their proportionate ownership interest in NTDT.
 
          7.06 Transfers of the New Notes and the Common Stock.  Except as
     permitted herein, NTDT shall not sell, pledge, transfer or otherwise
     dispose of the New Notes to be received by it hereunder. NTDT shall not
     sell, pledge, transfer or otherwise dispose of the shares of Common Stock
     to be received by it upon the conversion of the New Notes except in
     compliance with the applicable provisions of the 1933 Act and the rules and
     regulations promulgated thereunder, including Rule 145. In order to assure
     that any sales of the shares of Common Stock issued hereunder will be made
     in an orderly manner so as not to adversely affect the market for the
     Common Stock, for a period of two years after the Closing Date, NTDT shall
     not, without the prior consent of Checkers, (i) sell in excess of 50,000
     shares of Common
 
                                       A-8
<PAGE>   119
 
     Stock during any calendar week and (ii) sell in excess of 25,000 shares in
     any one day; provided however, that additional sales in excess of such
     limits may be made provided the same are made at a price higher than the
     lowest then current bid price for the Common Stock (on an "uptick").
     Checkers may refuse to register or give effect to any sales in excess of
     such limitations (NTDT shall provide Checkers with satisfactory evidence
     that all sales in excess of such limits were made on an uptick). NTDT shall
     not sell any shares of Common Stock issued hereunder for consideration
     other than cash. NTDT agrees that it will comply with all of its
     obligations under Section 6.02 hereof. NTDT shall, upon the distribution of
     any of the Common Stock to any partner of NTDT, cause such person to
     deliver an Agreement to Checkers as a condition of such distribution and
     the transfer of the ownership of such shares upon the stock register of
     Checkers, which agreement shall contain covenants of such person identical
     to the covenants of NTDT set forth in this Section 7.06 and a proportionate
     limitation on sales.
 
                                  ARTICLE VIII
 
                     MUTUAL COVENANTS OF CHECKERS AND NTDT
 
     Each of Checkers and NTDT covenants with the other as follows:
 
          8.01 Confidentiality.  All information furnished by one party to the
     other in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated
     hereby shall be kept confidential by such other party (and shall be used by
     it and its officers, attorneys, accountants and representatives (including
     brokers) only in connection with this Agreement and the transactions
     contemplated hereby) except to the extent that such information (i) already
     is known to such other party when received, (ii) thereafter becomes
     lawfully obtainable from other sources, (iii) is required to be disclosed
     in any document filed with the SEC or any other agency of any government,
     or (iv) as otherwise required to be disclosed pursuant to any federal or
     state law, rule or regulation or by any applicable judgment, order or
     decree of any court or by any governmental body or agency having
     jurisdiction in the premises after such other party has given reasonable
     prior written notice to the other parties to this Agreement of the pending
     disclosure of any such information. In the event that the transactions
     contemplated by this Agreement shall fail to be consummated, it shall
     promptly cause all copies of documents or extracts thereof containing
     information and data as to the other party hereto to be returned to such
     other party.
 
          8.02 Preparation of Registration Statements.  Each party shall
     cooperate and consult with the other party hereto in the preparation of the
     Registration Statement and any Resale Registration Statement to be filed by
     Checkers with the SEC registering the shares of Common Stock to be issued
     hereunder. When the Registration Statement, any Resale Registration
     Statement or any Post-Effective Amendment thereto shall become effective,
     the information prepared by each party for inclusion therein (i) will
     comply in all material respects with the applicable provisions of the 1933
     Act and the Rules and Regulations promulgated thereunder and (ii) will not
     contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material
     fact required to be stated therein are necessary to make the statements
     contained therein not misleading. In no event shall any party hereto be
     liable to any other party hereto for any untrue statement of a material
     fact or omission to state a material fact in any registration statement, or
     any amendment or supplement thereto, or in any report made in reliance
     upon, and in conformity with, written information concerning the other
     party hereto furnished by such other party specifically for use in such
     registration statement or report. Each party hereto shall advise the other
     party hereto promptly of the happening of any event which makes untrue any
     statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement or any
     Resale Registration Statement or any amendment or supplement thereto or
     that requires the making of a change in the registration statement or any
     amendment or supplement thereto in order to make any material statement
     therein not misleading.
 
          8.03 Miscellaneous Agreements.  Subject to the terms and conditions
     herein provided, each party shall use its best efforts to take, or cause to
     be taken, all action, and to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary,
     appropriate or desirable under applicable laws and regulations to
     consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by this
     Agreement.
 
                                       A-9
<PAGE>   120
 
          8.04 The Closing.  The Closing (the "Closing") of the transactions
     contemplated herein shall take place at the offices of [JONES & SHOCKLEY,
     1319 FIFTH AVENUE NO., NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE], at 10:00 a.m., local time on
     the third business day following the date on which the partners of NTDT
     approve this Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein, or at such
     other time and place as Checkers and NTDT shall agree (the "Closing Date").
     The obligations of Checkers and NTDT to close or effect the transactions
     contemplated in this Agreement shall be subject to satisfaction, unless
     duly waived, of the applicable conditions set forth in this Agreement.
 
                                   ARTICLE IX
 
          CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF CHECKERS AND NTDT
 
     The respective obligations of each party to effect the transactions
contemplated herein shall be subject to the fulfillment or waiver at or prior to
the Closing Date of the following conditions:
 
          9.01 Litigation.  Neither Checkers nor NTDT shall be subject to any
     order, decree or injunction of a court or agency of competent jurisdiction
     which enjoins or prohibits the consummation of the transactions
     contemplated herein.
 
          9.02 NTDT Partner Approval.  This Agreement and the transactions
     contemplated herein shall have been approved by the partners in NTDT
     pursuant to the provisions of the partnership agreement of NTDT.
 
          9.03 Registration Statement Effective.  The Registration Statement
     shall have been declared effective by the SEC and the state securities
     commission in each jurisdiction in which the New Notes to be issued
     hereunder is required to be registered, and shall not be subject to a stop
     order or any threatened stop order.
 
          9.04 Closing Date.  The Closing Date shall be on the third business
     day following the date on which the partners of NTDT approve this Agreement
     and the transactions contemplated herein after the SEC declares the
     Registration Statement effective.
 
                                   ARTICLE X
 
                  CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF NTDT
 
     The obligations of NTDT to effect the transactions contemplated herein
shall be subject to the fulfillment or waiver at or prior to the Closing Date of
the following conditions:
 
          10.01 Representations and Warranties.  The representations and
     warranties of Checkers set forth in Article V of this Agreement shall be
     true and correct in all material respects as of the date of this Agreement
     and as of the Closing Date (as though made on and as of the Closing Date)
     except (i) to the extent such representations and warranties are by their
     expressed provisions made as of a specified date and (ii) for the effect of
     transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
 
          10.02 Performance of Obligations.  Checkers shall have performed in
     all material respects all obligations required to be performed by it under
     this Agreement at or prior to the Closing Date.
 
          10.03 Officers' Certificate.  Checkers shall have furnished to NTDT a
     certificate dated the Closing Date, signed on behalf of Checkers by its
     Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Operating Officer or Chief
     Financial Officer, to the effect that, to his knowledge and belief, the
     conditions set forth in Sections 10.01 and 10.02 have been satisfied.
 
                                      A-10
<PAGE>   121
 
                                   ARTICLE XI
 
                CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF CHECKERS
 
     The obligations of Checkers to effect the transactions contemplated herein
shall be subject to fulfillment at or prior to the Closing Date of the following
conditions:
 
          11.01 Representations and Warranties.  The representations and
     warranties of NTDT set forth in Article IV of this Agreement shall be true
     and correct in all material respects as of the date of this Agreement and
     as of the Closing Date (as though made on and as of the Closing Date)
     except (i) to the extent such representations and warranties are by their
     expressed provisions made as of a specified date and (ii) for the effect of
     transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
 
          11.02 Performance of Obligations.  NTDT shall have performed in all
     material respects all obligations required to be performed by it under this
     Agreement at or prior to the Closing Date.
 
          11.03 Certificate of Managing General Partner.  NTDT shall have
     furnished to Checkers a certificate dated the Closing Date, signed on
     behalf of NTDT by its managing general partner, to the effect that, to his
     knowledge and belief, the conditions set forth in Sections 11.01 and 11.02
     have been satisfied.
 
                                  ARTICLE XII
 
                DOCUMENTS TO BE DELIVERED AT THE CLOSING BY NTDT
 
     NTDT shall deliver to Checkers the following documents at the Closing:
 
          12.01 Certificate of Managing General Partner.  A certificate of the
     managing general partner of NTDT, dated the Closing Date, with respect to
     the matters set forth in Section 11.03 of this Agreement, as well as the
     incumbency of the corporate officers of the managing general partner and
     their signatures, good standing, and the partner resolutions of NTDT
     approving this Agreement and the transactions contemplated by this
     Agreement.
 
          12.02 The Note.  The Note, marked "Paid in Full" over the signature of
     a duly authorized officer of NTDT.
 
          12.03 Other Documents.  Such other documents as shall be reasonably
     requested by Checkers and its counsel or required to be delivered pursuant
     to this Agreement.
 
                                  ARTICLE XIII
 
              DOCUMENTS TO BE DELIVERED AT THE CLOSING BY CHECKERS
 
     Checkers shall deliver to NTDT the following documents at the Closing:
 
          13.01 Officer's Certificate.  The certificate referred to in Section
     10.03 of this Agreement.
 
          13.02 Certificate of Secretarial Officer.  The certificate of the
     Secretary or Assistant Secretary of Checkers, dated the Closing Date, with
     respect to the incumbency of corporate officers and their signatures,
     corporate good standing and the corporate director resolutions authorizing
     the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
 
          13.03 New Notes.  The New Notes executed on behalf of Checkers.
 
          13.04 Other Documents.  Such other documents as shall be reasonably
     requested by NTDT or its counsel or required to be delivered pursuant to
     this Agreement.
 
                                      A-11
<PAGE>   122
 
                                  ARTICLE XIV
 
                          TERMINATION AND ABANDONMENT
 
     14.01 Events of Termination.  This Agreement may be terminated at any time
before the Closing Date: (i) by mutual consent of Checkers and NTDT; (ii) by
NTDT if any of the conditions precedent found in Articles IX or X of this
Agreement have not been met and have not been waived in writing by NTDT; (iii)
by Checkers if any of the conditions precedent found in Articles IX or XI of
this Agreement have not been met and have not been waived in writing by
Checkers; (iv) by NTDT if there is a breach of or failure by Checkers to perform
in any material respect any of the representations, warranties, commitments,
covenants or conditions under this Agreement, which breach or failure is not
cured within five days after written notice thereof is given to Checkers; or (v)
by Checkers if there is a breach of or failure by NTDT to perform in any
material respect any of the representations, warranties, commitments, covenants
or conditions under this Agreement, which breach or failure is not cured within
five days after written notice thereof is given to NTDT. In the event of
termination and abandonment by any party as above provided in clauses (ii),
(iii), (iv) or (v) of this Section, written notice shall forthwith be given to
the other party, which notice shall clearly specify the reason of such party for
terminating this Agreement. Termination by either party hereto pursuant to this
Section 14.01 shall not restrict or limit in any manner the remedies which the
parties might have at law or in equity for any breach of the covenants,
representations, or warranties contained in this Agreement.
 
     14.02 Survival.  The provisions in Sections 8.01 and 16.13 of this
Agreement shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
 
                                   ARTICLE XV
 
                                INDEMNIFICATION
 
     15.01 Survival.  All representations, warranties, covenants and agreements
of each of the parties hereto set forth in this Agreement or in any other
instrument or document delivered by any of the parties hereto pursuant to this
Agreement shall survive the Closing and shall remain operative and in full force
and effect regardless of any investigations at any time made by or on behalf of
any party hereto and shall not be deemed merged in any document or instrument
executed or delivered at or after the Closing.
 
     15.02 Indemnification by NTDT.  From and after the Closing, NTDT shall
indemnify, defend and hold harmless Checkers' Group (as hereinafter defined)
from, against and with respect to any claim, liability, obligation, loss,
damage, assessment, judgment, cost and expense (including, without limitation,
reasonable attorney's and accountant's fees and costs and expenses reasonably
incurred in investigating, preparing, defending against or prosecuting any
litigation or claim, action, suit, proceeding or demand), of any kind or
character arising out of or in any manner incident, relating or attributable to
(i) the inaccuracy in any representation or breach of warranty of NTDT contained
in this Agreement or otherwise made or given in writing in connection with this
Agreement, (ii) any failure by NTDT to perform or observe any covenant,
agreement or condition to be performed or observed by it under this Agreement or
under any certificates or other documents or agreements executed by it in
connection with this Agreement, and (iii) any claims arising out of or based
upon any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration
Statement or any Resale Registration Statement or any prospectus included
therein or arising out of or based upon any omission to state therein a material
fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under
which they were made, not misleading, insofar as such claims arise out of or are
based upon information furnished to Checkers in writing by NTDT for use therein.
NTDT shall be liable to and shall reimburse Checkers' Group for any payment made
by Checkers' Group at any time after the Closing in respect of any liability,
obligation or claim to which the foregoing indemnity relates within five (5)
days of the date of receipt by NTDT of written demand for payment thereof by
Checkers' Group. If any claim covered by the foregoing indemnity be asserted
against Checkers' Group, Checkers shall notify NTDT promptly and give it an
opportunity to defend the same, and Checkers shall extend reasonable cooperation
to NTDT in connection with such defense. In the event that NTDT fails to defend
the same within a reasonable time, Checkers shall be entitled to assume the
defense thereof and NTDT shall be liable to repay Checkers for all of its
expenses
 
                                      A-12
<PAGE>   123
 
reasonably incurred in connection with such defense (including reasonable
attorney's fees and settlement payments). For purposes of this Agreement, the
term "Checkers' Group" shall mean Checkers and its subsidiaries, parents,
officers, directors, employees, agents, representatives, predecessors,
successors, attorneys and accountants.
 
     15.03 Indemnification by Checkers.  From and after the Closing, Checkers
shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless NTDT's Group (as hereinafter defined)
from, against and with respect to any claim, liability, obligation, loss,
damage, assessment, judgment, cost and expense (including, without limitation,
reasonable attorney's and accountant's fees and costs and expenses reasonably
incurred in investigating, preparing, defending against or prosecuting any
litigation or claim, action, suit, proceeding or demand), of any kind or
character arising out of or in any manner incident, relating or attributable to
(i) the inaccuracy in any representation or breach of warranty of Checkers
contained in this Agreement or otherwise made or given in writing in connection
with this Agreement, (ii) any failure by any Checkers to perform or observe any
covenant, agreement or condition to be performed or observed by it under this
Agreement or under any certificates or other documents or agreements executed by
it in connection with this Agreement, (iii) any failure by Checkers to comply
with the provisions of the 1933 Act or any applicable state securities law in
connection with the registration of any of the Common Stock issued hereunder,
and (iv) any claims arising out of or based upon any untrue statement of a
material fact contained in the Registration Statement or any Resale Registration
Statement or any prospectus included therein or arising out of or based upon any
omission to state therein a material fact necessary to make the statements made,
in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, other
than claims which arise out of or are based upon information furnished by NTDT
to Checkers in writing for use therein. Checkers shall be liable to and shall
reimburse NTDT's Group for any payment made by NTDT's Group at any time after
the Closing in respect of any liability, obligation or claim to which the
foregoing indemnity relates within five (5) days of the date of receipt by
Checkers of written demand for payment thereof by NTDT's Group. If any claim
covered by the foregoing indemnity be asserted against NTDT's Group, NTDT shall
notify Checkers promptly and give it an opportunity to defend the same, and
NTDT's Group shall extend reasonable cooperation to Checkers in connection with
such defense. In the event that Checkers fails to defend the same within a
reasonable time, NTDT's Group shall be entitled to assume the defense thereof
and Checkers shall be liable to repay NTDT's Group for all of its expenses
reasonably incurred in connection with such defense (including reasonable
attorney's fees and settlement payments). For purposes of this Agreement, the
term "NTDT's Group" shall mean NTDT and its subsidiaries, parents, officers,
directors, employees, agents, representatives, predecessors, successors,
attorneys and accountants.
 
                                  ARTICLE XVI
 
                                 MISCELLANEOUS
 
     16.01 Binding Effect.  This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure
to the benefit of the corporate parties hereto and their respective successors
and permitted assigns, and of the individual parties hereto and their respective
heirs, personal representatives and permitted assigns.
 
     16.02 Publicity.  Subject to the other provisions of this Agreement, press
releases and other publicity materials relating to the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement shall be released by the parties hereto only after review and
with the consent of each of Checkers and NTDT; provided, however, Checkers shall
have the right, after consulting with NTDT, to make a public announcement of the
execution of this Agreement and a disclosure of the basic terms and conditions
of this Agreement if advised to do so by its legal counsel in connection with
the reporting and disclosure obligations of Checkers under the federal
securities laws and/or the Nasdaq Stock Market.
 
     16.03 Headings.  The headings in this Agreement have been inserted solely
for ease of reference and shall not be considered in the interpretation or
construction of this Agreement.
 
     16.04 Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but such counterparts shall
together constitute one and the same instrument.
 
                                      A-13
<PAGE>   124
 
     16.05 Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with
the laws of the State of Florida without regard to any applicable conflicts of
law.
 
     16.06 Expenses.  Except as otherwise herein provided, each of the parties
hereto shall pay its respective costs and expenses incurred or to be incurred by
it in connection with the negotiations respecting this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including preparation of documents,
obtaining any necessary regulatory approvals and the consummation of the other
transactions contemplated in this Agreement. Except as expressly stated
otherwise herein, the costs related to the preparation and filing of the
Registration Statement, any Resale Registration Statement, and all Nasdaq and
state securities law filings shall be paid by Checkers, except that NTDT shall
bear the expenses of any fees of NTDT's advisors, including legal counsel.
 
     16.07 Non-Assignment.  This Agreement shall not be assignable by any party
without the written consent of the others.
 
     16.08 Entire Agreement.  This Agreement contains the entire agreement
between the parties hereto with respect to the transactions contemplated herein
and supersedes all other prior agreements, understandings and letters related
hereto.
 
     16.09 Singular and Plural.  Unless the context of this Agreement otherwise
clearly requires, references to the plural include the singular and the singular
includes the plural. Wherever the context so requires, the masculine shall refer
to the feminine, the neuter shall refer to the masculine or the feminine, the
singular shall refer to the plural, and vice versa.
 
     16.10 Knowledge of NTDT.  Wherever any representation, warranty or other
statement made in this Agreement is qualified as to the knowledge of NTDT, such
qualification shall mean the actual knowledge of NTDT and each of the directors
and executive officers of NTDT.
 
     16.11 Notices.  Any notice or other communications required or permitted by
this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given
(i) on the date sent if delivered personally or by cable, telecopy, telegram or
telex (which is confirmed) or (ii) on the date received if mailed by registered
or certified mail (return receipt requested) to the parties at the following
addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified by like
notice):
 
        (a) if to Checkers, to:
 
            Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc.
            600 Cleveland Street, Eighth Floor
            Clearwater, Florida 34615
            Attention: General Counsel
            Telecopy No.: (813) 298-2125
 
            with a copy to:
 
            Paul R. Lynch, Esquire
            Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick
            101 East Kennedy Boulevard
            Suite 2800
            Tampa, Florida 33602
            Telecopy No.: (813) 229-1660
 
            and,
 
                                      A-14
<PAGE>   125
 
        (b) if to NTDT, to:
 
            Nashville Twin Drive-Thru Partners, L.P.
            1314 5th Avenue North, Suite 100
            Nashville, Tennessee 37208
            Attention: Roland Jones
            Telecopy No.:
 
            with a copy to:
 
            Susan Short Jones, Esquire
            Jones & Shockley
            1319 Fifth Avenue No.
            Nashville, Tennessee 37208
            Telecopy No.:
 
     16.12 Rights of Third Parties.  This Agreement shall not create any legal
rights in any person or entity other than the parties to this Agreement, except
for Checkers' Group under Section 15.02 and NTDT's Group under Section 15.03 of
this Agreement.
 
     16.13 Remedies.  Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed to
restrict or limit in any manner the remedies which the parties might have at law
or in equity for any breach of the covenants, representations, or warranties
contained in this Agreement.
 
     16.14 Amendment.  This Agreement may be amended or supplemented by the
parties hereto. This Agreement may not be amended except by an instrument in
writing signed on behalf of each of the parties hereto.
 
     16.15 Waiver.  Any party hereto may, by written notice to the other parties
hereto, (i) extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations or
other actions of such other party under this Agreement, (ii) waive any
inaccuracies in the representations or warranties of such other party contained
in this Agreement or in any document delivered pursuant to this Agreement, or
(iii) waive compliance with any of the conditions or covenants of such other
party contained in this Agreement, or (iv) waive or modify performance of any of
the obligations of such other party under this Agreement. Except as provided in
the preceding sentence, no action taken pursuant to this Agreement, including,
without limitation, any investigation by or on behalf of any party, shall be
deemed to constitute a waiver by the party taking such action of compliance with
any of the representations, warranties, covenants, conditions, or agreements
contained in the Agreement. The waiver by any party hereto of a breach of any
provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any
subsequent breach. If, prior to the Closing, any party provides all of the other
parties with written notice, which refers specifically to this Section 16.15,
that a representation or warranty made by such party in or pursuant to this
Agreement is not true, correct and complete and the Closing is consummated
notwithstanding such disclosure, such other parties shall be deemed to have
waived any claims for indemnification under this Agreement as a result of the
inaccuracy of such representation or warranty.
 
     16.16 Effectiveness.  This Amended and Restated Purchase Agreement shall
become effective upon execution by all of the parties hereto and the payment by
Checkers to NTDT in cash of the amount of One Hundred Ten Thousand Dollars
($110,000.00), One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00) of which is to be
applied against the principal balance due under the Note, as required under
Section 6.07 hereof, and Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) of which is to
reimburse NTDT for legal expenses as required under Section 6.08.
 
                  [REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.
                         NEXT PAGE IS SIGNATURE PAGE.]
 
                                      A-15
<PAGE>   126
 
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has executed this Agreement
as of the day and year first above written.
 
                                          CHECKERS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANTS, INC.
 
                                          By:      /s/ JOSEPH N. STEIN
                                            ------------------------------------
                                                      Joseph N. Stein
                                                  Executive Vice President
 
                                          NASHVILLE TWIN DRIVE-THRU PARTNERS,
                                            L.P.
 
                                          By: JONES & JONES TWIN DRIVE-THRU,
                                              INC.
                                              General Partner
 
                                          By:      /s/ ROLAND L. JONES
                                            ------------------------------------
                                                      Roland L. Jones
                                                         President
 
                                          By: NTD ENTERPRISES, INC.
                                              General Partner
  
                                          By:      /s/ DAVID M. WILDS
                                            ------------------------------------
                                                       David M. Wilds
                                                         President
 
                                          JONES & JONES TWIN DRIVE-THRU, INC.
 
                                          By:      /s/ ROLAND L. JONES
                                            ------------------------------------
                                                      Roland L. Jones
                                                         President
 
                                          NTD ENTERPRISES, INC.,
 
                                          By:      /s/ DAVID M. WILDS
                                            ------------------------------------
                                                       David M. Wilds
                                                         President
 
                                                   /s/ ROLAND L. JONES
                                            ------------------------------------
                                                      Roland L. Jones
                                                        Individually
 
                                      A-16
<PAGE>   127
 
                                                                       EXHIBIT A
 
                    SUBORDINATED CONVERTIBLE PROMISSORY NOTE
 
$100,000.00                                                               , 1997
                                                            Nashville, Tennessee
 
     This Subordinated Convertible Promissory Note (the "Note") is one of a
series of notes issued by Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. ("Checkers"), a
Delaware corporation having offices at 600 Cleveland Street, Eighth Floor,
Clearwater, Florida 34615, to Nashville Twin Drive-thru Partners, L.P. ("NTDT"),
a Tennessee limited partnership having offices at 1314 Fifth Avenue N., Suite
100, Nashville, Tennessee 37208, pursuant to the terms of that certain Amended
and Restated Note Repayment Agreement, of even date herewith, by and between
Checkers and NTDT, among others (the "Agreement"). This note and the other notes
issued by Checkers to NTDT under the Agreement are being issued in replacement
of that certain subordinated promissory note, dated March 31, 1995, issued by
Checkers to NTDT in the original principal amount of $1,354,287.00. Capitalized
terms not otherwise defined herein have the meanings ascribed to them in the
Agreement. To the extent that any conflict shall exist between the terms of this
Note and the terms of the Agreement, the Agreement shall control.
 
     Checkers promises to pay to the order of NTDT, c/o Jones & Jones Twin
Drive-Thru, Inc., 1314 Fifth Avenue N., Suite 100, Nashville, Tennessee 37208,
One Hundred Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($100,000.00), plus interest on the
outstanding balance from this date until paid, pursuant to the terms of this
promissory note ("Note").
 
     1. Interest.  Checkers shall pay interest on the outstanding principal
balance of this Note at a fixed rate of eighteen percent (18%) per annum.
Interest shall be calculated on the basis of a 360-day year and a 30-day month.
 
     2. Payments.
 
          2.01  Interest shall be payable on the outstanding principal amount
     due under this Note on a monthly basis in arrears, beginning on July 1,
     1997, and on the first day of every month thereafter until maturity.
 
          2.02  Checkers shall pay the then outstanding balance of this Note in
     full on December 31, 1998.
 
          2.03  Checkers shall make all payments on this Note to NTDT, c/o Jones
     & Jones Twin Drive-Thru, Inc., 1314 Fifth Avenue N., Suite 100, Nashville,
     Tennessee 37208, Attention: Roland Jones, or at such other place as the
     holder of this Note may designate.
 
          2.04  Checkers may prepay all or part of this Note at any time without
     penalty. Except as set forth above, all payments shall be credited first to
     interest accrued but unpaid and second to principal.
 
     3. Default and acceleration.
 
          3.01  Each of the following shall constitute an Event of Default under
     this Note: (a) the failure by Checkers to make any scheduled payment on
     this Note when due; (b) the failure by Checkers to make any scheduled
     Contingent Purchase Price payment provided for in the Asset Purchase
     Agreement, dated as of November 4, 1994, by and between Checkers and NTDT,
     among others, when due; (c) the suspension of effectiveness of the
     Registration Statement by Checkers for more than 90 days; (d) the
     suspension of trading in the common stock of Checkers for more than 14
     consecutive days on the Nasdaq Stock Market; (e) the filing of any petition
     by Checkers under any provision of the Federal Bankruptcy Code or any state
     law relating to insolvency, or the filing of any such petition by any party
     against Checkers, unless such petition and all other proceedings thereunder
     are dismissed within sixty (60) days after such filing; (f) the appointment
     of a trustee or receiver for substantially all of the assets of Checkers,
     unless such appointment is vacated or dismissed within sixty (60) days from
     the date of such appointment; (g) an adjudication that Checkers is
     insolvent or bankrupt; (h) any assignment by
 
                                      A-17
<PAGE>   128
 
     Checkers of substantially all of its assets for the benefit of its
     creditors or any other marshalling of the assets of Checkers; or (i) the
     dissolution or termination of Checkers.
 
     3.02  Subject to the provisions of Section 4, upon the occurrence of any
Event of Default, at the option of NTDT, all amounts due under this Note shall
become immediately due and payable without notice or demand.
 
     4. Subordination.
 
          4.01  The Subordinated Obligations (as defined in Section 4.02 hereof)
     are subordinate and junior in right of payment, to the extent and in the
     manner set forth in this Section 4, to the prior payment in full of all
     Senior Debt (as defined in Section 4.02 hereof). This Section shall
     constitute a continuing offer to the lenders which are or may become a
     party to the Credit Agreement (as defined in Section 4.02 hereof) and to
     all Persons who, in reliance upon such provisions, become holders of or
     continue to hold, Senior Debt and such provisions are made for the benefit
     of the holders of Senior Debt of Checkers, and such holders are made
     obligees hereunder and they and/or each of them (or the Agent on their
     behalf) may enforce such provisions. The parties hereto acknowledge the
     reliance by the lenders and the Agent under the Credit Agreement upon the
     provisions hereof.
 
          4.02  Definitions.  For the purposes of this Section 4, the following
     terms shall have the following respective meanings (provided, that, other
     capitalized terms used in this Section 4 but not defined in this Section 4
     shall have the meanings attributed thereto in the Credit Agreement):
 
             "Affiliate" means (i) any Person that directly, or indirectly
        through one or more intermediaries, controls Checkers (a "Controlling
        Person"), (ii) any Person (other than Checkers or a Subsidiary), which
        is controlled by or is under common control with a Controlling Person,
        or (iii) any Person (other than a Subsidiary) of which Checkers owns,
        directly or indirectly, 20% or more of the common stock or equivalent
        entity interests. As used herein, the term "control" means possession,
        directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of
        the management or policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of
        voting securities, by contract or otherwise.
 
             "Blockage Period" means a period commencing on the date on which
        the Agent shall have delivered a Senior Default Notice and ending on
        that date on which the Agent shall deliver a written notice to the
        holder of the Subordinated Obligations that no Senior Default shall
        remain in existence.
 
             "Credit Agreement" means that certain Amended and Restated Credit
        Agreement, dated as of November 22, 1996, among Checkers, the lenders
        from time to time parties thereto, and CKE Restaurants, Inc., as agent
        (the "Agent"), together with all amendments and supplements thereto.
 
             "Person" means an individual, a corporation, a partnership, an
        unincorporated association, a trust or any other entity or organization,
        including, but not limited to, a government or political subdivision or
        an agency or instrumentality thereof.
 
             "Senior Debt" means at any time (a) indebtedness incurred under the
        Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents delivered in connection
        therewith from time to time and outstanding (up to a maximum amount of
        $85,000,000), plus all interest, fees, expenses, indemnities, premiums,
        penalties and other obligations payable from time to time under the
        Credit Agreement, as the same may be amended from time to time, and (b)
        all extensions, renewals, refundings and replacements of any of the
        foregoing made pursuant to the Credit Agreement. Notwithstanding the
        foregoing, Senior Debt shall not include (i) any indebtedness of the
        Company which, by its terms or the terms of the instrument creating or
        evidencing it, is designated subordinated indebtedness or is subordinate
        in right of payment to or pari passu with the Subordinated Obligations
        or (ii) any indebtedness of the Company incurred in connection with the
        acquisition of any property, which indebtedness is owed to the Person or
        any Affiliate thereof from which such property was acquired.
 
             "Senior Default" means any default (including, without limitation,
        any Default or Event of Default) under or contained in any agreement or
        instrument evidencing Senior Debt or pursuant to
 
                                      A-18
<PAGE>   129
 
        which Senior Debt has been incurred, which default entitles the holder
        or holders of such Senior Debt (immediately or following the expiration
        of any applicable grace periods, the giving of any required notices of
        the taking of any action by such holder) to accelerate the maturity
        thereof.
 
             "Senior Default Notice" means a written certificate signed by the
        Agent and delivered to the Company to the effect that a Senior Default
        has occurred and is continuing as of the date of such certificate.
 
             "Subordinated Obligations" means, at any time, all indebtedness
        evidenced by this Note and outstanding at any one time, plus all
        interest, fees, expenses, and other obligations payable from time to
        time on account of this Note, as the same may be amended from time to
        time.
 
             "Subsidiary" means any corporation or other entity of which
        securities or other ownership interests having ordinary voting power to
        elect a majority of the board of directors or other persons performing
        similar functions are at the time directly or indirectly owned by
        Checkers, and any partnership in which Checkers or any Subsidiary is a
        general partner.
 
          4.03 Payment Blockage.  During any Blockage Period, no direct or
     indirect payment (in cash, property or securities or by set-off or
     otherwise) shall be made or agreed to be made by or on behalf of Checkers
     or from any of its properties or from any other source on account of the
     Subordinated Obligations, or in respect of any prepayment, redemption,
     retirement, purchase or other acquisition of this Note or of any judgment
     for any of the foregoing.
 
          4.04 Acceleration Blockage.  Until all of the Company's obligations
     under the Credit Agreement have been paid in full (as evidenced by a
     written notice by the Agent to that effect), no holder of this Note shall
     have the right during any Blockage Period to take any action to accelerate
     the maturity of this Note pursuant to Section 3.02 hereof or to pursue, by
     suit or otherwise, any remedy with respect to its rights hereunder, whether
     provided hereunder or by law.
 
          4.05 Insolvency, Bankruptcy, etc.
 
             (a) In the event of:
 
                (i) any insolvency, bankruptcy, receivership, liquidation,
           reorganization, readjustment, composition or other similar proceeding
           relating to Checkers or its property,
 
                (ii) any proceeding for the liquidation, dissolution or other
           winding up of Checkers, voluntary or involuntary, whether or not
           involving insolvency or bankruptcy,
 
                (iii) any assignment by Checkers for the benefit of creditors,
           or
 
                (iv) any other marshalling of the assets of Checkers;
 
the Senior Debt shall first be paid in full before any payment, set-off or
distribution, whether in cash, securities or other property (subject to the
first parenthetical in the immediately following sentence), shall be made by or
on behalf of Checkers or from its assets or any other source to any holder of
any Subordinated Obligation on account of such Subordinated Obligation. Any
payment or distribution, whether in cash, securities or other property (other
than Securities of Checkers or any other corporation provided for by a plan of
reorganization or readjustment the payment of which is subordinate, at least to
the extent provided in these subordination provisions with respect to the
Subordinated Obligations, to the payment in full of all Senior Debt at the time
outstanding and to any securities issued in respect thereof under any such plan
of reorganization or readjustment), which would otherwise (but for these
subordination provisions) be payable or deliverable in respect of the
Subordinated Obligations shall be paid or delivered directly to the holders of
Senior Debt in accordance with the priorities then existing among such holders
(and pro rata among holders having the same priority) until all Senior Debt
shall have been paid in full.
 
             (b) If the holders of the Subordinated Obligations do not file
        proper claims or proofs of claim in the form required in a bankruptcy,
        reorganization, insolvency, receivership or similar proceeding relating
        to Checkers or its property prior to 30 days before the expiration of
        the time to file such
 
                                      A-19
<PAGE>   130
 
        claims, then (i) upon the request of the Agent, the holders of the
        Subordinated Obligations shall file such claims and proofs of claim in
        respect of their Subordinated Obligations and execute and deliver such
        powers of attorney, assignments and proofs of claim as may be directed
        by the Agent to enable the holders of Senior Debt to file any and all
        claims upon or in respect of this Note and the Subordinated Obligations
        and (ii) whether or not the holders of the Subordinated Obligations
        shall take the action described in clause (i) of this Section 4.05(b),
        the Agent shall nevertheless be deemed to have such powers of attorney
        as may be necessary to file appropriate claims and proofs of claim and
        otherwise exercise the powers described above.
 
          4.06 Maturity or Acceleration of Senior Debt.  Notwithstanding any
     provision to the contrary contained herein, in the event that any Senior
     Debt (a) has matured by passage of time or by acceleration (by scheduled or
     required payment or otherwise) and has not been paid or (b) has been
     declared due and payable as the result of the occurrence of any one or more
     Senior Defaults in respect thereof, no payment shall be made by or on
     behalf of Checkers or from its assets or any other source in respect of the
     Subordinated Obligations and no purchase, redemption, retirement or other
     acquisition shall be made in respect of any Subordinated Obligations unless
     and until (i) such Senior Debt shall have been paid in full or (ii) such
     declaration and its consequences shall have been rescinded or all such
     defaults shall have been remedied or waived or shall have ceased to exist
     (as evidenced by a written notice by the Agent to that effect).
 
          4.07 Constructive Trust.  If any payment or distribution of any
     character or any security, whether in cash, securities or other property
     (other than Securities of Checkers or any other corporation provided for by
     a plan of reorganization or readjustment the payment of which is
     subordinate, at least to the extent provided in this Section 4 with respect
     to the Subordinated Obligations, to the payment of the Senior Debt at the
     time outstanding and to any securities issued in respect thereof under any
     such plan or reorganization or readjustment), shall be received from or on
     behalf of Checkers, or from any of its properties or any other source,
     including pursuant to a judgment, by any holder of any Subordinated
     Obligation on account of such Subordinated Obligation or any of the
     provisions hereof in contravention of any of the terms hereof, and before
     all the Senior Debt shall have been paid in full (as evidenced by a written
     notice by the Agent to that effect), or provision for such payment has been
     made, such payment or distribution or security shall be received in trust
     for the benefit of, and shall be paid over or delivered and transferred to,
     the holders of the Senior Debt at the time outstanding in accordance with
     the priorities then existing among such holders (and pro rata among holders
     having the same priority) for application to the payment of all Senior Debt
     remaining unpaid, to the extent necessary to pay all such Senior Debt in
     full. In the event of a failure of any holder of any Subordinated
     Obligation to endorse or assign any such payment, distribution or security,
     each holder of Senior Debt is hereby irrevocable authorized to endorse or
     assign the same and a power of attorney, which is coupled with an interest,
     is hereby granted to each such holder of Senior Debt, including, without
     limitation, the Agent for that purpose.
 
          4.08 Checkers' Obligations.  Neither the Agent nor any present or
     future holder of any Senior Debt shall be prejudiced in the right to
     enforce the subordination of the Subordinated Obligations by any act or
     failure to act on the part of Checkers. Nothing contained herein shall
     impair, as between Checkers and any holder of any Subordinated Obligation,
     the obligation of Checkers to pay to the holder thereof the Subordinated
     Obligations as and when the same shall become due and payable in accordance
     with the terms hereof, or prevent any holder of this Note from exercising
     all rights, powers and remedies otherwise permitted by applicable law or
     hereunder upon a default hereunder, all subject to the rights of the Agent
     and the holders of the Senior Debt as set forth in this Section 4. Checkers
     hereby covenants and agrees that, immediately upon receipt of any Senior
     Default Notice, it will deliver copies thereof to the holder of this Note.
 
          4.09 No Impairment of Rights.  No right of the Agent or any present or
     future holder of any Senior Debt to enforce the subordination provisions
     contained herein shall at any time or in any way be prejudiced or impaired
     by any act or failure to act on the part of Checkers or any holder of a
     Subordinated Obligation or by any non-compliance by Checkers or any holder
     of a Subordinated
 
                                      A-20
<PAGE>   131
 
     Obligation with the terms, provisions and covenants of this Note,
     regardless of any knowledge thereof the Agent or any such holder of such
     Senior Debt may have or otherwise be charged with.
 
          4.10 Terms of the Subordinated Obligations.  The Subordinated
     Obligations shall only be repaid in accordance with the scheduled repayment
     of the same as provided in Sections 2.01, 2.02 and 2.03 hereof. Without the
     prior written consent of the Agent, none of the material financial terms
     (including, without limitation, principal repayment and interest rate) of
     the Subordinated Obligations may be amended or otherwise altered, and in no
     event shall the holders of the Subordinated Obligations accept any
     prepayments thereof or allow Checkers or its Subsidiaries, or any of its or
     their respective Affiliates, to take any action having the practical effect
     of same (including, without limitation, a purchase of the Subordinated
     Obligations).
 
     5. Conversion.  This Note is convertible into shares of the common stock of
Checkers, par value $.001 per share, upon the terms and conditions set forth in
Article III of the Agreement, which terms and conditions are incorporated herein
by this reference.
 
     6. Miscellaneous.
 
          6.01  This Note shall be construed under the laws of the State of
     Florida.
 
          6.02  If any payment comes due on a day on which banking institutions
     in the State of Florida or the State of Tennessee are required or
     authorized to close, Checkers may make the payment and pay the additional
     interest accrued to the date of payment on the next day on which banking
     institutions are open.
 
          6.03  None of the following will be a course of dealing, estoppel,
     waiver or implied amendment on which any party to this Note may rely: (a)
     NTDT's acceptance of one or more late or partial payments; (b) NTDT's
     forbearance from exercising any right or remedy under this Note; (c) NTDT's
     forbearance from exercising any right or remedy under this Note on any one
     or more occasions; or (d) NTDT's knowledge of any breach or breaches of
     this Note. NTDT's exercise of any rights or remedies or a part of a right
     or remedy on one or more occasions shall not preclude NTDT from exercising
     the right or remedy at any other time. NTDT's rights and remedies under
     this Note, and the law and equity are cumulative to, but independent of,
     each other.
 
          6.04  NTDT may give notices to Checkers in writing, by personal
     delivery to Checkers at 600 Cleveland Street, Eighth Floor, Clearwater,
     Florida 34615 or by a national courier service (prepaid) or United States
     mail (postage prepaid) addressed to Checkers at 600 Cleveland Street,
     Eighth Floor, Clearwater, Florida 34615. When personally delivered, all
     notices shall be given when actually received. When delivered by courier or
     mail, all notices shall be given the second day after delivering to the
     courier or the second day after mailing. NTDT may also give notices by oral
     communication, in person at or by electronic communication to any of
     Checkers's offices where NTDT customarily contacts Checkers. Any notices
     meeting the requirements of this section shall be effective, regardless of
     whether or not actually received. This section does not preclude any other
     means of notice.
 
          6.05  Each party to this Note jointly and severally waives protest,
     noting for protest, all notices, and all demands not otherwise required
     above.
 
          6.06  Each party to this Note consents to venue and personal
     jurisdiction of any state or federal court sitting in Pinellas County,
     Florida for enforcing this Note and waives all objections to venue and
     jurisdiction of any such court. No party to this Note other than the holder
     shall bring any action related to this Note in any court not sitting in
     Pinellas County, Florida.
 
          6.07  This Note is secured by a Security Agreement, dated as of March
     31, 1995, executed by Checkers and covering certain property described
     therein.
 
          6.08  This note may not be assigned by the holder. Any purported
     assignment shall be null and void.
 
                                      A-21
<PAGE>   132
 
          6.09  Checkers agrees to pay all costs of collection when incurred,
     including reasonable attorneys' fees.
 
                                   CHECKERS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANTS, INC.
 
                                   By:
                                      ------------------------------------------
 
STATE OF TENNESSEE
COUNTY OF
 
     The foregoing promissory note was executed and acknowledged before me this
     day June, 1997, by                ,                of CHECKERS DRIVE-IN
RESTAURANTS, INC., a Delaware corporation, on behalf of the corporation. He is
personally known to me or has produced                as identification.
 
                                   ---------------------------------------------
                                   NOTARY PUBLIC
 
                                   Name:
                                         ---------------------------------------
                                         My: Commission Expires:
                                                   (notary seal)
 
                                      A-22


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