RICKS CABARET INTERNATIONAL INC
DEF 14A, 1997-03-14
EATING & DRINKING PLACES
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<PAGE>   1
                                  SCHEDULE 14A
                                 (RULE 14A-101)

                   INFORMATION REQUIRED BY A PROXY STATEMENT

                            SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

          PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(A) OF THE SECURITIES
                              EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934


Filed by the Registrant   |X|
                           - 

Filed by a Party other than the Registrant  |_|

Check the appropriate box:
|_| Preliminary Proxy Statement               |_| Confidential For Use of the
                                                  Commission Only (as Permitted
                                                  by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))

|X|  Definitive Proxy Statement
 -                             

|_|  Definitive Additional Materials

|_| Soliciting Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-11 (c) or Rule 14a-12

                     RICK'S CABARET INTERNATIONAL, INC.
                     ----------------------------------
              (Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)


 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
  (Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if Other Than the Registrant)


Payment of filing fee: (Check the appropriate box):

|X| No fee required

|_| Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act
    Rule 14a-6(I)(1) and 0-11

(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
                                                                               
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>   2
(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant
to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is
calculated and state how it was determined):

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(5) Total fee paid:

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

|_| Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.

|_| Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule
0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid
previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or
the form or schedule and the date of the filing.

(1) Amount Previously Paid:

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(2) For, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(3) Filing Party:

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(4) Date Filed:

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>   3
                       RICK'S CABARET INTERNATIONAL, INC.
                               315 BOURBON STREET
                          NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA 70130

                    NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
                          TO BE HELD ON APRIL 11, 1997

The Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "Annual Meeting") of Rick's Cabaret
International, Inc. (the "Company") will be held at 315 Bourbon Street, New
Orleans 70130, on April 11, 1997 at 10:00 AM (CST) for the following purposes:

       (1)    To elect four (4) directors.

       (2)    To ratify the selection of Jackson & Rhodes, P.C. as the
Company's independent auditor for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1997.

       (3)    To act upon such other business as may properly come before the
Annual Meeting.

Only holders of common stock of record at the close of business on March 3 ,
1997,  will be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting or any adjournment
thereof.

You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting.  Whether or not you
plan to attend the Annual Meeting, please sign, date and return your proxy to
us promptly.  Your cooperation in signing and returning the proxy will help
avoid further solicitation expense.

                            BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

                            /s/ Robert L. Watters
                            Chairman of the Board and
                            President

March 14, 1997
Houston, Texas
<PAGE>   4
                       RICK'S CABARET INTERNATIONAL, INC.
                               315 BOURBON STREET
                          NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA 70130

                                PROXY STATEMENT

                         ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
                          TO BE HELD ON APRIL 11, 1997

This proxy statement (the "Proxy Statement") is being furnished to stockholders
(the "Stockholders") in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the
Board of Directors of Rick's Cabaret International, Inc., a Texas corporation
(the "Company") for their use at the Annual Meeting (the "Annual Meeting") of
Stockholders of the Company to be held at 315 Bourbon Street, New Orleans,
Louisiana 70130, on April 11, 1997 at 10:00 AM (CST), and at any adjournments
thereof, for the purpose of considering and voting upon the matters set forth
in the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "Notice").
This Proxy Statement and the accompanying form of proxy (the "Proxy") are first
being mailed to Stockholders on or about March 14, 1997.  The cost of
solicitation of proxies is being borne by the Company.

       The close of business on March 3, 1997, has been fixed as the record
date for the determination of Stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at
the Annual Meeting and any adjournment thereof.  As of record date, there were
4,114,922 shares of the Company's common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the
"Common Stock"), issued and outstanding.  The presence, in person or by proxy,
of a majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock on the record date is
necessary to constitute a quorum at the Annual Meeting.  Each share is entitled
to one vote on all issues requiring a Stockholder vote at the Annual Meeting.
Each nominee for Director named in Number 1 must receive a majority of the
votes cast in person or by proxy in order to be elected.  Stockholders may not
cumulate their votes for the election of Directors.  The affirmative vote of a
majority of the shares of Common Stock present or represented by proxy and
entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting is required for the approval of Number 2
set forth in the accompanying Notice.

       All shares represented by properly executed proxies, unless such proxies
previously have been revoked, will be voted at the Annual Meeting in accordance
with the directions on the proxies.  If no direction is indicated, the shares
will be voted (i) FOR THE ELECTION OF THE NOMINEES NAMED HEREIN, AND (ii) FOR
THE RATIFICATION OF JACKSON & RHODES, P.C.  AS THE COMPANY'S INDEPENDENT
AUDITOR FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 1997.  The Board of Directors
is not aware of any other matters to be presented for action at the Annual
Meeting.  However, if any other matter is properly presented at the Annual
Meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the enclosed proxy to vote
in accordance with their best judgment on such matters.





                                       1
<PAGE>   5
       The enclosed Proxy, even though executed and returned, may be revoked at
any time prior to the voting of the Proxy (a) by execution and submission of a
revised proxy, (b) by written notice to the Secretary of the Company, or (c) by
voting in person at the Annual Meeting.

       --------------------------------------------------------------

            (1)  TO ELECT FOUR (4) DIRECTORS FOR THE ENSUING YEAR

       --------------------------------------------------------------


NOMINEES FOR DIRECTORS

       The persons named in the enclosed Proxy have been selected by the Board
of Directors to serve as proxies (the "Proxies") and will vote the shares
represented by valid proxies at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders and
adjournments thereof.  They have indicated that, unless otherwise specified in
the Proxy, they intend to elect as Directors the nominees listed below.  All
the nominees are presently members of the Board of Directors.  Each duly
elected Director will hold office until his successor shall have been elected
and qualified.

       Unless otherwise instructed or unless authority to vote is withheld, the
enclosed Proxy will be voted for the election of the nominees listed below.
Although the Board of Directors of the Company does not contemplate that any of
the nominees will be unable to serve, if such a situation arises prior to the
Annual Meeting, the persons named in the enclosed Proxy will vote for the
election of such other person(s) as may be nominated by the Board of Directors.

       The Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote FOR the election of
each of the nominees listed below.

       Robert L. Watters, age 45, has been a director of the Company since
1986, and became the sole stockholder of the Company in 1993.   Mr. Watters has
been president and chief executive officer of the Company since 1991.  He was
also a founder in 1989 and operator until 1993 of the Colorado Bar & Grill, an
adult cabaret located in Houston, Texas and in 1988 performed site selection,
negotiated the property purchase and oversaw the design and permitting for the
cabaret that became the Cabaret Royale, in Dallas, Texas.  Mr. Watters
practiced law as a solicitor in London, England and is qualified to practice
law in New York state.  Mr. Watters worked in the international tax group of
the accounting firm of Touche, Ross & Co. (now succeeded by Deloitte & Touche)
from 1979 to 1983 and was engaged in the private practice of law in Houston,
Texas from 1983 to 1986, when he became involved in the full-time management of
the Company.  Mr. Watters graduated from the London School of Economics and
Political Science, University of London, in 1973 with a Bachelor of Laws
(Honours) degree and in 1975 with a Master of Laws degree from Osgoode Hall Law
School, York University.





                                       2
<PAGE>   6
       Erich Norton White, age 26, vice president and secretary has served as a
director of the Company since July, 1995.  Mr. White joined the Company in
January, 1993 as a night manager and from May, 1995 until November, 1995 was
its General Manager.  From October, 1989, until joining the Company in 1993,
Mr. White worked in the hospitality industry for the Bennigan's restaurant
chain.  Mr. White completed the Bennigan's Restaurant Management Training
Program in 1992.

       Scott C. Mitchell, age 42, has served as a director of the Company since
December, 1994.  Mr. Mitchell has been a certified public accountant in private
practice since 1976 and has been a principal of his own firm since 1981.  Mr.
Mitchell's current firm Mitchell & Cavallo, P.C.  serves a wide range of
business and individual clients.  Mr. Mitchell has been licensed since 1980 to
practice law in the State of Texas and since 1986 has been admitted to practice
before the Tax Court of the United States.  Further, Mr. Mitchell has been
appointed by various District Courts as a receiver and special master of
business entities under court jurisdiction.  Mr. Mitchell was appointed a
Receiver of the Company in September, 1989 with limited authority to oversee
and review the receipt and disbursement of revenues of the Company.  Mr.
Mitchell, however, had no authority over the management of the Company.  The
receivership was terminated in March, 1993.

       Martin Sage, age 45, has served as a director of the Company since July,
1995.  Mr. Sage is the founder and director of Sage Productions, Inc., which is
involved in the development of applying advanced learning theory to business.
The Sage Learning Method enables individuals to build innovative approaches to
management, leadership and team building.  The Sage Learning Method works to
create dynamic relationships which motivate and create synergy between
individuals and the businesses where they work.  For the past 16 years, Mr.
Sage has served as a consultant to businesses throughout the United States
bringing his innovative approach to business to many organizations and
corporations.


RELATED TRANSACTIONS

       Prior to the Company's reorganization, the Company, as a privately-held
company engaged in certain business transactions with Mr. Watters, its sole
stockholder.  These transactions are described below.  The Board of Directors
of the Company has adopted a policy that Company affairs will be conducted in
all respects by standards applicable to publicly-held corporations and that the
Company will not enter into any future transactions and/or loans between the
Company and its officers, directors and 5% shareholders unless the terms are no
less favorable than could be obtained from independent, third parties and will
be approved by a majority of the independent, disinterested directors of the
Company.  In the Company's view, all of the transactions described below
involving the Company meet this standard.

       The Company was organized in 1994 to acquire all of the outstanding
common stock of Trumps, Inc. ("Trumps"), a Texas corporation formed in 1982,
from Robert L. Watters, its sole stockholder.  The Company issued to Mr.
Watters 1,750,000 shares of its common stock in exchange for the common stock
of Trumps.  This exchange, which resulted in Trumps becoming a wholly





                                       3
<PAGE>   7
owned subsidiary of the Company, was consummated in February 1995.  The
transaction was entered as part of a corporate reorganization, the result of
which was to create the Company as a holding company for Trumps.

       In August, 1995, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized the
acquisition from Mr. Watters of all of the capital stock of Tantric
Enterprises, Inc., Tantra Dance, Inc., and Tantra Parking, Inc. (collectively
"Tantra").  The Company issued to Mr. Watters 50,000 shares of its common stock
in exchange for the stock of Tantra.  The exchange was consummated in
September, 1995.  The Tantra companies own and operate Tantra, a non-sexually
oriented discotheque and billiard club in Houston, Texas.  The Board of
Directors determined that the combination of the business operations of Tantra
and the Company would create a synergy which would enhance the profitability of
both businesses.  Moreover, the Board of Directors believed that the
diversification of the Company's operations into the business of Tantra would
enhance the public image of the Company.  The Board of Directors received an
opinion of an independent third-party appraiser that the terms of the
transaction were fair and reasonable to the Company and were at least as
favorable to the Company as would be the case between unrelated parties.  Mr.
Watters had no cost basis in the stock of Tantra.

       As of September 30, 1993, SRD Vending Company, Inc. ("SRD"), a company
wholly-owned by Robert L. Watters, had advanced the Company $60,501.  This
amount was increased during the Company's 1994 fiscal year to $69,722.  During
November, 1994, the Company converted these advances, which were demand
obligations of the Company, to a promissory note in favor of SRD in the amount
of $69,722.  The promissory note, which bears interest at the rate of 9% per
annum, was due in full on November 30, 1995, at which time it was paid.

       During the Company's fiscal years ending 1996 and 1995, the Company paid
$17,179 and $16,560, respectively, for accounting services to accounting firms
in which Mr. Mitchell, a director of the Company, was a principal.

INFORMATION CONCERNING THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND ITS COMMITTEES

       The Company has no compensation committee.  Decisions concerning
executive officer compensation for 1996 were made by the full Board of
Directors.  Robert L. Watters and Erich Norton White are the only directors of
the Company who are also officers of the Company.

       The Company has no audit committee.  Decisions concerning audit matters
for 1996 were made by the full Board of Directors.

       The Company has held three meetings of its Board of Directors during
the period covered by the fiscal year ended September 30, 1996.  All of the
Directors were present at the Board meeting.

       Robert Watters, Scott Mitchell, Martin Sage, and Erich Norton White, all
directors of the Company, each failed to timely file one report on Form 3 as
required by Section 16(a) of the





                                       4
<PAGE>   8
Exchange Act.  The reports were of their respective beneficial holdings owned at
the time they each became subject to reporting on Form 3.  Messrs. Mitchell and
Sage each subsequently filed one amendment to Form 3.  Mr. White subsequently
filed two amendments to Form 3.  Messrs. Watters, Mitchell, Sage and White each
failed to timely file one Form 5 report.  Messrs. Watters, Mitchell and White
subsequently filed the Form 5 reports.  Robert Gary White, an officer of the
Company, failed to timely file one report on Form 3 and one report on Form 5.
He subsequently filed Form 5 which also reported From 3 holdings.


                             EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

       The following table reflects all forms of compensation for services to
the Company for the fiscal years ended September 30, 1996, 1995, and 1994 of
the chief executive officer of the Company.  No executive officer (other than
the chief executive officer) of the Company received compensation which
exceeded $100,000 during 1996.

                           SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           
                        ANNUAL COMPENSATION             COMPENSATION            LONG-TERM
                     -------------------------     ---------------------           ALL   
                                                                                RESTRICTED     STOCK            
                                                                                  STOCK        OPTIONS        OTHER
NAME & PRINCIPAL POSITION               YEAR     SALARY    BONUS    OTHER(1)      AWARDS      (SHARES)     COMPENSATION 
- -------------------------               ----     ------    -----    -----       ----------    --------     ------------
<S>                                     <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>         <C>           <C>          <C>
Robert L. Watters                                                              
  Chief Executive Officer               1996    $325,000    -0-       -0-           -0-           -0-         -0-
                                        1995    $298,000    -0-       -0-           -0-           -0-         -0-
                                        1994    $382,970    -0-       -0-           -0-           -0-         -0-
</TABLE>                                                                       


- --------------------------

     (1)  The Company provides Mr. Watters certain personal benefits.  Since
the value of such benefits does not exceed the lesser of $50,000 or 10% of
annual compensation, the amounts are omitted.


DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

         The Company does not currently pay any cash directors' fees, but it
pays the expenses of its directors in attending board meetings.  Scott C.
Mitchell, Martin Sage and Erich N. White, directors of the Company were granted
stock options on October 12, 1995 for services provided to the Company as
directors. Messrs. Mitchell, Sage and White were each granted 5,000 stock
options, all at an exercise price of $3.00 per share until January, 2005.  The
options are exercisable only as to one-fourth of the total number of shares
covered by each grant of options during each 12-month period commencing 12
months after the grant date.





                                       5
<PAGE>   9
EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTION PLAN

         While the Company has been successful in attracting and retaining
qualified personnel, the Company believes that its future success will depend
in part on its continued ability to attract and retain highly qualified
personnel.  The Company pays wages and salaries which it believes are
competitive.  The Company also believes that equity ownership is an important
factor in its ability to attract and retain skilled personnel, and in 1995
adopted a Stock Option Plan (the "Plan") for employees and directors.

         The purpose of the Plan is to further the interest of the Company, its
subsidiaries and its stockholders by providing incentives in the form of stock
options to key employees and directors who contribute materially to the success
and profitability of the Company.  The grants will recognize and reward
outstanding individual performances and contributions and will give such
persons a proprietary interest in the Company, thus enhancing their personal
interest in the Company's continued success and progress.  This Plan will also
assist the Company and its subsidiaries in attracting and retaining key
employees and directors.  The options granted under this Plan may be either
Incentive Stock Options, as that term is defined in Section 422A of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or nonstatutory options taxed under
Section 83 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.  The Plan is
administered by the Board of Directors or by a Compensation Committee of the
Board of Directors.  The Board of Directors has the exclusive power to select
the participants in the Plan, to establish the terms of the options granted to
each participant, provided that all options granted shall be granted at an
exercise price equal to at least 85% of the fair market value of the Common
Stock covered by the option on the grant date and to make all determinations
necessary or advisable under the Plan. A total of 300,000 shares may be
optioned and sold under the Company's Stock Option Plan.  As of December 31,
1996, 105,000 stock options had been granted under the Plan, none of which have
been exercised and none of which were granted to Mr. Watters.

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

         The Company presently has a three year employment agreement with
Robert L. Watters (the "Agreement") to serve as its President and Chief
Executive Officer.  The Agreement, which extends through December 31, 1997,
provides for an annual base salary of $300,000.  The Agreement also allows for
an annual bonus, in the discretion of the Board of Directors (excluding Mr.
Watters), based upon the financial performance, including evaluation of the
income and earnings of the Company during the year.  The Agreement also
provides for participation in all benefit plans maintained by the Company for
salaried employees.  Mr. Watters' Agreement contains a confidentiality
provision and an agreement by Mr.  Watters not to compete with the Company upon
the expiration of the Agreement.  The Company has not established, nor does it
provide for, long-term incentive plans or defined benefit or actuarial plans.





                                       6
<PAGE>   10
              STOCK OWNERSHIP OF MAJOR STOCKHOLDERS AND MANAGEMENT

         The following table sets forth certain information as of March 3,
1997, with respect to the beneficial ownership of shares of Common Stock by (i)
each person who owns beneficially more than 5% of the outstanding shares of
Common Stock, (ii) each director of the Company, (iii) each executive officer
of the Company and (iv) all executive officers and directors of the Company as
a group.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            PERCENTAGE OF 
                                    NUMBER OF SHARES         OUTSTANDING  
     NAME AND ADDRESS OF              BENEFICIALLY         SHARES OF COMMON
      BENEFICIAL OWNER(1)                 OWNED                 STOCK
     --------------------           ----------------       ----------------
<S>                                 <C>                    <C>
Robert L. Watters                                              
3113 Bering                                                    
Houston, Texas 77057                    1,800,000                 36.86 %
                                                               
Erich Norton White                                             
3113 Bering                                                    
Houston, Texas 77057                       16,550(2)               0.30 %
                                                               
Scott C. Mitchell                                              
820 Gessner                                                    
Suite 1380                                                     
Houston, Texas 77024                       12,500(3)               0.29%
                                                               
Martin Sage                                                    
100 Congress Ave., Ste.  2100                                  
Austin, Texas 78701                         2,500(3)               0.01%
                                                               
Robert Gary White                                              
3113 Bering                                                    
Houston, Texas 77057                        5,000(4)               0.01%
                                                               
Rock Fund                                                      
3601 West Commercial Blvd.                                     
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 33309           244,600                  5.0%
                                                               
All directors and officers as a                                
  group (5) persons                     1,827,175                 37.46%
</TABLE>                                                               
- ---------------------------                                              
(1)      Messrs. Watters, White, Mitchell and Sage have sole voting and
         investment power with respect to the shares shown as beneficially
         owned by them.
(2)      Includes options to purchase 16,250 shares at an exercise price of
         $3.00 per share, which are presently exercisable; and does not include
         options to purchase an additional 13,750 shares at an exercise price
         of $3.00 per share, which will not become exercisable within the next
         60 days.





                                       7
<PAGE>   11
(3)      Includes options to purchase 2,500 shares at an exercise price of
         $3.00 per share, which are presently exercisable; and does not include
         option to purchase 2,500 shares at an exercise price of $3.00 per
         share which will not become exercisable within the next 60 days.
(4)      Includes options to purchase 5,000 shares at an exercise price of
         $4.75 per share which are presently exercisable; and does not include
         options to purchase 20,000 shares at an exercise price of $4.75 per
         share, none of which are exercisable within the next 60 days.


         ------------------------------------------------------------

             (2)  TO RATIFY THE SELECTION OF JACKSON & RHODES, P.C.
                      AS THE COMPANY'S INDEPENDENT AUDITOR
                 FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 1997

         ------------------------------------------------------------


         The Board of Directors has selected Jackson & Rhodes, P.C. as the
Company's independent auditor for the current fiscal year.  Although not
required by law or otherwise, the selection is being submitted to the
Stockholders of the Company as a matter of corporate policy for their approval.

         The Board of Directors wishes to obtain from the Stockholders a
ratification of their action in appointing their existing certified public
accountant, Jackson & Rhodes, P.C., independent auditor of the Company for the
fiscal year ending September 30, 1997.  Such ratification requires the
affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of Common Stock present or
represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.

         In the event the appointment of Jackson & Rhodes, P.C. as independent
auditor is not ratified by the Stockholders, the adverse vote will be
considered as a direction to the Board of Directors to select other independent
auditors for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1997.

         A representative of Jackson & Rhodes, P.C. is expected to be present
at the Annual Meeting with the opportunity to make a statement if he so desires
and to respond to appropriate questions.

         The Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote FOR the
ratification of Jackson & Rhodes, P.C. as independent auditor for fiscal year
ending September 30, 1997.

         ------------------------------------------------------------

                              (3)  OTHER MATTERS                    

         ------------------------------------------------------------


         The Board of Directors is not aware of any other matters to be
presented for action at the Annual Meeting.  However, if any other matter is
properly presented at the Annual Meeting, it is the intention of the persons
named in the enclosed proxy to vote in accordance with their best judgement on
such matters.





                                       8
<PAGE>   12

                        FUTURE PROPOSALS OF STOCKHOLDERS

         The deadline for stockholders to submit proposals to be considered for
inclusion in the Proxy Statement for the 1997 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is
June 30, 1997.



                                              BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
                                              

                                                               Robert L. Watters
                                                       Chairman of the Board and
                                                                       President

Houston, Texas





                                       9
<PAGE>   13
                                     PROXY

                       RICK'S CABARET INTERNATIONAL, INC.

          THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
                     FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
                          TO BE HELD ON APRIL 11, 1997

         The undersigned hereby appoints Robert L. Watters and Gary White, and
each of them as the true and lawful attorneys, agents and proxies of the
undersigned, with full power of substitution, to represent and to vote all
shares of Common Stock of Rick's Cabaret International, Inc. held of record by
the undersigned on March 3, 1997, at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be
held on April 11, 1997, at 10:00 AM (CST) at 315 Bourbon Street, New Orleans,
Louisiana 70130, and at any adjournments thereof.  Any and all proxies
heretofore given are hereby revoked.

         WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS DESIGNATED BY THE
UNDERSIGNED. IF NO CHOICE IS SPECIFIED, THE PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR THE
NOMINEES LISTED IN NUMBER 1 AND FOR THE RATIFICATION IN NUMBER 2.



1.  ELECTION OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY.  (INSTRUCTION:  TO WITHHOLD
AUTHORITY TO VOTE FOR ANY INDIVIDUAL NOMINEE, STRIKE A LINE THROUGH, OR 
OTHERWISE STRIKE, THAT NOMINEE'S NAME IN THE LIST BELOW.)

[ ]  FOR all nominees listed                  [ ]  WITHHOLD authority to
     below except as marked                        vote for all nominees
     to the contrary                               below


           Robert L. Watters                         Scott C. Mitchell

           Erich Norton White                        Martin Sage


2.  PROPOSAL TO RATIFY THE SELECTION OF JACKSON & RHODES, P.C. AS THE COMPANY'S
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 1997.


[ ]  FOR                 [ ]  AGAINST               [ ]  ABSTAIN
<PAGE>   14
3.  IN THEIR DISCRETION, THE PROXIES ARE AUTHORIZED TO VOTE UPON SUCH
OTHER BUSINESS THAT MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE ANNUAL MEETING.


[ ]  FOR                 [ ]  AGAINST               [ ]  ABSTAIN


    Please sign exactly as name appears below.  When shares are held by
joint tenants, both should sign.  When signing as attorney, as executor,
administrator, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such.  If a
corporation, please sign in full corporate name by President or other
authorized officer.  If a partnership, please sign in partnership name by
authorized person.


- ------------------------                       ---------------------------------
Number of                                                   Signature
Shares Owned


                                               ---------------------------------
                                               (Typed or Printed Name)


                                               
                                               ---------------------------------
                                               Signature if held jointly


                                               
                                               ---------------------------------
                                               (Typed or Printed Name)


                                               DATED:
                                                     ---------------------------


            THIS PROXY MAY BE REVOKED AT ANY TIME BEFORE IT IS VOTED
              AT THE MEETING.  PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN
                              THIS PROXY PROMPTLY.


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