Press Release                               405 Lancaster Avenue
                                     Greer, South Carolina 29650
                                                  (864) 879-1000


Contact:  Fred T. Grant, Jr.               For Immediate Release
          Senior Vice President - Finance           October 5,
2006



RYAN'S ANNOUNCES RECEIPT OF SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL FOR MERGER WITH
BUFFETS
                     ______________________

GREER, SOUTH CAROLINA -- Ryan's Restaurant Group, Inc.
(NASDAQ:RYAN) reported that its shareholders have approved the
proposed acquisition of the company by Buffets, Inc.  Upon the
closing of the transaction, Ryan's shareholders will receive
$16.25 per share in cash.  Completion of the transaction is
expected to occur in the fourth calendar quarter, most likely in
late October or early November, subject to the receipt of
financing and the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

At October 5, 2006, the Company owned and operated 333
restaurants.

Certain matters discussed in this press release are forward-
looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities
laws and are subject to uncertainties and risks, including, but
not limited to, the ability of Buffets and Ryan's to satisfy
conditions to and complete the merger transaction within certain
timeframes, and other risks described from time to time in the
Company's reports filed with the SEC.